Summer in Walton County means longer days, beachside fun and a calendar packed with reasons to get out and enjoy it. From weekly concerts and fireworks at Baytowne Wharf to rooftop sessions, family movie nights and more, there's something happening nearly every night of the week.
Happening Now:
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge Debuts New Summer Menu
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge atop Hotel Effie has introduced a new summer food and beverage menu featuring seasonal favorites like the Mediterranean Trio, Tuna Nachos and a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, paired with handcrafted cocktails and panoramic Emerald Coast views. Ara is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: hoteleffie.com/dining/ara
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030
Ara Rooftop & Lounge Hosts Summer Sessions
Ara Rooftop & Lounge at Hotel Effie will host Summer Sessions every Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., spinning a mix of modern hits and summer favorites for guests lounging poolside or settling in for golden hour. Guests can relax in a private cabana or enjoy a game of life-size chess, Connect 4 or cornhole.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030
Bingo with a View Returns Weekly to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge at Hotel Effie will host Bingo Night every Thursday from 5-7 p.m., with cocktails, bites and rooftop views. Winners take home prizes each round.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Boomin' Tuesday Brings DJ Dance Party and Fireworks to Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Boomin' Tuesday every Tuesday from 7:15-9:15 p.m., featuring a DJ dance party with DJ Mike Whitty at 7:15 p.m. followed by a fireworks show over the lagoon at 9:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
DJ Vladi Takes the Decks Every Friday Night at Shades Bar & Grill
Shades Bar & Grill will host DJ Vladi every Friday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. through the summer.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Hangout on the Greens Offers Supervised Teen Nights at The Dunes Mini Golf
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Hangout on the Greens, a supervised Teen Night for middle and high school students, every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. through Aug. 14 at The Dunes Mini Golf. The $20 flat rate includes unlimited mini golf, with snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Website: sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/hangout-on-the-greens
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Happy Hour at The Lobby Bar Runs Monday Through Wednesday
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Effie will host Happy Hour Mondays through Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., featuring curated cocktails and signature small plates in the hotel's art-filled lobby.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Live Music Fills The Lobby Bar Friday and Saturday Nights
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Effie will host live music Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30-10:30 p.m., featuring local artists performing original and cover songs.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Locals Night Offers Discounted Dinner at Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie Sandestin will host Locals Night every Wednesday from 5-9 p.m., offering 15% off the dinner menu for locals and 25% off for Sandestin Owners Association members.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Mezcal Mexican Grill Offers Summer Specials, FIFA and Live Music
Mezcal Mexican Grill in the Seascape Towne Center will offer a lineup of summer specials, including daily happy hour from 2-5 p.m. with $5 fresh-squeezed margaritas and 50% off pizza all day Wednesday. The restaurant will show FIFA World Cup matches on its large-screen TVs, with pizzas 50% off during USA and Mexico games, along with US Open Tennis coverage. Live music plays at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, breakfast is Thursday through Sunday from 8-11 a.m., and brunch is available Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.
Website: mezcalmexicangrill.com
Address: 80 Seascape Dr., #101, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 563-7791
Movie Nights Light Up the Events Plaza Lawn Every Monday
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host free family movie nights every Monday throughout the summer at 8 p.m. on the Events Plaza Lawn. All films shown are kid-friendly; guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and popcorn.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
North Bay Cigar Company Brings Cigar-Making Classes to Vacation Rentals
North Bay Cigar Company offers mobile, interactive cigar-making classes for groups of five to 20 travelers. The 2- to 3-hour experience is hosted at clients' vacation homes, with all equipment provided. Guests build two cigars of their own and enjoy two more from the company's selection. Interested groups should contact North Bay Cigar Company to check availability, then book and pay an invoice to confirm.
Website: northbaycigar.com
Address: 16400 U.S. Hwy. 331 South, Suite B2, #237, Freeport
Phone: (850) 880-8009
Poolside Play Days Bring Family Fun to the Beach House Pool Deck
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host free Poolside Play Days at the Beach House Pool Deck every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer. Mondays from 2-3 p.m. feature character meet-and-greets, while Thursdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. bring interactive magic shows and balloon art.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Queens of the Tiles Mahjong Social Brings Brunch and Bubbles to Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie will host Queens of the Tiles, a biweekly Mahjong social, on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can choose open play for $25 per person, including a complimentary glass of wine, or open play plus lessons for $60 per person. Ovide's brunch menu and additional beverages are available for purchase. Prices exclude tax and gratuity; Sandestin Owners Association members receive a 15% discount.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Scallywag Sunday Brings Pirate-Themed Fun to Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Scallywag Sunday every Sunday from 7-9 p.m., featuring Captain Davy in two interactive magic shows at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Spa Lilliana Offers Summer Day Escape Package
Spa Lilliana at Hotel Effie Sandestin will offer its Summer Day Escape package daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 15. The package includes two 50-minute aromatherapy massages, two beach chairs and an umbrella, two complimentary poolside drinks at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge and pool access. Advance reservations are required; guests must be 18 or older. Experience is based on availability, and pool access is subject to capacity.
