It’s Fall y’all, and time for some of the best events on the planet!
SOCKS Meowsterpieces Art Show
Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS), a nonprofit, no-kill, free-roaming cat shelter in Fort Walton Beach, is getting ready for its first Meowsterpieces art show and competition.
The show’s theme is feline, a celebration of all things cat, from their beauty and agility to their independence and playfulness. Works will be displayed from Sept. 3-21 in the SOCKS event building, with an awards presentation and reception from 2-3:30 p.m. Sept. 21. All art styles, including painting, sculpture, photography, design, craft, video, sound art, kinetic art and performance, will be represented in three age categories: child (ages 12 and younger), teen (ages 13-17) and adult (18 and older). Works will be judged by Guest juror J. Wren Supak, Director & Curator of Mattie Kelly Art Center Galleries at NWFSC, and People’s Choice. People’s Choice winners will be determined by an online pay-to-vote system. $1 = 1 vote. Submitted art will be auctioned after the exhibition, with proceeds benefiting SOCKS. For more info: www.saveourcatsandkittens.com/meowsterpieces-art-show.
TMF 3rd Annual 9/11 Heroes Run
Sept. 8 | 9 a.m. |
Legendary Marine Destin
The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one of the nation’s leading veteran service organizations, will host the Destin 9/11 Heroes Run 5K Run/Walk/or Ruck Race on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 9 a.m. at Legendary Marine in Destin. The annual race will unite the community to remember the lives lost on September 11 and in the wars since, and honor the veterans, military service members and first responders who serve our country and our communities. The 5K course is out and back through beautiful Regatta Bay.
Proceeds benefit the Travis Manion Foundation which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. Sponsored nationally by USAA, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in 70 communities globally.
The 9/11 Heroes Run was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he selflessly protected his battalion. Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in NYC—a group known for losing almost all its men on 9/11. Travis returned from this visit with a deeper understanding of his reasons for fighting in Iraq. At its heart, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a tribute to a personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day.
“Each year on the anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and those who lost their lives in the wars since,” said Ryan Manion, CEO, Travis Manion Foundation. “The growth of the 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series over the last 17 years demonstrates a shared commitment in communities nationwide to never forget the sacrifices of first responders and military service members like my brother, Travis, and countless others.”
Through 9/11 Heroes Runs around the world, Travis Manion Foundation invests back into the local race communities to support military service members, veterans, first responders and their families. For more information about the race series visit 911heroesrun.org.
Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest!
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Sunday, Sept. 1 | 4-9 p.m. nightly | FREE
Stroll The Village streets from 4-9 p.m. as you browse a variety of artwork from local and regional artists. Enjoy LIVE music throughout the festival and a spectacular fireworks show over the lagoon on Sunday at 9:30 p.m.
Also, on Sunday night, be sure to check in by the breezeway to enjoy a Sip & Shop through The Village. We love kicking off the fall season with such a unique, moonlit weekend.
Music Line up:
Saturday
4-6:15 p.m. | Mike Whitty
6:30-9 p.m. | Timmy Hood
Sunday
4-6:15 p.m. | Emily Bass
6:30-9 p.m. | Jared Herzog
Mid-Bay Rotary’s 30th Annual Oktoberfest
Friday, Sept. 27 & Saturday, Sept. 28 | Merchants Walk – Bluewater Bay
The Mid-Bay Rotary Club will hold its 30th Annual Oktoberfest Friday, 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., September 27-28, at Merchants Walk in Bluewater Bay. The festivities will include the Edelweiss German Band, accordionist Walter Kasprzyk, musician Gary Schmitz, musician Jody Lucas and balloons by Mickey Cameron. The Emerald Coast Community Band will also play. There will be over 30 vendor booths as well as a children’s giant slide, rock climb and bouncy house. Brats and Kraut, German pretzels, chicken and hot dogs will be served. German beer, soda and water will also be served. Free admission!
Walk for a Cause! Conquer Chiari Walk Across America
Sept. 28 | Props Brewery Freeport
The Conquer Chiari Walk Across America is a series of coordinated awareness/fundraising walks around the country to raise awareness of Chiari Malformation and to raise money for valuable research. The local walk is being held at Props Brewery located at 1799 Great Hammock Bend, Freeport, 32439 on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.; walk starts at 9:30 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Backsliders and The Community Ukes. There will also be face painting, guest speakers and more! Everyone is invited to participate. For more information, contact Marion Gipson at 334-313-0875 or mariongipson@yahoo.com or visit the Conquer Chiari website at Walk.conquerchiari.org
Chiari Malformation is a neurological disorder where the brain descends out of the skull and puts pressure on the spine. This affects over 300,000 people in the US and affects people of all ages and races.
Together we walk. Together we fight. Together we win!
Oktoberfest In Niceville
Oct. 3rd | 3rd Planet Brewing
For the fourth year, the very popular Oktoberfest at 3rd Planet Brewing sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 13527 will be held from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 in Niceville.
