Summit on the Circle
A Growing Tradition
Now in its second year, Summit on the Circle is quickly becoming a cherished annual gathering celebrating culture, storytelling, and community in DeFuniak Springs. Building on the success of our inaugural Summit, this year’s event continues the tradition of bringing people together for meaningful conversations, live performances, and shared experiences rooted in history and place.
April 23-26, 2026
Stories that Shape Us
Culture, Art, and Community Across America's 250 Years
Join us for a weekend-long cultural gathering exploring how storytelling through history, faith, film, music, and dialogue preserves heritage, bridges communities, and shapes our shared understanding of American life. As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, this year’s Summit reflects on the many voices, traditions, and experiences that continue to shape who we are.
Enjoy engaging discussions, live performances, film and media conversations, and opportunities for dialogue designed to inspire connection and celebrate 250 years of our nation’s heritage. Ideal for history lovers, music enthusiasts, visiting out-of-towners and Florida locals, Summit on the Circle offers a thoughtful and memorable cultural experience rooted in the stories that connect us all.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale!
Buy Tickets for Summit on the Circle 2026
Please be sure to follow us on the Defuniak Landmarks Facebook page and the Historic Pensacola Facebook page to be notified of updates on this event.
2026 Program Highlights
-
Shelby Hofer
Award-Winning Storyteller Blending Humor, Risk, and Radical Honesty
Shelby Hofer is an actress, writer, and director-producer. She is the Co-director of Atlanta’s award-winning PushPush Arts, where she works with her partner, Tim Habeger, to help artists take risks, explore new ideas and collaborate. She has appeared on many screens and stages locally, nationally and internationally over the last 20+ years.
We are delighted to welcome Shelby to the Summit on the Circle for 2026.Read Shelby Hofer's Full Bio
-
Anita Singleton Prather
Keeper of Gullah Culture Bringing History to Life Through Story and Song
Anita Singleton Prather is a nationally celebrated storyteller, singer, and cultural preservationist known as a “Keeper of the Culture” of the Gullah people. Through theater, music, film, and interactive exhibitions, she brings the history and traditions of the Gullah Geechee community to life. Her work connects generations through stories rooted in resilience, heritage, and joy.
Read Anita Singleton Prather's Full Bio -
Valliere Richard Auzenne
Global Filmmaker and Educator Exploring Stories Across Borders
Valliere Richard Auzenne is a retired film professor, Fulbright Scholar, and international documentary filmmaker with more than three decades of experience in higher education. Her work spans continents, cultures, and classrooms, using film as a tool for understanding and connection. She brings a global perspective to the power of storytelling through visual media.
Read Valliere Richard Auzenne's Full Bio
-
Gena Williams
Southern Storyteller Sharing Truth, Healing, and the Power of Personal Voice
Gena Williams is a professional storyteller with over forty years of experience sharing stories that heal, connect, and inspire. As a former Moth Producer and storytelling coach, she helps everyday people discover the power of their own voices. Her work blends Southern tradition, humor, and deep emotional truth.
Read Gena Williams' Full Bio -
Braver Angels
Courageous Citizenship, Building Understanding Across Difference
Braver Angels is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping Americans engage across differences with respect, courage, and empathy. With thousands of workshops and presentations nationwide, they equip communities with the tools for civil dialogue and collaboration. Their work strengthens understanding and connection in times of division.
Read More About Braver Angels
-
Dr. Guillermo A. Francia, III
Cybersecurity Leader Exploring Technology’s Role in America’s Future
Dr. Guillermo A. Francia, III is a nationally recognized cybersecurity researcher, educator, and Fulbright Scholar whose work bridges technology, security, and public trust. With decades of leadership and grant-funded innovation, he explores how digital systems shape our modern world. His research highlights the critical role technology plays in America’s future.
Read Dr. Guillermo A. Francia, III’s Full Bio
-
The Midnight Cricket Club
Where Bluegrass Meets Soulful Storytelling
Born under a cottonwood tree in Colorado, Midnight Cricket Club blends bluegrass, country and classical influences into a sound that feels both timeless and electric. Their four-part harmonies, virtuosic musicianship and genre-bending style create a live experience that is heartfelt, joyful and impossible to forget. Get ready for a night of connection, energy and music that moves you.
Read More About the Midnight Cricket Club
Partner Events
The Summit on the Circle begins with a creative kickoff led by our talented community partners. These Thursday experiences invite you to step into the heart of DeFuniak Springs through hands-on art and self-expression, setting the tone for a weekend rooted in culture, connection and creativity.
While these events are hosted independently and not included with Summit tickets, we are proud to promote and support them as an essential part of the Summit experience. We encourage you to explore, participate and help celebrate the artists and makers who help bring this weekend to life.