As the calendar gets ready to turn the page to a new year, we look forward to January and the refreshing sense of renewal and anticipation it brings along with it. Amidst the cool sea breezes, the community plans to gather for a variety of events that blend the coastal charm with the excitement of new beginnings. From invigorating polar plunges to the magic of a winter wonderland, our community invites residents and visitors to start the year with a blend of fun-filled activities where the pristine sands become a stage for the unfolding stories of a promising new year.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
New Year's Day Pajama Brunch Party
When: Monday, January 1st | 11am-3pm
Where: Stinky's Fish Camp
Description: Head to Stinky's Fish Camp for the annual New Year's Day Pajama Brunch Party on Monday, January 1st from 11AM - 3PM featuring delicious food and drinks. Join for brunch in your PJ's and enjoy a free mimosa because you showed up in your jammies! It's a great way to start the New Year!
Polar Bear Plunge
When: Monday, January 1st | 11am-2pm
Where: Ed Walline Beach Access
Description: Make a splash on New Year's Day! The South Walton Fire District in conjunction with Shunk Gulley will host the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Beach Access.
Participants are encouraged to register online and sign the safety waiver before the day of the event. In order to register online, visit the SWFD Polar Bear Plunge on Eventbrite: tinyurl.com/SWFDPBP24
In-person registration starts at 11am at Shunk Gulley. $20 to register. Children 12 years old and under are FREE! Every participant gets an event towel with their entry fee. Funds collected at the event will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs.
SWFD Annual Polar Bear Plunge
11AM @ Shunk Gulley || In-person sign-up
12PM @ Shunk Gulley || Costume Contest
1PM @ Ed Walline Beach Access || Plunge
After the plunge is over, join back at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Palm Folly Brewery Tour
When: Tuesday, January 2nd | 3pm
Where: Palm Folly
Description: Join us for a fun-filled day at the Palm Folly Hard Seltzer brewery in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA! Get ready to sip on refreshing seltzers while learning all about the brewing process. Our knowledgeable head brewer will take you on an in-person tour through our facility, where you'll see firsthand how we craft our delicious seltzers.
During the tour, you'll have the chance to meet our passionate team and learn about the quality ingredients we use to create our unique flavors. Don't worry, you won't leave empty-handed! We'll have plenty of opportunities for you to sample our mouthwatering seltzers along the way.
Whether you're a seasoned seltzer enthusiast or just curious about the brewing process, our Palm Folly Brewery Tour promises to be an unforgettable experience. So grab your friends and join us for a day of seltzer-filled fun! To purchase tickets visit: eventbrite.com/e/palm-folly-brewery-tour-tickets-773834228007?aff=erelexpmlt
Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-Mile Trail Trot
When: Saturday, January 6th | 7am
Where: Point Washington Trail Head
Description: The Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-mile Trail Trot will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024, starting and finishing at the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake trailhead off of CR-395S.
For more info or to register, just click on the following:
Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-mile Trail Trot
7AM || The 20-mile (solo + 2-person relay)
8AM || 10-mile race
Beginning at 7:00 a.m., the 10-miler will consist of a single loop of the 10-mile course, with the 20-miler consisting of two laps of the 10-mile loop. For those that prefer to run with a friend, there is also a 2-person relay option with each runner knocking out 10 miles. Awards given to the men’s and women’s winners from each distance.
Winter Wonderland
When: Saturday, January 6th | 9am-12pm
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites you to experience some winter magic on Saturday, January 6th from 9AM til noon. The Event Plaza is turning into a Winter Wonderland full of real snow! Bundle up and bring the whole family for a day of frosty fun.
The Broken Crayons Tour
When: Saturday, January 6th | 7-9pm
Where: South Walton High School
Description: First Note Entertainment returns to present the debut concert of The Broken Crayons Tour at the state-of-the-art South Walton High School Theater in Santa Rosa Beach, FL on Saturday, January 6th. This all-ages musical variety show brings generations together through music, uniting multiple acts across various music genres on a single stage. Doors open at 6PM, show starts at 7PM.
Reserved seating tickets are $25 and VIP Tickets are $50. VIP includes priority seating and a meet and greet with the artists. Tickets are available online at: brokencrayonstour.com/tickets.
