EVENTS
Ongoing Events
There is always something going on in Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okalossa Island. Offering a wide range of events for people of all ages. Enjoy live music, children’s art classes, historic exhibits, art shows, and so much more.
DECEMBER 2012
NEW YEAR’S PARADE DESTIN HARBORWALK VILLAGE
DECEMBER 29, 2012 7:00pm
850-424-0600
Welcome in the New Year with a parade through HarborWalk Village.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION HARBORWALK VILLAGE
DECEMBER 31, 2012 6:00pm to 12:00am
850-424-0600
Dine, drink and dance into the New Year in HarborWalk Village. Enjoy amazing live music in many of the restaurants as well as the HarborWalk Village Main Stage. The 5th annual ball drop falls over the Harbor, and two stunning fireworks shows make this celebration one of Destin’s most exciting place to be standing on New Year’s Eve.
JANUARY 2013
JERRY SEINFELD – MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
JANUARY 10, 2013
850-729-6000 or toll free 1-888-838-ARTS (2787)
www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
JERRY SEINFIELD
Seinfeld has been noted for his special ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing both nationally and internationally in 2013. His tour will visit the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville on January 10, 2013, at 7:00 p.m.
For more information on the upcoming Jerry Seinfeld performance, contact Teri LaPlante at
teri@jstouring.com
MARDI GRAS ON OKALOOSA ISLAND
THE NEW YORK TENORS MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
JANUARY 12, 2013 7:30pm 850-729-6000 Enjoy a night of Broadway, Opera and American classics with three of New York’s greatest talents: Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney and Michael Amante – The New York Tenors. Rodriguez, known as “The Singing Policeman” and “America’s Tenor,” soothed the nation’s grief in the days following September 11. Cooney, christened “Irish America’s favorite son” by the New York Times, has performed internationally, including two sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall. And, Amante, “The People’s Tenor,” is a combination of All-American good looks, romantic Italian charm and an incredible voice. Individually, the three men are superb, but together, The New York Tenors provide an overwhelming, “can’t miss” showcase of some of the world’s greatest vocalists and repertoire. Tickets are $35 each. Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL
www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
DESTINY CAT FANCIERS EMERALD COAST CONVENTION CENTER
JANUARY 12-13, 2012 9:00am to 4:00pm (both days)
706-374-4216
It’s a purrfect weekend for fancy cat lovers. Head to the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach to check out your favorite types of furry feline friends. The Destiny Cat Fanciers present the 7th annual show called “Beauty & the Beach” Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Look for your favorite cat breed to compete for top cat. The event is open to the public and admission is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors, military and children. Kids under 4 are free. If you bring a large can or unopened bag of cat food you get $1 off admission.
WINE & HORS D’OEUVES RECEPTION MAGNOLIA GRILL RESTAURANT
JANUARY 13, 2013 2:00pm to 4:00pm
850-499-8335
The owners of the Magnolia Grill Restaurant in Fort Walton will generously host this reception. There will be live entertainment and a drawing for a change to win to attend multiple local events. Event tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Okaloosa Arts Alliance. Magnolia Grill is located at 157 Brooks Street SE in downtown Fort Walton Beach.
www.okaloosaarts.org
PIRATES, PEARLS & POKER EMERALD GRANDE
JANUARY 19, 2013 6:00pm
850-585-7294
Black-tie dinner, live auction, raffle items and poker will be held at the Ballroom in the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village in Destin. Chef Jimmy McManus will also be preparing a pirate feast! Tickets are $150 per couple and will be limited to the first 100 couples. Special overnight room rates for attendees of this fabulous fundraising weekend are also available through the Emerald Grande. Purchase tickets online at
www.bowlegsmuseum.com
THE CENTURY OF WOMEN MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER GALLERIES
January 19, 2013 7:30pm
850-729-6044 or 1-888-838- 2787
Saka Gakkai International presents The Century of Women, a national traveling exhibit. The exhibit highlights both ordinary and prominent women from around the world who have dedicated themselves to a fair and peaceful future. Gallery hours: M-F -10:00am to 4:00pm; and 90 minutes prior to most performances. Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL
www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
JANUARY 19, 2013
850-244-8191
www.fwbchamber.org
Mardi Gras on Okaloosa Island – a traditional New Orleans-style Mardi Gras parade down Santa Rosa Blvd on Okaloosa Island complete with beads, floats, music and more – along with an Okaloosa Island block party. Local clubs and businesses sponsor floats and walkers – parade goers add to their festive collections of beads. It’s a festive occasion, don’t miss it at 11:00am on January 19, 2013.
