Spring is finally here, and that means even more fantastic local events and activities to be a part of! April is jam-packed with lots of fun and family-friendly local happenings – check them out and plan a visit! If you're lucky enough to be local – enjoy them all!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Outdoor Adventure Film Night
When: April 2nd
Where: Watersound Origins Village Commons Lawn
Description: On Saturday, April 2nd, The Watersound Origins community will host an Outdoor Adventure Film Night at Village Commons featuring the film The Race to Alaska beginning at 7PM. This event is free and open to the public.
Attendees are invited to bring low back chairs or blankets. Coolers are permitted. Pets are not permitted. Event is suggested for those ages 10 and up.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM NIGHT | April 2 @ 7PM
The Race to Alaska
750 Miles. Icy Water. No Motors. No Support. Described as the "Iditarod on a boat with a chance of drowning or being eaten by a Grizzly bear," this epic endurance race attract the intrepid and unhinged who find their edge along a coastline that is as punishing as it is beautiful.
The Watersound Origins community is a beautiful residential community in South Walton, Florida. Tucked away amongst nature, three miles from the pristine South Walton beaches and the excitement of Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, the Watersound Origins community is located off US Hwy 98 just west of Inlet Beach. Follow Watersound on Facebook for updates on community happenings.
Outdoor Adventure Expo
When: April 2nd-3rd
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Want to explore the outdoors by wheels or water or at home? To get you ready, visit The Outdoor Adventure Expo at Destin Commons taking place April 2-3. Tents, tables, and outdoor enthusiasts with be setup in the parking lot in between Bass Pro and Uncle Buck’s at Destin Commons.
Saturday, April 2nd | 10AM - 6PM
Sunday, April 3rd | 11AM - 5PM.
The expo will showcase the latest boats to get you on the water. To explore by wheel, there will be ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts, and more. For water adventure seekers, there will be jet-skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment. There will also be everything you need to create an outdoor oasis at home. Check out demonstrations to hone your outdoor adventure skills too. Find out more at the Outdoor Adventure Expo Facebook Page.
Sandestin Wine Festival
When: April 7-10th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Sandestin Wine Festival takes place April 7-10, 2022 throughout The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin. Tickets are on sale now! Purchase them at: sandestinwinefestival.com/
The main events, know as the Grand Wine Tastings, showcase more than 500+ domestic and international wines over a two-day span. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to talk to vineyard owners and winemakers about their favorite appellations, or maybe try something new. During the Grand Wine Tastings, guests are also treated to a gourmet experience courtesy of some of the best chefs on the Emerald Coast. Savor South Walton tents are sprinkled within the festival to allow guests to pair delectable bite-sized appetizers with their current glass selection. And, festival favorite, our Champagne tent, returns to the Grand Sandestin Lawn, featuring bubbles and desserts galore. Local and regional music also set the vibe for fun days of discovery.
And all ranges of knowledge are encouraged to attend the festival – wine novices to aficionados alike. Festival-goers can learn more about wines and through tasting wines from a comprehensive selection from all major producing countries in all varieties, styles and price ranges. Guest are invited to find a favorite or several. Ticket holders also receive a beautiful Riedel glass etched to commemorate each year’s event for their tastings.
Follow Sandestin Wine Festival on Facebook for event updates!
Sandestin Wine Festival takes place every April in South Walton, Florida. The event is the most established and continuously running wine festival on the Gulf coast and known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals.” Always a picture perfect event complete with white tents, grand wine tastings, culinary experiences and live music. Visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com for more information.
When: April 14th
Where: Blackstone Golf Course
Description: The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Spring Golf Classic will take place at Blackstone Golf Course on Thursday, April 14th. Registration will begin at 8am with a shotgun start at 10am.
Golfers can register their 3-man teams by emailing gabrielle@waltonareachamber.com.
All tournament players will receive complimentary food and drinks on the course and an invitation to the 19th Hole Celebration after-party and awards ceremony following the tournament at the Blackstone Golf Course Club House. The tournament and after party are open to the public.
When: April 14th
Where: Hotel Effie
Doggie Eggstravaganza
Baytowne Easter Explosion
Rosemary Beach Easter Egg Hunt
Description: Celebrate Ability over Disability! Join the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation for Artz for All with Zot on Thursday, April 14 at 11:30AM. Experience the wildly wonderful world of Dwayne Szot, inventor and champion for people of all abilities as you explore the creative possibilities using adaptive art tools used to create mega murals and more at this exciting lunch event.
$55 per person for MKAF Members | $75 per person for non-members.
Tables of 8 are priced at $500 and limited sponsor tables of 8 remain at $750 each. For more information on how to join the MKAF 27th season as a member, please visit: www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.
