SoWal Stories

Walton County Set To Open New Regional Beach Access In Grayton Beach

Planning and Construction has taken years, but now we have an official opening date of June 15th for The Grayton Beach Community Center, a new building, tram stop, and boardwalks in "downtown" Grayton Beach just west of the Red Bar. Read more about the Grayton Beach Community Center on the SoWal Forum Post & Discussion. Continue reading...

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Git & Grace Presents "Holding Our Own" - Rooted In Real Stories Of Walton County

It's nearing the time of year when being entertained indoors with air conditioning is a desirable activity. After you've soaked up some sun, after a hard day's work or play, we've got you covered. This July you can catch the latest production from Grit & Grace, our beloved community theater with roots in local history and events from Walton County's colorful past. Continue reading...

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Hike & Discover With A Ranger At SoWal State Parks

Camp Helen State Park invites you to go beyond your park visit, joining a Park Ranger for a nature hike held each first Thursday of the month at 10AM on Camp Helen's user-friendly trail system. Learn about the park's flora and fauna and the larger ecosystem of the Florida Panhandle. The hike lasts about an hour and is great for all experience levels and requires moderate endurance. Continue reading...

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Swashbuckling Dinner Theater: Pirates Voyage Brings Epic Show To Panama City Beach

Just to the east of SoWal in Panama City Beach, Dolly Parton has brought a large dose of swashbuckling excitement, and you are invited to trade your beach towel for a pirate hat. If you are looking for an action-packed escape that takes family entertainment to a whole new level, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Panama City Beach is delivering a legendary coastal spectacle that you truly have to see to believe. Continue reading...

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Inaugural ECTC Charity Golf Tournament Tees Off This June at Sandestin

Summer is teeing up for a great day of sport and philanthropy as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) launches its first-ever Charity Golf Tournament. Continue reading...

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Sounds Like Summer Events At Watersound Town Center June & August

Summer activities, theater, and concerts fill the air once again this summer at Watersound Town Center on the eastern end of SoWal. Continue reading...

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Florida Wildlife Federation 90th Birthday Celebration At Alaqua June 7th

The wild places of Florida and the animals that call them home are taking center stage this summer as two premier advocacy organizations team up for a massive milestone. Alaqua Animal Refuge is throwing open its gates to host The Wild Within: Florida Wildlife Federation 90th Birthday Celebration. This free community event takes place on Saturday, June 7, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at Alaqua’s beautiful 100-acre home in Freeport. Continue reading...

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Walton County Expands Beach Tram Service To State Parks

Walton County will expand the existing Beach Tram service connecting visitors to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, with an inaugural ride taking place Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. from the Grayton Municipal Parking Facility at 1505 County Hwy 283 S, Santa Rosa Beach. The inaugural ride is hosted by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with Beach Operations and Tourism departments. Continue reading...

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New At Grand Boulevard: Bands on the BLVD and Big BLVD Bash

Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach is making Grand Park the center of summer on the coast. Beginning May 21, two free weekly entertainment series, the returning Bands on the BLVD and the all-new Big BLVD Bash, will bring live music and DJ dance parties to the heart of Miramar Beach every week through early July. Continue reading...

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Culinary Pioneer and Community Cornerstone: Chef Jim Shirley's Mission of Generosity

While many know Chef Jim Shirley as one of the most successful business owners in South Walton, few truly know the quiet, humble heart behind the apron. He doesn’t seek the spotlight for his generosity, but Jim is a cornerstone of our SoWal community, working tirelessly behind the scenes to lift up those around him. Continue reading...

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Greenway Station 30A Farmers Market Debuts in Seagrove

The Greenway Station 30A Farmers Market is a new, open-air market adjacent to The Lodge 30A in Seagrove Beach, Florida. Continue reading...

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Walton County Provides Free Admission to SoWal State Parks Summer 2026

Summer visitors to Walton County will once again be able to enjoy complimentary day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Continue reading...

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Digital Graffiti Illuminates Alys Beach May 14-16

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach transforms the SoWal town into a vibrant and colorful gallery where cutting-edge digital technology brings art to life on its spectacular architecture. Continue reading...

