Northwest Florida Fair
Sept. 29–Oct. 3 | Destin-FWB Rigdon Center | FWB
Enjoy midway rides, games and family fun at the Northwest Florida Fair at the Destin-FWB Rigdon Center, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach. Admission is $10; ride armbands are sold separately. Visit nwffair.com for details.
Night at the Museum
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 6–8 p.m. | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave. | Valparaiso
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with costumed portrayals of historical figures, drinks, appetizers, photo opportunities and a silent auction. Admission is $60 per person and $50 for museum members. For information, call 850-678-2615 or email assistant@heritage-museum.org or manager@heritage-museum.org. heritage-museum.org
Cabaret at Seagar’s: An Evening with New York Voices
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5:30 p.m. | Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood | Miramar Beach
Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices during its farewell tour, The Four and Only. Celebrate 40 years of vocal jazz with arrangements 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’s music education and community engagement programs. sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Special “250th History Sandwiched In” Lunch
Friday, Oct. 9 | Noon | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave. | Valparaiso
Bring a sack lunch for a free presentation by Dr. Marie Hallion, curator of America 250! The Revolution. “The Road to Independence: Siege of Boston (1775–1776) and Colonial Resistance” explores events leading to American independence as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. heritage-museum.org
Dogs, Bands & Beer Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10 | Gates open at 1 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Amphitheater at NWFSC | Niceville
Bring your dog for a fall day of classic hits, cool drinks, food trucks and live music, followed by an evening under the stars featuring Atlanta Rhythm Section and Firefall. Dogs are welcome at this outdoor concert. Tickets: www.mattiekellytickets.com or 850-706-5206.
America 250 Heritage Festival & Scouting Expo
Oct. 10 | beginning at 9 a.m. | Destin-FWB Rigdon Center (formerly NWFL Fairgrounds) | FWB
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a day of history, entertainment and Scouting activities. Hosted by Scouting America’s Gulf Coast Council with support from the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission, this day-long event is free and open to the public.
Enjoy historical reenactments from multiple American military conflicts, museum displays, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and community exhibits. Dignified flag retirement ceremonies will also be held, and attendees are invited to bring flags for retirement. Scouts camping on-site throughout the weekend will practice outdoor skills, teamwork and stewardship while celebrating the nation’s history.
Visitors can also vote for their favorite Northwest Florida nature photographs in the “Celebrate America in Nature” Photo Contest. Submissions are accepted Sept. 7–Oct. 4, 2026. For contest rules and photo submissions, visit gulfcoastcouncil.org/america-250-heritage-festival/. For additional event details, visit gulfcoastcouncil.org.
Celebrate Autumn Art Exhibition
Oct. 13–Nov. 7 | 6–8 p.m. | ADSO | FWB
Celebrate local creativity at the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach! The opening reception on Friday, Oct. 16, from 6–8 p.m. features opportunities to meet local artists, enjoy the artwork and experience the Battle of the Brushes. Admission is free and open to the public.
The exhibition runs Oct. 13–Nov. 7 at ADSO, 17 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Friday, noon–4 p.m., and Saturday, 1–4 p.m. Learn more at artsdesignsociety.org.
18th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
Friday–Saturday, Oct. 16–17 | Friday, 6–8 p.m.; Saturday, 2–5 p.m. | Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
Sample craft beers from across the nation during this ticketed festival at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Highlights include Seltzer Lane, bourbon tastings, food pairings and the new Baytowne Backyard Bash with bonfires. baytownebeerfestival.com
33rd Annual Single-Handed Race
Oct. 17 | Start times assigned at the skippers meeting | Bluewater Bay Marina Complex
Join upwards of 30 boats for a short race offering fun, challenge and bragging rights. Sailors of all experience levels are encouraged to participate, with only one person per boat. Sponsored by Budweiser, Bluewater Bay Marina Complex and LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Registration and the skippers meeting take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at LJ Schooners Dockside Oyster Bar. Exact start times for the Bermuda Start Race will be assigned at the meeting. Call (850) 897-2821, email frontdesk@bwb-marina.com or visit bluewaterbaymarina.com.
6th Annual BBQ & Bingo Fundraiser
Nov. 5, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. | The District
Enjoy BBQ, bingo and community fun while supporting local education! The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation hosts its sixth annual fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5–8 p.m. at The District, 511 Government Avenue, Valparaiso. Proceeds support student educational opportunities, teacher grants and innovative learning initiatives throughout the Okaloosa County School District.
For tickets, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, contact Debbie Tate at (850) 974-0742 or tated@okaloosaschools.com.
Emerald Coast Rodeo
Friday–Saturday, Nov. 6–7 | 5:30–9:30 p.m. | Northwest Florida State College | Niceville
Bring the family to the fourth annual Emerald Coast Rodeo. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., mutton bustin’ begins at 6:30 p.m. and rodeo action starts at 7:30 p.m. emeraldcoastrodeo.com
Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition
Saturday, Nov. 7 | Time to be announced | Seascape Resort | Miramar Beach
Bay Breeze Patio hosts the 12th annual Big Green Egg cooking competition, featuring backyard, restaurant and nonprofit teams. Taster votes determine cash donations for nonprofit competitors, with every participating nonprofit receiving a donation. Advance taster tickets are $60 for adults and $21 for ages 11–17; children 10 and younger attend free. Team registration is $50 for up to six cooks, with fees waived for nonprofit teams. Discounted demo Big Green Eggs will also be available. Visit EggsontheBeach.com or call 850-269-4666.
America 250 Veterans & Patriots Grand Parade
Nov. 7 | 11 a.m. | Main Street | Downtown Crestview
Celebrate 250 years of American history at the rescheduled America 250 Veterans & Patriots Grand Parade on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. along Main Street in downtown Crestview. Enjoy floats, marching bands, tributes to veterans and community groups, with Crestview native and Olympic medalist Mia Manganello serving as Grand Marshal. Wear red, white and blue or colonial-era attire to join the celebration!
The weather make-up date is Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. For updates, visit GetTheCoast.com/America250. For parade information, contact Melissa Carter at carterc@cityofcrestview.org or (850) 974-8136.
Alaqua’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Alaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration presented by Café Thirty-A, with more than six hours of music at Angel’s Arena headlined by Grammy-nominated bluegrass group Sister Sadie. Firetown Bluegrass and Black Creek Strings Band will also perform. Additional festivities include bluegrass jam sessions, food trucks, a full bar, local vendors, fall photo opportunities, crafts, games and encounters with rescued animals. General admission and VIP options are available. alaqua.org/events/bluegrass-barn-jam-fall-fest-presented-by-cafe-thirty-a/
Tacos & Tequila Under the Trees
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 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 fundraiser benefiting the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. Open to guests ages 21 and older. General admission is $70, and nonalcoholic admission is $40. Purchase tickets: eowilsoncenter.org.
Panhandle Toastmasters | Tuesdays, 6–7 p.m.
Build confidence in public speaking, communication and leadership with Panhandle Toastmasters. The club meets every Tuesday at the Holiday Inn Express in Niceville, offering hands-on practice in a supportive environment. Guests are always welcome.
