A Taste of Mardi Gras: Food, Wine, Craft Beer and More
A Taste of Mardi Gras, this year’s Food and Wine Tasting Festival benefiting the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s youth programs, will feature live jazz, tastings of more than 40 wines, local craft beers, and samples of cuisine from area restaurants. Participating eateries include Aegean Greek Restaurant, Cafe Bienville, Magnolia Grill, Peppers Mexican Cantina, Papa’s Smokehouse, Olive Garden, Twisted Grape Wine Bar and several others.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Raider Central (Building 400) on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Guests can also browse a silent auction featuring a variety of items, including gift cards, art, pottery, jewelry and themed gift baskets. Sponsored by the Northwest Florida Symphony Guild, A Taste of Mardi Gras raises funds to support the Symphony’s youth initiatives, including the annual John Leatherwood Concerto Competition.
Tickets are $65 and may be purchased by calling the Mattie Kelly box office at 850-729-6000 or online at MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.
Nick’s Seafood Annual Bonfire Feb. 7
They’ll be firing up the biggest bonfire in the county and throwing the kind of party only Nick’s can get away with starting at 5 p.m. DJ Viper opens and closes, and the Velcro Pygmies are rolling in to crank the night into full rock-and-roll mode. There will be food service inside of the restaurant, an ATM, and a cash bar located on premises. Additional parking will be located west of the restaurant. Expect big fire, loud music, cold drinks, and a lot of good-natured coastal debauchery on the bay. Bring your crew. Bring your stories. Leave the quiet nights at home.
Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park Feb. 7
Choctawhatchee Audubon will host educational stations during the annual Camellia Festival on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Festivalgoers can explore the historic gardens while learning about native birds, habitats and conservation efforts. For more information about Choctawhatchee Audubon programs and events, visit choctawhatcheeaudubon.org.
Palate & Palette Feb. 7
Shelter House will host its 10th annual Palate & Palette fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 7, bringing together art, cuisine and community in support of survivors of domestic violence. The evening features wine, tapas, live painting and silent and live auctions, with keynote speakers Nicole Schmidt and Tara Petito of the Gabby Petito Foundation. Festivities begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by a five-course seated tapas tasting at 7 p.m., prepared by local chefs and paired with fine wines. The event takes place at Drive The Coast. Tickets and event details are available at shelterhousenwfl.org.
DCWAF Annual Galentine’s Fundraiser Feb. 7
DCWAF’s Galentine’s Day Fundraiser is turning five, and they’re going all out to honor the queens in our community that come together to give back! Hosted in Destin at the home of Candis Wilson, Galentine’s brings influential women in the community together to support one another while raising money for programs designed to empower young girls through DCWAF’s 16 partner children’s charities and beyond. All individuals and businesses affiliated with the production of this event are female owned and operated. The cards have been dealt, and every Queen deserves her moment during this fun day of giving. More info/tickets: https:// www.dcwaf.org/events/5th-an-nual-galentines-day-fundraiser.
Hard Hats & High Heels Feb. 13
Habitat Walton County invites you to join the annual Hard Hats & High Heels, a women’s empowerment luncheon bringing together a cross-section of the Emerald Coast’s professional, social and philanthropic leaders. This year’s keynote speaker, Lisa Gunderson, rallies groups and individuals to make life and leadership changes that truly make a difference.
Taking place at The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., tickets are available for purchase online for $75 at: https://www.giveffect.com/campaigns/33480-7th-annual-hard-hats-high-heels.
2026 Seaside School™ Race Feb. 15
One of the Emerald Coast’s favorite winter traditions returns 15 as the Seaside School Race Weekend brings runners, families and supporters together for a scenic and spirited Half Marathon + 5K along 30A. Race registration is now open.
The Race Expo and official packet pickup will be held noon–4 p.m. Saturday at Seaside Neighborhood School, 10 Smolian Circle. Race day is Sunday, Feb. 15, with the Half Marathon starting at 7 a.m. CST and the 5K following at 7:30 a.m., winding through Seaside and along picturesque stretches of 30A. Registration is open at www.runseasidefl.com.
