Concerts at The Landing
Fridays, Sept. 11-Oct. 23 | 6 to 8 p.m.Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 Brooks St. SE | FWBBring a lawn chair or blanket for eight weeks of free concerts at the newly renovated waterfront park in downtown Fort Walton Beach. The city presents the series in partnership with Dan Collins Entertainment and 102.1 The Wave.
The fall lineup includes:
- Sept. 11: Sons of Saints — rock ’n’ roll variety.
- Sept. 18: Saucy FuzZ — alternative, indie and funk rock.
- Sept. 25: Black Eyed Blonde — rock variety.
- Oct. 2: Below Alabama — country and Southern rock.
- Oct. 9: Cat Rhodes & The Truth — blues, funk and neo-soul.
- Oct. 16: Chase Mitchell Band — country and Southern rock.
- Oct. 23: Rockstarfish — party rock variety.
Emerging Choreographers’ Project Blackbox
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 11-12 | 7:30 p.m. each night
Northwest Florida Ballet Studios | FWB
Northwest Florida Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with this intimate, dancer-led production featuring original ballet and contemporary works choreographed by selected company members. A visual art exhibition by NFB Académie students will accompany the performances.
Individual tickets are $30. Subscribers may purchase tickets for $26 each with a season subscription. Visit nfballet.org.
From 9/11 to Today: Strength in Every Long Walk
Saturday, Sept. 12 | Memorial workout at 8 a.m.; dinner and panel discussion at 4:30 p.m.
EOD Training Squadron | Eglin Air Force Base; The Island Resort, Maui Ballroom | FWB
The EOD Warrior Foundation will commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a day honoring the legacy of the 137 explosive ordnance disposal service members who lost their lives during the Global War on Terror.
“One Last Sweat for the EOD 137,” a memorial workout honoring the community’s strength, resilience and sacrifice, begins at 8 a.m. The evening dinner and panel discussion will feature stories and reflections on the lasting impact of Sept. 11.
Registration is required.
The Church at Shalimar’s 75th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, Sept. 13 | 11 a.m., followed by an anniversary lunch
The Church at Shalimar, 1 Old Ferry Road | Shalimar
The Church at Shalimar welcomes friends, former members and the community to celebrate its 75th anniversary with one combined worship service featuring former pastor Larry Bryars as guest preacher. An anniversary lunch will follow in the Family Life Center.
The church traces its beginnings to June 17, 1951, when members of First United Methodist Church of Fort Walton Beach organized a worship service in the concession stand of the Florida Drive-In Movie Theatre, just off Eglin Parkway in Shalimar. The gathering planted a new congregation in what was then a largely rural area.
Over the years, the church built two sanctuaries, with the older one now serving its music team. It added education wings in the 1960s, started a preschool in 1972 and built the Family Life Center in 1996 to accommodate contemporary worship and community events. Members also helped establish Sharing and Caring, the Ben Gordon Visitation Center, now Safe Connections, and Children in Crisis.
Three-Dimensional Art Exhibition
Sept. 15-Oct. 9 | Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, 17 First St. SE | FWB
Explore sculptures, ceramics, woodwork, glass, fiber art and mixed media in this exhibition featuring three-dimensional works by local and regional artists.
A free opening reception takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, offering an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy an evening of art and conversation. The exhibition remains on display during regular gallery hours through Oct. 9.
For information, visit artsdesignsociety.org.
Rally on the Court Tennis and Pickleball Tournament
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26 | Pickleball at 5 p.m. Friday; tennis time TBA for Saturday
Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center, 45 West Audrey Drive NW | FWB
The city of Fort Walton Beach and USTA Florida host a weekend of tennis and pickleball benefiting the Rally Foundation and its support of childhood cancer research. Proceeds help fund research into better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.
Entry is $47 per player, recognizing the 47 children diagnosed with cancer each day in the United States. Players and spectators are welcome.
Register at fundraise.rallyfoundation.org/event/rally-on-the-court-2026/e819899.
The tennis center is owned by the city and operated by USTA Florida. For information, call 850-344-0230 or visit fwbtenniscenter.com. Learn more about the beneficiary at rallyfoundation.org.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 3 to 6 p.m.
Ferry Park, 240 Hughes St. NE | FWB
Join Shelter House for a community walk raising awareness and funds to support local survivors of domestic violence. Participate individually or gather friends, family or co-workers to form a team. Heels, sneakers and comfortable footwear are welcome.
Preregister by Sept. 10 to guarantee a shirt on walk day. Sign up using the event flyer’s QR code. For information, visit shelterhousenwfl.org or call 850-243-1201.
Night at the Museum
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave. | Valparaiso
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida brings America’s 250th anniversary to life with costumed portrayals of historical figures. The evening also includes drinks, appetizers, photo opportunities and a silent auction.
Admission is $60 per person and $50 for museum members. For information, call 850-678-2615 or email assistant@heritage-museum.org or manager@heritage-museum.org.
11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Market Shops | Miramar Beach
Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy unlimited tastes of creative Bloody Marys prepared by area restaurants, bars and caterers, along with local food samples, live music, champagne, craft beer, seltzers, a cigar bar, SEC football, a photo booth and shopping.
Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, while local celebrities and food critics select the overall and Best Accoutrement winners. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity–Walton County and its work to provide stable, affordable housing for local families.
Purchase tickets at themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