GULF COAST BRIDAL FAIRE
JANUARY 19-20, 2013
850-259-2359
www.gulfcoastbridalfaire.com or www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com
The Premier Bridal event of the year at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Come for the weekend and experience the event, featuring photographers, florists, DJ’s, bakers, hotels, caterers, wedding and event planners, live music and more.
ANTIQUE SHOW AND SALE
JANUARY 25-27, 2013
850-863-3901
www.nwffair.com
Come to the Annual Antique Show and Sale at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach with more than 55 booths. Furniture, silver, porcelain, books, nautical and more!
SINFONIA, SIBLIUS & THE 7TH DESTINY WORSHIP CENTER
JANUARY 25, 2013 7:30pm
850-269-7229
Grammy Award-nominee Caroline Goulding returns to the Sinfonia stage to perform Sibelius’ epic violin concerto. ” Technically brilliant young violinists grow on trees these days, but few have so strong a personality so early,” claimed the Dallas Morning News. The concert concludes with Beethoven’s rhythmically whimsical and inspiring seventh symphony. Presenter: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Beethoven: Symphony no 7 in A major, Op. 92 Ensemble: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Conductor: Demetrius Fuller. Sibelius: Concerto for Violin in D minor, Op. 47 Artist: Caroline Goulding (Violin) Ensemble: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Conductor: Demetrius Fuller. 2 FREE student tickets with each adult preferred ticket. $10 tickets for active duty military and their family. Destiny Worship Center is located in Miramar Beach.
FROSTY 5K RUN SAINT MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
JANUARY 26, 2013 9:00am
850-974-9131 or 80-243-8913
The race starts at the school’s parking lot at 110 Robinwood Drive. Registration: Early registration $20 (NWFTC Members $18) Postmarked by Jan. 18th After Jan. 18th – $25 (NWFTC Members $20) Make checks payable to: Saint Mary School, 110 Robinwood Drive, Fort Walton Beach., FL 32548. Packet pickup and race day registration is in front of the Parish Life Center at 165 Coral Dr. (new gym) on race day beginning at 7:30 a.m. Race t-shirts guaranteed to first 100 entrants. Great Post Race Party in GYM – Hot Food and a Live Band.
DESTIN’S BAYOU, BAY & BACK 5k & 10k RUN/WALK & HALF MARATHON CLEMENT TAYLOR PARK
JANUARY 26, 2013 7:30am and 8:00am
850-837-2711 x2 or 850-837-6241
Destin’s 3rd Annual Bayou, Bay and Back event is sponsored by Shoreline Church and takes begins at Clement Taylor Park, 131 Calhoun Avenue, in Destin. The USAFT certified half marathon will begin at 7:30am. The run/walk section begins at 8:00am RAIN OR SHINE! The entry fees for the 5k & 10k are $30 (before Jan 25) and $35 day of the race. The half marathon is $60 (before Jan 25) and $70 on race day. Registration is available on
Active.com
DESTIN HISTORY & FISHING MUSEUM ANNUAL GUMBO CONTEST
JANUARY 26, 2013
850-837-6611
www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org
There are 2 categories of entrants – restaurants and individuals. Free admission to the Museum on the day of the contest. After judging, the gumbo is sold to the public.
