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.
February at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a whirlwind of celebration, from the final glides on the ice to the spicy kick of a Gulf Coast winter tradition. Whether you’re looking to "let the good times roll" for Mardi Gras or sample the best roux in the South, the village calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the crisp coastal air.
Mardi Gras Magic
Winter in South Walton brings a special kind of magic to the historic grounds of Eden Gardens State Park.
While other gardens may be sleeping, the park’s collection of over 370 camellias is just waking up, splashing shades of pink, red, and white against the deep green landscape of Point Washington. On Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the community is invited to celebrate these "winter roses" at the annual Camellia Festival.
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, January 16-19, 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.
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.
SoWal Comedy Fest returns Thursday, February 12 through Saturday, February 14, 2026, bringing three days of sharp, big-city stand-up to South Walton over Valentine’s weekend with more than a dozen performers — an ideal date-weekend escape built around intimate rooms, capped attendance, and unforgettable nights out.
After two straight years of sold-out crowds and sellout nights across the festival, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
It's another exciting lineup and fantastic weekend of music and reverie at Stinky's Bait Shack and Stinky's Fish Camp in Santa Rosa Beach!
South Walton has many great events, festivals, live music and performance series every month of the year. While there are always activities and events all Summer during the busy season, the major festivals are in the off season in Spring and Fall. That's great for locals and visitors. Temperatures are cooler and rentals and restaurants are less crowded.
Alys Beach Crafted was created to celebrate the collaboration of talents that come together to enrich the 30A experience.
Mountainfilm on Tour marks its 25th year at WaterColor Marina Park, inspiring audiences with two nights of powerful outdoor film screenings on November 7 & 8, 2025.
Find more info and purchase tickets at https://www.watercolorresort.com/mountainfilm-on-tour.