Website: hoteleffie.com/offers/spa-lillianas-summer-day-escape
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3020
Sunday Suppers Bring Southern Tradition to Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie will host Sunday Suppers throughout the summer, inviting guests to gather over a Crispy Skillet Fried Chicken dinner for $36 per person, served with mashed golden potatoes, black pepper gravy, country ham braised pole beans, an Effie biscuit and a slice of banana cream pie. The weekly dinner runs Sundays from 5-9 p.m. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by phone. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030
Wednesday Night Concert Series Brings Live Music to Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host its free Wednesday Night Concert Series every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. throughout the summer, featuring a different local or regional band each week. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Wine Down Wednesdays Offer Half-Price Bottles at Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie will host Wine Down Wednesdays every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., offering 50% off any bottle of wine priced up to $80 from the restaurant's curated cellar selection.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
August/September Happenings:
Bingo Night Returns Every Monday at Shades Bar & Grill
Shades Bar & Grill kicks off weekly Bingo Night on Monday, Aug. 3, running every Monday from 6–8 p.m. Prizes are up for grabs each week.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Trivia Night at Shades Bar & Grill
Test your knowledge at Shades Bar & Grill every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. beginning Aug. 4. Gather your team for a chance to win prizes each week.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Shades Bar & Grill Hosts Neon Party with DJ 30A
Shades Bar & Grill will light up the dance floor with a Neon Party on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 9 p.m. DJ 30A headlines the evening, with glow sticks, cocktails and 34 beers on draft rounding out the night. Guests are encouraged to wear their brightest attire.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Bubbly Baytowne Returns for an Evening of Champagne and Shopping
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Bubbly Baytowne on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5-7 p.m. Guests check in at the fountain to receive a complimentary champagne glass and a map of participating merchants for an evening of sipping and shopping. The event is free and open to guests 21 and up.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Children's Charity Poker Run Returns to Sandestin
The Emerald Coast Foundation's Children's Charity Poker Run returns Aug. 21-22 to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for a weekend of boating, entertainment and philanthropy benefiting children's charities throughout Northwest Florida. The event includes on-site accommodations, marina access and boat storage. All registrants must be 21 or older.
Website: emeraldcoastpokerrun.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Tie Dye Party at Shades Bar & Grill with DJ 30A
Shades Bar & Grill will host a Tie Dye Party on Friday, Sept. 18, at 9 p.m. with DJ 30A on the decks. Guests are encouraged to wear their best tie dye for a night of dancing and drinks.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Happening Now:
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge Debuts New Summer Menu
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge atop Hotel Effie has introduced a new summer food and beverage menu featuring seasonal favorites like the Mediterranean Trio, Tuna Nachos and a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, paired with handcrafted cocktails and panoramic Emerald Coast views. Ara is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: hoteleffie.com/dining/ara
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030
Ara Rooftop & Lounge Hosts Summer Sessions
Ara Rooftop & Lounge at Hotel Effie will host Summer Sessions every Friday from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., spinning a mix of modern hits and summer favorites for guests lounging poolside or settling in for golden hour. Guests can relax in a private cabana or enjoy a game of life-size chess, Connect 4 or cornhole.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030
Bingo with a View Returns Weekly to Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge at Hotel Effie will host Bingo Night every Thursday from 5-7 p.m., with cocktails, bites and rooftop views. Winners take home prizes each round.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Boomin' Tuesday Brings DJ Dance Party and Fireworks to Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Boomin' Tuesday every Tuesday from 7:15-9:15 p.m., featuring a DJ dance party with DJ Mike Whitty at 7:15 p.m. followed by a fireworks show over the lagoon at 9:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
DJ Vladi Takes the Decks Every Friday Night at Shades Bar & Grill
Shades Bar & Grill will host DJ Vladi every Friday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. through the summer.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Hangout on the Greens Offers Supervised Teen Nights at The Dunes Mini Golf
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Hangout on the Greens, a supervised Teen Night for middle and high school students, every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. through Aug. 14 at The Dunes Mini Golf. The $20 flat rate includes unlimited mini golf, with snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Website: sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/hangout-on-the-greens
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Happy Hour at The Lobby Bar Runs Monday Through Wednesday
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Effie will host Happy Hour Mondays through Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., featuring curated cocktails and signature small plates in the hotel's art-filled lobby.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Live Music Fills The Lobby Bar Friday and Saturday Nights
The Lobby Bar at Hotel Effie will host live music Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30-10:30 p.m., featuring local artists performing original and cover songs.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Locals Night Offers Discounted Dinner at Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie Sandestin will host Locals Night every Wednesday from 5-9 p.m., offering 15% off the dinner menu for locals and 25% off for Sandestin Owners Association members.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Mezcal Mexican Grill Offers Summer Specials, FIFA and Live Music
Mezcal Mexican Grill in the Seascape Towne Center will offer a lineup of summer specials, including daily happy hour from 2-5 p.m. with $5 fresh-squeezed margaritas and 50% off pizza all day Wednesday. The restaurant will show FIFA World Cup matches on its large-screen TVs, with pizzas 50% off during USA and Mexico games, along with US Open Tennis coverage. Live music plays at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, breakfast is Thursday through Sunday from 8-11 a.m., and brunch is available Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m.