The Knights will be serving freshly grilled Brats with sides of sauerkraut and potato salad, or hot dogs to enjoy along with more than 20 of 3rd Planet’s locally brewed beers on tap. Soft drinks and savory dessert treats will also be available.
Authentic German music will be provided by the band “Tall Cotton” from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Knights of Columbus from Christ Our Redeemer Parish in Niceville raises funds to support local charities such as the Twin Cities Pavilion, Niceville Catholic Outreach Food Bank, Special Olympics, Emerald Coast Autism Center, ARC of the Emerald Coast, Children in Crisis and many more. All funds raised by the Knights are donated to charities. For more information, contact Joe Purka, jwpurka@gmail.com, 850.974.1491.
16th Annual Baytowne Beer Fest
Friday, Oct. 11 – Saturday, Oct. 12
Tickets on sale now. BaytowneBeerFestival.com
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 14th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest Oct. 6-7. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor.
Friday, Oct. 11 | Beer From Around Here
6-8 p.m. | Baytowne Wharf Events Plaza
Local breweries feature their products and restaurants in The Village showcase their best dishes Live music by Duchess from 6-8 p.m. $65 general admission for Friday 6-8 p.m. only.
Saturday, Oct. 12 | Grand Craft Beer Tasting | General Admission
2-5 p.m. | Baytowne Wharf Events Plaza
More than 200 domestic and international craft beers will be available for sampling. Live music by Below Alabama from 2-5 p.m. Tickets: $50 Grand Tasting event only.
Saturday, Oct. 12 | Grand Craft Beer Tasting | VIP
$90 general admission
Features exclusive beer tastings and great food from Landshark Bar & Grill! Tickets include all of Saturday’s events AND you can beat the lines to get in the event before anyone else! You will also receive your very own Beer Festival swag bags.
2-Day Ticket: $110 general admission for Friday and Saturday. Tickets include admission to Friday Night’s Beer From Around Here Event from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday’s Grand Tasting Event 2-5 p.m.
For tickets, a lineup of beers and additional information, visit baytownebeerfestival.com.
Choctawhatchee Audubon Society September Activities
The Colony of Tristán de Luna: Unearthing Secrets of the 1559 Expedition
Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7 p.m. | Room 800, 2nd floor Chandler Center | Crosspoint Church – Niceville
John R. Bratten, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology at the University of West Florida, will present a talk on the 1559-1561 Tristán de Luna y Arellano expedition, the most ambitious Spanish attempt to colonize Florida. The hurricane that destroyed most of the fleet created a rich archaeological site, offering insights into the settlement, fleet, and daily lives of the colonists through thousands of recovered artifacts. Free and open to the public.
Experience the Beauty of Local Birdlife
Sept. 7 | 7:30 a.m.
Join the Choctawhatchee Audubon Society to experience the beauty of local birdlife at the Okaloosa Holding Ponds and Wright Pond with expert birder and photographer Jim Anderton along the west edge of Roberts Road, just a couple hundred feet north of Task Force Pizza Co. off Lewis Turner Blvd. Wear closed-toed shoes, long pants and bring a hat, water and your binoculars, scope or camera. For questions – Jim Anderton at 850-543-2221. No experience necessary, anyone interested in birding is welcome to attend!
4th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival
Sept. 21 | 12-3 pm | Destin Harbor
The 4th Annual Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer Festival is back bigger and better than ever on September 21 at the Destin Harbor! Not only will you indulge in mouth-watering burgers, sip on smooth bourbon, and enjoy ice-cold beer, but you’ll be supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.
-Food Only / Under 21: $40 Includes (1) armband for unlimited food samples.
-General Admission: $65 Includes (1) armband for unlimited food samples and (7) tickets for alcohol samples.
-VIP Ticket: $100 Includes (1) armband/lanyard for unlimited food samples and unlimited beer/bourbon samples. PLUS: Exclusive early admission (11am-12pm) to the event, VIP lounge with a private bar, BBB t-shirt, and exclusive small-batch bourbon tastings.
The Market Shops 9th Annual Bloody Mary Festival
Oct. 12 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | The Market Shops at Sandestin
Local bars and restaurants will be serving the finest Bloodys on the Emerald Coast, made with Distillery 98 Dune Laker Vodka. Along with plenty of delicious drinks, there will also be live music by Catalyst, football, cold beer, local food from merchants, shopping and so much more! Tickets $60 in advance; $75 at the door.
DCWAF 8th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Oct. 17-20 | Grand Tasting – Cerulean Park – WaterColor | Santa Rosa Beach
Step into a world of culinary delight at the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, an annual event hosted in WaterColor by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), October 17-20. This four-day celebration features an array of exquisite wine dinners, the renowned Grand Tasting, a delightful cocktail brunch, and much more. For tickets, visit dcwaf.org.
