The Diary of Anne Frank – March 14-23
Step into history and witness the powerful true story of hope, courage and resilience. Stage Crafters presents, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” March 14-23. Experience an unforgettable performance that brings Anne’s words to life on stage. Don’t miss this moving production that will stay with you long after the final curtain. Tickets: www.StageCraftersFWB.com or www.ticketor.com/stagecrafters.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run – March 15
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and kick off St. Paddy’s Day weekend in style! The Lucky Leprechaun 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run, organized by Run With It, Inc., takes place Saturday, March 15, at 8 AM at AJ’s on the Bayou in Fort Walton Beach.
Race Highlights
• Fast & Flat 5K Course – Run through the scenic Beachview neighborhood
• Huge Afterparty – Celebrate at AJ’s on the Bayou with food, brews, and live music
• One-of-a-Kind Finisher’s Medal – Guaranteed to the first 400 registrants who finish
• Awards for Runners & Walkers – Including Overall, Masters, Grandmasters, and age group categories
Not a fan of running 5Ks? No problem! The 1-Mile Fun Run offers a race T-shirt, finisher’s medal, and entry to the afterparty, but no age group awards.
Supporting a Great Cause: Proceeds from the event will benefit the Northwest Florida Track Club Fund, helping to maintain a rubberized track in Okaloosa County.
How to Register:
• Online registration closes Thursday, March 13, at midnight. In-person sign-ups available during packet pickup:
• Friday, March 14, 4-6 PM at Run With It (21 Racetrack Rd. NE, Fort Walton Beach)
• Saturday, March 15, 6:30-7:30 AM at AJ’s on the Bayou
This is a rain-or-shine event – no refunds! So, grab your green gear, dress up in festive St. Paddy’s Day costumes, and get ready for an exciting run, great company, and an unforgettable afterparty!
Sign Up Now & Join the Fun!
Location: AJ’s on the Bayou, 200 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach. Start: 8 AM, Saturday, March 15, 2025. More Info & Registration: https://runwithitfl.com. Don’t miss out—run, party, and celebrate like a true Lucky Leprechaun!
SeaLight Festival Continues!
Thursdays to Sundays, Now – April 13, 2025. Kaleido Entertainment presents a dazzling wonderland of light and Chinese culture, running January 30 through April 13, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., with last entrance at 8:30 p.m. at Seascape Golf, Beach & Tennis Resort in Miramar Beach. Tickets start at $24.99 for adults and $17.99 for children ages 12 and under. Purchase at sealightfestival.com. For more information, visit www.sealightfestival.com/destin.
Get Lucky 10K & Half Marathon – March 16
Start your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations with the 6th Annual Get Lucky Half Marathon & 10K on Sunday, March 16, at 7:30 AM at Ferry Park in Fort Walton Beach.
Race Highlights:
• Half Marathon & 10K Run/Walk – Scenic, fast & flat course through downtown Fort Walton Beach
• Aid Stations – 2 on the 10K course, 3 on the Half Marathon course
• Finisher’s Medals – Guaranteed to the first 75 finishers in each race
• Afterparty at Ferry Park Pavilions – Food, beer & soft drinks for all registered runners
Awards:
• Runners: Overall Male & Female, Masters, Grandmasters, Senior Grandmasters, plus top 3 in 5-year age groups
• Walkers: Top 3 Overall Male & Female
Packet Pickup:
• Friday, March 14, 4-6 PM at Run With It (21 Racetrack Rd NE, Fort Walton Beach)
• Race Day, Sunday, March 16, 6-7:15 AM at Ferry Park
Location: Ferry Park, 240 Hughes St NE, Fort Walton Beach. Start: 7:30 AM, Sunday, March 16, 2025. Register early to secure your finisher’s medal & race swag! Rain or shine event. No refunds. Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in style—sign up now and Get Lucky!
Mac & Cheese Festival at Destin Commons March 16
Join us at the Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, March 16 from 12-3 p.m. benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 7th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival. All proceeds from this event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.
Sixth Annual Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo – March 28-29
Freeport Regional Sports Complex
Dust off your boots and get ready to rodeo! The 6th Annual Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo presented by Builders FirstSource returns to the City of Freeport Sports Complex March 28th –29th, 2025. Come watch some of the nation’s top cowgirls and cowboys competing in the Professional Cowboy Association Circuit (PCA) – bring the family and friends for a fun-packed weekend!
