SoWal Stories

Baytowne Beer Festival Oct 16-17 At Sandestin

Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds & ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 18th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on October 16th & 17th, 2026. Learn more and purchase tickets today! baytownebeerfestival.com Continue reading...

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10th Annual Harvest Moon Celebration & Benefit

The Point Washington Medical Clinic is celebrating another year serving the community – and the 10th annual Harvest Moon Celebration fundraiser to support the mission of the clinic: to build a stronger and healthier community by providing high-quality primary health care regardless of the patient’s means or access. Continue reading...

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International Coastal Cleanup In South Walton On September 19, 2026

Love where you live. Protect what you love. Love SoWal! Join our SoWal community for International Coastal Cleanup 2026 and be part of a worldwide effort making a difference right here in Walton County, organized by Keep Walton County Beautiful. Continue reading...

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Emerald Coast Theatre Company Opens Registration For Fall Education Programs

Following another successful summer of camps, Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is excited to welcome students back for its 2026 Fall Education Programs. As the summer concludes with performances of Something Rotten Jr. on July 30 and 31, registration is now open for a wide variety of classes designed for students of all ages and experience levels. Continue reading...

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Battle for the Buckle Returns to Destin Harbor Sep 23-26

Anglers across the Southeast are gearing up to cast their lines for a big purse and an even bigger cause. Westonwood Ranch has announced the return of the 2nd Annual Battle for the Buckle Fishing Tournament, taking place September 23–26 at Harbor Docks. Continue reading...

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Cultural Arts Alliance Celebrates America250 With National Recognition & Regional Exhibition

As communities across the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County is celebrating America250 through two significant initiatives that honor Florida's artistic identity while elevating Northwest Florida on both national and regional stages. Continue reading...

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The Pearl Hotel Welcomes Executive Chef Jordan Economy to Lead Havana Beach Bar & Grill

The Pearl Hotel, the luxury boutique hotel and crown jewel of the Rosemary Beach community, announces the appointment of Executive Chef Jordan Economy to lead the culinary program at its signature restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Bringing more than two decades of culinary experience and a passion for global cuisine, Chef Economy will oversee the restaurant’s evolving food and beverage offerings while honoring the flavors that have made the eatery a favorite along 30A. Continue reading...

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Special Rates & Offers From The Lodge 30A In Seagrove Beach

Tucked into the lush greenery of Greenway Station in Seagrove Beach, The Lodge 30A offers a fresh way to experience South Walton’s coastal lifestyle without blowing through your travel budget. Continue reading...

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E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Launches Year-Round "Public Fridays" Starting September 4

For years, stepping into the wonder of Nokuse Plantation in Walton County meant waiting for a special event or tagging along on a school field trip. Continue reading...

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St. Joe Resort Experiences Offer Vacations Without Compromise

Summer on 30A is all about matching your mood to the perfect slice of coastal paradise. Whether you are looking for a secluded hideaway that feels like home, a launching pad for local exploration, or a golf getaway that keeps you close to the greens, St. Joe Hospitality’s latest summer promotions offer a chance to stay longer and save. If you are planning your ultimate Gulf Coast escape, here is how you can customize your trip across distinct SoWal properties: Continue reading...

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Pairing and Sharing Wine Dinner Benefits Caring & Sharing of South Walton At Rosemary Beach Town Hall Aug 27

Sip, savor, and support your community at the Pairing and Sharing Wine Dinner, benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, August 27 at 6:00 PM at Rosemary Beach Town Hall, offering guests an elegant evening of food, wine, and philanthropy in the heart of Rosemary Beach. Continue reading...

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Watersound Town Center Keeps Growing With New Shops & Eateries

Watersound Town Center has lots of room to grow along US 98 in eastern South Walton County. A visit to the heart of Watersound reveals a growing open-air, walkable center where daily lifestyle meets coastal luxury. Bordering the entrance to the Watersound Origins community, the continuously expanding collection of shops, restaurants, and event spaces are designed to serve the broader Watersound community & surrounding areas. Continue reading...

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Local and Visitor School Calendars for 2026-2027: Spring Break 2027 Dates

Here is the 2026-2027 School Calendar from Visit South Walton - Use it to help plan your trips to SoWal & 30A. Locals can see when to promote business, events, and when to plan around traffic, and crowds at restaurants and grocery stores. The school calendar shows when K-12 schools and universities/colleges in our major travel markets will be on break and for school start dates. South Walton School Calendar includes 30A travel info for Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and other holidays. Continue reading...

