Can't-Miss South Walton Events from Feb 15 - Mar 15

Spring is just around the corner, and 30A is bursting with events that bring art, music, food, and community together in the most delightful ways. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, this season's lineup has something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best happenings along 30A from mid-February to mid-March—so grab your calendar and start planning!

CAA Spring Show Special Exhibit at Coastal Branch Library

Saturday, February 15 | 10 am to Noon

Friends of the Coastal Branch Library & Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County invite you to meet the artists and see the artwork of The Spring Show Special Exhibit currently on display at the Coastal Branch Library. Enjoy coffee and light breakfast bites, all while connecting with fellow art enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. All ages are welcome. Learn More

2025 SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K: EXPO

Saturday, February 15 | 12:00 to 4:00 pm

The Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K will occur Feb. 14th - 16th, 2025, in Seaside, Florida. The multi-day charity race weekend kicks off with the coastal cuisine event Taste of the Race on Friday night, then proceeds to a fun-for-all-ages Race Expo on Saturday, and culminates on Sunday morning with the running of the half marathon + 5K along the iconic Highway 30A starting and finishing in Seaside.

For more information and to register, visit runseasidefl.com.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Guided Plant Walk

Monday, February 17 | 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler for a Guided Plant Stroll on the third Monday of each month. The stroll begins at Tram Stop #2. This program is free with regular park admission. 

Park programs are made possible by Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. For more information, visit topsailparkfriends.org.

30A Wine Festival

Thursday - Sunday, February 20 - February 23

The 30A Wine Festival, underwritten by The Alys Foundation, returns to the beautiful community of Alys Beach for its 13th year. Cleanse your palate and prepare for five days of exquisite wines, delectable dishes, and beautiful surroundings. Tickets are on sale now!

2025 30A Wine Festival Schedule:

Thursday, Feb. 20: Oysters + Champagne 6-8pm

Thursday, February 20: Tapas & Tequila 6–8 pm

Friday, February 21: Bourbon, Beer & Butts 6:30–9 pm

Saturday, February 22: Grand Tasting 3:30–6:30 pm

Sunday, February 23: Gospel Brunch 10 am-12 pm

Sunday, February 23: Rose & Croquet 12–3 pm

The festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites over four days of celebration – a series of events and workshops where wine enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike relish in the festivities within the captivating town of Alys Beach. 30awinefestival.com

All proceeds from the festival benefit the Children's Volunteer Health Network, a local charity that provides health services to uninsured or underinsured school children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties.

Camp Helen Americana Music at the Lodge

Saturday, February 22 | 6 pm to 8 pm

There are just two more shows left for the season! Tickets will be available for purchase for a suggested donation of $15 on the Friends of Camp Helen website, friendsofcamphelen.org

Feb. 22 | Mike & Maggy McKinney

March 1 | Pail Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald

Hops for Hounds

Sunday, February 23 | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Bring your four-legged friend to the 5th Annual Hops for Hounds event at Props Brewery Hammock Bay. The event will feature a short tail-wagging stroll through the Windmills and a lively after-party celebrating our beloved pets.

For $35 per person, you and your furry companion can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere featuring craft beer, live music, food trucks, and more. Rescue Animal Photography will sponsor professional photographs of you and your canine.

Dog-Harmony is a nonprofit organization in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, whose goal is to reduce the number of unwanted dogs at shelters through humane education and fear-free training for both people and dogs. Follow Dog Harmony on Facebook for updates on their training classes, events, and socials. Visit http://dog-harmony.org/ to learn more, volunteer, donate, adopt. 

Grayton Locals Market

Thursday's, February 27 - July 3 | 9:00 am to 1:00 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, February 27 - July 3, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Grayton Beach Surf Club on DeFuniak Street. 

Follow @Graytonlocalsmarket on social media for market dates & updates. 

Is it 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. 

DeFuniak Springs Home and Garden Show

Saturday, March 1 | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

The DeFuniak Springs Home and Garden Show occurs at the Fair Grounds in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

The show is a local marketplace where you can shop for home-related products and services, purchase unique decor and gifts from arts and crafts vendors, get products from local hobby farms, support small business owners, view displays to help inspire your next home project, connect with home improvement and real estate professionals, and enjoy informative presentations from local home and garden experts. Enjoy plant and food vendors as well as pet adoptions on-site. 

Want to bring your business to the DeFuniak Springs Home & Garden Show? Meet potential clients, generate leads for your business, sell your arts and crafts, and enjoy this special event. The 2025 DeFuniak Springs Home and Garden Show is now accepting vendors. Learn More

Camp Helen Roots and Wings XII Festival

Sunday, March 2 | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Capping off the 2025 Americana Concerts in the Lodge series, Camp Helen State Park presents the Roots and Wings XII Festival, featuring morning workshops and afternoon concerts by some of the finest touring Americana singer/songwriters in the country. Tickets are $50, including parking, lunch, concerts, and workshops. Scholarships will be offered to younger musicians.

Roots and Wings XII Festival

10 am: Workshop I - Guitar/Mandolin/Fiddle

Next: Workshop II - Vocal/Harmony

Next: Workshop III - Songwriting

1 pm - 1:45 pm: LUNCH

2 pm: Concerts Begin featuring Lucky Mud, Paul Kamm & Eleanore, & Wyatt Espalin

For more information, call (850) 233-5059, visit www.friendsofcamphelen.org, like Friends of Camp Helen State Park on Facebook, or email camphelenfriends@gmail.com.

Minds That Matter: A Benefit Concert featuring Sara Evans

WaterColor LakeHouse

Thursday, March 13 | 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

oin The Neurodiversity Resource of the Panhandle for Minds That Matter, an incredible evening with multi-platinum artist Sara Evans, acclaimed artist of "No Place That Far," "Suds in the Bucket," and "Born to Fly." Guests will hear first-hand stories behind the music while enjoying gourmet cuisine, libations, unique silent auction items, and an incredible concert.

Purchase Tickets:

Minds That Matter: A Benefit Concert

All funds from this event will be instrumental in continuing to support the families in the Florida Panhandle living with Neurodiversity, allowing children to receive the much-needed therapies and support they deserve.

Learn more: neurodiversefl.org