As seen on some of the world's biggest stages and as heard in blockbuster movies and network television shows, get ready for an evening of world-class performances from this extraordinary lineup: Ellee Duke, Percy "Bad" Bady, Tim Jackson, Jon Michael Ogletree, Anthony Peebles and Victoria Boland.
Hosted by Tommy Jackson, this event offers not only a memorable night of family entertainment and phenomenal music but also contributes to a greater cause. By attending this event, you are making a significant impact on your local community. A portion of the proceeds from this event supports The Broken Crayons Movement.
New Year Adventure 2024 Hike
When: Sunday, January 7th | 2pm
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Step into the New Year on the right foot at the Alaqua Animal Refuge New Year Adventure Hike on Sunday, January 7th at 2PM. Join for a scenic trek in the woods, and make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring your water bottle! Cost: $5 per person. Fees will be paid on-site the day of the hike.
15th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival
When: Friday, January 12-15th | 12-11:45pm
Where: 30AFest Headquarters @ WaterColor Inn
Description: The 15th annual 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL is set for January 12 - 15, 2024. The festival, held in venues along Scenic Highway 30A in Florida's South Walton County, is the perfect mix of cool beach weather and red-hot music on MLK holiday weekend each year. More than 175 artists perform in this truly wonderful weekend of music. Artists will perform multitudes of live performances in intimate venues and large amphitheaters throughout South Walton.
For more information on the 30A Songwriters Festival, including announcements of artists, venues, and ticket information, visit 30asongwritersfestival.com.
In the Woods 30A 50K
When: Saturday, January 27th | 6:30am
Where: Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead
Description: Rotorhead 30A Running Company presents the 2024 In the Woods 30A 50K. Set to take place on Saturday, January 27 beginning at 6:30AM, the race will start and finish at the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead. To get registered or for more info, just click here: In the Woods 30A 50K.
The In the Woods 30A 50K offers three race categories from which to choose from: the 50K solo, the 2-person relay and the 3-person relay. The relay teams can be all gals, all guys, or a mix of both.
2024 In the Woods 30A 50K
Race Start: 6:30AM
Location: Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead
Post Race Social: TBA
A portion of the proceeds from the registration fees for the In the Woods 30A 50K will be going to the Pt Washington Medical Clinic.
Pink Walk & 5K Benefiting Fore Her
When: Saturday, January 27th | 8:30am
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The annual Pink Walk benefiting Fore Her returns in 2024! Walk or run with your friends and family on Saturday, January 28 beginning at 8:30AM in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Attendees will enjoy and after party with music, a photo booth, prizes, food samples and more! Strollers Welcome. Service Dogs Only.
Register and find more information at foreher.org/pinkwalk5k.
Packet pick up will be at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: Friday, January 26th from 3:00 to 5:00PM and Saturday, January 27th starting at 7:00AM. Day of registration will also be available from 7AM - 8AM.
Proceeds from this event will benefit Fore Her, which provides financial assistance to local breast cancer patients.
Shelter House Palate & Palette Wine Dinner
When: Saturday, January 27th | 6pm
Where: Legendary Marine
Description: Shelter House’s Annual Palate & Palette Dinner will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024! This pop-up style wine dinner is a unique experience, as Legendary Marine's show room is transformed into a chic, intimate venue with a metropolitan feel. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres at 6:00 p.m. with the program and dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will indulge in a five-course seated dinner featuring five of the area's most respected chefs. Each chef will create a dish for their course, complete with signature craft cocktails by Timber Creek Distillery and trendy beats of a featured DJ.
Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an expansive selection of silent auction items, raise their paddle high to support Shelter House, and the painting created at the event will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in an exciting and competitive live auction.
Tickets are currently at early bird pricing of $125 per person and can be purchased online at http://bidpal.net/palate2024. Ticket pricing will increase to $140 per person on Saturday, January 22, 2024.
All proceeds benefit Shelter House, the state-certified domestic and sexual violence center serving both Okaloosa and Walton counties, shelterhousenwfl.org.

Live Music & Brunch @ Crackings
Weekly | 9AM-12:30PM
The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Fireside Sessions @ Kith + Kin
Mondays | 6-8:30PM
Wine & Song @ NEAT
Tuesdays | 5-7PM
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!
