ECTC: Little Shop of Horrors Jan. 24 – Feb. 9
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Little Shop of Horrors January 24 – February 9: showtimes Thursday – Saturday at 7 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. at Grand Boulevard Town Center. Little Shop of Horrors follows meek plant store attendant Seymour, his co-worker crush Audrey, her sadistic dentist boyfriend and the man-eating plant that threatens them and the world as we know it. This horror comedy rock musical is in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, and includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, “Skid Row (Downtown),” “Somewhere That’s Green,” and “Suddenly, Seymour.” Tickets and information: www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch Jan. 30
Kick off Crescendo! A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza 2025 in style at Bijoux, located at The Market Shops, on Thursday, January 30 at 11 a.m. Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by award-winning chef/co-owner Jack McGuckin, sip elegant wines, indulge in delectable desserts, shop for the must-have accessories of the season from The Jewel, door prizes and raffle items and more.
Crescendo! benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement programs throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties. This energy-infused experience showcases world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and an award-winning musical guest. Taking place Sunday, March 2, this year’s theme is, Paint The Town Red!
For tickets, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
Foodees Food and Culture Festival Jan. 31-Feb. 2
Friday: 1-7 p.m. | Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The free Foodees Food and Culture Festival offers a weekend of culinary delights, unique crafts and family-friendly entertainment at the Destin Fort Walton Fairgrounds and Event Center and celebrates the diverse flavors and creative talents of our community. Tons of Gourmet Food Trucks and Vendors: Indulge in an array of delicious dishes, from savory BBQ and spicy tacos to sweet treats and refreshing beverages. Handmade Crafts and Art: Explore dozens of artisans and crafters showcasing their unique, handmade jewelry, art, crafts, and more. Support local artists and find one-of-a-kind treasures. Family Fun and Entertainment: Featuring the BRAND
NEW Foodees Fun Park with 10 massive inflatables, games, karaoke, and more!
Register for free tickets now, and help food trucks better prepare for you! $20 weekend passes available. https://www.foodeesfest.com/events.
Hard Hats & High Heels Feb. 7
Habitat Walton County invites you to 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. Taking place Friday, February 7th at The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., this year’s event showcases a keynote speaker, a silent auction, games, prizes, an awards presentation, seated lunch, complimentary cocktail (21+), Wine & Spirits Pull and more. Take the opportunity to wear your favorite heels! Visit waltoncountyhabitat.org for more information.
Pink Run 5K and Walk Benefiting Fore Her Feb. 8
The annual Pink Run 5K and Walk benefiting Fore Her returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Saturday, February 8 beginning at 8:30 a.m. This lively and memorable event includes a timed-5k Race, Walk, Survivor Stroll and After Party, complete with DJ, photo booth, a sampling of delectable bites, prizes and more! All participants are encouraged to “pink out” while racing or walking with family and friends for this tremendous cause. Register and find more information at www.foreher.org/pinkrun.Proceeds benefit Fore Her, which provides financial assistance to local breast cancer patients. www.foreher.org.
Valentine Tour of Homes Feb. 8-9
Valentine’s weekend for Walton County residents and visitors alike signals the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes. The two-day event offers a self-guided tour through some of South Walton’s most unique homes representing diverse architectural styles, beautiful interior design, historic significance and fine art collections. Tickets: culturalartsalliance.com/valentine-tour-of-homes.
To volunteer, visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer. Proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance.
Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park Feb. 8
The Friends of Eden Gardens invite the community to the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. With over 370 camellias that begin to bloom in late November, Eden Gardens State Park brings beautiful blooms through the winter months. Visitors are invited to stroll through unique Camellia gardens, see displays and demonstrations, historic re-enactments, and learn about Camellia propagating and growing. Camellias are also for sale as a park fundraiser.
Shelter House Palate & Palette Wine Dinner Feb. 8
Shelter House’s Annual Palate & Palette Dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 8. This pop-up style wine dinner is a unique experience, as Legendary Marine’s show room is transformed into a chic, intimate venue with a metropolitan feel. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 p.m. with the program and dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Attendees will indulge in a five-course seated dinner featuring five of the area’s most respected chefs. Each chef will create a dish for their course, complete with signature craft cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an expansive selection of silent auction items, raise their paddle high to support Shelter House, and the painting created at the event will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in an exciting and competitive live auction. All proceeds benefit Shelter House, the state-certified domestic and sexual violence center serving both Walton and Okaloosa counties. Visit shelterhousenwfl.org.
