"Slices of 30A"

As summer crowds drift away and cooler breezes roll in, South Walton’s fall calendar is bursting with events. From seaside concerts and local theater to hands-on creative workshops and family-friendly traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendar and make plans now to be part of the fun!

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Guided Plant Walk

Monday, September 15 | 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Join Master Naturalist, Gardener Bill Kuenstler, as he leads a Guided Plant Stroll on the third Monday of each month.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, located on the west side of Scenic 30A in South Walton, offers a wide variety of natural resources, including 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall. Three rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing.

Wine & Song at NEAT

Tuesday, September 16 | 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Join NEAT in Alys Beach for Wine & Song every Tuesday. Enjoy four wines for $30 per person, or select a bottle from the Uncorked wine list to pair with your small plates and shareables from open to close. Wines will be posted every Tuesday on Facebook & Instagram. To find out more about this unique South Walton gem, visit alysbeach.com/neat/. 

Sounds of Seaside Concert Series

Wednesdays in September & October | 5 pm to 7 pm

Enjoy an evening of LIVE music in the Seaside Amphitheater on Wednesdays from 5 - 7pm. Sounds of SEASIDE features musicians ready to entertain the whole family. Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show. Free and open to all ages.

Seaside's Amphitheater is a beautiful green space in the heart of Central Square where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events. Learn more: seasidefl.com

CAA Cocktails & Clay at Distillery 98

Wednesday, September 17 | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Join the Cultural Arts Alliance for Cocktails & Clay – September Edition. Guided by local artist Sarah Bumanglag, you'll hand-build your own Witches or Warlock Luminaire – the perfect handmade touch for your fall & Halloween decor. Enjoy a complimentary craft cocktail (or mocktail) from Distillery 98, light bites, and a relaxed, creative evening with friends. No clay experience needed, bring your imagination. Sip, sculpt, and get spooky! 21+ Event | Spots are limited. Register at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at ECTC

September 18 - October 12 | Thurs - Sat: 7 pm or Wed & Sun: 2 pm

The inspiring true story of Carole King's remarkable rise to stardom as part of the hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin and her journey to become one of the most successful singer, songwriter and musicians in popular music history. Her credits include songs like "You've Got a Friend," "[You Make Me Feel Like] A Natural Woman," "It's Too Late," "I Feel the Earth Move," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," "So Far Away," and many more.

All ECTC productions will be staged at ECTC's space in Grand Boulevard Town Center, located in Miramar Beach, Florida. 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.

International Beach Cleanup South Walton

Saturday, September 20 | 8:00 am to 10:00 am

Keep Walton County Beautiful will host this year's International Coastal Cleanup. There will be cleanup contests with fun prizes, free event t-shirts, and a free post-clean-up breakfast served at some favorite local restaurants.

Volunteer sign-up! All participants are encouraged to bring their own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and trash grabbers. Don't forget your water bottle and sun protection!

2025 Cleanup Locations Include:

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

The Crab Trap/James Lee Park

The Surf Hut 

June White Decker Park

Henderson Beach State Park 

Complimentary breakfast will be provided at the following cleanup locations: The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, and The Surf Hut.

The global event is led by Ocean Conservancy, encouraging volunteers to remove litter from coastlines while collecting valuable data to support marine debris research and coastal preservation efforts. It's a meaningful way for residents, visitors, and organizations to make a positive environmental impact right here in Walton County.

Lake Powell Cleanup

Saturday, September 20 | 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

The Lake Powell Community Alliance (LPCA), together with St. Andrew Bay Watch (RMA), Camp Helen State Park and Bay County Audubon invite you to participate in our annual community effort to clean up Lake Powell. Sign-in will begin promptly at 8AM on Saturday, September 20th at the Lake Powell Park [boat ramp behind Publix] or at Camp Helen State Park.

The cleanup will last until noon. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 50 volunteers to register! Participate in a 'Chance Drawing' to win some very nice prizes.

This is a great opportunity to bring our community together for a common cause! Participants will be given a choice of areas to clean up with access by walking, wading, boating, or paddling. So, JOIN the TEAM / KEEP it CLEAN – SAFELY. 

Nitril gloves, garbage bags, data cards, coffee and donuts, and water will be provided. What to bring: closed-toed shoes, hat, sunscreen, grabber, work gloves, water, refillable water bottle, snacks. Please consider bringing your boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and join the armada of cleanup crews. If you do bring your watercraft, please bring the required life jackets, whistles, and safety devices.

SCHEDULE

8am - 9am -- Sign-In and Orientation 

9am - 11:30am -- Lake Cleanup

11:30am - 12pm -- Photos / Chance Drawing / Pizza

LAKE POWELL COMMUNITY ALLIANCE Mission: A community initiative dedicated to preserving the water quality and biodiversity of the globally rare and imperiled Lake Powell ecosystem through education, habitat restoration, watershed-based planning, and community partnerships.  Lake Powell Community Alliance | Inlet Beach FL

Biophilia Fallapalooza

Saturday, September 20 | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Join The Biophilia Center for their highly anticipated Fallapalooza event, featuring bounce houses, food trucks, animal encounters, yard games, and more!