For more information on MKAF events, community outreach program, volunteering or investing in the arts, visit online at www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226 to get involved. Follow Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook for updates on events, concerts and programs.
When: April 14th
Where: Grand Boulevard Grand Park
Description: Dog Harmony is hosting Doggie Eggstravaganza, the annual canine-only Easter egg hunt and social at Grand Boulevard on Thursday, April 14 from 5:30-7:30pm in Grand Park. Guests will enjoy snacks courtesy of JC’s Gourmet, beer & wine, family-friendly games and great prizes.
The fundraising event is open to the public at no charge but for those pups wanting to participate in the hunt, and receive professional photographs sponsored by Mills Photo Design, a donation of $15 is encouraged.
Each participant will receive a souvenir bag filled with sponsor swag to collect eggs. People prizes and puppy treats will be hidden in colorful holiday eggs and scattered throughout the lawn. Designated areas for pets over 25 pounds and under will be available and all dogs must be leashed.
This event is presented as part of the Coastal Culture Series made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. Please no prong or shock collars.
Dog-Harmony is a nonprofit organization in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Follow Dog Harmony on Facebook for updates on their training classes, events and socials. Visit dog-harmony.org/ to learn more, volunteer, donate, adopt.
Camp Helen State Park: Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
When: April 16th
Where: Cam Helen State Park
Description: Camp Helen State Park invites you to their first annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Scheduled for Saturday, April 16th, guests are encouraged to visit the park anytime between 10AM - 2PM, pay $4 park admission, ask volunteers for an egg hunt card, and enjoy a color-coded hunt that encourages kids to explore and learn about the park at their own leisure.
The scavenger hunt will have 3 different age groups: 0-3, 4-6, and 7-12. After finding an egg of each color, children can turn them in for a special prize.
That’s What Cheese Said and Gelato Love food trucks will be in the park from 11Am - 3PM. There is even rumored to be a surprise appearance by a celebrity bunny. More information can be found on the Friends of Camp Helen Facebook page.
When: April 16th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Bounce on over to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for an Easter Explosion, Saturday April 16th. Enjoy a day filled with family friendly entertainment, face-painting, arts & crafts, live music, and more. Don't forget to get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the gathering place for many locals and visitors along the Emerald Coast. Learn more about shopping, dining, nightlife and events at www.baytownewharf.com and on Facebook.
When: April 17th
Where: Western Green Rosemary Beach
Description: Celebrate Easter in Rosemary Beach at the annual Easter Egg Hunt! The hunt takes place April 17th at 10 AM on the Western Green. You and your crew won't want to miss this exciting event featuring over 25,000 eggs. See the Easter Bunny and enjoy a complimentary mimosa!
Rosemary Beach is a unique and picturesque beach town that brings island charm and style to the eastern end of South Walton. One of a handful of New Urban towns on Scenic 30A, it’s a place with shopping, dining and residential buildings that’s meant to be experienced on foot or by bike.
When: April 17th
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Come out to Seaside for the annual Easter Celebration on Sunday, April 17th from 11am til 2pm. Visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy the egg hunt with over 15,000 eggs in the Amphitheater at 1pm. Plus: fun activities for guests of all ages beginning at 11:00 AM. Free and open to all.
When: April 20-24th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park at Pier Park
Description: Smooth jazz, white sands, and fun set for April 20-24, 2022 in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida - The Ultimate Weekend of Smooth Jazz. Tickets and lineup for the 23rd Seabreeze Jazz Festival: seabreezejazzfestival.com.
Named a "Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA" by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as "Best Jazz Festival" at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times - all on the west end of Panama City Beach. The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz.
The Seabreeze Jazz Festival is the jazz festival for the true smooth jazz fan! No bait and switch here! See you in Panama City Beach, Florida at the "Ultimate Weekend of Smooth Jazz". Presented by Visit Panama City Beach. See the website for a complete list of rules and additional restrictions.
When: April 21st
Where: Seascape Resort
Description: Moon Crush, a connected music vacation put together by Topeka, will be held at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida April 21 – April 24, 2022 under The Pink full moon. Lake Street Drive, Brandi Carlile, Tedeschi Trucks and My Morning Jacket are among the acts on the lineup for the Moon Crush event.
Learn more about Moon Crush, the lineup, your safety, and the experience here: www.mooncrush.live/
Moon Crush is intentionally designed to be a Music Vacation - not just a festival. You can plan on spending days at the beach, by the pool, or enjoying your favorite activities with the people you care about most. Then, as the sun begins to set, you'll make your way to our intimate outdoor venue where you'll have a reserved space for an evening of live music.
Visit www.mooncrush.live/ for additional information. Join the conversation on Moon Crush Facebook.
