There are lots of great events coming up around 30A and the South Walton area!
Watersound Origins Porchfest Oct. 13
The Watersound Origins community will host the annual Watersound Origins Porchfest on Sunday, October 13 from 3-6 p.m. This event will take place throughout Watersound Origins on the front porches and lawns of the community. This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair and friends and be ready for an afternoon of good music, good people, and good neighbors. Live music includes Sammy Strudgeon 3 p.m., Gabbee 3 p.m., Dion Jones & the Neon Trees 3 p.m., Jared Herzog 4:30 p.m., 30A Songwriters Festival Stage: The Pink Stones 5 p.m.
Walton County Fair Oct 14-19
Walton County Fair 2024 takes place October 14 – 19 at the Fair Grounds in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Lots of family fun for the week! Visit waltoncountyfair.com for the schedule of events, rides, pricing, youth activities, contest entries, live entertainment, and more! The fair prides itself on continuing to update the areas for exhibits and entertainment. Exhibits at the fair still include animal, art, agriculture, handicrafts, potted plants, photography, and canned foods divisions. Children also have the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents with animals, speeches and educational posters. Entertainment is a big deal at the fair. Each year the building is filled with music – from gospel to country and western performers. The gospel sing on Saturday night has become a great hit and much-anticipated event.
Champagne Under the Stars at Henderson Beach Resort Oct. 18
This exclusive soiree promises an unforgettable night of opulence and indulgence under the enchanting glow of a starlit sky. The rooftop transforms into a haven of exquisite taste, where a luxurious six-course dining experience awaits. Imagine delectable champagne harmonizing with decadent culinary creations featuring truffles, all while you immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of a balmy southern evening. Tickets: www.hendersonbeachresort.com/events/henderson-2024-dinner-series-bubbles-truffles-and-stars.
DCWAF 8th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival Oct. 17-20
Step into a world of culinary delight at the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, an annual event hosted in WaterColor by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), October 17-20. This four-day celebration features an array of exquisite wine dinners, the renowned Grand Tasting, a delightful cocktail brunch, and much more. For tickets, visit dcwaf.org.
Alys Beach Fall Festival Oct. 25
Join family and friends in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Friday, October 25th as we celebrate the spookiest time of year on 30A at the Alys Beach Fall Festival! With activities for all goblins and ghouls beginning at 4:30 p.m., enjoy fall crafts, face painting, a photobooth and more – all to the tune of 30A favorites, Huck & Lilly! Bring your blankets to cozy up to watch Casper on the big screen, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Merchants of Alys will be handing out treats! Costumes are welcome and encouraged, but not required for trick or treating.
Arty Kick Off Party | Festival of the Arts Oct. 25
This year’s 29th annual celebration of art, food, music and family fun begins on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick Off Party on the Piazza Plaza Henderson Beach Resort. Mix and mingle with Festival artists, watch award-winning featured guest artist Melanie Moore paint live, view enjoy live music by Coconut Radio, light bites, creative cocktail by Black Sheep Tequila and cash bar. $50 per person (includes two drink tickets for cash bar); MKAF members save 10%. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach community outreach education initiatives.
29th Annual Festival of the Arts Oct. 26-27
The Festival of the Arts, produced by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), is a celebration of art, music, food and family fun. Head to the Cultural Arts Village in Destin Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to browse original artwork by more than 100 premier artists from across the U.S. (and Europe!). Watch live artist demos, hear live music, enter the art drawing, purchase souvenir Festival merchandise, enjoy hands-on creative children’s activities, street performers, snap a keepsake “masterpiece” photo, savor food truck fare, sip beer, wine, Bloody Mary’s and more. Join in the festivities by casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award (Saturday). FREE admission. Proceeds benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach community outreach education initiatives.
Seaside Oktoberfest Oct. 26
Celebrate the season in Seaside at the Oktoberfest Celebration! Beginning at 1 p.m. in Central Square on Saturday, Oct. 26th in Seaside, enjoy drinks, hotdogs, and live polka music. Come early to catch the annual Halloweener Derby on the Lyceum Lawn. Check-in and registration will start at 9:15 a.m. with the first races kicking off at 10 a.m. Costume contest to follow the Derby Race. For 2024 Seaside Halloweener registration and race + contest rules, visit seasidefl.com/seaside-halloweener-derby.
Witches of South Walton Charity Ride Oct. 31
The Witches of South Walton are set to ride in the 21st Annual Witch Ride this October! Every year, the Witches decorate bikes and fly throughout their communities. These Witches dress to impress, decorate their bikes/brooms and have a wicked fun Halloween celebration. The ride will leave from Gulf Place on Tuesday, October 31st between 6:45-7:15 a.m. The Witches will again be riding to support the mission of Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). Event registration at Register.WitchRide.com. Get more details at www.witchesofsouthwalton.com.
Eggs on the Beach Nov. 2
Eggs on the Beach is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Nov. 2, and is partnering with two well-known brands—Tony Chachere’s Seasonings and Angel’s Envy—to enhance the cooking competition. Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the beloved annual event will include more categories for cook teams to compete in, and more opportunities for tasters to sample delicious bites and beverages. Held at Seascape Towne Center in Miramar Beach, cook teams will be smoking, grilling and baking their favorite dishes on the Big Green Egg while tasters sample the delicious bites and vote for their favorites, while supporting two local causes—Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought. Taster tickets: $50 in advance; $60 day of. Visit www.EggsontheBeach.com.
Gathering in the Garden Nov. 9
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fellowship, worship and fundraising at The Gathering in the Garden hosted at the stunning new venue Drive the Coast in Santa Rosa Beach, Nov. 9, at 6-8 p.m.! Attendees will enjoy an evening of inspiring live worship filled with praise and thanksgiving and indulge in a delicious catered meal prepared by a local culinary Chef – a memorable night. There will also be a silent and live auction with an array of enticing items up for bid – your participation directly helps sustain BeGenerous throughout the year.
Moreover, this community celebration will showcase impactful testimonies that will inspire: Listen to personal accounts of how BeGenerous served the women and children in the program and discover the continuous efforts being made at BeGenerous. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gathering-in-the-garden-tickets-956474971387.
Contractors Connect Networking Event Nov. 14
Contractors, subcontractors and other specialists in the building industry are invited to attend Contractors Connect, Thursday, Nov. 14, 5 to 7 p.m. at AJ’s Grayton Beach. Presented by Builders FirstSource of the Emerald Coast, the cost is $20 and includes one free draft beer, light appetizers, and the opportunity to win multiple door prizes. Attendees will have an opportunity to connect with representatives from Contractors Connect Industry Partners, Savi Flooring & Tile, Framer Jacks and Painter Jacks; and Networking Sponsors, Dunlap & Shipman, Westlake Royal Building Products and Decks & Docks Company.