Around Town Events in Fort Walton Beach Feb. 2024

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The SeaLight Festival Debuts at Seascape Resort
A dazzling world of light featuring more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns comes to the Panhandle following roaring success in New York City, Atlanta and Washington D.C. The SeaLight Festival is making its Florida debut following three consecutive years of sell-out runs in New York City, Atlanta and Washington D.C., where it welcomed more than 500,000 guests. On Thursdays – Sundays from 5-9 p.m., Feb. 1 to March 31, 2024, Seascape Resort will undergo a breathtaking transformation into an extraordinary world of illumination. This captivating spectacle will feature over 1,000 handcrafted Chinese lanterns and lights, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. Tickets, all ages, start from $17.99 children and $25.99 adults. Purchase at sealightfestival.com.

Sealights 1

Baytowne Mardi Gras Street Pardi Feb. 13
Break out the beads and get ready for a night to remember at the Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi Tues. Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m., join the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a festive Fat Tuesday celebration complete with music from Boukou Groove, street performers, entertainers and more. The post-pardi celebration continues into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments. No cost to attend.

Seaside Race Feb. 16-18
Benefiting the Seaside School, Inc., public charter school, the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, presented by SEASIDE®, launches its 22nd Race Weekend, Feb. 16-18. Registration for the 5K is $95 and the half marathon is $130. Exclusive VIP experiences for both racers and spectators are also available for $125 with dedicated parking or $95 without parking. Kids can also take part in the VIP experience for just $25 [limited to two kids per adult]. Weekend parking passes are also available for purchase. Military personnel, first responders and teachers are eligible for a $20 discount upon presentation of valid identification. The half marathon (13.1 miles) starts at 7 a.m. and the 5K (3.1 miles) at 7:30 a.m., on Sun., Feb. 18. Both races – the half marathon and 5K – start in the town of Seaside with an out-and-back run along the coastal dune lakes of Scenic Hwy. 30A. To register, visit runseasidefl.com.

Volkswagen FWB Blood Drive Feb. 17
Join Volkswagen Fort Walton Beach for a blood drive in collaboration with One Blood and the Big Red Bus on Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will receive a $20 E-gift card and a stylish long sleeve shirt.

Tropical Reunion Wedding Vow Renewal at LuLu’s Feb. 17
Looking for the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day present for your spouse? Celebrate your love and commitment by officially renewing your wedding vows at LuLu’s Tropical Re-Union on Sat., Feb. 17, 1 to 3 p.m. at Lulu’s at the foot of the Mid Bay Bridge. Couples should pre-register at the restaurant or LuLu’s website, so LuLu’s can have special Certificates of Reunion ready. There will be complimentary champagne toasts, wedding cake, flowers for the “brides” and photos for the couples. Prizes will be awarded to the couples who were married the longest, shortest and dressed the most festively. To register or for more information, visit www.LulusFunFoodMusic.com/destin or call (850) 710-5858.

Subaru Fort Walton Beach Pet Adoption with PAWS (February 17, 2024)
Subaru Fort Walton Beach partners with the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society for a pet adoption event, Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to meet and adopt dogs and cats in need of loving homes.

Pursue the Roux at the 35th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Fest Feb. 24
Gumbo Anyone? This winter festival favorite is back for its 35th year at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Feb. 24, 12-4 p.m. Gulf Coast restaurants will compete for the title of ‘Best Gumbo on the Emerald Coast.” Vote for your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner as celebrity judges deliberate over who will take home the top prize. The afternoon will also feature live music and children’s activities.

Calling all Shrimp & Grits Enthusiasts! Feb. 24
Don’t miss out on the 5th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival on February 24th, 12-4 p.m. at Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Delight your taste buds with creative twists on this classic southern dish from local chefs, sip on refreshing drinks, groove to a live DJ and cast your vote for the best Shrimp and Grits on the Emerald Coast. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-shrimp-grits-festival-tickets-741754897867.

Celebrate the Arts!
Join our community and Striving for Perfection Ministries as they host the Alliance of Ebony Artists 5th Annual Black Arts Festival Sat., Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at 24 Bass Ave SW, in Fort Walton Beach. Celebrate arts and music by local artists. Visit creativeinnetvisions.com or call Art at 850.357.1083.

Many Will Enter; Only One Will be Grill Master!
The first Annual Charity Grill Off hosted by Auxiliary Unit 235 and Riders Post 235 will be held Sat., Feb. 24, 105 p.m. at American Legion Post 235, 105 Hollywood Blvd. N.W., Fort Walton. Vendor booths available at 850.243.0221. Entry fee for grillers per category: Members/Veterans—$25; Non-members—$35. General admission $20.

Florida Power and Light Economic Symposium March 5-6
The annual FPL Northwest Florida Economic Symposium will take place on March 5-6 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. An annual signature event, the Symposium focuses on strengthening collaboration throughout Northwest Florida communities and fostering discussions and engagement in community and economic opportunities with challenging, thought-provoking speakers. Register at fplsymposium.com.

Wear Shades of Pink! Women United Brunch & Bubbly March 9
Join the ladies of Women United for Brunch and Bubbly presented by Florida Power & Light. Sat., March 9, at 10:30 am located at The Venue at Beach Weekend 109 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach. Contributions support the work of United Way Emerald Coast and Women United to provide mental health resources, access, and education to local women and girls. Tickets available for purchase at united-way.org/womenunited.

Dust Off Your Boots and Get Ready to Rodeo! March 22-23
The 5th Annual Westonwood Ranch Pro Rodeo returns March 22-23 to the City of Freeport Sports Complex. The professionally sanctioned rodeo benefits Westonwood Ranch, an organization whose mission and programs serve teens and young adults with Autism and related developmental disorders.

Come watch some of the nation’s top cowgirls and cowboys compete. Contestants will compete in events including bareback riding, calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, barrel racing, team roping and bull riding. Rodeo gates open at 6 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. each night. Come early to enjoy live pre-rodeo entertainment at 6:30 by David Gautreau, food vendors, a children’s inflatable play area and more! Tickets for the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo are sold at the gate: $20 adults; $15 children 12 years and younger. Free admission for children ages 2 and under. No ticket presales. Want to become a business sponsor? Email admin@westonwood.org or visit westonwood.org.

Soiree on the Bay: Act III for CVHN March 8 & 9
The good times will roll with fine wine, food and spirits at the Soiree on the Bay: Act III, benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). In its third year, presented by the Dugas Family, the Soiree will take place on their stunning estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach. Friday and Saturday’s events will feature indulgent cuisine by Cafe Thirty-A, and exclusive wine tastings by 20+ notable vintners from throughout the nation. Tickets are $1,000 per person, which includes Friday and Saturday’s festivities. Proceeds from the event benefit CVHN’s mission to eliminate the barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare and free dental services for children in need through mobile solutions for children in need in Okaloosa and Walton counties. To purchase tickets, visit www.cvhnkids.org.