Spring is in full swing, and that means the Emerald Coast is buzzing with fantastic local events and activities! From art festivals to car shows to charity events, May 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:
Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5th
Where: Farm & Fire
Description: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Farm & Fire! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an exceptional lineup of craft cocktail and food specials at Farm & Fire from 4 - 9 PM on Thursday, May 5. No reservations needed. NO cover! Follow Farm & Fire on Facebook and Instagram for live music updates, events, cocktails and food inspiration.
When: May 5th
Where: North Beach Social
Description: Eat, drink, and be social this Cinco De Mayo at North Beach Social from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., May 5, 2022. Guests will enjoy music from DJ 30A, a photo booth, and a costume contest with a $100 gift card prize. There will be food and drink specials all day as well. Stop by the North Beach of South Walton for the festivities. North Beach Social is a beach restaurant and bar located at the foot of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Guests order from the counter and bar and enjoy beach games, toys and seating in a very laid back atmosphere. Follow North Beach Social on Facebook to stay informed.
Hard Hats & High Heels
When: May 6th
Where: Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Description: Habitat Walton County invites you to join them at the annual Hard Hats & High Heels, a women's empowerment luncheon bringing together a cross-section of the Emerald Coast's professional, social, and philanthropic leaders. Hosted by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach, the Hard Hats & High Heels Luncheon takes place on Friday May 6th in the Sandestin Linkside Ballroom from 11am - 1pm.
Tickets $60 | Purchase HERE.
This year's event showcases keynote speaker Ret. Colonel Gilda Jackson, a silent auction, games, prizes, an awards presentation, seated lunch, complimentary Sandestin Real Estate cocktail (21+), Southern Glazer's Wine Pull, and more.
When: May 6th
Where: Mezcal Mexican Grill
Description: The Rotary Club of Destin will host its annual Cajun Crawfish Bash on Friday, May 6 from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Mezcal Mexican Grill inside The Towne Centre at Seascape. The Rotary Club of Destin is known for serving up the best Cajun crawfish, libations and live music. Back by popular demand is Fais Do-Do Band performing their unique genre of zydeco music. Integrating a blend of R&B, soul, brass band, reggae, hip hop, ska, rock and Afro-Caribbean, you are guaranteed to be dancing!
Regular crawfish ticket - $35 | All you can eat crawfish - $50 | Kids and non-crawfish ticket - $15
Event proceeds benefit young families in need through Food For Thought, Harvest House, Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s community outreach initiatives and The Rotary Club of Destin Scholarship Fund. The public is invited to join in the Cajun festivities. The fun event is suitable for families and folks of all ages. Fresh crawfish from Louisiana will be dished up with the traditional potatoes and corn on the cob. For those who don’t crave crawfish, there will also be grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and pulled pork prepared fresh on-site.
When: May 5-7th
Where: Destin Commons
Tequila & Taco Fest
Down & Derby Fest
Alaqua Animal Refuge Spring Bazaar
Description: Burning Up The Beaches is a fun-filled weekend with gearheads from all over the United States taking place May 5 - 7, 2022. Participating attendees will enjoy three days of events and showing off their cars on the sugar-white beaches of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The Main Street Parade and the Burning Up The Beaches car show are open to the public to attend.
To participate in these events, as well as the other activities during the Burning up the Beaches weekend, registration is required. www.burningupthebeaches.com.
Thursday, May 5 | 2PM
Burning Up The Beaches kicks off at The Island by Hotel RL in Fort Walton Beach.
Friday, May 6 | 10AM
The group will drive in the Main Street Parade in downtown Fort Walton Beach to show off their vintage cars. The celebration will continue with various events hosted at The Island Resort including a DJ at the pool and live music.
Saturday, May 8 | 9AM
The big show day! The Burning Up The Beaches car show will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Destin Commons. Valve cover racing will begin at 11:00 a.m. Participants will enjoy a day of cars, music, and more around Destin Commons.
All funds raised during Burning Up The Beaches weekend will support The Arc of the Emerald Coast’s mission to provide a path from disability to capability.
When: May 6-8th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Hosted at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, the Tequila & Taco Fest is set for Friday, May 6th - Sunday, May 8th. Purchase Tickets, www.efestevents.com/
Local restaurants and food trucks will be competing for the Best Taco on The Emerald Coast with a first-place prize of $2,500, and you, will have a say in the People's choice Award. Sample many types of Tequilas and Margaritas from Blancos, Resposados, Anjieos, and even Mezcals while indulging on some of the area's best tacos.
