Public Fridays Begin
Every Friday beginning Sept. 4, 2026 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
For the first time in its history, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center will open to the public every Friday year-round. Visitors can explore self-guided trails, meet more than 40 ambassador animals and enjoy hands-on activities.
Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $10 for ages 4–12. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. Reservations are not required. Visit eowilsoncenter.org.
History Sandwiched-In
Friday, Sept. 4, 2026 | Noon
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
115 Westview Ave. | Valparaiso
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will host Dr. Elvira S. Chiccarelli, USAFR, for a presentation featuring her extensive collection of picture boards depicting the stories of women who served in the military during World War II. Guests are welcome to bring lunch.
Admission is free, but reservations are requested. To RSVP, call 850-678-2615.
Emerald Coast Community Singers: Celebration of American Music
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 | 3 p.m.
Christ the King Episcopal Church
480 N. County Highway 393 | Santa Rosa Beach
Celebrate America’s musical heritage while commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The concert will feature works by Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, William Dawson and Duke Ellington, along with traditional American and patriotic songs. Audience participation is encouraged.
Admission is free. Visit christthekingfl.org.
L.J. Schooners Cardboard Boat Race
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 | 4 p.m.
Bluewater Bay Marina | Niceville
Bluewater Bay Marina will host its 19th Annual Cardboard Boat Race, featuring single-person and two-person team divisions for individuals and businesses. Cash prizes will be awarded to first- and second-place finishers in each division, with additional honors for Best Design and the Titanic Award for Best Sinking. Businesses are encouraged to challenge their competitors to join the fun.
Early registration is $25 for single-person entries and $35 for two-person teams. L.J. Schooners will offer a hamburger, chicken sandwich and hot dog cookout from 4–7 p.m. For rules or registration information, call 850-897-2821 or visit bluewaterbaymarina.com.
Oktoberfest at 3rd Planet Brewing
Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 | Noon–9 p.m.
3rd Planet Brewing | Niceville
Celebrate Oktoberfest with German-inspired food, locally brewed beer and live music. Knights of Columbus Council 13527 will serve freshly grilled bratwurst with sauerkraut and German potato salad, as well as hot dogs and soft drinks. More than 20 locally brewed beers will be available on tap, and authentic German music will be performed from 5–8 p.m.
The Council of Catholic Women will offer freshly baked desserts for donations. Proceeds from food sales benefit local charities supported by the Knights of Columbus.
Battle for the Buckle
Wednesday–Sunday, Sept. 23–27, 2026
Harbor Docks | Destin
The 2nd Annual Westonwood Ranch Battle for the Buckle brings together anglers, business leaders and community supporters for four days of competitive fishing, camaraderie and giving back. Tournament highlights include a $10,000 winner-take-all White Marlin prize and $2,000 prizes for Catch and Release, Heaviest Tuna, Heaviest Wahoo, Heaviest Dolphin and the Junior Angler Youth Division. A $1,500 Daily White Marlin Jackpot is also available.
Daily and Overall Calcutta registration takes place Sept. 23, with 10% benefiting Westonwood Ranch. The boat entry fee is $1,000. Boats should register by Sept. 23; tournament T-shirt sizes may not be guaranteed for entries received after Sept. 1.
The tournament supports Westonwood Ranch and its mission to empower teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through life-skills education, workforce development and meaningful employment opportunities.
Register at westonwood.org/battleforthebucklefishingtournament. For additional info: Joe Donovan at 850-572-3695.
14th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 | Check-in at 8 a.m.; tee time at 9 a.m.
The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
Golfers of every skill level are invited to think pink and hit the links for a great local cause. Presented by Emerald Coast Hospice Care, the outing includes a Bloody Mary Bar from Ruby Slipper Cafe, breakfast from Chick-fil-A, 18 holes of golf, the popular “Dress Like a Lady Hole,” food at the turn and an after-party featuring lunch, music, prizes, giveaways and raffle drawings. Funds raised help Fore Her offset living expenses for local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment along the Emerald Coast.
Early BIRDIE registration is available through Sept. 1 for $175 per golfer or $700 per team of four. After Sept. 1, registration increases to $200 per golfer or $800 per team. Register at foreher.org/golfouting. For sponsorship or volunteer information, contact Amy Walsh at amy@foreher.org.
Mid-Bay Rotary’s 32nd Annual Oktoberfest
Friday–Saturday, Sept. 25–26, 2026
Merchants Walk | Bluewater Bay
The Mid-Bay Rotary Club’s 32nd Annual Oktoberfest will feature German food, beer, wine, live entertainment, vendors and family activities. Performers include the Edelweiss German Band, accordionist Walter Kasprzyk, the Emerald Coast Community Band and folk musicians Gary Schmitz, Ken Tate and Jody Lucas. Children can enjoy multiple bounce houses and balloons by Mickey Cameron.
The festival will also feature approximately 30 vendor booths and tours of North Bay Fire District fire trucks with firefighters and pararescue personnel. Bratwurst, sauerkraut, chicken, hot dogs, German pretzels, beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Proceeds support local charitable programs, including student scholarships, Rotary Youth Camp and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
Nightime Neighbors
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 | 4–8 p.m.
