No matter how you choose to spend your spring days, 30A and South Walton offer endless ways to make new memories — from scenic festivals and family-friendly fun to one-of-a-kind local traditions. Be sure to check event details before you go, and keep an eye out for even more coastal happenings as the season unfolds. See you out there!
Good Friday Concert | Alys Beach
- Friday, April 18
Enjoy a Good Friday Concert with Soul Sensations in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre, 6–8 pm. Bring low-back chairs and blankets!
Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt | Camp Helen at Inlet Beach
- Saturday, April 19, 10-2
The 2025 Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, presented by The Friends of Camp Helen State Park will be Saturday, April 19. Guests are encouraged to visit the park anytime between 10 am-2 pm. Upon arrival, kids should pick up their cards, divided into three different age groups: 1-4, 5-7, and 8+, from the check-in table. Kids and their parents can explore the beauty of Camp Helen State Park while learning about the history and natural resources of the park from the clues on the card. Once all six colors have been collected, participants return the cards and eggs to the volunteers at the tables on the porch of the Historic Lodge for a special prize. Attendees can also enjoy kayak rentals on Lake Powell, the Largest Coastal Dune Lake in the Northern Hemisphere.
Easter Celebration | Seaside
- Sunday, April 20, 11-2
Bring the whole family for a day filled with complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny, live music, face painting, and exciting activities for kids. Our Easter Egg Hunt has over 25,000 eggs and kicks off at 12:30 pm for the little ones, followed by another hunt for older kids. Don't miss out on the festive atmosphere and cherished memories waiting to be made at our Easter eggstravaganza in Seaside!
Earth Day & Lori Ceier Celebration of Life at Camp Helen State Park
- Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 to 8 pm
Along with Earth Day, Camp Helen State Park will host a Celebration of Life for Lori Ceier on Tuesday, April 22, from 6:30 to 8 pm. Gather with friends as we remember Lori's extraordinary contributions to the South Walton outdoor community and beyond.
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival: Winemakers & Shakers | Grand Boulevard
- Thursday-Sunday, April 24-27
Kick off the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival at Winemakers & Shakers on Thursday, April 24, from 5–7 pm. Wine World in Destin, savor some excellent wines, and mingle with industry experts.
A dazzling roster of celebrity winemakers, mixologists, and chefs will converge for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival in Grand Boulevard Town Center to wine, dine, educate, and entertain guests as part of the four-day celebration of wine, spirits, food, music, fun, and goodwill.
Over 600 wines are available to taste at the SoWal Wine Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. The ticket price includes access to the Savor South Walton Culinary Village, Tasting Seminars, Spirits Row, and Celebrity Chefs.
Biophilia Center Earth Day Expo
- Saturday, April 26, 10 am
Join E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center for a vibrant and informative Earth Day Expo! The event will bring together local environmental community groups, advocates, and eco-conscious businesses. The first 400 guests will receive a special event swag bag. No pets are permitted on site.
- $10 for adults
- $7 for kids (4+)
- Members get it free!
Presented by Chelco Operation Round Up , the Earth Day Expo will feature inspiring presentations from local environmental organizations like Vale of Paradise Mushrooms & GrowYoSelf. You'll have the chance to engage with passionate speakers and learn practical tips on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, plant food forests, supporting native landscapes and more!
Learn more about the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and become a member: eowilsoncenter.org.
30A Cornhole Tournament at Rosemary Beach
- Saturday, April 26, 10 am to 3 pm
Rosemary Beach Foundation invites you to come out for a day of friendly competition at the 11th annual 30A Corn Hole Tournament in Rosemary Beach. Registration begins at 10 am, featuring a round-robin followed by a single elimination format. The two-member team Corn Hole Tournament will be held on East Long Green. Players must be 21+ years of age. Matching theme attire is encouraged.
Tickets: cornhole30a.com. Consider bringing your team and/or sponsoring the event.
During Autism Awareness Month, the 2025 Tournament benefits the Rosemary Beach Foundation and charitable partners, Special Olympics-Florida (Walton County) and Westonwood Ranch.
Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery Spring Harvest Festival | Defuniak Springs
- Saturday, April 26, 9 am to 5 pm
The Chautauqua Winery's Spring Festival at Chautauqua Winery in Defuniak Springs is a FREE admission festival featuring live music, complimentary wine tastings, and purchase art & craft vendors plus food trucks.
Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery is "Florida Farm Winery Certified" and has 50 acres of Carlos and Noble Muscadine grapes, which have been growing since 1979. Learn more: chautauquawinery.com
Great Blue Heron Festival at Old Florida Fish House | Seagrove
- Saturday, April 26, 10 am to 2 pm
Join Old Florida Fish House and YOLO for fun on the water at The Great Blue Heron Festival, a paddleboard competition like no other. Beginning at 10 am on Saturday, April 26, compete solo or with a team of four as you race across the waves for glory. After the competition, stick around for live music all day, plus delicious food and drinks available for purchase.
Race Entry Fee:
$35 per person | $140 per team
Boasting incredible views of Eastern Lake, Old Florida Fish House is focused on providing a memorable dining experience. Open lunch and dinner, Fish House serves traditional Old Florida fresh seafood and a sushi experience like no other. Learn more: oldfloridafishhouse.com
C.A.R.E. on the Coast: A Sea Turtle Spectacle | Ft Walton Beach
- Saturday, April 26, 3:30 pm to 7 pm
Join the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center at the sea turtle fundraiser, C.A.R.E. on the Coast! This family-friendly event will include after-hours access to the Gulfarium, food and beverage vendors, a dolphin presentation, live music, a silent auction, raffles, and more!
For more information and to purchase tickets, https://gulfarium.com
The event will also include a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing a stranded or injured sea turtle, with tours of the C.A.R.E. Center and hands-on activities with the C.A.R.E. Center team.
All proceeds for this event will directly benefit the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center and its sea turtle conservation efforts.
Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Golf Classic
- Monday, April 28, 8 am
Join the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce for the Annual Spring Classic at Eagle Springs Golf, Recreation Center, and Restaurant in DeFuniak Springs. Registration begins at 8 am, and the tournament will start with a shotgun start at 9 am.
Register online Spring Golf Classic or email gabrielle@waltonareachamber.com.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice eager to hit the fairways, this event promises excitement, camaraderie, and memories to last a lifetime. Don't miss out on the ultimate golfing experience of the season!
DINE + DIVE UMA Fundraiser
- Wednesday, April 30, 6 pm to 9 pm
Join the Cultural Arts Alliance for an evening to benefit the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). DINE + DIVE, a fine art, food and wine UMA Fundraiser takes place at Grand Park in the heart of Grand Boulevard. Purchase tickets and learn more: DINE + DIVE
View several UMA sculptures, enjoy a full cash bar with specialty drinks, meet and greet with the artists, and taste featured items from popular area restaurants and celebrated Chefs, all while listening to live music from headliner J & The Causeways.
The DIVE + DINE fundraising event is the official kick-off for Art Month South Walton and will celebrate the Underwater Museum of Art's 7th installation with a night of art, dancing, cocktails, food, and fun!
The UMA is a presentation of the CAA's 'Art in Public Spaces' program in partnership with the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA). Its purpose is to create marine habitats and expand fishery populations while providing enhanced creative, cultural, economic, and educational opportunities for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of residents, students, and visitors in South Walton.
Learn more:
Follow CAA on Facebook
Grayton Locals Market
- Thursday, May 1, 10 am to 2 pm
The Grayton Locals Market returns to Grayton Beach, Florida! Featuring a rotating selection of fresh food products and craft goods, the Locals Market is open Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm in the Backyard of Love at Hibiscus Guest House on DeFuniak Street.
Follow Graytonlocalsmarket on social media for market dates & updates.
Hard to find parking? Park and ride the Grayton Beach tram at Grayton Central on C.R. 283 just north of Hwy 30A. It's convenient, free and easy. Ask the shuttle driver about the nearest stop to the market! The trams operate daily/nightly for easy access to downtown Grayton Beach for shopping, dining and beaching.
Dash for the Roses: Get Down and Derby Garden Party | Watersound
- Friday, May 2, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
RSVP by April 30
Hats, horses, pageantry, oh my! Watersound Fountains will host the Dash for the Roses: Get Down and Derby Garden Party, giving the fillies and thoroughbreds a run for their money. The fun includes live music, signature beverages, gourmet light bites, and roses at the festive pre-race celebration. Wear your boldest, fanciest, and most creative hat for a chance to win a special prize.
Call 850-446-0131 to RSVP by April 30.
Visit https://www.watermarkcommunities.com/.../watersound.../to learn about active living for those 62 and better on the Emerald Coast near 30A.