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival
When: April 21-24th
Where: Grand Boulevard
Description: A dazzling roster of celebrity winemakers, mixologists, and chefs will converge April 21-24, 2022 in idyllic South Walton’s 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. South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Cheers to 10!
An award-winning, nationally ranked event, the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival draws wine and food industry icons such as Peter Mondavi, Jr., Marc Perrin, Don Hartford, Cristina Mariani-May, Jean-Charles Boissett, Norman Van Aken and South Walton’s own Chef Emeril Lagasse and many more. Given the caliber of A-list participants, it’s no wonder USA Today touted it as “one of the South’s stand out food and beverage festivals.”
The festival kicks off Thursday at 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. with Winemakers & Shakers, held at Wine World in Destin. The VIP Wine Tasting takes place Friday, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., followed by the Friday night Craft Beer & Spirits Jam, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Grand Tastings are Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The VIP Tasting ticket is sold out.
Tickets can be purchased at www.SoWalWine.com.
The South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival is truly a celebration of wine, food and music that everyone can feel good about. This event is a major fundraiser for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation with proceeds benefiting more than a dozen children’s charities in Northwest Florida.
When: April 23rd
17th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction
30A Cornhole Tournament
Emerald Ball
Where: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Description: This event is FREE, kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Guests will enjoy live music by the Pickled Pickers and food available for purchase. Grab a 30A Beach Blonde, meet fellow participants and let your hair down!
8th Annual 30A Sand Rover Rally Saturday, April 23, 2022 Topsail Hill Preserve State Park | 7525 W County Hwy 30A
Saturday’s main event will have vendors, vehicles on display, special guests and awards, and music by 30A Radio. Attendees can also explore our local trails all day long!
Every year, over 100 Land Rovers and assorted beach cruiser enthusiasts participate in this family-friendly event that includes thrilling trail rides, live music and more! Details on the full schedule, pre-party details, trail map and lodging info at 30A Sand Rover Rally Facebook Page.
When: April 23rd
Where: Grand Boulevard
Description: The 17th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction takes place Saturday April 23 at Grand Boulevard. The Reserve Tasting and Live Auction are held under an air conditioned tent during the annual South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. The event will feature distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, poured and paired with cuisine created by a selection of the area’s top local restaurants. Information and patron packages available at dcwaf.org.
The Reserve Tasting is accompanied by a silent auction with some super silent offerings featuring wine, autographed large format bottles, art, and more. The event culminates with a high-energy live auction, which includes rare and distinctive wines, spectacular trips, and other incredible one-of-a-kind items. The Destin Charity Auction is hosted each year in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, which also takes place in Grand Boulevard the same weekend.
Destin Charity Wine Auction 2022 Schedule of Events:
Patron Dinners - Friday, April 22 at 6 PM
DCWAF Reserve Tasting & Live Auction - Saturday, April 23 - The Reserve Tasting will begin at 1pm and the Live Auction will begin at 3pm.
Virtual bidding in the Silent and Super Silent auctions will begin Friday, April 23 at 9am and end Sunday, April 24 at noon central time. Information on DCWAF events, sponsorships, auction, patron dinners and donations: www.dcwaf.org/
When: April 30th
Where: East Long Green Road | Rosemary Beach
Description: Rosemary Beach Foundation invites you to come out for a day of friendly competition at the 8th annual 30A Corn Hole Tournament on Saturday, April 30th in Rosemary Beach. The two-member team Corn Hole Tournament will be held on East Long Green. Registration begins at 10:30 am, Tournament begins at 11:00 am.
Tickets: www.cornhole30a.com/.
Consider bringing your team and/or sponsoring the event. The 2022 Tournament benefits Rosemary Beach Foundation and charitable partners, Special Olympics-Florida (Walton County), South Walton Academy and Westonwood Ranch. Follow the Rosemary Beach Foundation on Facebook for updates about this event.
When: April 30th
Where: Hilton Sandestin
Description: The Sacred Heart Foundation is once again rolling out the green carpet for the Annual Emerald Ball on Saturday, April 30 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The black-tie gala will benefit the acquisition of a state-of-the-art CT scanner for Pediatric and Adult patients at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sacredheartemeraldball.com.
Guests are encouraged to wear shades of emerald for the elegant event. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing.
WEEKLY EVENTS:
The REP: Adventure In Alys @ Alys Beach Amphitheater | Every Monday & Wednesday Until April 20th
Seaside Central Square Cinema @ Seaside Amphitheater | Every Friday Until April 8th
30Avenue Concert Series @ 30Avenue | Daily
Moonlight & Movies @ Rosemary Beach Western Green | Every Thursday Until April 21st
Movie Night @ Alys Beach Central Park | Every Wednesday Until April 13th
Farmer's Markets
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard & Watersound
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
Let's Chat!