Baytowne Annual Mardi Gras Parade Feb. 15
Mardi Gras is bigger and better than ever at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! The Village streets will be filled with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, vehicles and costumed dogs along with their humans. Mardi Gras music will fill the air as parade participants and four-pawed friends shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies and other trinkets. Visit baytownewharf.com.
Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run & Walk Feb. 14, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Christ Our Redeemer Church and Perfectly Yours Travel Co. invite the community to the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run & Walk, featuring a flat, fast course, Children’s Fun Run and a festive post-race celebration. New this year, a Valentine-themed Festival & Partner Challenge encourages participants to team up with a spouse, friend or neighbor for a fun, faith-filled morning. Enjoy live music, food trucks, games, raffles and Mardi Gras–inspired costumes. Strollers are welcome. The 5K begins at 9 a.m., the festival follows around 9:15 a.m., and the Children’s Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Christ Our Redeemer Building Community Fund.
Info & registration: corcatholic.org/5k
Complimentary Tropical Re-Union Wedding Vow Renewals Feb. 14 | 1–3 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a romantic vow renewal at LuLu’s Destin during its annual Tropical Re-Union Wedding Vow Renewal. The complimentary ceremony, officiated by a wedding professional, begins at 2 p.m. on LuLu’s sandy beach overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay.
Couples will enjoy champagne toasts, wedding cake, flowers for the “brides,” reunion certificates, and prize awards for the longest- and shortest-married couples and most festive attire. Pre-registration is encouraged online through Feb. 9, with day-of registration available beginning at 11 a.m.
Info & pre-register: lulusfunfoodmusic.com
Location: Destin, at the foot of the Mid-Bay Bridge, next to Legendary Marina
Phone: (850) 710-5858
IDIDAHIKE 2026 Feb. 14
Spend Valentine’s Day outdoors during IDIDAHIKE, hosted by the Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association. The annual event features guided hikes of varying lengths through the scenic Nokuse Land Conservancy, part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and home to sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Designed for families, casual walkers and experienced hikers alike, IDIDAHIKE combines outdoor adventure, conservation education and community connection in one of Northwest Florida’s most treasured natural settings.
Info & registration: ididahike.org
An Outsider’s Guide to the Florida Panhandle Feb. 24
UF/IFAS Extension invites residents to a free, four-part educational series, An Outsider’s Guide to the Florida Panhandle, designed to help participants learn about local climate, plants, lawns and landscapes. The series will be held Feb. 24 and March 3, 10 and 17 at Padgett Park, 810 J.D. Miller Road in Santa Rosa Beach. Each session is offered twice in one day, from 10 a.m. to noon or 2 to 4 p.m., allowing attendees to choose the time that works best.
Topics include understanding the Panhandle’s climate and native plants, lawn care basics, landscape installation and maintenance, and pest and disease control. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to register, call 850-892-8172.
Decade of Difference at CALM March 5
Join Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms (CALM) as the nonprofit celebrates 10 years of serving local littles and moms through vital community support programs. The special evening recognizes a decade of impact while raising funds to continue CALM’s mission of meeting families in crisis with compassion and care.
Guests are invited to attend or sponsor the event, with all proceeds directly benefiting CALM’s ongoing outreach and services.
Info & registration: crisisaidforlittlesandmoms.org
ECCAC Gala & Golf Weekend March 7-8
The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center will host its 28th annual signature Gala & Golf Weekend on March 7–8, bringing the community together to support children in need. The Gala takes place Saturday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and includes dinner, music, a wine pull and live auction led by DawnMarie Kotsonis, “The Gavel Girl,” with former ECCAC client Isabella Rose as the featured speaker. The weekend continues Sunday, March 8, with a noon shotgun-start Golf Tournament at Kelly Plantation Golf Club. Proceeds benefit ECCAC’s mission to provide free services to child victims of abuse. Gala and golf reservations are available at eccac.org. For details, contact Kate McDougall at 530-341-0802 or kate@eccac.org.