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Charles Esten Live On The Lake At Old Florida Fish House May 16

Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove welcomes back acclaimed singer-songwriter and actor Charles Esten for a Lakeside performance on Saturday, May 16th at 6PM. Purchase Tickets TODAY: Charles Esten at OFFH Known for his role on "Nashville" and his impressive catalog of original music, Charles brings his soulful sound to the beautiful setting of Old Florida Fish House. Continue reading...

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DwightFest Brings Tunes and Philanthropy to Watersound Town Center May 9

Get ready to jam for a cause May 9th, 2026, as DwightFest takes over the beautiful Watersound Pavilion at Watersound Town Center on the east end of SoWal! The music rolls from 3 PM to 8 PM, showcasing an incredible lineup of live music that you won’t want to miss. Featured artists include: Sam Bush and the Sam Band Dread Clampitt Waco Ramblers Duke and TK Bardwell Saunders Boyz A Cause Close to Heart Continue reading...

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5th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament May 9th At Sandestin

The vibrant greens of the golf links at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in SoWal are calling for a cause that supports our four-legged friends. The 5th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Investments, returns to The Links Golf Club at Sandestin on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This fan-favorite scramble offers a competitive yet lighthearted way to support local animal rescue efforts. Continue reading...

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Seagrove Regional Beach Access Now Open!

The heart of Seagrove is about to get a whole lot more accessible. Continue reading...

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A New Era for SoWal Live Music: Topeka Transforms Miramar Beach Venue For 5th Anniversary

Step in to your flip-flops and leave the car keys behind because South Walton's unique music venue by the beach has leveled up! Topeka, a national leader in destination-based music vacations, is celebrating five years of coastal concerts with a major transformation of its venue just off the Gulf, ensuring the "no lines" philosophy is smoother than ever for the 2026 season. Continue reading...

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Celebrating The Donation Of 2,295 Acres For The Choctawhatchee River Delta Preserve In Walton County

Celebrating the donation of 2,295 acres for the Choctawhatchee River Delta Preserve in Walton County, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 9, at 10 a.m. Hosted by the Northwest Florida Water Management District and The Nature Conservancy, the event will take place at 87 Pitts Bayshore Drive in Freeport. Officials and partners will gather to commemorate the preservation of this significant tract of land along the Choctawhatchee River and Bay. Continue reading...

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Inaugural Battle of the Bayou Fishing Tournament Kickoff Party April 23

Get your lines ready—something exciting is coming to SoWal: the first-ever Battle of the Bayou Fishing Tournament, benefiting Point Washington Medical Clinic - it's a brand-new fundraising event benefiting the free, volunteer-driven primary care clinic serving uninsured and underinsured residents across the Florida Panhandle. Get tickets/register online. Continue reading...

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South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival At Grand Boulevard April 23-26

As the warm April breeze settles over the coast, the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is ready to pour out another world-class weekend of discovery. From April 23–26, 2026, Grand Boulevard’s Town Center transforms into a vibrant celebration of flavor, bringing together dozens of celebrity winemakers, master distillers, and regional chefs for an unforgettable four-day extravaganza. Continue reading...

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Walton County Launches Paid Parking Program

Walton County is officially shifting gears on its beach-access strategy with the launch of its first paid parking program. Set to take effect on April 3, 2026, the initiative aims to fund public services and maintain infrastructure while encouraging a "park once" approach through an expanded tram system. Continue reading...

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Dedicated To The Arts: May Is Art Month In Walton County, Florida

Art Month presented by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), is a month-long celebration of the arts held each May in Walton County, Florida. Continue reading...

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38th Annual ArtsQuest Festival At Grand Boulevard May 2 & 3

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) kicks off Art Month in Walton County with the 38th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival on May 2 & 3, 2026. Continue reading...

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39th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival April 17-18

The corks are ready to pop as one of the Emerald Coast’s most enduring traditions returns for its 39th year of excellence. Continue reading...

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