January in the beach communities of Destin, 30A, and the surrounding area is a serene and refreshing time, offering a calm start to the year that perfectly complements the area’s natural beauty. With fewer crowds and a peaceful ambiance, this is the ideal month to embrace the slower pace of coastal life while enjoying various local events. From intimate live music performances to charity dinners, January invites you to reconnect with nature and the community. Whether you’re savoring the tranquil Gulf views or exploring unique community gatherings, January in Destin and 30A promises unforgettable experiences.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Polar Bear Plunge at Ed Walline Access
When: Wednesday, January 1st
Where: Ed Walline Beach Access
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: REGISTER HERE
Participants are invited to Shunk Gulley starting at 11 a.m. to pick up their event towel after the completion of the online registration process. The annual costume contest will begin at 12 p.m. at the restaurant, followed by the plunge itself at 1 p.m. at Ed Walline Beach Access. Funds collected at the event will benefit SWFD Community Education Programs.
SWFD Annual Polar Bear Plunge
11AM: Towel Pick-Up
12PM: Costume Contest
1PM: Plunge!
Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-Mile Trail Trot
When: Saturday, January 4th
Where: Point Washington Trail Head
The Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-mile Trail Trot will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, 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
The 20-miler, consisting of two laps of the 10-mile loop, begins at 7AM. The 10-miler featuring a single loop of the course begins at 8AM. Awards given to the men’s and women’s winners from each distance. While on the trails you can expect tree roots, rocks, sand, fallen over trees, and potentially, if there's rain, standing water and mud. In other words, pure awesomeness!
Race Schedule
Friday, January 3rd
4pm: Early packet pick-up commences
6pm: Early packet pick-up closes
Saturday, January 4th
6:15-6:45am: Packet pick-up for 20-milers
6:53am: 20-milers walk to the start line
7am: 20-mile race commences
7:15-7:45am: Packet pick-up for 10-mile runners
7:55am: 10-milers walk to the start line
8am: 10-mile race commences
10:00a: Awards ceremony
10:30a: Post-race social (off-site, details to come)
Restaurant Paradis Prohibition Wine Dinner
When: Saturday, January 11th
Where: Restaurant Paradis
Join Paradis in Rosemary Beach on Saturday, January 11 at 6:30PM for an exciting evening filled with delicious food and drinks from the Prohibition Era. The annual Restaurant Paradis Prohibition Wine Dinner will kick off with a cocktail hour, followed by an intimate seated, multi-course dinner prepared by Paradis' award winning chef, Mark Eichin.
There are a limited number of tickets available and will be available for purchase soon. A select number of sp.onsorships are available. Please email [email protected] to learn more
In keeping with the night’s theme, guests are encouraged to dress in the Prohibition era, Gatsby-theme attire. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) who's mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida.
Sinfonia Bette, Babs, & Beyond
When: Friday, January 17th
Where: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents Bette, Babs, & Beyond at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Friday, January 17 at 7:30am. To view seating options and purchase tickets, visit sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Join Sinfonia Gulf Coast, featuring vocalists Alex Getlin, Carole J. Bufford, and Jessica Hendy, in a tribute to these iconic musicians with beloved tunes we all know and love. From radio to movies, from Broadway to television these ladies have done it all — and changed the world along the way. A trio of New York’s best voices will celebrate the stories these legends shared and the music they made including: The Wind Beneath My Wings, Don’t Rain on My Parade, I Will Always Love You, Natural Woman, If I Could Turn Back Time, and more.
SINFONIA GULF COAST
Learn more: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org
16th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival
When: January 17-20th
Where: 30AFest Headquarters at WaterColor Inn & Various Locations Along 30A
The 16th annual 30A Songwriters Festival is set for January 17 - 20, 2025. 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 www.30asongwritersfestival.com.
2025 Headliners Announced
TBA
The 30A Songwriters Festival is a unique cultural event bringing together nearly every South Walton community and many businesses to showcase Walton County as a destination not only for its beautiful beaches but also for its creative excellence. The multi-day music festival occurs annually in January over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. 100% of the Festival's net proceeds benefit the CAA and enable them to continue to be a champion for the arts in Walton County.
FOLLOW 30A Songwriters Festival #30AFest
Facebook: 30A Songwriters Festival
Bacon, Bourbon, Brews & Cigars
When: Thursday, January 23rd
Where: Bud & Alley's
Celebrate the bourbon lover in your life at Bacon, Bourbon, Brews & Cigars at Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant in Seaside on January 23. Beginning at 5:30pm, enjoy everything from smooth sips to savory bites, fine cigars, and live music by Mari Gleason, it’s the ultimate post-holiday treat! Featuring 20+ bourbons
With multiple ticket options, including food portion tickets for guests not participating in tasting, email [email protected].
Tickets:
VIP (With Cigars): $295
VIP (No Cigars): $250
Bourbon, Beer & Cigar: $195
Bourbon & Beer Only: $150
Cash bar available for non-drinking guests ($50 food charge)
Let the bourbon flow, the bacon sizzle, and the music play. Gather your bourbon-loving friends and make it a night to remember!
In the Woods 30A 50K
When: Saturday, January 25th
Where: Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead
Rotorhead 30A Running Company presents the 2025 In the Woods 30A 50K. Set to take place on Saturday, January 25 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.
2025 In the Woods 30A 50K
Race Start: 6:30AM
Location: Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead
Post Race Social: Beach Camp Brewpub
Rotorhead 30A Running Company hosts multiple races annually. Visit runrotorhead30a.com to stay current on their well-planned events, while helping some very deserving organizations in the process.
Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch
When: Thursday, January 30th
Where: Bistro Bijoux
Kick off Crescendo!: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza 2025 in style at Bijoux, located at The Market Shops, on Thursday, January 30 at 11AM. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by award-winning chef/co-owner Jack McGuckin, sip elegant wines, indulge in delectable desserts, shop for the must-have accessories of the season from The Jewel, door prizes and raffle items and more. Crescendo! benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement programs throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties.
Tickets for all 2025 Cresendo! events are now of sale! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Sinfonia Gulf Coast or call (850) 460-8800.
Crescendo! is an exciting cultural extravaganza to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. This energy-infused experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and an award-winning musical guest.
Proceeds from Crescendo! benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives.
Baytowne On Ice @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Daily | Varying Hours
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
Wednesday | 4-6PM
Family Game Night @ The Big Chill 30A
Friday
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ AJ's Grayton
Sunday | 11AM-5:00PM
Football On the Jumbotron @ The Big Chill 30A
Sunday
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
January 2025 Events by Sold In Paradise
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