Admission

TBA, Ages 3 & Members: FREE

The E.O.Wilson Biophilia Center is a nature preserve in Freeport, Florida. The Center's mission is to educate on the importance of biodiversity, to promote sustainability, and to encourage conservation, preservation, and restoration of ecosystems. 

Learn more and become a member: eowilsoncenter.org.

Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival

Saturday, September 20 | 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The 5th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival returns to Destin, FL.

The fun begins at noon on the Destin Boardwalk behind Brotula's. Enjoy an afternoon packed with gourmet burgers, local craft beers, and the finest bourbons—all in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Every bite and sip helps build great futures for local youth

Tickets Options: 4th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beers

Follow Burger, Bourbon & Beer Festival on Facebook.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is a youth development organization providing services to children ages 5-18 at Clubs throughout the Emerald Coast. Visit emeraldcoastbgc.org for more info.

Fore Her Golf Outing

Friday, September 26 | 8:00 am

Join Fore Her for the 13th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing presented by Emerald Coast Hospice, at The Links Golf Club in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. 

Check-in: 8:00 AM | Announcements: 8:45 AM | Tee-off: 9:00 AM.

Register TODAY!

Expect all the fun you love at this four-person scramble tournament —food and drink samples on the course, and the infamous "Dress Like a Girl" hole. Stay for the afterparty featuring lunch, drinks, raffles, music, prizes, and more!

Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Support a great cause and gain exposure for your business. Learn more about becoming a sponsor: contact: amy@foreher.org or ali@weilhousecreative.com

Fore Her offers resources, hope, compassion and education for all who are affected by breast cancer. ForeHer.org. For sponsorship opportunities, email amy@foreher.org.

Destin Seafood Festival

Friday, September 26 | 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm

The 46th annual Destin Seafood Festival takes place along the Destin Harbor. This three-day festival is filled with great seafood, live music, and family fun on the Destin Harbor. Free admission.

Friday, September 26th |  4 PM - 10 PM

Saturday, September 27th |  10 AM - 10 PM

Sunday, September 28th |  10 AM - 6 PM

Stalekracker is on the VIP Stage on Sunday, September 28. VIP tickets required! VIP Tickets on sale now: https://www.eventliveus.com/.../vip-tickets-destin...

Destin Seafood Festival kicks off Friday, Sept. 26 and goes through Sunday, Sept. 28. It will showcase the best that Destin has to offer on the Harbor. Stroll along the Harbor Boardwalk from one end to the other with over a mile of festival on the water showcasing Destin's Fishing Fleet, Harbor restaurants, bars and shops, and breathtaking views!

More info: destinseafoodfestival.com

Event Facebook Page: facebook.com/DestinSeafoodFest

PWMC Harvest Moon Dinner

Friday & Saturday, September 26-27 | 5:30 pm

Bud & Alley's - The Point Washington Medical Clinic invites you to join them as they celebrate another year serving the community – and the ninth annual Harvest Moon Celebration fundraiser to support the mission of the clinic: to build a stronger and healthier community by providing high-quality primary health care regardless of the patient’s means or access.  

Learn more about the Harvest Moon fundraiser and purchase tickets: https://www.thepwmc.org

There are multiple ways to support PWMC. Learn More: Harvest Moon Social Club

Cars of 30A at Alys Beach

Saturday & Sunday, October 3- 4

Alys Beach + Cars of 30A: An Elite Automotive Experience, an extraordinary celebration of craftsmanship, luxury, and innovation, where exquisite design meets performance is set for October 3 – 4. Join for two unforgettable days as Cars of 30A presents an elite, highly curated collection of over 150+ rare and high-performance automobiles, set against Alys Beach's iconic landscape.

Purchase tickets and learn more: carsof30a.com.

Watersound Origins Porchfest

Sunday, October 12 | 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair and friends and be ready for an afternoon of good music, good people, and good neighbors. Watersound Origins Porchfest

Tom Glavine's Field of Dreams Golf Outing

Monday, October 13 | 8:00 am

Tom Glavine's Field of Dreams Golf Outing is set for Monday, October 13th at Camp Creek Golf Course. Benefitting the Seaside School Foundation, tournament festivities begin at TBA.

Registration opens August 4th. Visit seasideschools.net/community/tom-glavines-field-of-dreams-golf-outing to register. 

Walton County Fair

Monday, October 13 | 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

elebrate 101 years of community, agriculture, and family-friendly fun. Expect live performances, livestock shows, arts and crafts exhibits, delicious food vendors, and thrilling rides for everyone.

View ticket pricing and see the entertainment plus activity schedule online: waltoncountyfair.com

Event Hours:

October 13-17: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

October 18 (Saturday): 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Key Events and Attractions:

Livestock Shows: Watch local youth and adults showcase their prized animals.

Arts and Crafts Exhibits: Discover handmade crafts and fine arts from local artisans.

Food Vendors: Enjoy everything from classic fair treats to gourmet meals.

Entertainment: Enjoy live music, dance performances, and entertainment acts on the main stage.

Family Activities: Participate in games, rides, and fun activities suitable for all ages.

The Walton County Fairgrounds is located at 790 N 9th St., DeFuniak Springs, FL. For more information and the full schedule of events, visit waltoncountyfair.com