April 14–May 16 | Opening Reception April 17, 6–8 p.m. | ADSO Gallery, FWB
Discover striking visual storytelling at the 26th Annual Fine Arts Photography Show, presented by the Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach. The exhibit features exceptional work across Land & Seascapes, People, Animals and Digital Arts.
Kick off the show at the free opening reception on April 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., where guests can meet local artists and celebrate creativity in a welcoming gallery setting.
The exhibit remains on display through May 16 during gallery hours: Tuesday–Friday, noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m.
NFSO Presents Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony
April 18 | 7 p.m. | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville
Experience one of the most powerful works in classical music as the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra performs Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, the awe-inspiring “Resurrection.”vMore than 200 musicians and singers will take the stage, joining forces with the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, Choral Society of Pensacola and Niceville High School Opus One. This monumental work moves from darkness to a triumphant, hope-filled finale featuring full chorus and vocal soloists. Guest artists include soprano Ann Toomey and mezzo-soprano Zoie Reams.
Tickets are available at MattieKellyArtsCenter.org or by calling 850-729-6000.
Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch
April 21 | Niceville Community Center
A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. Business partners are welcome to contribute door prizes. For details: Marta Thorpe at (850) 814-3822.
The Power Table LIVE 2026 Brings Women’s Leadership Conference to FWB
April 22–23 | The Island Resort, Fort Walton Beach
Female founders and business leaders from across the country will gather for The Power Table LIVE, a two-day leadership and visibility conference focused on growth, branding, AI strategy and high-level networking. Founded by entrepreneur Taylor Smith, the event features keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions and VIP experiences designed to help women scale their businesses and expand their influence. A highlight of the event is the inaugural Power Table 100 Awards, honoring 100 women making an impact in business and leadership.
Tickets and details: thepowertable.co/conference.
Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival Celebrates 25 Years
April 24–26 | The Landing, Fort Walton Beach
Celebrate 25 years of music, culture and tradition at the Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival, April 24–26 at The Landing on the Santa Rosa Sound. This free, family-friendly event features three days of live flute performances, cultural dancing, storytelling, art displays and interactive exhibits. Headlining performers include award-winning Northern Cheyenne singer-songwriter Shelley Morningsong, Zuni/Omaha dancer and storyteller Fabian Fontenelle, and acclaimed Mi’kmaq/Cree composer Gareth Laffely. Guests can also explore Native-inspired arts and crafts, artist demonstrations and competitions, including flute makers and visual artists.
Hosted by the nonprofit Musical Echoes, the festival relies on community support through volunteers, sponsors and donations.
Free admission. For information or to volunteer, email info@musicalechoes.org.
Sip, Savor & Celebrate: South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
April 23–26, 2026 | Grand Boulevard | Miramar Beach
One of the Emerald Coast’s most anticipated spring events returns in delicious style as the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival uncorks April 23–26 at Grand Boulevard. With more than 600 wines, beers and spirits to sample, this four-day, award-winning festival offers a vibrant blend of flavor, fun and flair.
The weekend begins Thursday, April 23, with Winemakers & Shakers from 5–7 p.m. at Wine World in Destin, where guests can sip, sample local fare and meet the makers behind exceptional wines. On Friday, the experience elevates with a VIP Wine Tasting (4–6 p.m.), featuring rare and collectible pours alongside cuisine from Grand Boulevard restaurants. Later that evening, Bitters, Brews & Bartenders (5:30–8 p.m.) brings the energy, with craft cocktails, live music and a lively mixology competition under the stars.
The signature Grand Tasting takes center stage Saturday, April 25 (3–6 p.m.) and Sunday, April 26 (1–4 p.m.), as world-class wineries line the boulevard pouring hundreds of selections from across the globe. Highlights include a showcase from Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley, plus opportunities to meet winemakers, vineyard owners and industry experts throughout the weekend.
Wine World’s Culinary Village adds to the experience with gourmet pairings, artisan cheeses and chef-driven bites designed to complement each sip. Guests can also purchase featured wines on-site at exclusive prices, with proceeds benefiting the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and children in need across Northwest Florida.
Tickets are available now at sowalwine.com
Destin Charity Wine Auction Turns 21 and Goes Wild for Kids
April 24–25 | Grand Boulevard
The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family benefits children in need across Northwest Florida through Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 16 partner children’s charities. In 2025, the foundation donated $3.1 million following one of its most successful auctions to date.
The 2026 auction will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs and internationally renowned vintners. Held in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, the auction also takes place at Grand Boulevard the same weekend. The festival showcases hundreds of premium wines, spirits and culinary offerings, with proceeds benefiting DCWAF. Full details are available at dcwaf.org.
Saturday in the Park Brings Family Fun to Valparaiso
Saturday, April 25 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (5K begins at 8 a.m.) | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Val’p
The Heritage Museum Association’s annual “Saturday in the Park” returns with a full day of family-friendly fun, beginning with an 8 a.m. 5K run along Boggy and Tom’s Bayous. Registration is $30 through April 15 and $35 after.
Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with Eglin Air Force Base’s Honor Guard, followed by a lively lineup including craft vendors, historical demonstrations, the Walton Guard, USA 250 activities, children’s crafts, the Valparaiso Garden Club, bake sale, food and live music. Local band 20 West performs from 1–3 p.m., and admission to the museum is free.
