33rd Emerald Coast National Juried Art Exhibition
Aug. 18–Dec. 18, 2025 | McIlroy Gallery, Niceville
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center presents the 33rd Emerald Coast National Juried Art Exhibition, showcasing contemporary artists working in a wide range of styles and mediums. This year’s theme, Texture and Touch, explores connection, involvement, function,and comfort.
An Artists; Reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 4, from 5–7 p.m. at the MKAC Galleries (Bldg. 110, 100 College Blvd. E., Niceville). The evening includes guest speakers Nicholas Croghan, director of the Pensacola Museum of Art and this year’s guest judge, along with artist Kevin Haran. Enjoy food by Brozinni’s and music by DJ Spinzy while meeting the featured artists. Info: MattieKellyArtsCenter.org
Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest
Friday, Aug. 29 – Sunday, Aug. 31 | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest, where the streets of The Village come alive with art, music, and coastal charm. Browse works from local and regional artists, enjoy live performances by Jessie Ritter, Tanner Gray, Almost Famous, Emily Bass, and Jared Herzog, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
The weekend finale features a dazzling fireworks show over the lagoon on Sunday at 9 p.m. Vendor registration is open through Aug. 18 for artists who want to be part of this moonlit tradition. Info: BaytowneWharf.com
Solaris Dinner Cruise for Taylor Haugen Foundation
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 | Baytowne Marina, Miramar Beach
Set sail for an unforgettable evening supporting the Taylor Haugen Foundation and its mission to protect student athletes from abdominal injuries. Enjoy fine yacht cuisine with chef-selected desserts, a wine pull, and silent and live auctions—all while hearing inspiring stories from founders Brian and Kathy Haugen.
Boarding: 5:30 p.m. | Sail: 6–8 p.m.
Proceeds provide education and advanced protective gear for secondary youth athletes.
Tickets & sponsorships: TaylorHaugen.org
Golf4TheCure – Gulf Coast Tournament
Friday, Sept. 12 | Raven Golf Club, Sandestin
Swing into action for a great cause at the 2nd Annual Golf4TheCure – Gulf Coast Tournament, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Enjoy 18 holes at the stunning Raven Golf Club, plus player gifts, raffle prizes, hole contests, and a post-play celebration complete with dinner, live music, a Kid’s Zone, and the magical Lighting of the Lanterns tribute.
Register or sponsor at Golf4TheCure-Gulf-Coast.perfectgolfevent.com
SOF Missions Gala Honors Heroes Sept. 13
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 | Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Shield of Faith (SOF) Missions hosts its 9th Annual Emerald Coast Gala on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. This year’s theme, Military Code: RED—Resilience, Empowerment, Determination—honors warriors including veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. Guests will enjoy a formal red-themed evening with dinner, dessert, live music by Thin Ice, auctions and a keynote address from a distinguished warrior guest. Proceeds benefit SOF’s Be Resilient Clinics and Warrior Retreats, which provide no-cost, comprehensive care for those struggling with suicide and mental health challenges. Tickets are $100 and include dinner, dessert and one drink. Sponsorships available. Formal red attire encouraged. Tickets and further details: sofmissions.org/gala
Niceville Oktoberfest
Saturday, Sept. 20 | Noon–9 p.m. | 3rd Planet Brewing, Niceville
Raise a glass at the 5th Annual Oktoberfest, one of Niceville’s favorite fall traditions! Hosted at 3rd Planet Brewing, the festival runs all day with more than 20 locally brewed beers on tap. The Knights of Columbus Council 13527 will serve up freshly grilled brats with sauerkraut and potato salad, plus hot dogs, desserts, and soft drinks.
Proceeds benefit local charities including the Twin Cities Pavilion, Niceville Catholic Outreach Food Bank, Special Olympics, Emerald Coast Autism Center, ARC of the Emerald Coast, and Children in Crisis. Info: jwpurka@gmail.com | 850-974-1491
Think Pink & Fight Cancer Awareness Conference
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 7:45 a.m.–11 a.m. | Rosemont Baptist Church, Niceville
Join the community for the 2025 Think Pink & Fight Cancer Awareness Conference, a morning of encouragement and education for both men and women. The event theme, inspired by 2 Timothy 4:7, is “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Festivities begin at 7:45 a.m. with sponsor and craft tables (first 50 attendees receive goody bags), followed by breakfast at 8:15 a.m. The conference program runs from 8:30–11 a.m. and includes special speakers, skits, door prizes, and more.
All donations benefit cancer research. Info: Rosemont Baptist Church, 1601 27th Street, Niceville
LadyWorld Festival – Pop Culture, Podcasts & Power Vibes
Sept. 26–28 | Seascape Resort, Miramar Beach
The LadyGang is back with LadyWorld 2025, an immersive weekend escape packed with pop culture, comedy, music, and inspiration. This 3-day retreat features powerhouse headliners like Hannah Berner and the Girls Gotta Eat podcast duo, plus Kaitlyn Bristowe, Rachel Lindsay, Stassi Schroeder, and more. Dive into glam workshops, wellness events, live podcasts, signature cocktails, photo ops, and plenty of Instagrammable moments! Multiple ticket tiers and accommodation options available. VIPs get exclusive merch, private planning access and more.
