Harbor Nights at HarborWalk Village
Thursdays | 6–9 p.m.
HarborWalk Village | Destin Harbor
Spend Thursday evenings along the Destin Harbor with live music, DJs, glow stilt walkers, lawn games, fire spinners and a fireworks show over the water.
Admission is free; parking fees apply. Visit harborwalkvillage.com.
Pilates with Dolphins
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park | Fort Walton Beach
Start your morning with a one-of-a-kind fitness experience overlooking Gulfarium’s Dolphin Oasis. Led by certified instructor Desiree, this all-levels Pilates class allows participants to strengthen, stretch and recharge while Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swim nearby.
Open to ages 12 and older. Register at go.gulfarium.com/pilates.
Homeroom on the Harbor
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 | 4–7 p.m.
HarborWalk Village | Destin
Close out summer with a free back-to-school celebration for children of all ages. Festivities include face painting, popsicles, a DJ dance party on the lawn, crafts, games, a foam party and last-minute shopping specials from HarborWalk Village merchants.
The first 50 children will receive a complimentary back-to-school goodie bag. Admission is free.
PAWS Brunch Fundraiser: Stars, Stripes & Second Chances
Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Alice | Destin
Support the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society during an elevated brunch benefiting local shelter animals. Guests are encouraged to wear patriotic red, white and blue while enjoying brunch, a silent auction and more.
Visit paws-shelter.org. For sponsorship information, contact mollys@paws-shelter.org.
History Sandwiched-In: “Women in War Today”
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
Join the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida for History Sandwiched-In, its free, ongoing lunch-and-learn series. Dr. Chiccarelli will present “Women in War Today,” exploring how women have become an integral part of today’s fighting forces.
Admission is free. Guests are welcome to bring lunch.
The Great Bay Scallop Search
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 | 8 a.m.
Choctawhatchee Bay
Join Destin–Fort Walton Beach Natural Resources, Florida Sea Grant and Luther’s Pontoon Rentals for a citizen-science event monitoring scallop populations in Choctawhatchee Bay. Participants will survey designated areas and collect valuable environmental data.
Advance registration is required. Register through Eventbrite; participation is free, and each team member must register separately.
America at 250 Symposium
Friday–Saturday, Aug. 21–22, 2026
Museum of Commerce and UWF Conference Center | Pensacola
The University of West Florida will host America at 250: Civic Republicanism, Economic Freedom and Dynamic Citizenship, a two-day symposium exploring civic virtue, economic liberty, entrepreneurship and the responsibilities of citizenship.
The event begins Friday evening at the Museum of Commerce and continues Saturday at the UWF Conference Center. Programming includes keynote presentations, panel discussions and audience conversations featuring scholars, business leaders and civic thinkers. Businessman and educational philanthropist Robert Luddy will deliver the keynote address.
Attendance is free, but seating is limited and advance registration is required. Visit uwf.edu/AACRevents.
Roman Street in Concert
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026 | 3 p.m.
Christ the King Episcopal Church
480 N. County Highway 393 | Santa Rosa Beach
Acclaimed guitarists and brothers Noah and Josh Thompson blend classical, gypsy jazz, Latin, contemporary jazz and nuevo flamenco influences in a captivating performance that kicks off the church’s fall concert series.
Admission is free. Visit christthekingfl.org.
Wine & Fries: Golden Hour for Good
Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
The Alice | Destin
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida’s signature fundraiser returns with waterfront views, wine, local brews, McDonald’s famous French fries, live entertainment and auctions. Proceeds help families remain close to children receiving medical treatment.
Tickets are $115. Purchase tickets at givebutter.com/c/wine-and-fries.
Sacred Harp Musical Conversation
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 | 1 p.m.
Christ the King Episcopal Church
480 N. County Highway 393 | Santa Rosa Beach
Learn about the history and development of Sacred Harp music, a traditional American art form, during a presentation by Joanna Ellis. Guests will also enjoy a practical introduction to shape-note singing led by Kristin Wendland.
Admission is free. Visit christthekingfl.org.
End-of-Summer DJ Pool Party and Beach Ball Drop
Sept. 5 | Noon–4 p.m.
The Grotto Pool | The Island Resort, FWB
Make a splash and celebrate the end of summer with an afternoon of music and poolside fun at The Island Resort. Dance to upbeat tunes from the DJ, cool off in the Grotto Pool and don’t miss the colorful beach ball drop from the Grotto!
Labor Day Weekend Celebration and Fireworks
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 | Celebration from 6–9 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.
