Top 30A Events to Enjoy January 15 - February 15
As the new year unfolds, 30A is buzzing with vibrant events and activities celebrating the arts, music, outdoor adventures, and community spirit. This season offers something for everyone, from engaging literary workshops and live music festivals to scenic races and cultural celebrations. Whether you're a local or visiting South Walton, mark your calendars for these must-attend events that showcase our coastal communities' unique charm and creativity. Here's your guide to making the most of January 15 through February 15 along Scenic 30A!
January 15 - February | Seaside, FL
Escape To Create
A special writers' program hosted by The REP Theatre, open to writers of all genres and levels at no charge. Featuring authors Viet Dinh & Annie Ward Richards and is set for Wednesday, January 15, from 6–7:30 p.m.
Event Info: Dinh will share strategies for seamlessly integrating research and knowledge into a story. Richards will guide writers through the publication industry's complex structure with advice on managing its relationship with social media.
Escape to Create performances continue throughout February at The REP and other various locations in Seaside. Ticket purchases support Escape to Create Residencies and Educational Outreach throughout Walton County. To learn more and view the full schedule, visit www.escape2create.org.
Escape to Create is a nationally recognized multidisciplinary artist residency hosted by the Seaside community since 1993. E2C is a volunteer non-profit organization that represents the unique character of a community deeply invested in the arts. Residencies are made possible through the generosity of Seaside homeowners, merchants, and donors.
January 16-20 | Scenic 30A
30A Songwriters Festival
The 16th annual 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL is set for January 17 - 20, 2025. The festival, held in venues along Scenic Highway 30A in Florida's South Walton County, is the perfect mix of cool beach weather and red-hot music on MLK holiday weekend each year. More than 175 artists perform in this truly wonderful weekend of music. Artists will perform multitudes of live performances in intimate venues and large amphitheaters throughout South Walton.
For more information on the 30A Songwriters Festival, including announcements of artists, venues, and ticket information, visit www.30asongwritersfestival.com.
January 25 | Seagrove Beach, FL
In the Woods 30A 50K
Rotorhead 30A Running Company presents 2025 In the Woods 30A 50K. Set to take place on Saturday, January 25, beginning at 6:30 a.m., the race will start and finish at the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead. To get registered or for more info, click here: In the Woods 30A 50K.
The In the Woods 30A 50K offers three race categories: the 50K solo, the 2-person relay, and the 3-person relay. The relay teams can be all girls, all guys, or a mix of both.
Rotorhead 30A Running Company hosts multiple races annually. Visit runrotorhead30a.com to stay current on their well-planned events and help some very deserving organizations in the process.
January 25 | Inlet Beach, FL
Camp Helen Americana Music at the Lodge
Americana Concerts in the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park are back! Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025. The Friends of Camp Helen will provide snacks and beverages.
Tickets will be available for purchase for a suggested donation of $15 on the Friends of Camp Helen website, friendsofcamphelen.org beginning Friday, November 29, at 8 a.m.
Americana Concerts in the Lodge
Jan. 11 - Little Mercies
January 25 - Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp
February 8 - Ben Gage
February 22 - Mike & Maggy McKinney
March 1 - Pail Kamm & Eleanore MacDonald
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.
Camp Helen State Park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of Florida's largest coastal dune lakes. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking, freshwater and saltwater fishing.
February 6-9 | Rosemary Beach, FL
Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway Weekend
This getaway to Rosemary Beach, FL, promises a great weekend with the girls! Rosemary Beach Foundation invites ladies to the Annual Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway, February 6 - 9, 2025. This is a weekend for women to get away, celebrate, and enjoy the beauty of South Walton. Held each year during Super Bowl weekend, this 4-day event is packed with fun, food, learning, and laughter for women.
Information and registration at rosemarybeachfoundation.org
The Annual Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway 2025 festivities include a welcome bonfire, SIP & SHOP with Rosemary Beach Retailers & Restaurants, DINNER & DANCING: Saturday Evening Bash + Silent Auction at LaCo, Sunday BRUNCH at Edward's Fine Food and Wine and more!
