Spring is almost here, and we can't wait! We're more grateful than ever to live in such a beautiful place with so much to do. March 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:
Fat Tuesday Party
When: March 1st
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: AJ's Grayton Beach is prepared to Let the Good Time Roll as they host a Fat Tuesday Party on Tuesday, March 1st. The celebration begins at 2PM with a Crawfish Boil, Jambalya , Étouffée , Poboys, & Hurricanes. At 5PM Dikki du & the Zydeco Krewe brings the New Orleans funk to SoWal. This is a Mardi Gras party you are your crew shouldn't miss!
2PM | Crawfish Boil
5PM | Live Music with Dikki du & the Zydeco Krewe
Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration
When: March 1st
Where: Fish Out of Water
Description: Join Fish Out of Water for a Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration on Tuesday, March 1st from 5 - 9 PM. Guests are encouraged to come decked out in their Mardi Gras best. Enjoy Live Music, French-Inspired Cocktails, and Mardi Gras Menu Features. For more information, call 850.534.5050.
Follow Fish Out of Water on Facebook to find out who's playing, restaurant + drinks specials, events, and more.
When: March 1st
Where: Baytowne Wharf
Description: Prepare to let your hair down on what many call the most festive day of the year, Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. "Laissez les bon temps rouler" (let the good times roll) with the Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi! Starting at 6 pm join in for a Village Street party complete with music, street performers, entertainers and more!
The post-parade celebration continues into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments. So break out the beads and get ready for a night to remember!
When: March 4-6th
Where: The Seaside Institute
Description: The highly anticipated 2022 Seaside Prize™ weekend takes place March 4th - 6th. Each year has its own unique flair, but all are consistently exciting and engaging. The 2022 Seaside Prize will celebrate the accomplishments of Jeff Speck, FAICP, FCNU, LEED-AP, Honorary ASLA.
Join the Seaside Institute for an engaging weekend of open-air events which include: a Welcome Reception; Concert; Keynote Speaker; Networking Events; Award Ceremony; Gala; Tours of Seaside and a Sunday Brunch. The Seaside Institute™ awards the Seaside Prize™ to individuals, organizations, or communities who have made major contributions to the quality and character of their community. Seaside Prize winners are leaders in urban design, planning, architecture, development, and education, having a major influence on how towns and cities can best be built and re-built to reflect and promote new urban principles. These elements Walkability, Diversity, Beauty, and Sustainability are exemplified in more than 200 new urban communities throughout the United States which inspire and enrich quality of life.
When: March 5th
Where: Emerald Bay Golf Club
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
Fore Her Tea In the Garden
Mac & Cheese Festival
Description: This years Caddyshack Classic, hosted by Harbor Docks, is being held on Saturday, March 5th at Emerald Bay Golf Club. Registration begins at 8AM, shotgun start at 9AM. Spend the day on the golf course with your friends and then head back to the 19th hole for Awards, Raffles, Drinks, and Food.
Money raised from this years tournament will benefit Take a Kid Fishing Day, to be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022, and Destin Harvest.
When: March 5th
Where: Frank Brown Park
Description: The 29th annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival will take place at Frank Brown Park’s festival site on Saturday, March 5th. The festival features Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish & Irish musical performances (such as bagpipe bands and Irish step dancers), a British car club show, children’s activities and Scottish and Irish food and drink. This family-friendly event kicks off with a welcoming ceremony and parade of Tartans.
For more information, visit pcbeachscotfestival.com or follow Panama City Beach Scottish Festival | Facebook page
Mardi Gras Celebration
When: March 5th
Where: The Courtyard at Pescado
Description: The Courtyard at Pescado will host a Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests will be welcomed with a Mardi Gras inspired cocktail and New Orleans style appetizers. Celebrate in true NOLA fashion with a Rum Tasting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Nathan Fife will be performing live music from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tickets are $80 plus 7% tax and 22% gratuity. Email pescadoinfo@thelcrg.com to book your space for the tasting hosted by Breakthru Beverage. There is limited space available.