NIGHT OF METHODIST SINGING – MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
JANUARY 27, 2013
850-729-6000 or toll free 1-888-838-ARTS (2787)
www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
Great Night of Methodist Singing Free
RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED EMERALD COAST CONVENTION CENTER
JANUARY 29, 2013 7:30pm
850-362-9356 or 850-837-1742
Sponsored by the Emerald Coast Concert Association, Ricky Nelson Remembered is a unique multimedia entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs performed by Ricky’s twin sons, Mathew and Gunnar and includes never before seen video footage of the Ozzie & Harriet Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky.
www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com or www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com
EMERALD COAST CONCERT ASSOCIATION
JANUARY 29, 2013
850-362-9356 or 850-837-1742
www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com or www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com
Ricky Nelson Remembered – 7:30 PM Held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center Ricky Nelson Remembered is a unique multimedia entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs performed by Ricky’s twin sons, Mathew and Gunnar and includes never before seen video footage of the Ozzie & Harriet Nelson family with interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky.
HAIR – MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
JANUARY 30, 2013
850-729-6000 or toll free 1-888-838-ARTS (2787)
http://www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
The Tony Award winning production of HAIR is at once both a joyous celebration of youth and a poignant journey through a tumultuous 1960s America! This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. HAIR is an electric celebration on stage, featuring an extraordinary cast and unforgettable songs, including “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Good Morning, Starshine” and “Easy To Be Hard.”
FEBRUARY 2013
MARDI GRAS ON THE ISLAND
A Saturday morning parade down Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island. Fort Walton Beachchamber.org 850.244.8191
ANNUAL FARE FOR CHILD CARE – TASTE OF THE BAYOU CHARITY AUCTION
Food tasting with a silent auction at Fort Walton Beach St. Mary’s Parish Life Center. 850.833.9330
IN THE MOOD MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 2, 2013 7:30pm
850-729-6000 OR 1-888-838-2787
Let the brassy big band sounds of IN THE MOOD take you back in time o one of America’s greatest musical generations – the 1940’s Swing Era. More than a concert, the IN THE MOOD Singers and Dancers, together with the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra, show you a retro look at a time in history when music moved the nation’s spirit. IN THE MOOD features classic hits by Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller, the Andrews Sisters, Benny Goodman and more! Tickets are $35 each. Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL. For more information: www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
ART EXHIBITS: MYSTICAL ARTS OF TIBET; MANDALA SAND PAINTING
MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 4-9, 2013 7:30pm
850-729-6000 OR 1-888-838-2787
The Tibetan Lamas of Drepung Loseling Monastery return to create a sand mandala. From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism that of painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite, Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over the course of five days in the McIlroy Gallery at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd. in Niceville, FL. FREE admission. www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
5TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS PARADE HARBORWALK VILLAGE
FEBRUARY 9, 2013 2:00pm-11:00pm
850-424-0600
Enjoy dazzling floats, colorful costumes. street performers, and Mardi Gras float riders tossing handfuls of beads along HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor. Stay and enjoy live music on the Main Stage after the parade. Entry fees will be determined later, but all proceeds from entry fees and donations will benefit local non-profit organizations. FREE to attend. HarborWalk Village is located at the foot of the Destin Bridge.