The Wild West Meets The Kentucky Derby Benefit
- Saturday, May 3, from 4 pm to 9 pm
Calling all cowgirls and cowboys! Join the EO Wilson Biophilia Center Women of Nature for a rootin’-tootin’ good time at The Wild West Meets the Kentucky Derby Benefit. Enjoy line dancing lessons, a live country DJ, a mouthwatering BBQ feast, and a viewing of the Kentucky Derby. Western attire encouraged—dust off those boots and hats!
Tickets are $65 for Women of Nature members and $70 for general admission. Each ticket includes dinner, one drink ticket, and all entertainment. Proceeds benefit the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.
Learn more about the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and join: eowilsoncenter.org.
30Avenue Cinco de Derby
- Saturday, May 3, 3 pm to 7 pm
Get ready for the ultimate fusion of festivity as Cinco de Derby takes over 30Avenue. This one-of-a-kind event blends the Kentucky Derby's thrill with Cinco de Mayo's vibrant energy, bringing an unforgettable afternoon of racing, revelry, and celebration.
Guests can sip on mint juleps and margaritas, don their finest big hats and Derby attire, and enjoy an exciting Derby viewing experience. But that's not all—this party comes with a Big Hat Contest and a piñata- smash fiesta, adding a festive twist!
Whether cheering for the fastest horse or swinging for the best prizes, Cinco de Derby at 30Avenue is an event you won't want to miss.
30 Avenue is the premier lifestyle venue along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast where shopping, food, and fun meet, work, and play. Located in Inlet Beach, FL at the intersection of Highway 98 and Scenic Highway 30A with generous parking, 30Avenue is the perfect place to visit with friends and family. thirtyavenue.com
Alaqua Animal Refuge FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament | Sandestin
- Saturday, May 3, 8:30 am
Support Alaqua Animal Refuge at the 4th Annual "FORE! The Love of Animals" golf tournament fundraiser at the Links Golf Club Sandestin. Register today: https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/fore-the-love-of-animals-2025
Join the tournament and stay for the "Yappy Hour", where you can enjoy food and beverage, raffles, auctions, entertainment, the awards ceremony, and make some new furry friends.
SCHEDULE:
The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
8:30am Check-In | Breakfast and Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
10 am Shotgun Start | Scramble Format
Post-Tournament "Yappy Hour" Awards Ceremony. Hors d'oeuvres, Beer & Wine, Raffle. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams & Most Spirited | Closest to the Hole (ladies and men's) | Closest to the Snake
Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected, and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter, and care to needy animals. Learn more: alaqua.org
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
- Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4
The 37th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival takes place May 3 & 4, 2025 at Grand Boulevard in South Walton, Florida. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 200 artists from around the country while also experiencing live musical entertainment, ImagiNation (where kids rule), student exhibits, and great food & beverage options in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. A $5 donation will be accepted at the entrance gate.
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival at Grand Boulevard
Saturday, May 3: 10 AM - 7 pm
Sunday, May 4: 10 AM - 5 pm
ArtsQuest is a juried show that includes artists in the categories of Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oils & Acrylics, Original Digital Art, Photography, Sculpture, Wood and Works on Paper (Watercolor, Printmaking, Pastels, Pencils, Ink). ArtsQuest awards $10,000 in cash prizes.
ART MATTERS
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is a Local Arts Agency that supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs, and education. The CAA's vision is to catalyze Walton County's growth as a destination for cultural and artistic excellence through which lives are enriched, the economy is stimulated, and the community is strengthened. Join the CAA and support the arts in South Walton, Florida: culturalartsalliance.com.
Grand Boulevard is located in Miramar Beach near the entrance to Sandestin. The lifestyle center features exclusive shops, fine dining, lush green space, and contemporary accommodations. For a list of shops, restaurants, movie show times, and events, please visit www.grandboulevard.com.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company: Legally Blonde The Musical | Grand Boulevard
- May 2 - 18
- Thurs - Sat: 7 pm
- Sundays & Wednesdays: 2 pm
Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents Legally Blonde The Musical.
Tickets and information can be found at www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, "Legally Blonde: The Musical" follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Very few people believe in the super blonde, pink-wearing sorority girl, but she manages to surprise them when she defies expectations while staying true to herself. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun it should be illegal!
- To make a tax-deductible donation, volunteer or learn more about Emerald Coast Theatre Company, find them on Facebook, call (850) 684-0323 and visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
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