To learn more about Tequila & Taco Fest, visit baytownewharf.com
Event Schedule: Friday , May 6: Pre Party | 6pm-9pm
Saturday, May 7: Main Event | 1pm-5pm
Sunday, May 8: Bye Bye Brunch | 11am-2pm
34th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
When: May 7-8th
Where: Grand Boulevard
Description: The 34th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival takes place May 7 & 8 at Grand Boulevard in South Walton, Florida. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 200 artists from around the country while also experiencing live musical entertainment, ImagiNation (where kids rule), student exhibits and great food & beverage options in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
Artists may apply in the categories of Mixed Media, Oils, Acrylics, Works on Paper, Fiber, Glass, Ceramics, Sculpture, Jewelry, Pastels, and more and will be juried by art industry professionals. The jury fee is $45 and booth fees start at $325. The final application deadline is March 4, 2022. APPLY TO THE EVENT AT: zapplication.org
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival at Grand Boulevard
Saturday, May 7: 10AM - 7PM
Sunday, May 8: 10AM - 5PM
Down & Derby Fest
When: May 7th
Where: Seaside | Lyceum Lawn
Description: Junior League of the Emerald Coast invites you to the event of the season: Down & Derby Fest! This year's event will be held in Seaside on the Lyceum Lawn on Saturday, May 7th, from 3:00 - 6:30 PM. The event will include a silent auction, live music by Clinch 46, food & beverages, and a live showing of the Kentucky Derby Race.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit DerbyFest.givesmart.com.
The 2022 Down & Derby Fest benefits JLEC's Child Clothing Project. Every year the Child Clothing Project provides brand-new clothing for over 400 children in need from Okaloosa and Walton County elementary schools.
When: May 7th
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Join Alaqua in their new Welcome Center Courtyard for the Spring Bazaar — A Unique Marketplace on Saturday, May 7th from 8AM - 1PM. The Spring Bazaar will be held at Alaqua Animal Refuge, located 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL 32439—only 4.7 miles east of Freeport along Highway 20. Bring the family and make it a fun day at the Refuge!
This 'mega yard sale' marketplace will have home décor, furniture, housewares, linens, high end clothing, purses, jewelry, artwork, pet supplies, and more!
If you would like to donate any items, please call 850-880-6399 or email info@alaqua.org.
When: May 10-14th
Where: Frank Brown Park
Description: Thousands of Jeep owners, enthusiast and club members will gather in Panama City Beach, Florida May 10-14, 2022 for Florida Jeep Jam! This 5 day family oriented event, filled with fun in the sun activities that will prove to be one of the highest sought over Jeep festivals in the complete southeastern United States.
Official Event Schedule: floridajeepjam.com
Put your Jeep to the challenge on our Obstacle Course, explore the natural habitats of North Florida during an Off-Road Excursion, check out the latest Jeep accessories – Jeep parts and Jeep gear from top vendors, cruise the sandy beaches during our Topless for Turtles Jeep Beach Krawl.
The stage is set at Frank Brown Park, where Jeep Jam will host the Official Vendor Village. The Vendor Village will feature National and Regional industry leading companies in which they will provide new, state-of-the-art accessories, parts and other Jeep merchandise. Special tents will be set up for workshop seminars, Charity raffle tents and Official FBJ Merchandise.
Digital Graffiti Festival
When: May 13-14th
Where: Alys Beach
Description: Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is an innovative and dynamic event that celebrates the intersection of projection art and architecture. During the event, international artists display their original digital art upon the white walls of Alys Beach, transforming the SoWal town into a vibrant canvas of motion, color, light, and fun! The draws digital artists from across the globe to explore how their fluid forms connect with people and architecture to create spontaneous and wondrous experiences.
Digital Graffiti is part of Art Month South Walton, an initiative of the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County with the purpose to bring communities, organizations and businesses together to present quality arts and entertainment to the community. Spanning the month of May, Art Month will feature visual, performing and literary arts programming in diverse formats and in various venues throughout South Walton.
Digital Graffiti 2022 tickets available here! Be sure to follow Digital Graffiti on Facebook for up to date information!
Gaffrey Art Material: Warehouse Paint Party
When: May 14th
Where: Gaffrey Art Material
Description: Gaffrey Art Material (GAM) invites everyone to a Warehouse Paint Party on Saturday, May 14 from 6 – 9 PM. Come see how their signature Gaffrey paint is made and tour the Warehouse of Wonders - where chemistry and art collide! Enjoy live paint demos, music, drinks, and more.
Then on Friday, May 20, Justin will present a new body of work entitled “Anti-Shark Gravity Subsidiary Ikebana Animals” from 6 - 9 PM at the Justin Gaffrey Gallery in Blue Mountain Beach.
