February in our vibrant beach community brings a burst of lively energy and coastal charisma. While winter's grasp remains gentle, our community refuses to hibernate, offering a lineup of entertaining and heartwarming local events. As love and celebration permeate the salt-kissed air, join us in discovering the wide array of events that transform our beach community into a haven of laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories during the month of February.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Seaside Prize Weekend
When: February 2nd-4th
Where: The Seaside Institute
Description: The highly anticipated 2024 Seaside Prize weekend takes place February 2nd - 4th, with a variety of events and symposia themed, “New Urbanism: Frontiers Remain.” For the 30 th anniversary of the Seaside Prize, the SEASIDE Institute will recognize Victor Dover and Joe Kohl, founders since 1987 of the Miami-based town planning firm, Dover, Kohl and Partners.
Learn more and register, visit seasideinstitute.org.
The Seaside Institute will formally present the Seaside Prize to Victor Dover and Joe Kohl at the awards ceremony on February 3, 2024, by Seaside, FL Founder, Robert Davis. The ceremony will be hosted at The Chapel at Seaside, the central event of a weekend dedicated to reflection, celebration, and inspiration.
The Seaside Prize is an annual award presented by the Seaside Institute to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development. The recipients are selected based on their exceptional achievements, commitment to design excellence, and their positive impact on communities around the world.
Learn More:
seasideinstitute.org
seasidefl.com
Mardi Gras Brunch & Live Music
When: February 4th | 11am-3pm
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: Let the Good Times Roll this Mardi Gras season at AJ's Grayton Beach. Join fellow revelers on Sunday, February 4th for the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Brunch & party. The festivities run all day into the night. AJ's Mardi Gras Brunch kicks off at 11am, and Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe will be taking the stage at Noon!
Enjoy Beignets, Jambalaya, Crawfish Boil, Mardi Gras Omelets, Étouffée, and many more of your Louisiana favorites all in a festive Mardi Gras environment.
Come early & stay late. Enjoy hurricanes and food specials all day in a festive atmosphere! New Orleans favorite funk band, Flow Tribe taking the stage at 6:00pm for a free show.
Grand Canine Carnaval
When: February 8th | 3:30-5:30pm
Where: Grand Boulevard Grand Park
Description: Dog-Harmony presents Grand Canine Carnaval on February 8th from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Grand Boulevard in Grand Park. It's a great opportunity to have fun with your pet and support Dog-Harmony's mission. Grab your leash and join in for an unforgettable afternoon of fun!
The event will be packed with exciting activities, including a carnaval-themed doggie dance party and contest, photos with your four-legged friends, music, and treats for both humans and their loyal companions. A $15 donation will guarantee your dog's participation in the dance contest and eligibility to win great prizes!
This event is presented as part of the Coastal Culture Series made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. Please no prong or shock collars.
Visit dog-harmony.org to learn more, volunteer, donate, adopt.
Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway Weekend
When: February 8th-11th
Where: Rosemary Beach Foundation
Description: Getaway to Rosemary Beach, Florida for a great weekend with the girls. Rosemary Beach Foundation invites ladies to the Annual Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway, February 8 - 11, 2024. This is a weekend for women to getaway, celebrate, and enjoy the beauty of South Walton. Held each year during Super Bowl weekend, this 4-day event is packed with fun, food, learning, and laughter for women.
Information and registration at rosemarybeachfoundation.org
The Annual Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway 2024 festivities include a welcome bonfire, design conversation with Paige Schnell of Tracery Interiors and Ashey Gilbreath of Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design, 30A HAT BAR workshop, tour of homes, dinner and dancing with DJ Shane Keller, Sunday Brunch and more!
The 2024 Girls Getaway benefits The Rosemary Beach Foundation and charitable partner, Ascension Sacred Heart Watersound Diagnostic Women’s Center.
Camellia Festival
When: Saturday, February 10th | 10am-2pm
Where: Eden Gardens State Park
Description: The Friends of Eden Gardens invite the community to the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, February 10th from 10:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m.
