Okaloosa’s Easter Sunrise Celebration on the Beach
April 5, 2026 | 6 a.m. | John C. Beasley Park, Okaloosa Island
One of the Emerald Coast’s most meaningful Easter traditions returns as worshippers gather before dawn for the annual Easter Sunrise Service at John C. Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island. Now in its 50th year, the longest-running Easter sunrise beach service in Okaloosa County continues to bring together residents and visitors alike to celebrate the resurrection of Christ as the sun rises over the Gulf.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Santa Rosa Sound and the sugar-white sands of Okaloosa Island, this interdenominational gathering has long drawn large crowds, with past attendance exceeding 1,500 people. Sunrise services have been a Christian tradition since 1732, symbolizing the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter morning.
Immanuel Anglican Church of Destin will serve as the new host of this beloved community tradition. The service will take place Sunday, April 5, from 6 to 7 a.m. at John C. Beasley Park, 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach.
The ecumenical service will feature live worship music and a message from the Rev. Rob Cornelison, rector of Immanuel Anglican Church. Local churches from across Fort Walton Beach and Destin often participate, with additional Easter celebrations held later that morning throughout the community.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring blankets or beach chairs, as April mornings along the water can still be cool.
For more information, visit iacdestin.org, email immanuel@iacdestin.org or call 850-837-6324.
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church
200 N. Partin Drive, Niceville
April 5, 2026 | 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Holy Eucharist II (Outside Weather Permitting)
8 a.m. Holy Eucharist II with nursery care
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist II with choir & nursery care
11:45 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt
For more information or to confirm Easter-specific service details, visit stjudes.us or call 850-678-7013.
Faith Independent Baptist Church – Niceville
April 5, 2026 | 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Faith Independent Baptist Church invites the community to celebrate Easter Sunday with a full day of traditional worship services. The morning begins with Sunday School at 10 a.m., followed by a morning worship service at 11 a.m., and an evening service at 6 p.m.
For more information, call 850-678-4387 or visit faithniceville.com.
Crosspoint Church – Bluewater Bay Campus
April 5, 2026 | 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
The morning services will focus on the message of the resurrection, concluding a spring sermon series through the book of 1 John.
Guests attending the 8 a.m. service can enjoy breakfast beforehand, while children’s programming will be available during the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services for younger attendees.
For more information, visit crosspoint.church or call 850-678-4411.
Church on Bayshore
622 Bayshore Drive, Niceville
April 5, 2026 | 8 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Church on Bayshore will offer multiple Easter Sunday worship opportunities, including a traditional service at 8 a.m. and contemporary services at 9:25, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Services are designed to provide a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with options for both classic and modern worship styles.
For more information, visit churchonbayshore.org or call 850-678-4621.
Crosspoint Church – Niceville Campus
April 5, 2026
8 a.m. | Traditional Worship Service | Sanctuary
8:02 a.m. | Contemporary Worship Service | Community Life Center
9:30 a.m. | Contemporary Worship Service | Sanctuary
9:32 a.m. | Contemporary Worship Service | Community Life Center
11 a.m. | Traditional Worship Service | Sanctuary
11:02 a.m. | Contemporary Worship Service | Community Life Center
Childcare is available for PreK and under for the 8 a.m. services. Kids programming is available for 4th grade and younger at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services. All Sunday Middle School, High School, and Life Groups are canceled.
Manna Church – West Florida (Niceville)
April 5, 2026 | 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Manna Church will host three Easter worship experiences designed for individuals and families alike. The services offer a welcoming, modern atmosphere focused on celebrating the hope of Easter.
Rocky Bayou Baptist Church – Niceville
Good Friday, April 3 | 6 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 5 | 10:15 a.m.
Niceville Church of Christ
April 5, 2026 | 9 a.m. & 5 p.m. (Typical Sunday Times)
St. Paul Lutheran Church – Niceville
April 5, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. (Typical Sunday Times)
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church – Niceville
Easter Weekend Masses | Times Vary
Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church will celebrate Easter with special Masses throughout Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Parishioners and visitors are encouraged to check the church website for the full Easter schedule and liturgical services.
