Around Town Events

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Chatgpt Image Aug 17, 2026, 11 24 58 Pm

History Sandwiched-In: “Women in War Today”

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026 | Noon
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

Join the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida for History Sandwiched-In, its free, ongoing lunch-and-learn series. Dr. Chiccarelli will present “Women in War Today,” exploring how women have become an integral part of today’s fighting forces.

Admission is free. Guests are welcome to bring lunch.

Ken Ludwig’s “Moriarty”

Aug. 14-16 and 21-23
Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

Stage Crafters Community Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, directed by Douglas Henderson. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson return when an investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters becomes an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail and intrigue.

With world peace at stake, Holmes and Watson join forces with American actress Irene Adler to battle criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty and his network of devious henchmen. Five actors portray more than 40 characters in this fast-paced adventure featuring danger and laughter around every corner.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Purchase tickets at stagecraftersfwb.com.

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus

Rehearsals begin Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Christmas Show: December 11, 12 and 13, 2026

The Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus will start rehearsals on Tuesday, August 18th, for their Christmas Show, December 11, 12 and 13, 2026. We will accept new members until September 15.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday evening at First Christian Church, 201 St Mary Ave, FWB. Please arrive at 6:30 pm to sign in and get music. The FWBCC has been entertaining the Emerald Coast since 1975. We do two shows each year, Spring and Christmas.

As a non-profit organization, we award music scholarships each year to graduating seniors who will be continuing their music education at the college level. If you have any questions please contact us at fwbcc1975@gmail.com.

Coastal Weddings Expo

Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 12:30–4 p.m.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Getting married? Connect with leading wedding professionals at the Coastal Weddings Expo Destin. Meet local venues, photographers, caterers, florists and other vendors while enjoying tastings, mocktails, live demonstrations, music, exclusive show specials and more than $3,000 in prizes and giveaways. The event will also feature a luxury bridal runway show highlighting the latest wedding designs from Dare Bridal Boutique.

VIP admission — 12:30 p.m. and includes early entry, an upgraded welcome bag and five raffle tickets. General admission — 1 p.m. and includes a welcome bag and one raffle ticket. Purchase tickets at coastalweddings.ticketspice.com/wedding-expo-destin. Learn more at coastalweddingsmagazine.com.

Wine & Fries: Golden Hour for Good

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
The Alice | Destin

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida’s signature fundraiser returns with waterfront views, wine, local brews, McDonald’s famous French fries, live entertainment and auctions. Proceeds help families remain close to children receiving medical treatment.

Tickets are $115. Purchase tickets at givebutter.com/c/wine-and-fries.

End-of-Summer DJ Pool Party and Beach Ball Drop

Sept. 5 | Noon–4 p.m.
The Grotto Pool | The Island Resort, FWB

Make a splash and celebrate the end of summer with an afternoon of music and poolside fun at The Island Resort. Dance to upbeat tunes from the DJ, cool off in the Grotto Pool and don’t miss the colorful beach ball drop from the Grotto!

Labor Day Weekend Celebration and Fireworks

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 | Celebration from 6–9 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.
HarborWalk Village | Destin Harbor

Celebrate Labor Day weekend along the Destin Harbor, followed by a fireworks show lighting up the sky at 9 p.m. Watch from the boardwalk, the water or a waterfront table.

The celebration is free and open to the public.

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 information, contact tournament director 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. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available; contact Amy Walsh at amy@foreher.org.

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.

10th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival

Oct. 15–18
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.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit dcwaf.org/harvest-festival for the complete schedule and ticket information.