Contestants will compete in events including Bareback Riding, Calf Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Ranch Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, Team Roping, and Bull Riding at the professionally sanctioned rodeo. Rodeo gates open at 6 p.m. with rodeo start at 7:30 p.m. each night. Spectators are encouraged to come early to enjoy pre-rodeo excitement including the kids’ gold rush, food vendors, children’s inflatable play area and more!
Westonwood Ranch is an organization whose mission and programs serve teens and young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). “We are so thankful for the partnership with Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Freeport, our community sponsors that make it possible to raise funds that help support our programs. So many youths with developmental disabilities miss irreplaceable opportunities to gain critical life skills and job skills needed to lead an independent life. These special individuals want the same thing as we do — to be fully participating members of society,” shared Lindy Wood, Founder of Westonwood Ranch.
Westonwood Ranch is located in Freeport and provides therapeutic programs designed to fill the transition gap from high school into adulthood by incorporating functional learning opportunities in a therapeutic farm environment. All net proceeds from the event go to support Westonwood Ranch programs.
Tickets at the gate for the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 years and younger. Free admission for children ages 2 and under. There will be no presale of tickets, so spectators are encouraged to arrive early. Westonwood Ranch is actively seeking additional local business sponsorships for this event. For more information about how to support the rodeo and Westonwood Ranch, email admin@westonwood.org or visit www.westonwood.org.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company: The Tortoise and the Hare: Fast Friends, Slow Foes March 29-30
Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents The Tortoise and the Hare: Fast Friends, Slow Foes at ECTC’s space in Grand Boulevard Town Center. The show will run March 29th at 9 a.m. and 30th at 2 p.m. In this madcap re-telling of The Tortoise and the Hare, the tortoise and hare just can’t get along. They’re constantly at odds and their feud becomes legendary among the woodland creatures. Can these two ever find common ground? Tickets and information can be found at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
Strength in Unity Conference and Business Expo – March 30
Celebrate Women’s History Month at Conexion Media Group’s Annual Strength in Unity Conference & Business Expo on Sunday, March 30, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at The Island Resort, Okaloosa Island (Maui & Capri Rooms). Join in for inspiring, motivational, national and regional speakers and breakout seminars and workshops! This event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and Corporate Sponsors and vendor spots are available. Sessions on Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Financial planning multicultural entertainment will take place! Some proceeds from the event will be donated to a charity or non-profit that serves women! For more information, contact David at 850-368-3505 or conexionflorida@gmail.com.
Sandestin Wine Festival April 10-13
The 38th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will take place April 10-13. Topping area polls as a must-experience event, this beloved festival offers four full days of unique events including wine dinners with celebrity chefs, yoga, live music, interactive experiences, culinary tents, and of course wine tastings. Tickets, schedule and lodging info: www.sandestinwinefestival.com.
Wine novices are able to learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection in all varieties, styles, and price ranges. Wine aficionados enjoy meeting winemakers, asking detailed questions, and acquiring hard to get selections. Everyone gets to enjoy the live music, interactive experiences at the Culinary tents, and shops and dining of the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
DCWAF Celebrates 20 Years of Giving – April 25-26
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) marks 20 years of fundraising with the 2025 Destin Charity Wine Auction, presented by the Jumonville Family, on April 25-26. Proceeds benefit 17 children’s charities in Northwest Florida. Patron packages are on sale now at dcwaf.org/tickets. Sponsorships available—contact info@dcwaf.org.
April 26 – Charity Wine Auction: A Reserve Tasting & Live Auction at Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center featuring world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, and high-energy bidding on rare wines, trips, and more.
The auction coincides with the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, offering hundreds of premium wines and culinary delights. Auction attendees receive access to the festival’s Grand Tasting on April 27 at 1 p.m. Learn more at dcwaf.org/auction.
Grand Boulevard Lawn Games Fridays & Saturdays
Bring the entire family out to Grand Boulevard to enjoy some fun! Spring Lawn Games will take over Grand Park from 5-8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through April 25. Grab some food and drinks from one of the many restaurants in Grand Boulevard before you settle in to a fun round of corn hole, giant lawn chess, checkers and more.
