The Latest Stories from SoWal

 

New Visitor and Nature Center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Underway

Representatives for the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and Walton County Tourism participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Visitor & Nature Center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on December 20th. The $4.2 million project will provide education, host events and connect visitors to the park's natural wonders. Walton County provided $285,000 in Tourist Development Tax funds to support the project, which is expected to be completed in late 2025. Continue reading...

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7th Annual Hard Hats & High Heels Feb 7

The 7th Annual Hard Hats & High Heels luncheon benefiting Habitat for Humanity Walton County is February 7th from 11am to 1pm at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Tickets are available online for $75 ($65 for advance purchase before January 24th, 2025). Continue reading...

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MKAF 2025 Concerts In The Village April Through June

From blues rock to a soulful Amy Winehouse tribute, danceable yacht rock, and Def Leppard classics—plus a special performance of Journey’s album Escape from start to finish by Black Jacket Symphony—the 2025 Concerts in the Village presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation offers a dynamic lineup for every music lover. Continue reading...

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Sinfonia Gulf Coast Annual Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch, Vintner Dinners & Main Event

Crescendo! 2025 is a series of special events in January, February and March to benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement programs throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Programs that include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Sacred Heart Hospital, and Link Up concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall and more. Continue reading...

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Stinky's Sold! The Dawson Group To Carry Torch

The Dawson Group, a locally owned and operated restaurant group, has acquired three notable South Walton establishments, including Red Fish Taco, Stinky’s Bait Shack, and Stinky’s Fish Camp, from longtime local, Jim Richard of Word of Mouth Restaurant Group. Continue reading...

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SwampWriter Music Festival At Stinky’s Bait Shack Jan 15-20

The SwampWriter Music Festival is Stinky's heartfelt gift to the area’s music lovers - a free, five-day celebration of local and regional talent that returns each January to Stinky’s Bait Shack on Scenic 30A in Dune Allen Beach from Jan 15-19, 2025 over Martin Luther King Weekend. Full schedule to be announced soon. Keep your eye on the SoWal Events Calendar & Stinky's Bait Shack Website & Facebook. Continue reading...

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Café Thirty-A Raises Record $81,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton

Café Thirty-A’s Annual Christmas Charity Ball, presented by honorary sponsors Earl Bacon, the Ellis Family, and Thomas Howell Ferguson, was held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 and raised a record-breaking $81,000 for Caring and Sharing of South Walton, an organization that provides food and financial assistance to area families and individuals in need. Continue reading...

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CAA Valentine Tour of Homes Feb 8-9

Valentine’s weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but for Walton County residents and visitors, it also signals the much-loved annual Valentine Tour of Homes. Continue reading...

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Making New Memories: Plan Your Alys Beach Escape

A mecca of design and master planning set within the captivating landscape of the Gulf of Mexico coastline of Northwest Florida, Alys Beach is a living gallery of the works of some of the country's most revered architects and designers. Managed exclusively by Alys Beach, the vacation rental program offers guests an immersive, fully tailored experience. Book Now! Continue reading...

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Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park Feb 8

The annual Camellia Festival at Eden Gardens State Park is set for Saturday February 8th, 2025 from 10am-2pm. The event, hosted by The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park, is free with paid park admission ($4 per car). Additional parking for the event will be at Bay School with tram service to the park. Continue reading...

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Point Washington Medical Clinic Anniversary Jubilee Jan 25

The Point Washington Medical Clinic invites the community to join them for their Anniversary Jubilee on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 6:00-10:00pm at their clinic at 1321 N Hwy 395 in Santa Rosa Beach. Tickets are now on sale at www.AJPWMC25.givesmart.com. In January 2023, the Point Washington Medical Clinic (PWMC) opened the doors to its first physical clinic building after serving the community in mobile clinics and pop-ups since 2017. Continue reading...

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CAA Cocktails & Clay at The Bay Jan 22

Secure your spot for our Cocktails & Clay experience on Wednesday, January 22 from 5 - 7 p.m. with artist Brittany Godbee at The Bay Restaurant to hand build pinch bowls. This event is open to all levels of learners ages 21 and older. Cost is $75 which includes supplies, 2 cocktails and light bites. Continue reading...