MUSIC OF THE NIGHT: A BROADWAY EXTRAVANGANZA FORT WALTON BEACH CIVIC CENTER
FEBRUARY 9, 2013 7:30pm
850-362-9356
BROADWAY’S MUSIC OF THE NIGHT will feature music from Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Sound of Music, Cats, Les Miserable, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Music of the Night performed by Linda Gentille. Gentille, is the conductor and founder of the Jersey Shore Pops, one of the most popular new big band orchestras in New Jersey. She is also a pianist, entertainer and producer and one of the East Coast’s most famous entertainers. Tickets are $22 in advance; $25 the day of the show. The performance is made possible by the Emerald Coast Concert Assn. ECCA is a 501©3 non-profit organization. Profits from shows are used for educational outreach in Okaloosa County. For more information call the Brown Paper Tickets Box Office at 850-362-9356 or 1-800-838-3006. www.brownpapetickets.com/event/278841
SOUNDSATIONS SHOW – SNOWBIRD CONCERT MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 10, 2013 7:30pm
850-729-6065
Northwest Florida State College’s talented group of fine and performing arts scholarship students, THE SOUNDSATIONS SHOW CHOIR, will perform heir spectacular variety shows of song and dance, in the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Tickets are available through local snowbird clubs and the event is a fundraiser for the show choir. For more information, contact the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box office at 850-729-6000 or at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 11, 2013 9:45am – 11:30am
850-729-6065
THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD is targeted to ages Pre-K through second grade. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center offers a series of nationally touring children’s shows geared to school group and open to the public on a space available basis. Each show is presented in day-time performances in the Mainstage Theater at the Center. Admission is $6 each. Advance reservations are required or either groups or individuals. Please call 850-729-6063. Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL. For more information: www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
WINTER GUEST FEST EMERALD COAST CONFERENCE CENTER
FEBRUARY 14, 2013 8:00am – Noon
850-244-8191
The Area’s largest seasonal guest expo (formerly known as the Senior Snowbird Expo) will be held at the Emerald Coast Conference Center located on Okaloosa Island on Thursday, Valentine’s Day. Sponsors include Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, ResortQuest, Northwest Florida Daily News, and Gulf Coast Snowbirds. For more information call 850-244-8191 or go online at www.fwbchamber.com
WOMEN OF IRELAND MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 15, 2013 7:30pm
850-729-6065
Ireland’s traditions of music, song and dance comes to the stage WOMEN OF IRELAND, an innovative and exciting concert production showcasing the next generation of Ireland’s leading female talent. Featuring world championship dancers and performances by some of Ireland’s finest. WOMEN OF IRELAND is an energetic and exciting event unparalleled on today’s international stage. Tickets are $35. Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL. For more information: www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
SOULED OUT- MOTOWN AND MORE! MATTIE KELLY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 16, 2013 7:30pm
850-362-9356
SOULED OUT is a musical ensemble that specializes in the great Motown and Soul sounds. Featuring a three piece vocal section backed by a six piece band, the group weaves its way through the Motown and 70’s Soul Eras with authentic choreographed dance routines and outstanding musicianship. This concert is made available by the Emerald Coast Concert Assn. ECCA is a 501©3 non-profit organization. Profits from shows are used for educational outreach in Okaloosa County. Tickets are available by calling 850-362-9356. Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL. For more information: www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
DESTIN BEACH 50 & SON OF A BEACH 5K & ATHELETE CHALLENGE
THE BACK PORCH RESTAUANT
FEBRUARY 16, 2013 ALL DAY
destin50@live.com
Welcome to the Destin 50 Beach Ultra! This running race takes place on the white sand beaches of Destin, Florida and next to the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. That’s right, the entire 50 mile/50K/relay races are in the sand! Benefiting the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Race based behind The Back Porch Destin located at 1740 Scenic Hwy 98 E. Your registration will include a great Son of a Beach gift, water, light snacks, awards and post- party hosted by The Back Porch. Need more info: contact Zane Holscher, Race Director at destin50@live.com