Website: mezcalmexicangrill.com
Address: 80 Seascape Dr., #101, Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 563-7791
Movie Nights Light Up the Events Plaza Lawn Every Monday
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host free family movie nights every Monday throughout the summer at 8 p.m. on the Events Plaza Lawn. All films shown are kid-friendly; guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and popcorn.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
North Bay Cigar Company Brings Cigar-Making Classes to Vacation Rentals
North Bay Cigar Company offers mobile, interactive cigar-making classes for groups of five to 20 travelers. The 2- to 3-hour experience is hosted at clients' vacation homes, with all equipment provided. Guests build two cigars of their own and enjoy two more from the company's selection. Interested groups should contact North Bay Cigar Company to check availability, then book and pay an invoice to confirm.
Website: northbaycigar.com
Address: 16400 U.S. Hwy. 331 South, Suite B2, #237, Freeport
Phone: (850) 880-8009
Poolside Play Days Bring Family Fun to the Beach House Pool Deck
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host free Poolside Play Days at the Beach House Pool Deck every Monday and Thursday throughout the summer. Mondays from 2-3 p.m. feature character meet-and-greets, while Thursdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. bring interactive magic shows and balloon art.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Queens of the Tiles Mahjong Social Brings Brunch and Bubbles to Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie will host Queens of the Tiles, a biweekly Mahjong social, on Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can choose open play for $25 per person, including a complimentary glass of wine, or open play plus lessons for $60 per person. Ovide's brunch menu and additional beverages are available for purchase. Prices exclude tax and gratuity; Sandestin Owners Association members receive a 15% discount.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Scallywag Sunday Brings Pirate-Themed Fun to Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Scallywag Sunday every Sunday from 7-9 p.m., featuring Captain Davy in two interactive magic shows at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The free, family-friendly event is open to the public.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Spa Lilliana Offers Summer Day Escape Package
Spa Lilliana at Hotel Effie Sandestin will offer its Summer Day Escape package daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 15. The package includes two 50-minute aromatherapy massages, two beach chairs and an umbrella, two complimentary poolside drinks at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge and pool access. Advance reservations are required; guests must be 18 or older. Experience is based on availability, and pool access is subject to capacity.
Website: hoteleffie.com/offers/spa-lillianas-summer-day-escape
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3020
Sunday Suppers Bring Southern Tradition to Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie will host Sunday Suppers throughout the summer, inviting guests to gather over a Crispy Skillet Fried Chicken dinner for $36 per person, served with mashed golden potatoes, black pepper gravy, country ham braised pole beans, an Effie biscuit and a slice of banana cream pie. The weekly dinner runs Sundays from 5-9 p.m. Reservations can be made through OpenTable or by phone. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3030
Wednesday Night Concert Series Brings Live Music to Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host its free Wednesday Night Concert Series every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. throughout the summer, featuring a different local or regional band each week. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Wine Down Wednesdays Offer Half-Price Bottles at Ovide
Ovide at Hotel Effie will host Wine Down Wednesdays every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m., offering 50% off any bottle of wine priced up to $80 from the restaurant's curated cellar selection.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
August/September Happenings:
Bingo Night Returns Every Monday at Shades Bar & Grill
Shades Bar & Grill kicks off weekly Bingo Night on Monday, Aug. 3, running every Monday from 6–8 p.m. Prizes are up for grabs each week.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Trivia Night at Shades Bar & Grill
Test your knowledge at Shades Bar & Grill every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. beginning Aug. 4. Gather your team for a chance to win prizes each week.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Shades Bar & Grill Hosts Neon Party with DJ 30A
Shades Bar & Grill will light up the dance floor with a Neon Party on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 9 p.m. DJ 30A headlines the evening, with glow sticks, cocktails and 34 beers on draft rounding out the night. Guests are encouraged to wear their brightest attire.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410
Bubbly Baytowne Returns for an Evening of Champagne and Shopping
The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host Bubbly Baytowne on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5-7 p.m. Guests check in at the fountain to receive a complimentary champagne glass and a map of participating merchants for an evening of sipping and shopping. The event is free and open to guests 21 and up.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Children's Charity Poker Run Returns to Sandestin
The Emerald Coast Foundation's Children's Charity Poker Run returns Aug. 21-22 to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for a weekend of boating, entertainment and philanthropy benefiting children's charities throughout Northwest Florida. The event includes on-site accommodations, marina access and boat storage. All registrants must be 21 or older.
Website: emeraldcoastpokerrun.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 267-8888
Tie Dye Party at Shades Bar & Grill with DJ 30A
Shades Bar & Grill will host a Tie Dye Party on Friday, Sept. 18, at 9 p.m. with DJ 30A on the decks. Guests are encouraged to wear their best tie dye for a night of dancing and drinks.
Website: shades30a.com
Address: 10952 E. County Hwy. 30A, Inlet Beach
Phone: (850) 231-9410