The new year is just a few days away! We're more grateful than ever to live in such a beautiful place with so much to do. We're excited about all the festive annual events and can't wait to see what else is in store next year! Check out some of the January happenings and plan a visit. If you're lucky enough to be local – enjoy them all!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Polar Bear Plunge
When: January 1st
Where: Ed Walline Beach Access
Description: Make a splash on New Year's Day! The South Walton Fire District will host the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Beach Access. This event is family-friendly.
In-person sign-up starts at 11 a.m. at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (across from Ed Walline Beach Access). There will be a costume contest around 12:15 p.m. It's open to all plunge participants. “Plunge” into the Gulf of Mexico starts at 1pm sharp!
Cost of attendance for all plunge participants will be $20 per person. Children 12 years old and under are FREE! Register early by visiting the SWFD HQ during weekly business hours. Every participant gets a T-shirt with their entry fee. Funds collected will benefit SWFD Firefighter/EMT Noah Collins. After the plunge is over, join family and friends back at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Follow South Walton Fire District on Facebook for events updates.
When: January 1st
Where: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Description: Celebrate the new year with a First Day Hike at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on January 1, 2022. Beginning at 10 AM at Tram Stop 1, outdoor-lovers are invited to join Park Ranger Alex for a hike through the preserve where he will discuss topics such as native plants and animals, prescribed fire, coastal dune lakes, and more.
Park programs are made possible by Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Come out and explore one of the most beautiful state park preserves in South Walton, Florida. Additional information, photos & video on South Walton area parks: Parks Of South Walton & Northwest Florida.
When: January 1st
Where: Scratch Biscuit Kitchen
Description: Stop by Scratch Biscuit Kitchen during normal business hours ( 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.) on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day to enjoy special menu items, live country music, and the first opportunity to sign up for the 2022 Mug Club.
Featured dishes include Black Eyed Peas and All Things Lucky Specials, and members of the Mug Club will receive a personal Mug Club YETI and unlimited coffee for only $1 a day with the purchase of a $35.99 annual membership.
When: January 8th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites you to experience some winter magic on Saturday, January 8 from 9:00 a.m. til noon. The Event Plaza is turning into a Winter Wonderland full of real snow! Slide down an ice slide, make snow angels, and enjoy a day of frosty fun for the whole family.
Follow The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Facebook for updates on upcoming festivals and events.
When: January 8th
Where: Village Church of Destin
Description: Join Sinfonia Gulf Coast for Classical Connections featuring An Evening with Chris Brubeck and Time for Three. Taking place Saturday, January 8 at 7:30PM at Village Church of Destin, music lovers are invited to bring the entire family to this performance.
TICKETS $29.50 - $55 | Purchase at sinfoniagulfcoast.org
Grammy-nominated composer Chris Brubeck continues to distinguish himself as an innovative performer and composer. An award-winning composer, he is clearly tuned into the pulse of contemporary music and no stranger to the Sinfonia stage. Paired with Time For Three, an incredible jam session will ensue culminating in the Southeast U.S. premiere of Chris’s concerto for the boys entitled “Travels in Time for Three.”
From cabaret to films, holiday pops to a mystery tour, and more, Sinfonia's 2021 - 2022 season features something for art and cultural lovers of all ages.
When: January 14th-17th
Where: Scenic Highway 30A
Description: The 13th annual 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL is set for January 14-17 2022. 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. Tickets on sale at 30asongwritersfestival.com.
Cooking Class Series
When: January 12th & 26th
Where: Food For Thought Full Circle Kitchen
Description: Food For Thought invites you to join them at their new Full Circle Kitchen Series, a series of four classes in the Emeril Lagasse Full Circle Kitchen to learn from talented Chef & Beverage partners. Your class, will provide the funds to support 1 class for the children in the kitchen program. Learn more and secure your seats at fftfl.org. $125 per person. $900 for all four classes per couple. Class size is limited to 10 people.
Cooking Class Info
Jan. 12, 5PM || BBQ & Whiskey
Jan. 26, 5PM || Tapas & Cocktails
When: January 20th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Come out to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an evening of champagne and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne from 5-6PM. Stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes and enjoy the sounds of live music in the Events Plaza. This event is free and for 21 and up only. The village will be open to the public during this event.
Visit baytownewharf.com for additional Bubbly Baytowne Dates!
When: January 27th
Where: Bijoux
Description: Kick off Crescendo! 2022 in style at Bijoux, located at The Market Shops, on Thursday, January 27 at 11AM. Enjoy an incredible lunch prepared by award-winning chef/co-owner Jack McGuckin, sip elegant wines, indulge in delectable desserts, shop all of the must-have accessories of the season from The Jewel, door prizes and raffle items, plus much more. Tickets are $120 per person and include lunch, wine and gratuities. Tickets for all Crescendo! 2022 events 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.
The Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10 Mile Trail Trot
When: January 29th
Where: Point Washington Trail Head
Description: The Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-mile Trail Trot will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, starting and finishing at the Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake trailhead off of CR-395S. Beginning at 7:00 a.m., the 10-miler will consist of a single loop of the 10-mile course, with the 20-miler consisting of two laps of the 10-mile loop. Awards given to the men’s and women’s winners from each distance. For more info or to register, just click on the following link: Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-mile Trail Tro
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Baytowne on Ice @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Open Every Day
Dueling Pianos @ Old Florida Fish House
Every Week
Brunch, Rhythm & Brews @ HarborWalk Village
Every Sunday Starting January 9th
Farmer's Markets
Every Saturday @ Seaside
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