The 2025 Girls Getaway benefits The Rosemary Beach Foundation and charitable partner, TBA
February 7-9 | Seaside, FL
Seaside Prize Weekend
The highly anticipated 2025 Seaside Prize weekend is February 7th - 9th, with various events and symposia. The Seaside Institute is honored to bestow this recognition upon two distinguished individuals: Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson.
To learn more and register, visit seasideinstitute.org.
The Seaside Institute will formally present the Seaside Prize to Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson at the awards ceremony on February 8, 2025, by Seaside, Florida, founder Robert Davis. The ceremony will be hosted at The Chapel at Seaside, and it promises to be an evening of celebration, reflection, and inspiration.
The Seaside Prize is an annual award presented by the Seaside Institute to individuals who have made significant contributions to architecture, urban planning, and community development. The recipients are selected based on their exceptional achievements, commitment to design excellence, and positive impact on communities around the world.
Learn More:
February 8-9 | Scenic 30A
Valentine's Tour of Homes
Valentine's weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but for South Walton residents and visitors alike, it also signals the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes. The two-day event offers a self-guided tour through some of South Walton's most unique homes, which represent diverse architectural styles, beautiful interior design, historic significance, and fine art collections.
FEBRUARY 8 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
FEBRUARY 9 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: culturalartsalliance.com/valentine-tour-of-homes
Tickets are $40 in advance through Sunday, February 2, and increase to $50 beginning Monday, February 3, through the event weekend. To volunteer, visit culturalartsalliance.com/volunteer. Volunteers receive a complimentary event ticket.
All tickets are valid for the weekend, with one entry per house. Please note that most of these homes are private residencies, so they cannot be guaranteed ADA-compliant. The CAA is committed to ensuring access to its programs for all, including people with disabilities or limited mobility. Please notify the CAA office in advance with questions regarding access, and best efforts will be made to accommodate them.
For more information about the Valentine Tour of Homes and Walton County Cultural Arts Alliance, call 850-622-5970 or visit culturalartsalliance.com.
February 8 | Point Washington, FL
Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park
The Friends of Eden Gardens invite the community to the annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park on Saturday, February 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The grounds of Eden Gardens State Park have over 370 camellias throughout. Beginning to bloom in late November, Camellias bring beautiful blooms to the park through the winter months. Visitors can stroll through amazing gardens full of unique Camellias, see displays, demonstrations, and historic re-enactments, and learn about Camellia's propagation and growth. There will also be Camellias for sale as a fundraiser for the park.
Friends of Eden Gardens State Park hosts the annual festival. Attendance is free with paid park admission ($4 per car). Additional parking for the event will be at Bay School, which has a tram service to the park.
February 8 | Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Biophilia Center Birds & Brews
Call the sitter and fly on over to the Biophilia Center for some local craft beers at their annual Birds & Brews event on Saturday, February 8 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy local craft beers, yard games, meet some feathered friends, and snag some lunch from Copper Grille and Scoops, Sweets, and Treats. Purchase tickets today!
For the sober driver, there's the 16+ Sober Driver ticket with a souvenir cup and refreshing mocktails. ID's will be verified upon arrival at check-in. No dogs allowed
Learn more about the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and become a member: eowilsoncenter.org.
February 15-16 | Seaside, FL
Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Race: Expo
The Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K will take place 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.
Saturday, February 15 | Race Expo
Noon - 4 p.m. @ Seaside Neighborhood School and Lyceum
Runners are invited to pick up their race packets at the Seaside Neighborhood School and enjoy the Expo in the Seaside Lyceum.
SEASIDE SCHOOL Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend
Friday, February 14 | Taste of the Race, 6 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 15 | Race Expo, 12 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 16 | Half Marathon @ 7AM, 5K @7:30 AM
100% of the funds raised from the race weekend benefit the Seaside Schools Foundation, which supports the operating budget for the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School, Inc. is a tuition-free, public charter school serving students across Walton County.