The grounds of Eden Gardens State Park has over 370 camellias throughout. Beginning to bloom in late November, Camellias bring beautiful blooms to the park through the winter months. Visitors are invited to stroll through amazing gardens full of unique Camellias, see displays and demonstrations, historic re-enactments, and learn about Camellia propagating and growing. There will also be Camellias for sale as a fundraiser for the park.
The annual festival is hosted by Friends of Eden Gardens State Park. Attendance is free with paid park admission ($4 per car). Additional parking for the event will be at Bay School with tram service to the park.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Lovebirds Nature Walk
When: Saturday, February 10th | 10am
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Step into a Valentine's Day adventure at Alaqua's Lovebirds Nature Walk! Beginning at 10am on Saturday, February 10, discover the beauty of nature with your loved ones on this family-friendly hike that includes a tour of our refuge. Wear your best walking shoes, and don't forget to bring a water bottle for the journey!
The program fee is $5 per person, and it will be paid on-site the day of the hike.
Before you embark on your exploration of the refuge, indulge in specialty coffees, fruit smoothies, and teas available for purchase at the Cat Cafe from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Learn more: alaqua.org
HarborWalk Village Mardi Gras Celebration
When: Saturday, February 10th | 2pm
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Celebrate Mardi Gras on the Destin Harbor! HarborWalk Village will host an epic Mardi Gras Celebration on Saturday, February 10th from 2:00PM -6:30PM with LIVE music by Fais Do-Do, followed by beads, dazzling floats, and street performers as the parade rolls through the Village at 4:00 PM.
HarborWalk Mardi Gras Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 20th || 2 PM - 6:30 PM
Valentine Tour of Homes
When: February 10th-11th | 10am
Where: South Walton Area
Description: Valentine’s weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but for South Walton residents and visitors alike, it also signals the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes. The two-day event offers a self-guided tour through some of South Walton’s most unique homes representing diverse architectural styles, beautiful interior design, historic significance and fine art collections.
FEBRUARY 10 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM
FEBRUARY 11 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Tickets: culturalartsalliance.com/valentine-tour-of-homes
Tickets are $40 in advance through Sunday, February 4 and increase to $50 beginning Monday, February 5 through the event weekend. To volunteer, visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer. Volunteers receive a complimentary event ticket. All tickets are valid for the entire weekend with one entry per house.
Sand Up Comedy Festival
When: Wednesday, February 14th | 6:00pm
Where: Various Locations
Description: Laugh your heart out at the Inaugural Sand Up Comedy Festival, February 14-17 2024. Join for a hilarious weekend with over 20 top-notch touring comedians, playing at 4 incredible venues, all for a great cause. Venue Partners SOWAL House, Distillery 98, Grayton Beer Company, and Seaside Institute.
Tickets on sale NOW! sandupcomedyfest.com/
This event will benefit the SOWAL Foundation , a local non-profit dedicated to empowering and uplifting emerging artists and filmmakers in Walton County and surrounding areas. Get ready to laugh out loud for a great cause!
Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race: Taste of the Race
When: February 16th-18th
Where: Seaside Neighborhood School
Description: The Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K will take place Feb. 16th - 18th, 2024 in Seaside, Florida. The three-day charity race weekend kicks off with the coastal cuisine event Taste of the Race on Friday night, then proceeds to a fun-for-all-ages Race Expo on Saturday, and culminates on Sunday morning with the running of the half marathon + 5K along the iconic Highway 30A starting and finishing in Seaside.
For more information and to register, visit runseasidefl.com.
This year's race will embrace a dynamic superhero theme. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to immerse themselves in the spirit of the event, donning attire inspired by their favorite superheroes, and celebrating the strength and resilience that defines the Seaside community. There will also be first time exclusive VIP experiences for racers and spectators.
Friday, Feb. 16 | Taste of the Race
6 - 9PM @ Seaside Neighborhood School and Lyceum
Party-goers can attend this delicious Seaside party that features local chefs and restaurateurs competing for the top culinary awards including the coveted Chef’s Choice Award. VIP entry at 6PM, general admission at 7PM. Enjoy live music by The Molly Ringwalds!
100% of the funds raised from the race weekend benefits the Seaside Schools Foundation, which supports the operating budget for the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School, Inc. is tuition-free, public charter school serving students across Walton County.