STARS OF TOMORROW MATTIE KELLY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 22, 2013 7:30pm
850-729-6000
STARS OF TOMORROW is presented by Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Come hear the winners of the NFSO’s 2012 Concerto competition as they are the featured soloists with the orchestra. Also presented on this program will be Robert Kerr’s THE LEGENDARY FLORIA: HISTORIC PORTRAIT IN SOUND. The multi-media work celebrates 400 years of Florida’s history with narrator, chorus, orchestra, soloists and projections. Tickets are $22.50 per adult and $16 for youth 18 and under. Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL. For more information: www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
THE HOLE IN ONE GOLF TOURNAMENT REGATTA BAY GOLF COURSE
FEBRUARY 22, 2013 9:00am
937-912-9210
The Hole in One Golf Tournament is the second event in The One Campaign, a fundraiser to benefit Emerald Coast Autism Center (ECAC), a non-profit school for children with autism located in Niceville, Florida. The 4-man golf scramble will be held at Regatta Bay Golf Course located at 468 Regatta Bay Blvd. in Destin. Fee is $125. Florida Golf News Magazine voted the course the” #1 Favorite Golf Course in Northwest Florida.” Registration closing date is February 14, 2013 at 11:59pm/PST
ART EXHIBITS: ARNIE HART JURIED STUDENT EXHIBITION & NWFSC FACULTY EXHIBITION MATTIE KELLY ARTS CENTER
FEBRUARY 22 – APRIL 5, 2013 10:00am to 4:00pm
850-729-6044
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries at North West Florida State College in Niceville presents the annual juried exhibit showcasing the best in NFSC student and faculty artworks in both the McIlroy and Holzhauer Galleries. Free of Charge. Open Monday-Friday 10:00am and 90 minutes prior to most Mainstage and Sprint Theater performances. Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located at Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville, FL. For more information: www.mattiekellyartscenter.org
APRIL
ANNUAL EARTH DAY BEACH CLEANUP
Free event t-shirts to volunteers of all ages from 8am–10am. Please join us for fun in the sun. Wear shoes and sunscreen. co.okaloosa.fl.us/environmental. html 850.651.7131
MUSICAL ECHOES 2012
Share an extraordinary weekend of music with internationally acclaimed musicians. Interact with Native American Craftsmen demonstrating their arts and selling their wares. Attend seminars and learn to make and play a Native American flute. Take part in the annual Torchlight Remembrance Ceremony. All non-workshop events are free and open to the public. Fort Walton Beach Landing on Brooks Street. musicalechoes.org
ANNUAL SATURDAY IN THE PARK
A popular community festival to benefit the Heritage Museum with live entertainment, artisans and traditional craft demonstrations, amusement and activities for children including pony rides and old-fashioned horse and carriage rides along the bayou, antique cars, food, fun and much more. Event takes place in Perrine Park and at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Old Valparaiso. heritage-museum.org
850.678.2615
EMERALD COAST VOLLEYBALL WEEK
Fudpucker’s Four Player Volleyball Tournament plus a volleyball clinic, players’ party, and golf tournament. Cash and other prizes. Okaloosa Island. emeraldcoastvolleyball.com
800-447.7954
MAY
ST. MARY’S SPRING FLING
Carnival with rides and games, local food vendors, craft booths, and live music. Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, Fort Walton Beach. stmarysspringfling.com/ default.aspx
850.243.8913
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Concerts at 7pm every Thursday on the Event Lawn of the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive West in Destin. mattiekellyartsfoundation.org
850.650.2226
ANNUAL GATE-TO-GATE RUN/WALK
4.4-mile run/walk and one-mile fun run on Eglin AFB. active.com
850.882.6801
DESTIN “WEEK OF BLESSINGS” AND ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Growing tradition now includes Blessing of the Youth concert, Blessing of the Family Children’s Fair, Blessing of the Marketplace, and annual Blessing of the
Fleet, plus fish fry and concert. destinblessings.com
850.837.6324
JUNE
BILLY BOWLEGS PIRATE FESTIVAL AND TORCHLIGHT PARADE
A week-long festival with food vendors, arts and crafts, music, entertainment, and a fireworks display on Friday. Billy Bowlegs Armada landing and mock battle Saturday afternoon, and a torchlight parade on Sunday evening. fwbchamber.org
850.244.8191
MY FIRST TRI