Biophilia Center Birds & Brews Feb. 8
Call the sitter and fly on over to the Biophilia Center for some local craft beers at its annual Birds & Brews event on Saturday, February 8th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy local craft beers, yard games, meet some feathered friends, and snag some lunch from Copper Grille and Scoops, Sweets, and Treats. Purchase tickets today! For the sober driver, there’s the 16+ Sober Driver ticket with a souvenir cup and refreshing mocktails. ID’s will be verified upon arrival at check-in. Learn more about the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and become a member: eowilsoncenter.org.
Tropical Re-Union Wedding Vow Renewals Feb. 15
Love is in the air, and couples can celebrate their love and commitment by officially renewing their wedding vows at LuLu’s Annual Tropical Re-Union on Saturday, Feb. 15. The complimentary wedding vow renewal ceremony will be performed by a wedding officiant and begins at 2 p.m. out on LuLu’s sandy beach overlooking the scenic Choctawhatchee Bay. Pre-register at the restaurant or on-line at www.LulusFunFoodMusic.com until Feb. 14. Registration sign-in begins at 11 a.m. Feb. 15. There will be complimentary champagne toasts, a wedding cake and flowers for the “brides,” and Certificates of Reunion for each couple. Prizes will be awarded to the couples married the longest, shortest and the most festively dressed. Visit www.LulusFunFoodMusic.com or call (850) 710-5858.
Dog-Harmony Hops for Hounds February 23
Dog Harmony’s 5th Annual “Hops for Hounds” dog walk and after party, will be held Feb.
23rd, 1-3 p.m. at Props Brewery in Hammock Bay, Freeport. This tail-wagging event promises fur-raising fun for pups and their humans alike! The day will start with a picturesque, short stroll followed by a lively after-party at Props Brewery, complete with craft beer (for thirsty humans 21 and older), live music, vendors, food trucks and more. Rescue Animal Photography will also be on hand to capture the magical moments.
Tickets are $35 per entry (includes one human and one fur friend), an adult-sized t-shirt, and a digital photo of participants with their pets. Each human walker will also receive a complimentary craft beer from Props Brewery – Must be age 21 or over to partake.
To register, visit https://dog-harmony.org/hops-forhounds-2025/. (All dogs must be current on rabies vaccinations and at least six-months old. No prong, shock or choke collars will be permitted.) To sponsor: hello@dog-harmony.org. All proceeds benefit Dog-Harmony.
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction!
The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso (in collaboration with Niceville High School Key Club and Builders Club) will host its annual Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction, Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8-11 a.m. at the Niceville Community Center. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk and live music by Island Brothers (Hawaiian, Spanish, Latin Rhythms and 50s-70s tunes! Bid on silent auction items from local businesses, too! All proceeds benefit local charities such as Children in Crisis, Sharing and Caring, Holiday Food Baskets, Children’s Miracle Network, College Scholarships for local youth and Community Youth Organizations.
Emerald Coast Quilt Show March 7-8
Flying Needles Quilt Guild of Niceville presents Emerald Coast Quilt Show 2025, Friday, March 7 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach.
Quilt Entry Categories include: Large Pierced, Medium Pierced, Small Pierced, Applique, Modern and Mixed Techniques. The show’s theme is Gulf of Dreams. Attendees will also experience mini-demonstrations, vendors, boutique, quilter’s Walk and Quilt of Valor Block Party. For more information, visit flyingneedlesquiltguild.org.
La Vie En Rouge Friday, March 7th, 6 pm – 9 pm.
Immerse yourself in the glamour of 19th-century Parisian cabaret at La Vie En Rouge, presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company on Friday, March 7th. This exclusive signature event will feature exhilarating live performances, dazzling costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere for guests 21+. Get ready to indulge yourself in an evening of elegance, as we transport you to the iconic Moulin Rouge for a night of dinner, dancing, entertainment, silent auction, and many more unforgettable moments. Tickets: Table up to 4 seats – $600; One seat at a table – $150; General Admission – $125. Purchase tickets at emeraldcoasttheatre.org/special-events.
NFB’s Cinderella March 8-9!
Northwest Florida Ballet returns to perform Cinderella at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center to conclude Season 55, Sat., March 8, at 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 9, at 2:30 p.m. With live music by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra led by NFB Music Director and Conductor David Ott, this beloved classic features the choreography of NFB Artistic Director Todd Eric Allen and the music of Serge Prokofiev. Tickets $48 for adults; $22 for children 12 and under. Visit https://www.nfballet.org/cinderella or call 850-729-6000 to learn more or purchase your tickets.