For vendor information or 5K registration, call 850-678-2615 or email Manager@heritage-museum.org.
Emerald Coast Community Singers Spring Concert: Choral Classics Through Time
April 26, 2026 | 3 p.m. | Christ the King Episcopal Church, SRB
Celebrate the beauty of choral music across the centuries as the Emerald Coast Community Singers present their Spring Concert, Choral Classics Through Time. This vibrant local ensemble will take audiences on a musical journey spanning from the 12th to the 21st century, showcasing the timeless power of song to connect and inspire. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted.
More info: emeraldcoastcommunitysingers.com
Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars
Saturday, May 2 | 6 p.m. | Hotel Effie Sandestin
Seaside School will debut its newest signature fundraiser, “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars,” presented in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach. Inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, the ballroom-style competition pairs local leaders with professional dancers for an evening of glamour, entertainment and friendly rivalry—all supporting the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project. The 2026 Emerald Coast Stars include Dr. Lindsey Hoppe of 30A Smiles, Whitney Cooley of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty and Southern Sand, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner, and Drew Ward, principal of Seacoast Collegiate High School. Each will perform alongside a professional dancer from Fred Astaire Dance Studios. The evening begins with a cocktail hour and champagne toast, followed by a plated dinner, dance competition, awards ceremony and VIP after-party. Guests—and supporters watching from home—can vote for their favorite dancer for $10 per vote.
Tickets: $350 individual | $500 couples. Sponsorships and tickets are available at SeasideSchools.net. For sponsorship information, contact Callie Cox at coxc@seasideschools.net
Destin Seltzer Festival Returns to The Market Shops
May 2 | 1–4 p.m. | The Market Shops, Miramar Beach
Sip, savor and soak up the sunshine at the Destin Seltzer Festival on Saturday, May 2. This lively afternoon event features unlimited 2-ounce seltzer tastings from national and regional brands, light bites from local restaurants, live music and a fun, coastal atmosphere.
Hosted by Opportunity Place, the festival supports its mission of helping families and individuals transition to stable housing—100% of proceeds benefit the organization’s programs.
A limited number of VIP tickets offer access to a private tent with upgraded food offerings and added perks. Sponsorships are available. For details, email opportunityplacefwb@gmail.com. Follow along on social media for updates and ticket information.
FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament
May 9 | The Links Golf Club at Sandestin, Miramar Beach
Tee up for a great cause at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s 5th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Investments, on Saturday, May 9, at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin (165 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach). This signature fundraiser brings golfers and animal advocates together for 18 holes of scramble-format play with a shotgun start, on-course contests, raffles, awards and a “Pups & Pours” after party. Registration includes a cart, boxed lunch and two drink tickets. Fast Fetch Pricing offers teams of four for $750 through March 9 ($850 regular; $250 individual players). Proceeds support Alaqua Animal Refuge’s rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption programs across the Southeast. Registration deadline is May 4. Details and sign-up: app.eventcaddy.com/events/2026-fore-the-love-of-animals.
Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic Tees Up for 23rd Year
May 15–16 | Fort Walton Beach Golf Club (The Pines Course)
Tee up for a great cause at the 23rd Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic, presented by USAA. This two-day tournament supports the Air Force Enlisted Village, helping provide housing and care for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members. Golfers will enjoy a four-person captain’s choice format beginning Friday at noon and continuing Saturday at 8:30 a.m., with prizes, contests, a silent auction and barbecue lunch rounding out the weekend. A limited number of player spots and sponsorships are available, along with opportunities for in-kind donations.
Register at afev.us/golf or call 850-651-3766 ext. 119.
Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk 40th Anniversary
May 16 | Eglin East Gate Sports Complex, Eglin AFB
Honor service and sacrifice during the 40th Anniversary Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk on Saturday, May 16, at the Eglin East Gate Sports Complex. Held on Armed Forces Day, the historic 4.4-mile race returns to its traditional gate-to-gate course, inviting runners and walkers to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes while celebrating the spirit of community and military heritage. Opening ceremonies begin at 6:45 a.m., with the race starting at 7 a.m. Participants may register individually or as four-person teams, and are encouraged to dedicate their journey in memory of loved ones or military heroes. Online registration is available at tinyurl.com/40th-GateToGate, with more details at eglin96fss.com/gatetogate. Registration is limited to 1,500 participants, and only 1,000 commemorative medals will be awarded.
Gulf Coast Jam
May 28–31 | Frank Brown Park, PCB
One of the country’s most popular beach music festivals returns May 28–31 as Gulf Coast Jam brings four days of live country music to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. Headliners Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Riley Green lead a lineup of more than 20 artists performing throughout the high-energy Country On The Coast™ weekend.
Fans can enjoy multiple stages, food vendors, bars and interactive fan experiences while soaking in the coastal festival atmosphere that has drawn sellout crowds of more than 30,000 in recent years. Pass options currently available include General Admission, Military, College and First Responder tickets, VIP experiences and lodging packages. Several premium viewing areas have already sold out.
Payment plans are available, and attendees are encouraged to follow festival updates online. For passes and full lineup details, visit GulfCoastJam.com.