PCB Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest
When: February 17th-18th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater
Description: The Annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival is coming back to Panama City Beach at Aaron Bessant Park on February 17th & 18th from Noon to 5PM, VIP hour 11AM - Noon. This is a family-friendly event.
Get your tickets today: foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/panama-city-beach
This festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music, and fun for the whole family. 30 food trucks will be serving everything from fall-off-the-bone BBQ to wood-fired pizza to juicy prime rib to spicy Korean to gooey mac & cheese and so much more!
30A Wine Festival
When: February 21st-25th
Where: Alys Beach
Description: The 30A Wine Festival, underwritten by The Alys Foundation, returns to the beautiful community of Alys Beach for its 12th year: Wednesday, February 21 through Sunday, February 25, 2024. Cleanse your palate and prepare for five days of exquisite wines, delectable dishes, and beautiful surroundings. Tickets go on sale: Winter 2023.
The festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites over five days of celebration – a series of events and workshops where wine enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike relish in the festivities within the captivating town of Alys Beach.
2024 30A Wine Festival Schedule:
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6-9PM || Wine Dinner at Caliza Restaurant
Thursday, Feb. 22, 6-8PM || Oysters + Champagne
Thursday, Feb 22, 6-8PM || Tapas & Tequila
Friday, Feb. 23, 5-6:30PM || Mixology Seminar
Friday, Feb. 23, 6:30-9PM || Bourbon, Beer & BUtts
Saturday, Feb. 24, 3:30-6:30PM || Grand Tasting
Sunday, Feb. 25, 10AM-12PM || Gospel Brunch
Sunday Feb. 25, 12PM - 3PM || Rose & Croquet
All proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a local charity which provides health services to uninsured or underinsured school children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties.
Learn more:
30awinefestival.com
www.alysbeach.com
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
When: Saturday, February 23rd-24th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Sandestin Gumbo Festival takes place in The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Feb 23rd & 24th. The event is a beloved local winter tradition in South Walton, Florida. Featuring gumbo tasting throughout The Village as well as a bloody mary competition and live music. This year’s event is promising to serve up fun for everyone.
Visit SandestinGumboFestival.com for tickets and details, including a daily schedule of events and entertainment. Event will happen rain or shine.
Seafood Boil Kick-Off Party
Friday, February 23rd | 5 - 7 PM
Kick-off the weekend at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille with a delicious Seafood Boil. Purchase plate at the door. Also enjoy LIVE music starting at 4pm.
Sandestin Gumbo Festival: Gumbo & Bloody Marys
Saturday , February 24th | 12 - 4 PM | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Sample a variety of gumbo and vote your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner! Dark or light roux? Chicken, sausage or seafood? Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best.” The Best Bloody Mary’s at The Beach competition is BACK! Taste some of the finest bars’ and restaurants’ Bloody Marys on the coast AND you’re the judge! Vote for your favorite and help them win the title of “Best Bloody Mary at The Beach”!
Shrimp & Grits Festival
When: Saturday, February 24th
Where: Destin Harbor | Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer
Description: Enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live music on the Destin Harbor as local restaurants compete at the annual Shrimp & Grits Festival. The festival will be held behind Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer on Saturday, February 24 from Noon til 4:00 PM, VIP admission begins at 11AM.
Enjoy creative twists of this classic southern dish, refreshing drinks, a LIVE DJ and so much more. Local chefs and restaurants will dish out their best shrimp and grits in hopes of securing your vote for best Shrimp and Grits on the Emerald Coast!
All proceeds from the Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, a non-profit organization with clubs located in Pensacola, Crestview, South Walton, Defuniak Springs, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach.
Learn more and get tickets: shrimpandgritsfest.com/.

The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Wine & Song @ NEAT
Tuesdays | 5-7PM
SeaLight Festival @ Seascape Resort
Thursday-Sunday | 5-9PM
Brunch & Beats @ Farm & Fire
Every Saturday & Sunday | 11AM-3PM
Yoga in the Backyard of Love @ Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ Stinky's Fish Camp
Every Sunday | 10AM-3:30PM
Farmer's Markets
Every Tuesday @ Seaside
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