Mardi Gras Celebration | 4 - 10 PM
Live Music | 5 - 9 PM
Rum Tasting | 6 - 8 PM
When: March 6th
Where: Clay 30A
Description: Fore Her will host its annual Tea in the Garden held outside at Clay 30A on March 6th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Presented by Emerald Coast Hospice, guests are invited to come and go as they enjoy a photo booth, silent auction, light bites, and more while raising funds for breast cancer patients along the Emerald Coast. Big hats encouraged for a chance to win "Best Hat" prize.
Tickets, available at ForeHer.org, are $50 donation per person, $45 donation per person for breast cancer survivors (processing fees apply). Fore Her offers resources, hope, compassion and education for all who are affected by breast cancer. Find additional information about volunteering, available resources, and how you can help, visit ForeHer.org. For sponsorship opportunities, email amy@foreher.org .
When: March 6th
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Thought macaroni and cheese was just for kids? Think again! Join us at the Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, March 6 from NOON - 3PM benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food. For more information, please visit emeraldcoastbgc.org/mac-and-cheese-festival.
$45 for V.I.C.
$25 for adults
$15 for kids (5-16 years old)
V.I.C. (Very Important Cheese) tickets include (1) beverage ticket and a t-shirt.
All proceeds from this event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, which works in our community to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
When: March 9-12th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach
Description: The bi-annual Emerald Coast Cruzin’ car show at Aaron Bessant Park is back this spring, March 9-12. Car enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to check out the thousands of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks, and classics on display. Activities at Emerald Coast Cruizin' include cruise-ins, concerts, parties, vendors, food, parades, and celebrity appearances.
While your family weaves through dozens of rows of iconic vehicles, keep your ears alert for cash and swag giveaways. Collectors and enthusiasts drive home a vintage vehicle if they prevail in the frantic bidding at a live auction. Visitors won’t want to miss out on the numerous live bands, meet and greets, and presentation shows. For details visit us here.
When: March 11-12th
Where: The Island
Description: Grab your keys and head to The Island by Hotel RL in Fort Walton Beach for Buggin' Out: A Vintage VW Festival and Car Show. The fun begins on Friday, March 11 with a pool party and live DJ. From there, guests will spend their weekend cruising the bay, showing their vintage cars, and enjoying the amenities of The Island Hotel.
CLICK HERE to register your vintage VW Bus or VW Bug, reserve your room, and learn more about Buggin' Out.
Saturday, March 12, is the main event! From 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., more than 60 vintage cars will be on display, along with live music, local vendor booths, groovy cocktails, kids activities and more. Attendance for Saturday’s festivities is free for the public and resort guests.
The Island’s stunning beachfront property provides a unique event venue right on the beautiful Emerald Coast. Buggin’ Out is a weekend full of spectacular vintage cars, poolside fun, live music, and more.
Gala & Golf Weekend
When: March 12-13th
Where: Hilton Sandestin/Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Description: The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is hosting their signature Golf & Gala weekend on March 12-13th. Purchase your tickets today to reserve your spot at cbo.io/tickets/eccac/tickets.
The Gala takes place on Saturday, March 12th at the Hilton Sandestin with a cocktail hour starting at 5 PM. Guests will enjoy great food, signature cocktails and get the chance to bid on lots of fabulous experiences during the live auction, which all goes to benefit every child who visits the center.
The Golf tournament takes place on Sunday, March 13th at Kelly Plantation Golf Club with tee off at 12 PM and a cookout beforehand. Players will experience a fun day out on the beautiful golf course while enjoying food, drinks, each other's company and playing for tons of amazing prizes.
St. Patty's Day Paint the Village Green
When: March 17th
Where: The Village at Baytowne Wharf
Description: Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Thursday, March 17th from 6-9pm. Featuring Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and Live Music from Shenanigans! Free and open to the public.
Guests can also enjoy merchant specials around the Village of Baytowne Wharf for St. Patty's Day all night long!
When: March 17th
Food For Thought Crawfish Boil
UNwineD: Kickoff Party
Soirée On the Bay
St. Paddy's Family Party
Where: Idyll Hounds
Description: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, Distillery 98, and Sent Entertainment Co have joined forces to bring you and your crew the ultimate St. Patrick's Day Block Party featuring Roosevelt Collier w/ Special Guests Nerf The World -Thursday March 17th.
