Farmers Markets
Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House
Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Reeling in the Emerald Coast at Topsail State Park April 18
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Walton County 4-H will host a fun day of hands-on activities, local conservation experts and a Kids Fishing Tournament 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Register at 9 a.m. for the tournament, with lines in the water 9:30-11:30 a.m. Prizes for the biggest, smallest and most caught. Join in for an unforgettable morning on the coast.
Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch April 21
A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. The event welcomes business partners to contribute door prizes.
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival April 23–26
Tickets are on sale now for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, returning to Grand Boulevard with more than 600 wines, beers and spirits to sample across four days of tastings, live entertainment and culinary experiences. Guests can purchase featured wines on site, with proceeds benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and children in need across Northwest Florida. Get full details and tickets at sowalwine.com.
Destin Charity Wine Auction Turns 21 and Goes Wild for Kids April 24–25
The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction, presented by the Jumonville Family, benefits children in need across Northwest Florida through Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 16 partner children’s charities. In 2025, the foundation donated $3.1 million following one of its most successful auctions to date.
The 2026 auction will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs and internationally renowned vintners. Held in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, the auction also takes place at Grand Boulevard the same weekend. The festival showcases hundreds of premium wines, spirits and culinary offerings, with proceeds benefiting DCWAF. Full details are available at dcwaf.org.
Earth Day at Biophilia Center April 25
Explore interactive booths, environmental education exhibits, and native plant vendors while connecting with wildlife experts and conservation organizations. The event is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and food trucks will be on site throughout the day. Enjoy hourly theater talks, a Career Hour featuring professionals from forestry, fish and wildlife, and other environmental fields, and an “Essence of Florida Flora” tasting room highlighting the unique flavors of Florida’s native edible plants. Learn more at eowilsoncenter.org.
Paper Bear Screening at Seaside April 19 and 26
The Paper Bear invites the community on a heartfelt journey into the forests and coastal wilds of Northwest Florida at 7:30 p.m. Blending live-action storytelling with hand-drawn animation, the film follows a father and son as they venture into the woods to document real Florida black bears, sharing campfire stories, local history, and the magic of the natural world along the way. Visit thepaperbear.org.
Sandestin Wine Festival April 16-19
The 39th year of being THE BEST! It’s time to raise your glasses and celebrate spring right in our own backyard. The 39th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival returns to the Village of Baytowne Wharf, offering a weekend full of flavor, fun and coastal charm that has become a signature of our region.
Details and tickets are available at SandestinWineFestival.com. Be sure to book early — this is one of the most anticipated events of the season.
Fudpucker’s Gatorfest May 2
Join Fudpucker’s for an unforgettable day of Gator-filled fun at GatorFest 2025! This is one event you won’t want to miss. Celebrating Gator Beach, this fun-filled GatorFest event includes: gator food cooking contest, gator shows, vendor booths, alcohol tasting, kid’s activities and more! Visit fudsgatorfest.com for details.
Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars May 2
Seaside School will debut its newest signature fundraiser, “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars,” presented in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach at 6 p.m. at Hotel Effie Sandestin. Inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, the ballroom-style competition pairs local leaders with professional dancers for an evening of glamour, entertainment and friendly rivalry—all supporting the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project. The 2026 Emerald Coast Stars include Dr. Lindsey Hoppe of 30A Smiles, Whitney Cooley of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty and Southern Sand, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner, and Drew Ward, principal of Seacoast Collegiate High School. The evening begins with a cocktail hour and champagne toast, followed by a plated dinner, dance competition, awards ceremony and VIP after-party. Guests—and supporters watching from home—can vote for their favorite dancer for $10 per vote. Sponsorships and tickets are available at SeasideSchools.net.
Derby Day Run for the Roses at Baytowne May 2
Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf as they host the 1st Annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby celebration from 4-7 p.m. in the Events Plaza. Dress to impress and embrace the spirit of the day. High hats, glasses full, and eyes on the race—all for a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Dog Harmony. Your ticket grants you unlimited access to classic mint juleps, signature cocktails, and curated bourbon tastings, paired perfectly with delicious bites from Baytowne merchants. Tickets: www.bigtickets.com/e/baytownederby/runfortheroses.
FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament May 9
Tee up for a great cause at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s 5th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Investments, on Saturday, May 9, at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin (165 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach). This signature fundraiser brings golfers and animal advocates together for 18 holes of scramble-format play with a shotgun start, on-course contests, raffles, awards and a “Pups & Pours” after party. Registration includes a cart, boxed lunch and two drink tickets. Proceeds support Alaqua Animal Refuge’s rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption programs across the Southeast. Registration deadline is May 4. Details and sign-up: app.eventcaddy.com/events/2026-fore-the-love-of-animals.
Tequila & Taco Fest May 16
Tequila & Taco Fest returns to the scenic waterfront at The Village of Baytowne Wharf from 1-4 p.m.! One of the Southeast’s favorite family-friendly festivals, this fun-filled day features mouthwatering tacos, premium tequilas & margaritas, live music, kid-friendly activities, and lively contests. Vote for the People’s Choice Best Taco, cheer on local favorites, and enjoy an unforgettable day on the Emerald Coast! Tickets and details at www.efestevents.com.