Gaffrey Art Material: Warehouse Paint Party May 14 | 6 - 9 PM | 21 Blue Gulf Drive
“Anti-Shark Gravity Subsidiary Ikebana Animals” May 20 | 6 - 9 PM | Justin Gaffrey Gallery in Blue Mountain Beach
Visit Justin Gaffrey Gallery Monday through Saturday in Blue Mountain Beach. Follow the gallery on Facebook to stay up to date on events, art shows, and what Justin is working on now.
The Sonder Project Birthday Bash
When: May 19th
Where: The Big Chill 30A
Description: Bring the whole crew out to The Big Chill 30A, formerly The Hub, in Watersound Beach to celebrate seven years of The Sonder Project with musical group True Soul. The party begins at 5:30PM. No cover charge! Good food, cold drinks and awesome music.
The Sonder Project works to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development. 5% of all purchases at all bars, Duos, Local Smoke, Super Freeze, and Nectar will be donated back to The Sonder Project when you use code "2015" at the point of sale.
In addition to live music, there will be silent auction prizes including a YOLO inflatable paddle board, a Santa Rosa Beach Golf Club outing, and sandcastle lessons from Beach Sand Sculptures. There will also be a drawing for your chance to win a week long stay with 360 Blue or a Deluxe Beach Bonfire with Vacayzen!
When: May 21st
Alaqua Animal Refuge Golf Tournament
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Baytowne Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Where: BoatHouse Paddle Club
Description: The Splash & Dash 5K Run & 2.5K Paddle will be taking place on Saturday, May 21st. A collaborative effort between the Rotorhead 30A Running Co and RUNSUP, The Splash & Dash offers participants the option to participate in a 5K Run and/or a 2.5K SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Race. Start time for the 5K Run will be 7:00AM and the 2.5K SUP Race will start at 8:15AM.
To register or for more info, just click on the following link: The Splash & Dash 5k & 2.5 Paddle. A portion of the proceeds will go to Caring and Sharing of South Walton.
Splash & Dash Schedule
6:45 AM | Pre-race
7:00 AM | 5K Trail Run Start
8:15 AM | 2.5K SUP Race Start
9:30 AM | Awards Ceremony
The 5K Run will start and finish adjacent the WaterColor BoatHouse, and will run throughout WaterColor primarily on its beautifully-groomed trails. The 2.5K SUP Race will take place on Western Lake and finish underneath the iconic WaterColor bridge. Participants will have the option to participate in the Run ONLY; the SUP Race ONLY; or both the 5K Run + 2.5K Paddle Race.
For the Paddle Race, participants may bring their own recreational style board (12’ and under) or rent a board from the BoatHouse Paddle Club for use during the race. To reserve a board, please email your contact information (name, phone number and number of boards) to info@runsup.com.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Golf Tournament
When: May 21st
Where: Windswept Dunes
Description: Join fellow golf & animal enthusiasts on Saturday, May 21 for Alaqua's Inaugural Golf Tournament. Held at Windswept Dunes Golf Course (Freeport, FL), located next door to Alaqua, this 18 hole tournament will begin at 10AM with a shotgun start / scramble format.
Register, become a sponsor, and learn more: https://bit.ly/AlaquaGolf-2022
COST: $200 Individual | $750 Team of 4
When: May 28-30th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Kick-off Summer on the Destin Harbor with live music on the Main Stage all weekend, May 28th - May 30th at HarborWalk Village! It’s time for flip-flops, suntans, and Summer! $10 On-Site Parking Fee.
Saturday, May 28th | 7:00pm - Flash Flood
Sunday, May 29th | 6:45pm - Vintage Air Show 7:00pm - Andy Velo 9:00pm - Fireworks & Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe
Monday, May 30th | Silent Disco Party
When: May 28-29th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf is gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend festivities with two nights of family friendly events! Admission is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 28: Concert 7-9pm
Forrest Williams Band will take the stage from 7 p.m. until 9pm. Guests are invited to dance the night away as they listen to South Walton's own Forrest Williams Band, an award-winning favorite on stage among locals and visitors to the area. Forrest and Pherrel Williams perform a variety of music from southern rock to country and blues.
Sunday, May 29: Live music, kids activities, fireworks 6-9pm
Baytowne Wharf will host free children activities, including face painting, balloon animals, and lawn games from 6-9 p.m. Live Music with Jared and The High Aces. After the show, Baytowne Wharf will light up the sky above the lagoon with a patriotic fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.
WEEKLY EVENTS:
MKAF Concerts in The Village @ Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village | Every Thursday Until June 23rd
Hump Day Market @ Monet Monet Gardens | Every Wednesday
30Avenue Concert Series @ 30Avenue | Daily
SoWal Bocce Tournament @ North Beach Social | Every Wednesday Until May 25th
Seaside Lawn Cinema @ Lyceum Lawn in Seaside | Every Sunday Night
Farmer's Markets
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard & Watersound
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
Let's Chat!