HarborWalk Village | Destin Harbor
Celebrate Labor Day weekend along the Destin Harbor, followed by a fireworks show lighting up the sky at 9 p.m. Watch from the boardwalk, the water or a waterfront table.
The celebration is free and open to the public.
Emerald Coast Community Singers: Celebration of American Music
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 | 3 p.m.
Christ the King Episcopal Church
480 N. County Highway 393 | Santa Rosa Beach
Celebrate America’s musical heritage while commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The concert will feature works by Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, William Dawson and Duke Ellington, along with traditional American and patriotic songs. Audience participation is encouraged.
Admission is free. Visit christthekingfl.org.
Battle for the Buckle
Wednesday–Sunday, Sept. 23–27, 2026
Harbor Docks | Destin
The 2nd Annual Westonwood Ranch Battle for the Buckle brings together anglers, business leaders and community supporters for four days of competitive fishing, camaraderie and giving back.
Tournament highlights include a $10,000 winner-take-all White Marlin prize and $2,000 prizes for Catch and Release, Heaviest Tuna, Heaviest Wahoo, Heaviest Dolphin and the Junior Angler Youth Division. A $1,500 Daily White Marlin Jackpot is also available.
Daily and Overall Calcutta registration takes place Sept. 23, with 10% benefiting Westonwood Ranch. The boat entry fee is $1,000. Boats should register by Sept. 23; tournament T-shirt sizes may not be guaranteed for entries received after Sept. 1.
The tournament supports Westonwood Ranch and its mission to empower teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through life-skills education, workforce development and meaningful employment opportunities.
Register at westonwood.org/battleforthebucklefishingtournament. For additional information, contact tournament director Joe Donovan at (850) 572-3695.
14th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 | Check-in at 8 a.m.; tee time at 9 a.m.
The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
Golfers of every skill level are invited to think pink and hit the links for a great local cause. Presented by Emerald Coast Hospice Care, the outing includes a Bloody Mary Bar from Ruby Slipper Cafe, breakfast from Chick-fil-A, 18 holes of golf, the popular “Dress Like a Lady Hole,” food at the turn and an after-party featuring lunch, music, prizes, giveaways and raffle drawings.
Funds raised help Fore Her offset living expenses for local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment along the Emerald Coast.
Early BIRDIE registration is available through Sept. 1 for $175 per golfer or $700 per team of four. After Sept. 1, registration increases to $200 per golfer or $800 per team.
Register at foreher.org/golfouting. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available; contact Amy Walsh at amy@foreher.org.
11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Market Shops
Raise a glass to more than a decade of one of the Emerald Coast’s favorite fall events. Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy unlimited tastes of creative Bloody Marys prepared by area restaurants, bars and caterers, along with local food samples, live music, champagne, craft beer, seltzers, a cigar bar, SEC football, a photo booth and exclusive shopping.
Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, while local celebrities and food critics select the overall and Best Accoutrement winners. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity–Walton County and its work to provide stable, affordable housing for local families.
Purchase tickets at themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
27th Annual Emerald Coast Home & Boat Show
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE | Fort Walton Beach
Explore more than 51,000 square feet of exhibits featuring over 100 indoor vendors, boats, home-improvement products, healthcare services, local businesses and pet-rescue organizations. Visitors can take advantage of special home-show pricing, end-of-season boat discounts and more than $20,000 in door prizes and giveaways.
Admission is free. Life Media is proud to sponsor this two-day community event.
Vendor and sponsor spaces are available. Contact Wes Fell at (850) 353-2832 or wesfell@cox.net. Learn more at ParadisePromotionsFL.com.
10th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Oct. 15–18
WaterColor and locations throughout South Walton
Sip, savor and celebrate during four unforgettable days of exceptional wine and cuisine at the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, produced by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
The festivities begin Thursday with intimate Harvest Wine Dinners at restaurants and venues throughout South Walton. Friday’s Harvest After Dark brings elevated wines, unexpected pairings and culinary creations to Cerulean Park. Saturday features the signature Grand Tasting, followed by a spirited Jazz Cocktail Brunch on Sunday.
Proceeds benefit the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and its mission to help children in need throughout Northwest Florida.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit dcwaf.org/harvest-festival for the complete schedule and ticket information.
America250! Veterans Day Celebration
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans during a special America250! celebration recognizing the nation’s 250-year history.
The morning will feature an inspiring guest speaker, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Women Veterans Park expansion, and the dedication of four new statues and several benches contributed by community organizations.