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
Explore the nocturnal side of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center during Nightime Neighbors. Hike to the bat house to watch the evening bat flight just after sunset, learn about nocturnal wildlife and enjoy activity stations along the trail.
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children. A $5 Camp Longleaf add-on includes s’mores, cocoa, coffee and a bounce house. Bring a flashlight! Proceeds benefit the nonprofit E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.
Cabaret at Seagar’s: An Evening with New York Voices
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood
Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents an intimate evening with Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices as part of the group’s farewell tour, The Four and Only. Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, Darmon Meader and Lauren Kinhan will celebrate 40 years of vocal jazz with inventive arrangements and seamless harmonies spanning jazz, pop and Brazilian influences.
Tickets are $375 per person and include valet parking, a sparkling-wine reception, a multicourse dinner with wine, gratuity and the performance. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community engagement programs throughout Northwest Florida.
27th Annual Emerald Coast Home & Boat Show
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. SE | Fort Walton Beach
Explore more than 51,000 square feet of exhibits featuring over 100 indoor vendors, boats, home-improvement products, healthcare services, local businesses and pet-rescue organizations. Visitors can take advantage of special home-show pricing, end-of-season boat discounts and more than $20,000 in door prizes and giveaways.
Admission is free. Life Media is proud to sponsor this two-day community event. Vendor and sponsor spaces are available. Contact Wes Fell at 850-353-2832 or wesfell@cox.net. Learn more at ParadisePromotionsFL.com.
11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Market Shops
Raise a glass to more than a decade of one of the Emerald Coast’s favorite fall events. Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy unlimited tastes of creative Bloody Marys prepared by area restaurants, bars and caterers, along with local food samples, live music, champagne, craft beer, seltzers, a cigar bar, SEC football, a photo booth and exclusive shopping.
Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, while local celebrities and food critics select the overall and Best Accoutrement winners. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity–Walton County and its work to provide stable, affordable housing for local families.
Purchase tickets at themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
10th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Thursday–Sunday, Oct. 15–18, 2026
WaterColor and locations throughout South Walton
Sip, savor and celebrate during four unforgettable days of exceptional wine and cuisine at the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, produced by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
The festivities begin Thursday with intimate Harvest Wine Dinners at restaurants and venues throughout South Walton. Friday’s Harvest After Dark brings elevated wines, unexpected pairings and culinary creations to Cerulean Park. Saturday features the signature Grand Tasting, followed by a spirited Jazz Cocktail Brunch on Sunday.
Proceeds benefit the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and its mission to help children in need throughout Northwest Florida. Visit dcwaf.org/harvest-festival for the complete schedule and ticket information.
Destin Songwriter Festival
Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 24–25, 2026
Destin
Music, memories and mission come together during the Destin Songwriter Festival, which continues its partnership with Operation Song for a second consecutive year.
Operation Song pairs veterans, active-duty service members and military families with professional songwriters who transform their stories into songs. This year, the organization aims to write 250 songs with 250 veterans in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Ticket purchases, sponsorships and other festival support help raise awareness and funds for Operation Song and its work to help service members and their families heal, preserve their legacies and share their voices through music.
Purchase tickets or learn more at DestinSongwriterFestival.com.
Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Seascape Resort | Miramar Beach
Bay Breeze Patio will host the 12th Annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition. Nonprofit teams will compete for cash donations determined by taster votes, with every participating nonprofit receiving a donation. A few nonprofit team spots remain, and registration fees are waived.
Backyard and restaurant teams may also register for $50; teams can include up to six cooks. Advance taster tickets are $60 for adults and $21 for ages 11–17. Children 10 and younger attend free. Discounted demo Big Green Eggs will also be available.
To register, purchase tickets or learn about sponsorships, visit EggsontheBeach.com or call 850-269-4666.
America250! Veterans Day Celebration
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans during a special America250! celebration recognizing the nation’s 250-year history.
The morning will feature an inspiring guest speaker, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Women Veterans Park expansion, and the dedication of four new statues and several benches contributed by community organizations.
Alaqua’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Alaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport
Music, memories and mission come together during this family-friendly celebration presented by Café Thirty-A and held throughout Alaqua Animal Refuge’s property.
Angel’s Arena will feature more than six hours of music headlined by Grammy-nominated, Grand Ole Opry-performing bluegrass group Sister Sadie. Firetown Bluegrass and Black Creek Strings Band will also perform. General admission and VIP options are available.
The back acreage will host additional performances and jam sessions, food trucks, a full bar, local vendors, fall-themed photo opportunities, crafts, games, family activities and encounters with Alaqua’s rescued animals.
Tacos & Tequila Under the Trees
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | Noon–4 p.m.
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
Enjoy a taco bar, tequila tasting along a trail scavenger hunt, live music and margaritas under the pines during this 21-and-older nonprofit fundraiser benefiting the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.
General admission is $70, and nonalcoholic admission is $40. Learn more and purchase tickets at eowilsoncenter.org.