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Angelina's Pizzeria & Pasta Serves Homestyle Italian Goodness In Seagrove Beach

In the glitzy world of coastal dining, it is easy to get caught up in high-end expectations, minimalist plating, and steep checks. But as many families discover when vacationing in SoWal, nothing quite compares to the comforting embrace of a true mom-and-pop landmark that locals love. Continue reading...

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Celebrating Summer At Alys Beach

Summer is officially upon us, and Alys Beach invites locals & visitors to celebrate the season with upcoming events inspired by wellness, connection, and the magic of summer. Whether you're looking to reset and recharge through movement or gather with family and friends for an evening of coastal traditions, we hope you'll join in welcoming the season ahead. Flow Into Summer June 20, 8-10AM | Town Center Continue reading...

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South Walton Independence Day Fireworks, Parades & Events

SoWal goes all out to celebrate the Fourth! It's the busiest and brightest weekend of the year, and this year carries extra meaning as ou beach towns celebrate America's 250th birthday. Continue reading...

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Beach Tram Service Gets New Name: Walton County Beach Park and Ride

Walton County Tourism (WCT) rebranded the free Beach Tram program, along with its website and two county paid parking lots to make beach access information easier for visitors to find. Formerly known as Walton County Transportation, the service is now operating as Walton County Beach Park and Ride. The updated name better reflects the program's purpose: helping visitors park their car, ride the tram and reach the beach with less stress. Continue reading...

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Watching The Truman Show & Spotting Filming Locations In Seaside, Florida

If you walk down the pastel-colored, picture-perfect streets of Seaside, Florida, for the first time, you might get a strange sense of deja vu. That is because nearly three decades ago, our quiet 80-acre coastal neighborhood transformed into "Seahaven Island"—the fictional, hyper-idyllic town built inside a giant Hollywood dome for Peter Weir’s 1998 satirical masterpiece, The Truman Show. Continue reading...

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Live On The Bay: Impressive Music Calendar On The Beach At North Beach Social

North Beach on the bay is the place for Live Music this summer at North Beach Social, at the foot of the 331 bridge. Chef Jim Shirley brings live music along with excellent dining, white-sand beaches, and full bars on both side of Hwy 331. Continue reading...

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"The Lake That Built a Town" Film Highlights DeFuniak Springs History & Heritage

The Lake That Built a Town is the first film in The DeFuniak Springs Story Series by local Kerri Parker of hwy331.com. Continue reading...

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Digital Graffiti 2026 Winners, Photos & Overview

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is an art festival that employs the latest in digital technologies to project original works onto the town’s expansive white walls. The collection of events celebrates the creative process of integrating art, technology, and architecture. The new urbanist town on Scenic 30A provides an open-air, nighttime gallery space with an exhibition footprint spanning just under one mile. Continue reading...

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Hurricane Season Begins June 1 In Walton County - Links & Info To Be Prepared

Living on the beautiful Northwest Florida coast comes with a familiar trade-off: our stunning South Walton beaches are paired with the annual reality of Atlantic hurricane season. When it comes to tropical weather, protecting your property isn’t a matter of if a storm will threaten the coast—it’s a matter of when. Continue reading...

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The South Walton Fire District Junior Lifeguard Program Kicks Off June 2

The South Walton Fire District Junior Lifeguard Program returns this summer with more than 200 participants preparing to dive into a season of beach safety education, lifesaving skills, and hands-on surf rescue training along the Emerald Coast. The program kicks off Tuesday, June 2, and once again features both Foundations and Advanced curriculum tracks, allowing first-time and returning Junior Lifeguards to learn at a pace tailored to their experience level. Continue reading...

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Stinky's Fish Camp & Stinky's Bait Shack Live Music In June

Stinky's Fish Camp in Dune Allen Beach by the Gulf and Stinky's Fish Camp next door have music on Lake Allen (a SoWal coastal dune lake) right across from the beach. Continue reading...

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See "The Paper Bear" & More Movies At Seaside Amphitheater This Summer

The Paper Bear, a feature-length film and conservation initiative by The Paper Bear nonprofit, will air in Seaside's Amphitheater as part of Central Square Cinema Series on June 7, July 12 & 24. Grab your blankets & chairs and head to the Seaside Lyceum Lawn for a family movie under the stars. The movie begins at 8:00 PM, weather permitting. Continue reading...

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