February in the beach community of Destin and 30A brings a perfect mix of coastal charm, festive celebrations, and mild winter weather, making it a great time to explore exciting local events. Enjoy the vibrant Sandestin Gumbo Festival, featuring the area’s best seafood and live entertainment, or experience the Valentine Tour of Homes, where you can take a self-guided tour through some of South Walton’s most unique homes. With farmers markets, art festivals, and wine tastings happening all month long, February offers plenty of ways to enjoy the relaxed coastal lifestyle. Whether you're a local or visiting for a getaway, check out the best things to do in Destin, 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, and Miramar Beach this February!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway Weekend
When: February 6th-9th
Where: Rosemary Beach Foundation
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 6 - 9, 2025. 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.
Annual Girls Getaway
Thursday, February 6 - Sunday, February 9
Information and registration at rosemarybeachfoundation.org
The Annual Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway 2025 festivities include a welcome bonfire, SIP & SHOP with Rosemary Beach Retailers & Restaurants, DINNER & DANCING: Saturday Evening Bash + Silent Auction at LaCo, Sunday BRUNCH at Edward's Fine Food and Wine and more!
The 2025 Girls Getaway benefits The Rosemary Beach Foundation and charitable partner, TBA
Under the Big Top with the Tip Tops! at Grand Boulevard
When: Friday, February 7th
Where: Grand Boulevard
Join Children's Volunteer Health Network for Under the Big Top with the Tip Tops!, a CVHN Family Friendly Benefit Concert in the Park at Grand Boulevard on Friday, Feb. 7, from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Purchase tickets here.
This event offers family fun festivities where KIDS are the VIP! Enjoy food, beverages, dancing and children’s activities - fun for the whole family! A Benefit for Children’s Volunteer Health Network.
Seaside Prize Weekend
When: February 7th-9th
Where: The Seaside Institute
The highly anticipated 2025 Seaside Prize weekend takes place February 7th - 9th, with a variety of events and symposia. The Seaside Institute is honored to bestow this recognition upon two distinguished individuals: Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson.
Learn more and register, visit seasideinstitute.org.
The Seaside Institute will formally present the Seaside Prize to Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson at the awards ceremony on February 8, 2025, by Seaside, Florida, founder Robert Davis. The ceremony will be hosted at The Chapel at Seaside, and it promises to be an evening of celebration, reflection 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
Pink Run 5K and Walk Benefiting Fore Her
When: Saturday, February 8th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
The annual Pink Run 5K and Walk benefiting Fore Her returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Saturday, February 8 beginning at 8:30AM. This lively and memorable event includes a timed-5k Race, Walk, Survivor Stroll and After Party, complete with DJ, photo booth, a sampling of delectable bites, prizes and more! All participants are encouraged to “pink out” while racing or walking with family and friends for this tremendous cause.
Register and find more information at www.foreher.org/pinkrun.
Proceeds from this event will benefit Fore Her, which provides financial assistance to local breast cancer patients. www.foreher.org
Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park
When: Saturday, February 8th
Where: Eden Gardens State Park
The Friends of Eden Gardens invite the community to the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, February 8th 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.
SoWal.com Photo Gallery: Camellia Festival 2022
Biophilia Center Birds & Brews
When: Saturday, February 8th
Where: EO Wilson Biophilia Center
Call the sitter and fly on over to the Biophilia Center for some local craft beers at their annual Birds & Brews event on Saturday, February 8th from 11AM - 3PM. Enjoy local craft beers, yard games, meet some feathered friends, and snag some lunch from Copper Grille and Scoops, Sweets, and Treats. Purchase tickets today!
For the sober driver, there's the 16+ Sober Driver ticket with a souvenir cup and refreshing mocktails. ID's will be verified upon arrival at check-in. No dogs allowed
Learn more about the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and become a member: eowilsoncenter.org.
BrunchFest at HarborWalk Village
When: Saturday, February 8th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Join HarborWalk Village for Brunch Fest! Brunch bites, Bloody Marys, and bubbles galore will fill the Destin Harbor at the Fourth Annual Brunch Fest on Saturday, February 8 from 12-3PM. You'll be welcomed by a mimosa in hand as you make your way through the Village to taste and try all the yummiest foods from our area's favorite brunch spots. Live music with Jones & Co begins at 3pm. This event is open to the public with free parking.
Purchase Tickets Here! https://bit.ly/BrunchFest2025
Red Shoe Party Cocktail Benefit at Old Florida Fish House
When: Saturday, February 8th
Where: Old Florida Fish House
Old Florida Fish House to host the Red Shoe Party Cocktail benefit on Saturday, February 8th from 6-10PM. Attendees will enjoy live music, hors d'oeuvres, signature cocktails, dinner and dessert, all while making a difference for kids. Wear you best shoes for the Red Shoe Contest. Prizes awarded for sportiest, most glamorous, and most creative. Make your reservation today!
The Northwest Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care, providing resources like clothing, school supplies, and tutoring to help them find safety and stability.
Valentine Tour of Homes
When: February 8th-9th
Where: South Walton Area
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 8 | 10:00AM – 4:00PM
FEBRUARY 9 | 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Tickets: culturalartsalliance.com/valentine-tour-of-homes
Tickets are $40 in advance through Sunday, February 2 and increase to $50 beginning Monday, February 3 through the event weekend. To volunteer, visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer. Volunteers receive a complimentary event ticket.
PCB Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest
When: February 8th-9th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater
The Annual Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival is coming back to Panama City Beach at Aaron Bessant Park on February 8th & 9th from Noon to 6PM, 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. Featuring some of the area's most popular food trucks dishing out fan favorites such as handcrafted gourmet sandwiches, Louisiana-inspired homemade BBQ, Lemonade chillers, and more, the event will be pouring dozens of regional and national brews.