200-meter swim, eight-mile bike ride, and 2.5-mile run. Postal Point, Eglin AFB. active.com
850.882.6801
LATIN SALSA FESTIVAL
Waterside outdoor dance festival at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park. boricuasausentes.org 850.882.6801
JUNE-JULY
FIRST FRIDAY CONCERT SERIES
First Friday of each month throughout the summer a concert will be held from 6pm- 8pm at Destin Commons Mall. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. destincommons.com
JUNE-AUGUST
RED, WHITE & BLUE CELEBRATION ON THE HARBOR
HarborWalk Village hosts a celebration each Thursday complete with fireworks over Destin Harbor. harborwalkdestin.com
ROCK THE DOCKS AT HARBORWALK VILLAGE
Every Saturday night through the summer HarborWalk Village offers live music on the Destin Harbor. harborwalkdestin.com
JULY
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT FORT WALTON BEACH LANDING
Children’s activities, and fireworks display. fwb.org 850.833.9509
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS AT DESTIN COMMONS
The 49-head Pop Fountains will also be shooting water up and down for kids to frolic in as they listen to America’s favorite patriotic songs and watch the sky light up. destincommons.com
CITY OF DESTIN’S ANNUAL JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
The City of Destin’s Annual fireworks celebration is over East Pass at the Destin Harbor. cityofdestin.com
850.837.6241
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
An exhibition at the Heritage Museum in Valparaiso. heritage-museum.org
850.678.2615
AUGUST
ANNUAL EMERALD COAST POKER RUN & BOAT WEEK
The Emerald Coast Poker Run is the largest and best Poker Run in the United States! Over 250 boats and 1,500 boating enthusiasts participate in this Boat Week fundraiser to assist youth-oriented organizations on the Emerald Coast. emeraldcoastpokerrun.com
850.243.3800
SEPTEMBER
ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL
The festival is held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. “Come spend a weekend in Athens. stmarkella.org or www.greekfestivalfwb.com
850.244.0822
ANNUAL FLORIDA COASTAL CLEANUP
Join us for fun in the sun. Bring friends and family. Free event t-shirts to volunteers of all ages from 8am-10am. co.okaloosa. fl.us/environmental.html
850.651.7131
OCTOBER
ANNUAL DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, delicious seafood, and more! Kick-off the Destin Fishing Rodeo at the Fishing Fleet Marina, City of Destin Royal Melvin Heritage Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. destinseafoodfestival.org
850.837.6241
FESTA ITALIANA
Sponsored by the Sons of Italy Joseph B. Franzalia Lodge 2422. Old fashioned street festival and Italian food, great entertainment. Come and get a “Taste of Italy.” soi2422.org
850.862.2757
EMERALD COAST VOLLEYBALL WEEK FALL CLASSIC
Fudpucker’s Four Player Volleyball Tournament plus a volleyball clinic, players’ party, and golf tournament on Okaloosa Island. Cash and other prizes. emeraldcoastvolleyball.com
800-243.2555
DESTIN FISHING RODEO
A month-long event with daily, weekly, and overall prizes in several categories. Destin Harbor. destinfishingrodeo.org
850.837.6734
ANNUAL BOGGY BAYOU MULLET FESTIVAL
This annual festival promises a great time for the entire family with big-name entertainment, quality fine art, hand-crafts, exhibits, and a staggering array of food concessions. Niceville. mulletfestival.com 850.729.4008
DESTIN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Juried fine arts show with artists from around the country. Children’s activities tent, student art exhibit, live entertainment. Henderson Beach State Park. mattiekellyartsfoundation.org/ destinfestival.php
850.650.2226
NORTHWEST FLORIDA FAIR
At the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, Ft. Walton Beach. nwffair.com 850.862.0211
DOG DAZE
A thousand and one dogs can’t be wrong.
www.fwbchamber.org/events
850-244-8191
ANNUAL HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR
Presented by the heritage park and cultural center. Tours are based on authentic local history
www.fwb.org
850-833-9595
NOVEMBER
ANNUAL THUNDERBIRD TRIBAL POWWOW
Native American traditional song and dance festival with storytellers, flute players, gospel singers, Hawaiian dancers, vendors, and craft competition. thunderbirdpowwow.org
850.884.9125
THE NUTCRACKER
NW Florida Ballet and NW Florida Symphony Orchestra perform this classic. The Arts Center at NW FL State College in Niceville. mattiekellyartscenter.org
850.729.6000
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE EMERALD COAST – MISTLETOE MARKET
This shopping extravaganza features merchants selling unique gifts and quality merchandise. jlec.org 850.862.2665
