February is a great time for outdoor activities and events here along the coast. The weather is crisp and cool, the water is crystal clear, the sunsets are stunning, and many winter festivities take place. If you're in town this month or lucky enough to be local – here are some happenings to check out along the Emerald Coast.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
The Wine Bar Grand Boulevard: Champagne & Chocolate
My Furry Valentine Doggie Social @ Grand Boulevard
When: February 1st-2nd
Where: Rosemary Beach Foundation
Description: Getaway to Rosemary Beach, Florida for a great weekend with the girls. Rosemary Beach Foundation invites ladies to the 15th Annual Rosemary Beach Girls Getaway. 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 event is packed with fun, food, learning, and laughter for women. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast Family Birth Place. For information and registration visit www.rosemarybeachfoundation.org.
The Wine Bar Grand Boulevard: Champagne & Chocolate
When: February 9th
Where: The Wine Bar @ Grand Boulevard
Description: On Sunday, February 9th, bring your Valentine to The Wine Bar in Grand Boulevard and taste an array of artisan cheese, champagne and sparkling wines paired with hand-made chocolates and gourmet treats crafted by Chef Dawn. Tickets are $25 each in advance or $30 at the door and include samples of featured wine and foods, as well as a $5 rebate to use on your favorite bottle of bubbly to take home. This is a limited space event that sells out every year! Get tickets online at chanswineworld.com/tickets, or visit Wine World in Grand Boulevard before they're sold out!
My Furry Valentine Doggie Social @ Grand Boulevard
When: February 13th
Where: Grand Boulevard Grand Park
Description: Dog Harmony is hosting My Furry Valentine, an annual dog social, at Grand Boulevard on Thursday, February 13th from 3:30-5:30pm in Grand Park. Show your canine love and dress in Valentine-themed matching attire at this dog social featuring live music, light bites from JC's Gourmet, and drinks. Judges will award prizes for the best-costumed duos! No prong, choke or shock collars, please. Winners will be chosen! 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. A fun event for a good cause!
When: February 14-15th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf @ Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Description: The Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been known as one of the largest and most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Now in its 31st year, the event takes over The Village of Baytowne Wharf during Presidents Day weekend. Kick-off the weekend Friday, Feb. 14 at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille with a delicious Baytowne Seafood Boil beginning at 5 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 15 from 12-4 p.m. guests will enjoy live Zydeco music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, family activities, the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast and bloody mary cocktails! For tickets & info visit: http://www.sandestingumbofestival.com/.
Crescendo! A Cultural and Culinary Extravaganza
Valentine Tour of Homes
When: February 15-16th
Where: South Walton
Description: Spend the weekend falling in love with some of South Walton's most adorable, stunning, artistic, and unique homes from the beach to bay on February 15-16, 2020. The tour is known for showcasing stunning interiors, architecturally acclaimed homes and picturesque settings bringing inspiration to your weekend at the beach. Guests take a self-guided tour of a variety of homes throughout South Walton and are also introduced to some of the CAA's member artists whose work is featured in each of the homes. All net proceeds benefit the CAA's Art For All Program, which provides support to Walton County schools, teachers, students, artists, and arts organizations to further arts education in the community. Tickets can be purchased online at www.culturalartsalliance.com and locally at several ticket outlets beginning in February. Tickets will also be available for purchase at each of the homes throughout the weekend.
Crescendo! A Cultural and Culinary Extravaganza
When: February 14-16th
Where: Various Locations Along the Emerald Coast
Description: Crescendo! is an exciting cultural extravaganza to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. This energy-infused experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and an award-winning musical guest. Proceeds from Crescendo! will benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs, which include: musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Sacred Heart Hospital and LINK UP concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall. Tickets for Crescendo! 2020 are now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets for Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo events, visit www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
Description: Crescendo! is an exciting cultural extravaganza to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. This energy-infused experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and an award-winning musical guest. Proceeds from Crescendo! will benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs, which include: musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Sacred Heart Hospital and LINK UP concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall. Tickets for Crescendo! 2020 are now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets for Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo events, visit www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
9th Annual 30A Wine Festival
When: February 19th-23rd
Where: Alys Beach
Description: The ninth annual 30A Wine Festival returns to the beautiful community of Alys Beach Wednesday, February 19 through Sunday, February 23, 2020. The 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach is a beloved event in South Walton, hosted by Alys Foundation, and benefiting Children's Volunteer Health Network, an outstanding local organization providing medical and dental services to local children. Visit 30awinefestival.com to purchase tickets and to review a complete listing of featured wineries, spirits, breweries, cuisine and festival events.
Taste of The Race with Chef Emeril Lagasse
Taste of The Race with Chef Emeril Lagasse
When: February 28th
Where: Seaside Lyceum
Description: Taste of the Race with Chef Emeril Lagasse marks the official start of the three-day race weekend celebration. The annual culinary event takes place on Friday, February 28 at the Seaside Lyceum, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, with a VIP reception from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. This vibrant event is not just for race participants, everyone is invited to celebrate, enjoy amazing food and live music and kick off another great Seaside race weekend! Chef Emeril Lagasse is live and in-person for the event, and guests enjoy cuisine from Emeril’s restaurants, along with some of the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants such as Great Southern Cafe and The Bay. Fine wine, craft spirits and local brews from the Grayton Beer Company will pair perfectly with the chefs’ preparations. For tickets and info visit: https://runseasidefl.com/weekend-events/taste-of-the-race/
Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show
Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show
When: February 28th - March 1st
Where: Aaron Bessant Park @ Panama City Beach
Description: The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show takes place at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. This land-based show will feature boat displays from all major manufacturers and the top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics, and marine accessories. Much more than a boat show, this event features everything for the kind of active, outdoor beach living so popular along the Emerald Coast. From stand up paddleboards, fishing kayaks, outdoor kitchens, diving, activewear and beach cruising bicycles. In short, all the great things residents and visiting tourists enjoy on and around the water along the beaches is available at this event. Visit http://www.emeraldcoastboatshow.com/ to purchase tickets and check out the venue as well as the registered exhibitors.
Shrimp & Grits Festival
When: February 29th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Participating restaurants will have the opportunity to market their fare to over 1000 guests and compete in the first annual event featuring this beloved southern dish. This spirited and fun competition benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast features local area restaurants, showcasing their culinary expertise, and innovative variations of the Shrimp & Grits dish while enjoying craft beer and cocktail samples of choice. The fun afternoon will feature "tasting stations" where guests can experience your food, live entertainment, and cold beverages all against the backdrop of the Destin harbor. Guest celebrities will judge the competition, for winners in several categories with of course the coveted "People's Choice" title, voted by all the guests. Learn more and get tickets: https://www.shrimpandgritsfest.com/
WEEKLY EVENTS:Mardi Gras Events:
February 21st | Mardi Gras Masquerade @ Destin Commons | 6-8pm
February 21st-22nd | Mardi Gras & Music Festival @ Pier Park | 12-8pm
February 22nd | Mardi Gras Parade @ HarborWalk Village | 2-7pm
February 21st | Mardi Gras Masquerade @ Destin Commons | 6-8pm
February 21st-22nd | Mardi Gras & Music Festival @ Pier Park | 12-8pm
February 22nd | Mardi Gras Parade @ HarborWalk Village | 2-7pm
The Bay Wednesday Night Bonfire & Music
Every Wednesday @ The Bay
Brunch, Rhythm & Brews
Every Sunday @ HarborWalk Village
Farmer's Markets
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin.
Planning to be in town?
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