Around Town Events FWB

Solve the Mystery at Stage Crafters’ Murder’s in the Heir

Aug. 15–24, 2025 | Fri.–Sat. 7:30 p.m. | Sun. 2 p.m. | Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

Get ready to play detective at Stage Crafters’ latest production, Murder’s in the Heir, running Aug. 15–24 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. This interactive murder mystery comedy lets the audience decide “whodunit”—so no two shows are alike!

The plot centers around eccentric millionaire Simon Starkweather, whose family and staff gather for the reading of his will—only for murder to strike before the night is through. At intermission, you’ll cast your vote for the killer, influencing the play’s ending and adding to the fun. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 (with discounts for students and seniors) and available at stagecraftersfwb.com or via Ticketor.

Stage Crafters is Florida’s longest-running community theatre, delighting local audiences with all-volunteer productions for more than five decades. Don’t miss your chance to help solve this “killer” mystery!

SOF Missions Gala Honors Heroes Sept. 13

Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 | Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

Shield of Faith (SOF) Missions hosts its 9th Annual Emerald Coast Gala on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. This year’s theme, Military Code: RED—Resilience, Empowerment, Determination—honors warriors including veterans, active-duty service members and first responders. Guests will enjoy a formal red-themed evening with dinner, dessert, live music by Thin Ice, auctions and a keynote address from a distinguished warrior guest. Proceeds benefit SOF’s Be Resilient Clinics and Warrior Retreats, which provide no-cost, comprehensive care for those struggling with suicide and mental health challenges.

Tickets are $100 and include dinner, dessert and one drink. Sponsorships available. Formal red attire encouraged. Tickets and further details: sofmissions.org/gala

LadyWorld Festival – Pop Culture, Podcasts & Power Vibes

Sept. 26–28 | Seascape Resort, Miramar Beach

The LadyGang is back with LadyWorld 2025, an immersive weekend escape packed with pop culture, comedy, music, and inspiration. This 3-day retreat features powerhouse headliners like Hannah Berner and the Girls Gotta Eat podcast duo, plus Kaitlyn Bristowe, Rachel Lindsay, Stassi Schroeder, and more.

Dive into glam workshops, wellness events, live podcasts, signature cocktails, photo ops, and plenty of Instagrammable moments! Multiple ticket tiers and accommodation options available. VIPs get exclusive merch, private planning access and more.

Grab your girlfriends and get your passes at Ladyworld.co

10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival – A Decade of Delicious!

Saturday, Oct. 11 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | The Market Shops, Miramar Beach

Get ready to Eat, Drink, and B MARY! Celebrate 10 years of bold flavors and brunch vibes at the 10th Annual Bloody Mary Festival, powered by Step One Automotive Group. Sample unlimited creative bloody marys from the area’s best restaurants and bars—loaded with over-the-top garnishes from grilled cheese to sushi.

Also enjoy craft brews, bubbly, food vendors, live music, a cigar bar, and SEC football on the big screen. 21+ only. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity – Walton County.

Info and tickets: TheMarketShops.com/Bloody-Mary-Festival

Lyrics on the Harbor: Destin’s First Songwriter Festival Debuts This Fall

October 10–11, 2025 | Heron Harbor, Destin

For the first time, our historic Destin Harbor will echo with the stories behind the songs you love. The inaugural Destin Songwriter Festival arrives October 10–11, 2025, transforming Heron Harbor (314 Harbor Blvd.) into two days of music, storytelling and coastal beauty.

Expect free daytime performances on three side stages at harbor-front bars and restaurants, followed by ticketed evening headliner shows on the Main Stage — all set against the beautiful Destin Harbor. Acclaimed songwriters from throughout the country will share intimate acoustic sets and the inspiration behind their hits, creating an unforgettable experience for music lovers and storytellers alike.

Tickets & Details

GA 2-Day Pass: $60

GA Friday or Saturday: $35/day

VIP Table (2-Day): $1,000

Main Stage shows require GA or VIP tickets; side stages are free.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation Song, a nonprofit helping veterans and military families heal through songwriting.

Visit DestinSongwritersFestival.com to learn more and get your tickets.

Annual FWB Greek Festival Returns!

Oct. 17–19, 2025 | Sts. Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church | FREE

Fri. 4–8 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 

The parishioners of Sts. Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Mary Esther invite the community to their annual Greek Festival Oct. 17–19., where you’ll feel you’ve been transported to Greece—sitting under a canopy, enjoying delicious food with family and friends, while music and dancers provide you with enchanting entertainment. Held on the church grounds (104 Bryn Mawr Blvd., Mary Esther), the festival celebrates Greek culture with authentic food, pastries, coffee, music, dancing, vendor booths and children’s activities. Church tours, including newly completed icons, will also be offered. And don’t forget the scrumptious desserts with a Greek coffee! Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience this lively weekend of Greek tradition– the sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece! More information: greekfestfwb.com or call 850-244-0822.

Eggs on the Beach – Cook Team Registration Now Open!

Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Seascape Resort, Miramar Beach

Get fired up for the 11th Annual Eggs on the Beach, the beloved Big Green Egg cooking competition hosted by Bay Breeze Patio! This family-friendly foodie fest brings together backyard grillers, chefs, and nonprofit teams to serve up creative, bite-sized samples hot off the Egg to a hungry crowd and a panel of honorary judges.

Compete for trophies, cash prizes, a brand new Big Green Egg, and the coveted “People’s Choice” title. Registered cook teams receive commemorative t-shirts, rubs, and an Egg to use onsite. Nonprofit teams also compete for donations toward their mission.

Proceeds benefit Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought, two impactful local charities serving military families and food-insecure children.

Taster tickets go on sale soon, and Demo Eggs used at the event are available for pre-sale at a discount! Whether you’re grilling or grazing, you won’t want to miss this smokin’ hot event.

Sign up or sponsor at EggsOnTheBeach.com or call (850) 269-4666.