Fort Walton Calendar of Events

February - 2012

Tops in Blue Concert

When: Feb 10, 2012 6:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Where: Emerald Coast Convention Center

The U.S. Air Force’s Tops In Blue is offering a free night of family entertainment. In this year’s show, Tops In Blue 2011 drums up their own rhythm, Audiences will be tapping their feet to pulsating music from great performers like the jazz of Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday, the great rock n’ roll sounds of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, the cool Motown R&B of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, hits by J-Lo and Michael Franti, some inspirational country sounds and much, much more! No Tops In Blue show would be complete without famous patriotic music, as they pay tribute to the Heroes of September 11, 2001 as we recognize their sacrifices ten years later.

More Info: www.topsinblue.com

"Mardi Gras on the Island"

When: Feb 11, 2012 11:30 AM
Where: Okaloosa Island, Santa Rosa Boulevard

Join us for an Emerald Coast Mardi Gras celebration on Okaloosa Island. It's a family-friendly day of fun as colorful Carnival-themed floats travel down Santa Rosa Boulevard, filled with revelers in outrageous outfits. And of course, there are BEADS, BEADS, BEADS! This event has been designated a "Top 20 Event" by the Southeast Tourism Society,

More Info: www.fwbchamber.com/mardigras
Phone: (850) 244-7181

Destin 50 Beach Ultra Marathon

When: Feb 18 - 20, 2012 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM


An entire weekend of events for runners including a 5-mile "Fun Run" on Saturday; 50-mile and 50K Ultra Running Races; and 50-mile relay on Sunday. There will be a Runner's "Social" on Monday. All events take place on the beautiful beaches of Destin and surrounding areas and benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

More Info: www.destin50.com

White Tent Yard Sale

When: Feb 18, 2012 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Outside the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum

Annual White Tent Yard Sale fundraiser by our wonderful Friends of the Museum takes place outside the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum (weather permitting). We will have several tents and many tables of gently used items, along with baked goods and coffee for sale. All money raised will go towards programming needs at the Heritage Park and Cultural Center.

More Info: http://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Fort-Walton-Beach-Heritage-Park-and-Cultural-Center/238123679089
Phone: (850) 833-9595

The 23rd Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival

When: Feb 18, 2012
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Guests can sample gumbo and Bloody Mary's, voting for their favorite as People's Choice. Celebrity judges will hold blind judging contests for the "Area's Best" awards for gumbo. The award for Best Display, which goes to the business or restaurant with the most innovative booth, will also be announced. Ticket holders will enjoy family entertainment and live music throughout the entire weekend.

More Info: www.sandestin.com

The Doo-Wah Riders

When: Feb 18, 2012 7:30 PM
Where: Ft.Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

This is the last concert held on the Ft.Walton Beach Civic Auditorium for this concert season, offers a return to familiar Americana. They have entertained for more than 30 years with their with their sounds of high energy country with a Cajun twist.

More Info: www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com
Phone: (850) 362-9356

RUN FOR THE KIDS

When: Feb 18, 2012 8:00 AM


AMikids Emerald Coast is a nonprofit organization that provides our community's kids an opportunity to transform into responsible young adults. Join us for our first 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds go to the school. After party/awards will take place at FOKKERS in FWB.

More Info: www.active.com
Phone: (850) 244-2711

Northwest Florida Symphony Guild - Food & Wine Tasting

When: Feb 19, 2012 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Emerald Coast Convention Center

More Info: www.nfsymphony.org

Mardi Gras Dog Parade

When: Feb 19, 2012 2:00 PM
Where: Village of Baytowne Wharf

Please join us for the 9th annual Mardi Gras dog parade! This year's theme is Cruisin' Canines: Fetch a Wave! The streets will be filled with costumed dogs, with their sunglasses and swimsuits, and their humans throwing a myriad of throws, beads, and parade favors. Themed convertibles, small floats (especially pulled by masters), golf carts, bicycles, and decorated wagons will be everywhere and Mardi Gras music will fill the air!

Proceeds from this event will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.

More Info: www.baytownewharf.com/events

4th Annual Beachcomber Music Awards and Concert

When: Feb 19, 2012 5:00 PM
Where: HarborWalk Village, Destin, FL

Celebrate the coast’s most talented regional and local musicians. The winners of the 4th Annual Beachcomber Music Awards are announced LIVE on the HarborWalk Village stage. The evening will include LIVE music throughout the village from several of the nominees. Concerts are free and open to the public.

More Info: www.emeraldgrande.com/event
Phone: 850-424-0600

Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade

When: Feb 21, 2012 5:00 PM
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

"Laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll) with the 10th annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade rolling through Sandestin. Yell “throw me something mister” as unique and colorful floats, golf carts, and pick-up trucks roll down the streets and marchers dressed up in all their Mardi Gras best shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets. The post-parade celebration continues into the night with street performers, “throws” tossed from balconies on Main St, and parties at various Baytowne establishments.

More Info: www.baytownewharf.com/events

HarborWalk Village Mardi Gras Celebration

When: Feb 21, 2012 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: HarborWalk Village

Enjoy free red beans and rice from Poppy’s Crazy Lobster, street performers, and live music! March through the Harbor with your four-legged friends at the Party Animal Parade at 6:30. Join this wild and vibrant Fat Tuesday celebration!


Phone: 850-424-0600

Emerald Coast Chorus - The Magic of Harmony

When: Feb 24, 2012 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Where: Emerald Coast Convention Center

Based in Okaloosa County, Florida, the Emerald Coast Chorus, an all-male a cappella chorus, is dedicated to musical excellence and the preservation of the uniquely American style of music known as "Barbershop." In the years since its inception in 1978, the over 40 voices (and growing) of the Emerald Coast Chorus have become an integral part of the Okaloosa County arts community.

March - 2012

Multi-Chamber Business Expo &Taste of Okaloosa County

When: Mar 1, 2012 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Emerald Coast Convention Center

More Info: www.fwbchamber.org
Phone: 850.244.8191

April - 2012

26th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

When: April 26 - 29, 2012


Complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food, ladies strolling in hats, and live music, the event is one of the best of the year and draws thousands of people to The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Affectionately called the "Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals."

More Info: www.sandestin.com

May - 2012

3rd Annual Beach Olympics

When: May 10, 2012 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: The Boardwalk on beautiful Okaloosa Island

There'll be a tug-of-war, kayak relay, waiter race, bucket brigade, laundry cart race / bed making, keg toss, and volleyball. Of course there are prizes for the winners, goodie bags for all entrants, and a 50/50 drawing.

And don't forget to stick around for the After Party sponsored by The Swamp. This will be the place to show your team pride (not to mention, flex those muscles) and show the Emerald Coast which hospitality firm has the goods to beat all the others!

$100 - Registration for one 4-person team


Phone: 850-699-6885

Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival

When: May 31 - June 2, 2012
Where: The Landing, 139 Brooks St. SE, Ft. Walton Beach

Throughout the Festival: - Check out the pirate encampment - Shop with the vendors in our Pirate Village - Enjoy pirate grub and grog at our food booths - Score your pirate booty at the Official Bowlegs Booty Store - Enjoy the activities in the Kids' Zone (Human Hamster Balls, bouncy houses, air-brushed tattoos, rock climbing and more) - Look for the 8-foot pirate lady! - More pirates! More music! More fun!

More Info: www.billybowlegsfestival.com