Ultimate Super Bowl Party at AJ's Grayton Beach
When: Sunday, February 9th
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
AJ's Grayton Beach is hosting the Ultimate Super Bowl Party on Sunday, Feb. 9th. AJ's has a total 19 TVS plus 119" JUMBO TV on the stage all with surround sound --- No Bad Seats in the House!
$50.00 at the door gets you All You Can Eat Football Food & Drinks, plus register for giveaways during each quarter. Don’t miss your chance to WIN a **55-inch TV** during the 4th quarter!
Red Bar Annual Super Bowl Party & Live Music
When: Sunday, February 9th
Where: The Red Bar
The Red Bar is the place to celebrate the Big Game! Start your day with brunch, cocktails and dancing from 12-3 PM. Then head back to the Red Bar for The Annual Super Bowl Party at 5:30 PM featuring live music with Hubba Hubba from halftime - close. Enjoy free jello shots during the game!
Sunday, February 9th
Live Music with TBA | 12 - 3PM
Annual Super Bowl Party | 5:30 PM
Live Music with Hubba Hubba | Halftime - Close
Sand Up Comedy Festival
When: February 13th-15th
Where: Various SoWal Venues
Sand Up Comedy, the Emerald Coast's official comedy festival, returns Thursday, Feb 13th - Saturday, Feb. 15th. The event will take place in various venues throughout South Walton. Audiences can expect side-splitting humor, unforgettable punchlines, and a chance to enjoy world-class comedy in some of Walton and Bay County's finest venues.
Buy Tickets: sandupcomedyfest.com/shows. Search by date, venue or headliner. All shows are 21+ to enter.
Venues Include: SoWal House, Distillery 98, Grayton Beer Company, Stinky's Bait Shack, Mosey's Downtown, and Beaches Comedy Club.
Visit sandupcomedyfest.com to sign up for the latest SOWAL Foundation news on Sand Up Comedy events and more.
PCB Mardi Gras and Music Festival
When: February 14th-15th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater
You're in for a real treat at the Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival on February 14 & 15, 2025. In conjunction with the Krewe of Dominique Youx's great Mardi Gras at the Beach parade, the festival features entertainment for the whole family. Attendees will enjoy float tours, the kids fun zone, live music, fireworks.
Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival
Friday, Feb. 14 | 3:45PM - 7PM
4pm | Float Tours Pier Park Drive
4pm | Kids Fun Zone & Festival Village Open
5pm | Opening Ceremonies & Kids Parade down Pier Park Drive
5:30pm | Second Line Parade down Pier Park Drive
6pm | Live Music at the Celebration Stage: Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band
Saturday, Feb. 15 | 12PM - 7:15PM
8am | Mardi Gras 5k Fun Run
12pm | Kids Fun Zone & Festival Village Open
12pm | Live Music: The Band Feel
1:30pm | Headliner: Chris Janson
3pm | Live Music: Lost Bayou Ramblers
4:15pm | Krewe of Dominique Youx Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade
6pm | Live Music: Double Trouble Zydeco
7:15pm | Fireworks at Russell-Fields City Pier
30A Wine Festival
When: February 20th-23rd
Where: The Red Bar
The Red Bar is the place to celebrate the Big Game! Start your day with brunch, cocktails and dancing from 12-3 PM. Then head back to the Red Bar for The Annual Super Bowl Party at 5:30 PM featuring live music with Hubba Hubba from halftime - close. Enjoy free jello shots during the game!
Sunday, February 9th
Live Music with TBA | 12 - 3PM
Annual Super Bowl Party | 5:30 PM
Live Music with Hubba Hubba | Halftime - Close
Sandestin Gumbo Festival Kick-Off Party
When: February 21st-22nd
Where: Hammerhead's Bar & Grille
The Sandestin Gumbo Festival takes place in The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Feb. 21 & 22. 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 21 | 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 22 | 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”!
Gulf Coast restaurants will be featured along with live music and children’s activities.
Shrimp & Grits Festival
When: Saturday, February 22nd
Where: Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer
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 22 from Noon til 4:00 PM, VIP admission begins at 11AM.
Learn more and get tickets: shrimpandgritsfest.com
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.
Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show
When: Friday, February 28th-March 2nd
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show takes place February 28 - March 2, 2025 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. This land based show will feature boat displays from all major manufacturers and the top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Boats ranging from entry level bow riders and center consoles all the way up to the next generation 42' center consoles with quad outboards that have become so popular. Buyers will find everything in-between. REAL. FUN. BOATS.
Visit emeraldcoastboatshow.com to purchase tickets, check out the venue and registered exhibitors.
Making it much more than a boat show, this event features everything for the kind of active, outdoor beach living so popular along the Emerald Coast. From stand up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles. In short, all the great things residents and visiting tourists enjoy on and around the water along the beaches is available at this event.
Show Dates & Time:
Feb. 28 & March 1 | 10AM to Sunset
March 2 | 10AM to 4PM
Follow Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show on Facebook for event updates.
SeaLight Festival
Thursdays-Sundays | 5:30PM - 9:30PM
Concert Series @ Various Locations
Nightly | 5-9PM
Live Music @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Wine & Song @ NEAT
Nightly | 5:00-7PM
Sounds of Seaside Concert Series @ Seaside Amphitheater
Wednesdays | 4-6PM
Family Game Night @ The Big Chill 30A
Fridays | 6-8PM
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Sundays | 8AM
Mary's, Melodies & Mimosas at HarborWalk Village
Sundays | 2-4PM
Brunch & Live Music @ AJ's Grayton
Sundays | 11AM-5:00PM
Farmer's Markets:
Every Tuesday @ Seaside
Every Wednesday @ Peddlers Pavilion in Seacrest Beach
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Peddlers Pavilion, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