Gates open at 5:30PM | Show starts at 6:00PM
Advance GA tickets: $15
Day of performance: $20
VIP tables available
When: March 18th
Where: Renovation Flooring
Description: Food For Thought Outreach invites you to join them for a Crawfish Boil on March 18th at Renovation Flooring, located at 11714 Emerald Coast Parkway in Miramar Beach across from Seascape. The pickin' starts at 3PM with 100% of the proceeds benefiting FFT, so non-perishable food items and monetary donations are encouraged.
Enjoy live music, crawfish, hotdogs and other treats for the whole family. KombiKeg30A will be bringing their mobile bar with delicious brews.
Food For Thought is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL that provides backpacks filled with healthy, easy to prepare food for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals. For more information, donation, volunteer info, and ways you can help please visit Food For Thought Outreach: fftfl.org/.
Follow Food For Thought on Facebook for events and local updates.
When: March 18-19th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach
Description: UNwineD is an incredible two day celebration of craft beer, spirits, and wine March 18 & 19, 2022 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. Savor the flavors of fine craft beer, award-winning wine, and delicious local cuisine pairings.
For more info and to purchase tickets visit: visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined/
Friday, March 18
Presented by Southern Living
Get an exclusive preview of the UNwineD and raise a glass while you mix and mingle with mixologists and top tastemakers of the South.This one-of-a-kind night offers, custom cocktails, live music, and more! Only 250 tickets are sold to the Kickoff Party and include admission to the entire weekend of events.
Saturday, March 19
The Celebration
1-4pm Grand Tasting & Cocktail Competition: Taste craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world and sample delectable creations by local leading chefs. Browse through Art & Vendor Row filled with local shops and boutiques, and be sure to also stop by the Southern Living tent for home decor, cookbooks, and more!
When: March 18-19th
Where: The Dugas Family Estate
Description: Soiree On The Bay, benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network, will take place March 18th & 19th. Enjoy a lavish gathering with fine wine, food and spirits. This weekend is presented by the Dugas family and will take place on their stunning family estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach.
For tickets visit: cvhnkids.org/soiree-on-the-bay.
Proceeds from this event will go towards building CVHN’s second mobile dental clinic, which will provide free restorative dental services to children in need across Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Soiree On The Bay events include:
March 18, 2022 | Porc Et Vin - 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
The VIP experience begins with Porc et Vin featuring drinks from Thompson 31 Fifty Wines, Balcones Whiskey, and Southern Fields Brewery, along with delicious cuisine provided all weekend from Cafe Thirty-A and live music presented by SETCO Services.
March 19, 2022 | VIP Party - 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
The VIP experience continues with a special VIP Party featuring bocce ball, bubbly, and lite bites.
March 19, 2022 | Main Event - 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
The main event will immediately follow the VIP Party. Guests will enjoy a mix and mingle style event featuring small bites, wine samples, and more. The Tip Tops Band presented by SETCO Services will entertain guests with a lively performance featuring songs from the 1960s, along with Motown favorites and rhythm and blues. Guests will toast at sunset during the ceremonious shooting of the cannon and the evening will finish on a high note with a festive fireworks display.
This elegant weekend is sponsored by Pish Posh Patchouli’s, VIE Magazine along with Will Burns of Merrill Lynch. For a full list of sponsors, visit the event and ticketing website.
When: March 19th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: The luck of the Irish is coming to HarborWalk Village! Enjoy an Irish Dance Performance, kids’ activities, a leprechaun treasure hunt, and fun surprises for lucky adults!
St. Paddy’s Family Party: Saturday, March 19th | 2 - 4 PM
Performance by The Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance | 2:30pm
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Movie Nights:
Every Wednesday @ Alys Beach – Starting March 16th
Every Thursday @ Rosemary Beach – Starting March 17th
Every Friday @ Seaside – Starting March 18th
Every Sunday @ Baytowne & Seaside – Starting March 20th
Farmer's Markets
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard & Watersound
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
Let's Chat!
