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The editorial team at Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate have put together a GRAYT venue guide with map to the 30A Songwriters Festival!
The 30A Songwriters Festival isn’t just a weekend of great music—it’s a moving target. Dozens of venues. Miles of coastline. Multiple vibes unfolding at the same time. Knowing where to be is just as important as knowing who you want to hear.
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The air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf changes every February. It isn’t just the crisp winter breeze coming off the bay, it’s the heavy, savory scent of dark roux and slow-simmered spices drifting through the streets.
If you follow your nose toward the center of the Village, you’ll find the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in full swing.
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If you live anywhere in South Walton, or drive Hwy 331 north of the bay, you're hearing the buzz and seeing the progress in Freeport.
As commercial and residential land in SoWal gets gobbled up, Freeport has become more popular with open spaces and lower prices. New subdivisions, apartments, restaurants, parks, schools & churches have made Freeport among the fastest growing cities in the country. Progress is in the air with more and more families are moving to Freeport, Florida.
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If your four-legged best friend resolved to spend more time outdoors this year, we have the perfect way to help them keep it.
On Sunday, January 18, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Dog-Harmony hosts its Sixth Annual Hops for Hounds. It’s a chance to grab the leash, get some fresh air, and support a cause that keeps our local pet community thriving.
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The familiar sound of sneakers hitting the pavement and the collective energy of thousands of runners will soon return to the sugar-white sands of South Walton.
From February 12–15, 2026, the community gathers for the 24th annual Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K, an event that has evolved far beyond a simple race into a four-day celebration of education and coastal life.
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Tickets are now on sale for a special benefit concert featuring Legacy Five, the Dove Award–winning Southern Gospel group, performing Friday, January 30 at 7:00 PM at Good News Church. The event is brought to the community by The Crawford Family, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting Caring & Sharing of South Walton.
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Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues the celebration of its 20th anniversary season with Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner, a powerhouse tribute concert performed live with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra. This high-energy main event takes the stage Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.
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Rinse off the old and welcome the new! South Walton Fire District will hold its Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Public Beach Access. In-person sign-up starts at 11AM at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar on January 1, 2026, which will be followed by a costume contest at 12PM, and the Plunge itself at 1PM.
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Step into the kitchen with Chef Jim Shirley, founder of many South Walton favorites such as Great Southern Café, Farm & Fire, The Bay, North Beach Social and The Meltdown on 30A! Shirley’s unique take on modern Southern cuisine was inspired by learning international cooking from his two classic Southern grandmothers. Watch and learn more about how his vision for his restaurants is to create a shared experience that aligns with the overall sense of interconnectedness in these local beach neighborhoods.
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Leapin’ lizards! Join your favorite red headed orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks, and the eternally grumpy Miss Hannigan for this feel good story of finding your forever home. With hits like “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Tomorrow,” you will experience the magic of the holidays and the spirit of generosity that always comes this time of year.
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The 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 17th year with more than 150 artists performing over the four-day Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend in 25+ venues ranging in capacities from 75 to 6,000, including six headline performances at the main stage in Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach.
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Celebrate the season with music, merriment and a touch of Santa magic at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s Wednesday Night Concert Series: Holiday Edition, happening Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 6-8 p.m. at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Each week, the Events Plaza will come alive with festive performances of classic holiday tunes, sing-along favorites and seasonal cheer. Families can also enjoy visits with Santa during every concert, creating the perfect opportunity for holiday photos and memorable moments.
What: Baytowne Wharf Here Comes Santa Claus
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Grand Boulevard at Sandestin celebrates every year with an impressive line-up of events for the holiday season.
Included this year are Grand Boulevard’s signature holiday celebrations, the popular Hometown Holiday Parade & Coastal White Christmas Holiday Celebration, and numerous festive, family-friendly activities. These events are open to the public at no cost.
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The Paper Bear, a feature-length film and conservation initiative by The Paper Bear nonprofit, will officially begin its Florida theatrical run at one of the state’s most beloved cultural institutions: the Florida Chautauqua Theater. Screenings will take place December 4–6, marking the first opportunity for Florida audiences to experience the award-winning conservation film on the big screen.
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Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary season with a trio of festive performances that promise to fill the holidays with harmony, heart, and community spirit.
From a glamorous Broadway brunch to a full orchestral spectacular and a showcase of young talent, these concerts capture the joy of the season and the magic of live music.
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Join us in Rosemary Beach for an unforgettable evening as JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery and Pescado, partner with Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) for an exclusive multi-course Charity Wine Dinner.
An Evening of Fine Wine & Giving Back at Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar on Thursday, December 11th at 6pm - JUSTIN Vineyards Charity Wine Dinner Benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN) at Pescado, Rosemary Beach with Moriah Giguere.
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This holiday season, experience the magic of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic like never before! Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) proudly presents a forty five minute adaptation by Nathanael Fisher of A Christmas Carol.
The fast-paced, family-friendly retelling of the beloved tale is performed at Seaside’s post office in central square on November 30, December 5-7, 13-14, and 18-23. All performances are free to the public and begin at 11 a.m.
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Sinfonia Gulf Coast has an excellent schedule of music for all ages for the 2025-2026 season! Purchase tickets at www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast was founded in 2005 on Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast with the mission of redefining the symphony experience. Under the guidance of founder and Music Director Demetrius Fuller and a dedicated board of directors, the nonprofit orchestra is dedicated to curating innovative musical programming, designed to entertain, educate and inspire the community.
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Join the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance for a Coastal Dune Lakes Paddle Clean-Up on Eastern Lake.
Beginning at 9AM on October 31st at the Eastern Lake Boat Ramp on Lakeview Drive, attendees are encouraged to bring their paddle craft and personal safety gear. A very few kayaks will be available to first comers. Please RSVP to CBA@nwfsc.edu.
Do not forget your water bottle, sunscreen, hat and bugspray. Gloves and garbage bags will be provided.
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