Grab your girlfriends and get your passes at Ladyworld.co
Fore Her 13th Annual Golf Outing – Swing for a Cause
Friday, Sept. 26 | 9 a.m. | The Links Golf Club, Sandestin
Fore Her invites golfers of all levels to tee off for a very “pink” cause at its 13th Annual Golf Outing, presented by Emerald Coast Hospice Care. Proceeds help local breast cancer patients cover living expenses, utilities, and transportation costs during treatment.
The four-person scramble includes on-course food and drink, a catered lunch by Evie Mae’s BBQ, the fan-favorite “Dress Like a Lady” hole, and an after-party with prizes, raffles, and giveaways. Early BIRDIE pricing: $175 per golfer or $700 per team through Aug. 31 ($200/$800 after Sept. 1). Info, registration, and sponsorships: ForeHer.org/golfouting
10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival – A Decade of Delicious!
Saturday, Oct. 11 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | The Market Shops, Miramar Beach
Get ready to Eat, Drink, and B MARY! Celebrate 10 years of bold flavors and brunch vibes at the 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group. Sample unlimited creative bloody marys from the area’s best restaurants and bars—loaded with over-the-top garnishes from grilled cheese to sushi. Also enjoy craft brews, bubbly, food vendors, live music, a cigar bar, and SEC football on the big screen. 21+ only. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. Info and tickets: TheMarketShops.com/Bloody-Mary-Festival
Lyrics on the Harbor: Destin’s First Songwriter Festival Debuts This Fall
October 10–11, 2025 | Heron Harbor, Destin, Florida
The inaugural Destin Songwriter Festival arrives October 10–11, 2025, transforming Heron Harbor (314 Harbor Blvd) into two days of music, storytelling and coastal beauty. Expect free daytime performances on three side stages at harbor-front bars and restaurants, followed by ticketed evening headliner shows on the Main Stage — all set against the beautiful Destin Harbor. Acclaimed songwriters from throughout the country will share intimate acoustic sets and the inspiration behind their hits, creating an unforgettable experience for music lovers and storytellers alike.
Tickets & Details—GA 2-Day Pass: $60; GA Friday or Saturday: $35/day; VIP Table (2-Day): $1,000. Main Stage shows require GA or VIP tickets; side stages are free.
A portion of proceeds supports Operation Song, a nonprofit helping veterans and military families heal through songwriting. Visit DestinSongwritersFestival.com to learn more and get your tickets.
Annual FWB Greek Festival Returns!
Oct. 17–19, 2025 | Sts. Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church | FREE
Fri. 4–8 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece at the annual Greek Festival! Enjoy authentic food, pastries, Greek coffee, live music, dancing, vendor booths, children’s activities, and church tours featuring newly completed icons. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join this festive weekend celebrating Greek culture. Info: greekfestfwb.com | 850-244-0822
5th Annual BrunchFest – Pensacola
Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Seville Square, Downtown Pensacola
Savor the best brunch bites in town while supporting a great cause at the 5th Annual BrunchFest, benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. Top local restaurants and chefs will serve up creative dishes alongside beverages in this fan-favorite foodie event.
All proceeds support Boys & Girls Club programs focused on academic success, character and healthy lifestyles for local youth. Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly.
Info & tickets: zeffy.com/ticketing/5th-annual-brunchfest | Sponsorship/vendor info: cmayes@bgcec.com
Eggs on the Beach – Cook Team Registration Open!
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Seascape Resort, Miramar Beach
Get fired up for the 11th Annual Eggs on the Beach, the beloved Big Green Egg cooking competition hosted by Bay Breeze Patio! This family-friendly foodie fest brings together backyard grillers, chefs, and nonprofit teams to serve up creative, bite-sized samples hot off the Egg to a hungry crowd and a panel of honorary judges.
Compete for trophies, cash prizes, a brand new Big Green Egg, and the coveted “People’s Choice” title. Registered cook teams receive commemorative t-shirts, rubs, and an Egg to use onsite. Nonprofit teams also compete for donations toward their mission.
Proceeds benefit Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought, two impactful local charities serving military families and food-insecure children. Sign up, sponsor or tickets at EggsOnTheBeach.com or call (850) 269-4666.
Decades On Display: A Nostalgic Journey Through Automotive History
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m. | 115 Westview Ave.
Step back in time at Decades On Display, a family-friendly car show featuring iconic rides from the ’60s, ’80s, and beyond. Enjoy plenty of photo-worthy moments as you stroll through decades of automotive history.
Pre-registration is $25 through Oct. 18, then $35 after. VIP spots are $30 (limited), increasing to $40 after Oct. 18. Info & registration: email assistant@heritage-museum.org
30A BBQ Festival – 10 Years of Sizzling Flavor!
Friday, Nov. 7 | 5–8 p.m. | Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
The 6th Annual 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, serves up all-you-can-eat barbecue, live music by River Dan, drinks, a silent auction, and more—all benefiting The Sonder Project’s 10th anniversary.
GA: $60 | VIP: $125 | Kids 12 & under free
Tickets: bit.ly/30a-bbq-2025 | Sponsorships: jessica@proffittpr.com
