Honoring Our Heroes April 28-30
The Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the “Honoring Our Heroes: Welcome Home” tribute from April 28–30, 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s conclusion. The event culminates with the Heroes’ Tribute Banquet on Wednesday, April 30, from 5-9 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Fairgrounds + Event Center (1958 Lewis Turner Blvd). The evening features keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, a decorated Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion, along with special guests Dale Dye and Col. Ed Hubbard. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $19.75 for military members who served before 1975, with reserved tables for 10 available at $600. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fwbchamber.org.
Burning Up the Beaches May 1-3
The 14th Annual Burning Up the Beaches classic car weekend returns to Destin Commons from May 1–3, 2025, offering a high-octane celebration for car enthusiasts and families alike. The event kicks off Thursday with early registration, followed by Friday’s coastal cruise and an ’80s-themed dinner party at The Island Resort. The main event—the car show—takes place Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring classic cars, live music by DJ Salty, a valve cover race, vendors, and awards. Proceeds benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. For registration and details, visit burningupthebeaches.com.
Let’s Taco ‘Bout It! 12th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest May 8-11
So. Many. Tacos! Chicken, Pork, Beef, Steak, Shrimp, Barbacoa – you name it; we have it at the wildly popular Tequila & Taco Festival – the 2nd longest-running Tequila and Taco Fest in the U.S. Enjoy Tequila and Margarita tastings, live music, DJ and face painting. and recently honored with the Gold Award for Best Event in the 2025 Perfect in Walton County Awards! Sample many types of Tequilas and Margaritas from Blancos, Reposados, Anejos and even Mezcals. So, get ready for Tacos, Tequila and fun and find your favorite at the 12th Annual Tequila & Taco Festival, happening May 8-11, 2025, at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin! Local restaurants and food trucks will compete for the Best Taco on the Emerald Coast with a $2,500 grand prize.
Enjoy Tequila and Margarita tastings, live music, DJ and face painting.
Event Highlights:
Tequila Dinner – May 8, 6:30-9 p.m. at Cantina Laredo ($79.99). Call 850-654-5649 for reservations.
Kickoff Party – May 9, 6-9 p.m. at Baytowne Wharf. Live music, unlimited appetizers, tequila & margarita samplings ($75).
Festival Main Event – May 10, 1-4 p.m. (VIP noon-4 p.m.) Unlimited taco tastings & tequila samplings ($40-$175). VIP at Jimmy Buffett’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere.
BYE BYE Brunch – May 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Sunset Bay Cafe at Sandestin. $50 includes two Margaritas or Bloody Marys (limited seating).
New Yacht Charters – that include Tequila, Latin Small Plates, Boating and one VIP Ticket per person.
Get your tickets NOW at EfestEvents.com. Part of the proceeds benefit Fisher House and A Bed For Me Foundation. Don’t miss this Emerald Coast favorite!
NHS Theatre to Bring Hello, Dolly! to the Stage May 2, 3, 9 & 10
The Niceville High School (NHS) Theatre Department will present the Broadway musical comedy classic Hello, Dolly! in May at the NHS Auditorium. Hello, Dolly! runs May 2, 3, 9, and 10 with 7 p.m. shows each night, and a 2 p.m. matinee on May 3 and 10. The auditorium’s concession stand will be open for drinks and snacks both before the show and during intermission, and accepts cash only. Purchase tickets beginning April 1st on Gofan.co. Hello, Dolly! is presented through arrangement with Concord Theatricals of New York, NY.
Swing into Action FORE the Love of Animals May 3
Get ready to hit the greens for a great cause May 3 at the Links Golf Club at Sandestion! Registration is now open for the FORE! the Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. This premier event combines friendly competition, camaraderie and a shared commitment to helping animals in need. Foursomes are $850 and individuals are $250 with proceeds directly supporting Alaqua’s mission of providing shelter, safety, and second chances to animals in need.
REGISTER NOW at https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/fore-the-love-of-animals-2025.
Get Your Pirate on at the Billy Bowlegs Festival May 15-19
The 69th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival will take place in Fort Walton Beach from May 15 to May 19, 2025. Festivities begin Thursday evening with a Pre-Invasion meet-and-greet downtown. On Friday, May 16, the Landing hosts a Pirate Skirmish starting at 5 p.m., featuring live music and fireworks. Saturday, May 17, brings the main event at Fort Walton Beach Landing (131 Brooks St. SE), running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and the Pirate Landing at 3 p.m. The celebration concludes Monday, May 19, with the Torchlight Parade along Eglin Parkway beginning at 7 p.m. For more details, visit billybowlegsfestival.com.
Spring into Savings at the Northwest Florida Spring Home & Boat Show!
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Northwest Florida Fairgrounds | FREE Admission!
Get ready, Northwest Florida! One of the most anticipated events of the season is sailing your way—the Northwest Florida Spring Home & Boat Show is coming to the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds for one exciting day only on Saturday, May 17, 2025—and admission is completely FREE! Presented by Paradise Promotions and powered by sponsors Life Media (Destin Life, Bay Life, FWB Life), Ecoview Windows, Defined Interiors, JVC Broadcasting, Fast Signs, Peaden AC, Zoo Graphics, and The Honey Do Service, this dynamic event will feature 50+ vendors showcasing everything you need to upgrade your home and lifestyle—with exclusive show-only discounts and giveaways. Expect to find the best deals on everything from roofing, remodeling, and restoration services to flooring, furniture, pools, spas, windows and doors.
Plus, explore innovations in solar energy, tech gadgets, closets, kitchens, bathrooms, and more—all under one roof! And that’s not all—Emerald Coast Marine will be on-site hosting a Super Spring Boat Show & Sale, offering fantastic boat deals you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re dreaming of hitting the water or refreshing your home, this show has it all.
On top of that, there will be over $10,000 in swag and door prizes up for grabs! And with vendors from health and wellness to tech and travel—including Scentsy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more—there’s something here for everyone.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with local experts, score unbeatable deals, and get inspired for your next home or boating adventure. Want to be a vendor? Visit www.ParadisePromotions-FL.com to register your booth space today!
It’s all happening Saturday, May 17—one big day, one fantastic event. See you at the fairgrounds!
68th Annual Blessing of the Fleet: Honoring a Seafaring Legacy May 29
Destin’s 68th Annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, behind Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer (210 Harbor Blvd.). The event begins at 4 p.m. with a Captain’s Testimony and Worship Service, followed by the Blessing of the Vessels at 5:15 p.m. A community fish fry will follow, with free parking available nearby. The event is part of Destin’s Week of Blessings and includes a Watch Party at SkyBar at Edge Seafood with live music at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Captains may register their vessels for a blessing by emailing immanuel@iacdestin.org.
For Bay West:
The Farling School of Excellence Spring Festival will be held Monday, May 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Perrine Park in Valparaiso, across from the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida (115 Westview Ave.), where the homeschool meets weekly. Under the direction of Mrs. Genevieve Jones, students will run their own booths selling handmade items like jewelry, painted candles, slime, baked goods, and snow cones. The event includes games, vendors, and refreshments, while giving students a fun, hands-on opportunity to develop early business and math skills. Young vendors will keep the profits from their sales.
Wednesday, May 7, the Daughters of the American Colonists will feature a speaker from the Conservation Club. The presentation will begin at 10 a.m. and held at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida located at 115 Westview, Valparaiso. Refreshments will be served at 9:30 a.m. The event is free and the public is cordially invited to attend.