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New Year SoWal Celebrations At The Beach

Ringing in the New Year is always fun at the beach with lots of celebrations with food, drink, music, parades, and fireworks! Below are some of the main events from our SoWal Partners & Friends. Keep your eye on the SoWal Events Calendar for the latest updates. Also the SoWal Forum - Dining, Music, & Nightlife Subs. Continue reading...

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New Year's Eve Celebration at Pescado and The Courtyard in Rosemary Beach

Say goodbye to 2024 at Pescado in Rosemary Beach, Florida. Pescado (upstairs) will be offering two New Year's Eve celebrations! First, the Rooftop Sunset Soiree from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is almost impossible to watch the sunset and not dream of what is to come. Continue reading...

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Pink Run 5K and Walk Feb 8 At The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Fore Her invites the community to lace up for the annual Pink Run 5K, Walk and Survivor Stroll on Saturday, February 8 at 8:30am at the Village at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Register online. The Pink Run is one of Fore Her’s signature fundraisers, directly benefiting breast cancer survivors along the Emerald Coast in financial need while undergoing treatment. Continue reading...

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Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Little Shop of Horrors Jan 24 - Feb 9

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to present Little Shop of Horrors January 24 - February 9, 2025. Buy tickets online. Continue reading...

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Camp Helen State Park First Day Hike Jan 1

Start the New Year by joining Camp Helen State Park for a First Day Hike on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 from 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Come and enjoy the park on a Ranger guided nature hike and history tour to learn about the park and its wildlife. Continue reading...

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Polar Bear Plunge at Ed Walline Access Jan 1

Make a splash on New Year's Day! The South Walton Fire District in conjunction with Shunk Gulley will host the annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Beach Access. Participants are encouraged to register online and sign the safety waiver before the day of the event. In order to register online, visit the SWFD Polar Bear Plunge on Eventbrite: REGISTER HERE Continue reading...

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Spirits Of The Season Sip & Shop At Hotel Effie Dec 21

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection invites you to join them at the Spirits of the Season: Sip & Shop. Hosted in the elegant Juniper 6 Ballroom, this elevated 21+ holiday event invites you to unwind, indulge and embrace the festive spirit in style on Saturday, December 21 from 3–6 PM. Purchase your ticket today and let the spirit of the season shine. Continue reading...

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New Designs Revealed For 2025 Underwater Museum Of Art Installation

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) are proud to reveal the five sculpture designs chosen by jury for permanent exhibition in the seventh installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). Continue reading...

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Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Every Brilliant Thing Jan 9-17

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to present Every Brilliant Thing January 9 - January 17, 2025. Continue reading...

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30Avenue Holiday Night Market Dec 12

Join 30Avenue for a festive evening filled with holiday cheer! The Holiday Night Market begins at 5PM on Thursday, December 12th. Enjoy the perfect combination of holiday shopping and live music in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Discover unique gifts, visit 30Avenue vendors, and immerse yourself in the sounds of the Ohana performers spreading the joy of the season. Continue reading...

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KIDZ Holiday Paint class at CAA Bayou Arts Center Dec 15

Join us for holiday fun! Secure your spot for our KIDZ Holiday Paint class on Sunday, December 15 from 1 - 2 p.m. at the CAA’s Bayou Arts Center! Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events to reserve your seat. Designed for kids ages 7 and up, this fun and festive painting session will guide young artists through creating an adorable penguin masterpiece, perfect for the holiday season. Continue reading...

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The Village Of Baytowne Wharf In Sandestin Lights Up For Holiday Events

Get ready for a holly jolly month at Baytowne Wharf! The Village is wrapped in lights and decked with fun things for the whole family to do. Learn more about shopping, dining, nightlife and events at baytownewharf.com. Baytowne On Ice Thursday, October 31st - Sunday, February 9th Continue reading...

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Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb 21-22

Presented by The Village of Baytowne Wharf and the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, it’s easy to see why the Sandestin Gumbo Festival is consistently designated the Gulf Coast’s favorite winter food event. Now in its 36th year, this action-packed two-day event includes a kick-off party on Friday, Feb 21st and the Main Event on Saturday, Feb 22ndth. Continue reading...

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