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EVENT CALENDAR Plan a
EVENTS
January 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL → Voted one of the Best Southern Festivals by USA Today, this event warms winter by showcasing more than 175 local, regional and national singer/ songwriters at venues across South Walton.
Best of The Emerald Coast
Afamily night (or day) out on the town is the perfect chance to start a new tradition when you visit Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. South Walton on Florida’s Emerald Coast is packed with a bevy of family-friendly events, festivals and holiday celebrations packed with spectacular food, one-of-a-kind art, live music and dazzling theater. Warm up the winter by revisiting some of your favorites dishes at the annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, a favorite for guests and locals for three decades. As the weather warms up, venture outdoors to the Artsquest Fine Arts Festival or light up your night — and your visit — with a stop by Digital Graffiti, a dazzling showcase as original artwork is cast onto the walls of Alys Beach. Many of these annual events are hosted a free shuttle ride away at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, and other are just minutes away from the resort. So gather your family, mark your calendar and we’ll see you there.
February SANDESTIN GUMBO FESTIVAL Find your favorite gumbo at the annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, an event sure to warm your soul. Stroll through Baytowne Wharf while listening to live musical entertainment.
30A WINE FESTIVAL Distinguished vintners and culinary experts descend on Alys Beach for this four-day showcase that includes wine seminars, bonfires, brunch options and croquet tournaments.
March SEASIDE HALF MARATHON & 5K Whether you come as a racer or spectator, you’ll enjoy this fun-filled event that raises funds for the Seaside School.
April SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL Uncork some fun at the 34th annual Sandestin Wine Festival. Savor wines and fine food while enjoying live music and a picture-perfect atmosphere at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
SOUTH WALTON BEACHES WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL A dazzling roster of more than a dozen celebrity winemakers, brew masters, distillers, chefs and entertainers converge on Grand Boulevard at
Sandestin to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests as part of a four-day celebration.
May ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL This popular event held over Mother’s Day weekend is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance and features more than 150 artists, live music, local food and fun throughout Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
DIGITAL GRAFFITI Innovative artists from around the globe use the latest technologies to project their original artwork onto the stunning alabaster architecture, walls and bridges throughout Alys Beach as part of a juried art competition.
OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s familyfriendly outdoor summer concert series features a variety of music for all ages. Local and regional touring artists perform Motown, R&B, dance music and rock ‘n’ roll, at the Cultural Arts Village in Destin.
September SANDESTIN TRIATHLON Come to the beach to cheer on athletes as they endure a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike ride along the coast and a 4-mile run through Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s beach and bayside community.
October BAYTOWNE BEER FESTIVAL Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales. The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin hosts the
KURT LISCHKA
features nearly 200 artists from 13 states showcasing art in many media, from paintings to metal sculpture. Plus watch Plein Air artists at work, browse art by emerging and student artists, and get hands-on in the interactive Kids ArtStop station.
HARVEST WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections at this threeday affair. Events include a celebrity winemaker dinner and an al fresco reserve tasting that features a library of rare vintages. The main grand tasting includes local restaurants, celebrity chefs and tasting stations featuring over 400 wines from around the world. Craft beer and spirits tents and VIP tickets also available.
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
13th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor.
BEST OF THE EMERALD COAST The best of the best businesses from throughout the region, as determined by an Emerald Coast Magazine reader poll, will gather at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin to showcase their award-winning food, drinks, products and services.
DESTIN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village celebrates its heritage with the 42nd annual Destin Seafood Festival that attracts thousands who enjoy fresh seafood and live entertainment all along the Destin Harbor.
FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s familyfriendly, two-day signature event in Destin November BAYTOWNE ON ICE Make memories with a visit to the iceskating rink at The Village at Baytowne Wharf, open November through February. The first hour of each day is a reserved “Kids Skate,” for children ages 12 and under.
SPARKLING WINE & HOLIDAY LIGHTS Kick off the holiday season with this annual sparkling wine and champagne event at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Guests also enjoy live music, the first tree-lighting of the season, and the Village’s choreographed light show “12 Nights of Lights.”
TELLURIDE MOUNTAINFILM FESTIVAL This three-day outdoor film festival in WaterColor showcases a selection of films from the International Film Festival that tie in with the MountainFilm mission of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure.
December DESTIN BOAT PARADE Gather on the Destin Harbor for live music, children’s arts and crafts, hot chocolate and a visit from jolly ol’ St. Nick during the Destin Boat Parade, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.
BAYTOWNE COUNTDOWN The skies above The Village of Baytowne Wharf will come alive during the annual Baytowne Countdown celebration on New Year’s Eve. A family-friendly evening, including fireworks, will be held from 6–8 p.m.
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