It’s Almost Emerald Coast Rodeo Time
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Northwest Florida State College | Niceville
Saddle up for two nights of thrilling rodeo action at the fourth annual Emerald Coast Rodeo! Named Best Rodeo in Its Division for 2025 by the Professional Cowboys Association, this family-friendly event brings professional cowboys and cowgirls to Niceville for exciting bull riding, barrel racing, roping and more. Little cowboys and cowgirls get in on the fun with mutton bustin’ at 6:30 p.m., followed by professional rodeo competition at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 during rodeo week. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. Last year’s event sold out, so advance tickets are encouraged! 100 College Blvd. E., Niceville. emeraldcoastrodeo.com
Vote for Your Best at 30A BBQ Festival
Nov. 6 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Grand Blvd. at Sandestin
The 30A BBQ Festival returns to Grand Boulevard from 5:30-8 p.m. to celebrate The Sonder Project! A rain-or-shine event, enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue, served up by the best grill masters along the Emerald Coast as they compete for the trophy for ’30A’s Best BBQ’ voted by you! In between bites, enjoy live music by River Dan, a photo booth, a silent auction, and a variety of refreshments from local purveyors including craft brews from Grayton Beer Company, wine and water. Details and tickets at https://www.bigtickets.com/events/the-sonder-project/30a-bbq-festival.
Fire Up the Flavor at Eggs on the Beach
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Seascape Resort | Miramar Beach
Get ready to taste, vote and enjoy some serious Big Green Egg creativity when the 12th annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition fires up! Hosted by Bay Breeze Patio, the popular culinary competition brings together nonprofit organizations, backyard grill masters and restaurant teams, all cooking up bite-sized creations on Big Green Eggs.
Tasters get in on the action, sampling the dishes and voting for their favorites, while honorary judges score entries for taste, presentation and creativity. And it’s so good, it’s challenging to judge. I know, because I’ve been one! Winners earn prizes, the coveted Judges’ Trophy and, of course, bragging rights.
The competition also cooks up plenty of good for the community. Many nonprofit teams have signed on and each participating nonprofit earns a cash donation based on taster votes.
A few spots remain, and registration fees are waived for nonprofit teams. Spots also remain for backyard and restaurant teams, with registration $50 for teams of up to six.
Advance taster tickets are $60 for adults and $21 for ages 11-17; children 10 and younger are free.
Tickets, team registration and information: EggsontheBeach.com; 850-269-4666.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Emerald Coast
Nov. 7 | Registration 9:30 a.m. | Ceremony 10:30 a.m. | Walk 10:45 a.m.
Grand Boulevard | 600 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach
Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to walk in honor or memory of someone impacted by Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The morning includes the moving Promise Garden ceremony, with colored flowers representing each participant’s personal connection to the disease. Registration is free. Participants are encouraged to raise funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission.
Register at alz.org/EmeraldCoastWalk.
Celebrate with a Cause: Animore Weekend 2026!
Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest presented by Cafe Thirty-A
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Grounds (155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL)
Spend a beautiful autumn day surrounded by the peaceful acreage of Alaqua Animal Refuge, where live bluegrass music fills the air, local vendors offer plenty to browse and shop, and family-friendly activities make it a fun outing for all ages. There’s just something about the combination of crisp fall air, great music, animals, friends and community coming together in such a beautiful setting that makes this event feel extra special.
And perhaps the best part? Your day of fun has a purpose. Every ticket purchased directly supports Alaqua’s lifesaving mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding hope and new beginnings for animals in need.
Come for the music, shopping and fall fun — and leave knowing you helped make a difference.
TICKETS: Online Pre-Sale Tiers: Available through Nov. 11. At-the-Gate: $15 for Adults | $5 for Children (Under 12). Online sales end Nov. 12. VIP Experience: Includes preferred concert seating at Angel’s Arena and access to the exclusive VIP Patron Lounge.
Information & Tickets: alaqua.org
Tacos & Tequila Under the Trees
Saturday, Nov. 14 | Noon-4 p.m. | E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
Enjoy an afternoon of tacos, margaritas, music and outdoor adventure at this nonprofit fundraiser! Explore the nature trails during a scavenger hunt, discover hidden treasures, test your knowledge with nature trivia and enjoy tequila tastings along the way. Sponsored by Juan Taco Panama City Beach, this adults-only (18+) event features a taco bar and plenty of fun under the trees. General admission is $70, or $40 for nonalcoholic admission. E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, 4956 State Highway 20 E., Freeport. Purchase tickets: eowilsoncenter.org.
A Gift of Song – Niceville High School Chorus Holiday Concert
December 7 | 7 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Arts Center
Kick off the holiday season with music from all seven NHS choruses, accompanied by professional instrumentalists. This concert will feature guest alumni soloists Jared Herzog, Lisa Olson, and Lloyd Reshard, performing a mix of classical and traditional holiday favorites.
Tickets on gofan.co. $10 through December 1, $15 after December 1
