ECTC Hosts “La Vie en Rouge” French-Themed Fundraiser
March 6 | Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard
Emerald Coast Theatre Company invites the community to an evening of Parisian-inspired elegance at La Vie en Rouge, a French-themed fundraiser on Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at ECTC (560 Grand Blvd., Suite 200, Miramar Beach). The immersive event features bottomless craft cocktails, curated French-inspired cuisine and live performances by ECTC artists, all supporting the organization’s youth education programs, artistic initiatives and community outreach. Presented by Blue Water Oral Surgery Center, the evening includes offerings from Ovide, Vin’tij Food & Wine, P.F. Chang’s, Fleming’s, Kilwin’s, Cantina Laredo, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Beignets & Brew and more. Tickets are $250. Call (850) 684-0323 or visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org for details.
Ward Cove/Rocky Bayou Clean-Up Day Returns to Bluewater Bay
March 7 | Bluewater Bay Marina & LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant
Help preserve the beauty of Rocky Bayou during the 15th Annual Ward Cove/Rocky Bayou Clean-Up Day on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Bluewater Bay Marina. Sponsored by Bluewater Bay Marina and LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar, volunteers will collect trash along the shoreline and waterways in preparation for the busy boating season, with special attention given to oyster shells in the swimming area. Participants are encouraged to bring paddle boards, canoes, kayaks or jon boats, along with gloves, water shoes, buckets and grabbers. A limited number of paddle boards will be available. Meet on the beach at LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant. For details, call (850) 897-2821 or visit bluewaterbaymarina.com.
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Night Hike March 7 | 5–8 p.m.
Discover the magic of Florida after dark during the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center’s Night Hike on Saturday, March 7. This family-friendly evening adventure features a guided walk along scenic trails to the Center’s bat house, where guests can watch native bats emerge at dusk, plus interactive educational stations highlighting nocturnal wildlife and conservation.
Food vendors will be on site, and guests are encouraged to bring flashlights and dress for an outdoor evening. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4–12, with VIP access available for members. Enhance the experience with the Fireside Owl Experience add-on ($5), featuring a native ambassador owl encounter, marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa and a kid-friendly craft. For more information, contact the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.
CALM Celebrates “Decade of Difference” Fundraiser | March 5
Home2 Suites, Fort Walton Beach
Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms (CALM) invites the community to celebrate 10 years of impact at its Decade of Difference fundraiser on Thursday, March 5, at Home2 Suites (1930 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach). The evening honors a decade of serving local children and moms through vital support programs while raising funds to continue CALM’s compassionate outreach. A 5 p.m. cocktail hour is scheduled for sponsors, with general admission doors opening at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire. Proceeds benefit CALM’s ongoing mission of helping families in crisis. For information, registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit nicevillecalm.com or email calm@nicevillecalm.com.
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.
Northwest Florida Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland | March 7 at 7:30 p.m. | March 8 at 2:30 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Arts Center
Northwest Florida Ballet closes its 2025–2026 season with the premiere of Alice in Wonderland, an imaginative full-length ballet choreographed by Jill Eathorne Bahr. This original adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic features NFB company dancers alongside international guest artists, brought to life through immersive projections, elaborate costumes and a dynamic musical score by renowned French composers. Audiences will follow Alice’s whimsical journey through vivid garden landscapes, surreal scenes and larger-than-life characters in a visually stunning production perfect for families and ballet lovers alike. Tickets are $48 for adults and $22 for children 12 and under. Learn more at NFBallet.org/alice-in-wonderland or call the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office at (850) 729-6000.
7th Annual International Festival Celebrates Culture, Food and Music | March 21 | The Landing, Fort Walton Beach
Celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary while experiencing cultures from around the world at the 7th Annual International Festival on Saturday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Landing (139 SE Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach). Organized by Conexión Media Group to benefit United for a Good Cause Inc., the family-friendly event features international music, food, folklore and art, bringing “The World UNITES in the Emerald Coast.” The festival also welcomes singers, bands, clubs and folkloric groups, along with vendors and business sponsors. Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber members receive a 25% discount on vendor rates. For details or participation opportunities, email conexionflorida@gmail.com, call 850-368-3505 or visit conexionflorida.com.
Run4Health 5K & Walk Supports Early Learning Programs
April 18 | The Golf Club at Bluewater Bay, Niceville
Lace up and join the fun at the Run4Health 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, April 18, at The Golf Club at Bluewater Bay (2000 Bluewater Blvd., Niceville). The family-friendly event begins at 8 a.m. and invites participants to run or walk — community helper costumes encouraged — while supporting early learning initiatives across Okaloosa County. Registration is $25 (price increases after March 13) and includes chip timing and scoring, event T-shirts while supplies last, age-group awards, a Kids’ Fun Zone and breakfast specials from The Blue Tee Restaurant. Presented by the Okaloosa County Health Improvement Partnership in support of the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, proceeds benefit early learning programs and the SAFE Start Grant, helping childcare providers enhance safety and security. Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Niceville/2025Run4Health.
Don’t Miss This Year’s TurtleFest! | April 18 | Gulfarium
Celebrate conservation and coastal fun at the 3rd annual CARE on the Coast TurtleFest, an all-inclusive evening benefiting sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, unforgettable animal encounters, raffles, and delicious all-you-care-to-enjoy food and drinks from participating vendors.
Hosted by the Gulfarium CARE Center, this family-friendly event honors the more than 1,000 sea turtles the organization has helped heal and release back into the Gulf. Presale tickets are encouraged before prices increase. Whether you come for the music, the mission or the marine life, TurtleFest offers a meaningful way to support local conservation while enjoying a fun coastal celebration. Purchase tickets and learn more at gulfarium.com/cotc/.
Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch | April 21 | Niceville Community Center
A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. Supported by the City of Niceville, Niceville Community Center, Niceville High School, Rocky Bayou Christian School and several local sponsors, the event also welcomes business partners to contribute door prizes. For sponsorship details, call Marta Thorpe at (850) 814-3822.
