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Fort Walton Beach Area Events

One of the highlights of the year in Fort Walton Beach is the Billy Bowlegs Festival. Held in early June, this annual uprising of local “pirates” commemorates the life of pirate William Augustus Bowles, who prowled the area during the eighteenth century. Events include a mock battle, live bands, food, arts and crafts, a torchlight parade, children’s activities, and fireworks.

Okaloosa Island hosts an annual Mardi Gras celebration that includes a Friday evening ball and a Saturday parade. Music, food, costumes, and children’s activities add to the fun.

Throughout the year, the area hosts live theater performances, concerts, art shows, fishing tournaments, and a host of other special events. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what’s going on while you’re in town.

May - 2024

Craftathon Beer Festival

When: May 5, 2024
Where: 139 Brooks St E, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
This unique beer festival invites some of the best breweries in the country to present their crafts to fellow beer enthusiasts. In its 7th year, the Craftathon will be donating all proceeds to the Elenor Johnson Youth Center. Come join a great community to sip, stroll and snack in the park.
More Info: www.allevents.in/fort%20walton%20beach/craftathon-2024/200025162986332

Cinco de Mayo at the Gulf

When: May 5, 2024
Where: 1284 Marler Avenue, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with delicious food and refreshing drinks. The festival will be serving $4 street tacos and $8 margaritas from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More Info: www.allevents.in/fort%20walton%20beach/cinco-de-mayo-at-the-gulf-okaloosa-island/10000882001549377

Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

When: May 9, 2024
Where: 4323 Commons Dr W, Destin, FL 32541
Since 2014, Rumours ATL has been travelling across the US and bringing the magic of Fleetwood Mac to fans across the country. Tickets are only $20-$25 in advance and can be purchased online to save $5. All proceeds benefit the select arts organizations and initiatives throughout Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties.
More Info: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mkafi

Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week

When: Everyday between May 10 - 18, 2024
Over the course of the week, seven different restaurants will create unique dishes to help raise awareness about the lionfish invasion in the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the website for the list of featured restaurants.
More Info: www.destinfwb.com/event/emerald-coast-open-restaurant-week-2023/50228/

Paddle at the Park

When: May 11, 2024
Where: Behind The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
This event is a stand-up paddle race with 1- and 3-mile recreational events and a 6-mile elite race. Paddle in the Parks includes a fun, no-stress out-and-back paddle for kids 12 and under and kayaks and inflatables are also welcome. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall winners in addition to 1st place prizes for a variety of categories.
More Info: www.paddleguru.com/races/12thAnnualPaddleatthePark

Planetarium Night

When: May 16, 2024
Where: Emerald Coast Science Center, 31 Memorial Parkway Southwest, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Purchase tickets for the ultimate space exploration. The science center hosts two shows in the inflatable dome planetarium with $12 tickets or free admssion for active members.
More Info: www.nwfdailynews.com/things-to-do/events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/2061544-planetarium-nights

68th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival

When: Everyday between May 16 - 20, 2024
Where: Downtown Fort Walton Beach and Fort Walton Beach Landing
This annual fun-filled event is a four-day festival that features parades, pirate invasions and treasure hunts. Enjoy this family-friendly celebration with food, fireworks, live music and more.
More Info: www.billybowlegsfestival.com/

Dive-In Movies

When: Every Wednesday between May 16 - 30, 2024
Where: Island Hotel 1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Enjoy weekly movies at the Cabana Pool with a giant inflatable screen and poolside lounge chairs. This month’s features include A Bug’s Life, E.T. and Wonka.
More Info: www.theislandfl.com/experience/events/dive-in-movie/

Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament

When: Everyday between May 17 - 19, 2024
Where: 4 Harbor Boulevard Destin, FL 32541
Watch or participate in the largest lionfish tournament in world. Sign up with a team of up to 4 members and then get out on the water for two days for the chance to win huge cash prizes. Compete against some of the best lionfish hunters in the world to find the most, the largest, and even the smallest lionfish.
More Info: emeraldcoastopen.com/

Jurassic Park in Concert

When: May 18, 2024
Where: 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
The ultimate Jurassic Park experience is coming to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. With the Sinfonia Gulf Coast performing John Williams' iconic score to a giant HD display of the film and groundbreaking special effects, this is sure to be a family favorite. Experience the action-packed adventure like never before.
More Info: www.destinfwb.com/event/jurassic-park-in-concert/50109/

June - 2024

Kia Karnival Family Fun Day

When: June 1, 2024
Where: Liza Jackson Park, 342 Miracle Pkwy, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
The Kia Karnival is a family fun event with excitement for all ages. Test your skills with fun and challenging games for the chance to win some prizes or jump away the day on the inflatable bounce house. There will also be food trucks, freshly brewed coffee and a special Kia Sales Event.
More Info: www.fwbchamber.org/events/details/kia-karnival-family-fun-day-15647

The Adam Ezra Group

When: June 6, 2024
Where: 4323 Commons Dr W, Destin, FL 32541
This Boston-based band fuses genres with folk, rock, soul and pop influences and you can enjoy their incredible performance for only $20-$25. All proceeds benefit the select arts organizations and initiatives throughout Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties.
More Info: app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=mkafi

July - 2024

4th of July Fireworks

When: July 4, 2024
Where: Fort Walton Beach Landing, 131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Come to the Landing in Fort Walton Beach for activities, music and a spectacular firework show by the beach. The annual party kicks off at 5:00 pm and fireworks begin at 8:45.
More Info: www.fwb.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=21&month=7&year=2024&day=6&calType=0

October - 2024

Saints Markella & Demetrios Greek Festival

When: Oct 20, 2024
Where: 104 Bryn Mawr Blvd, Mary Esther, FL 32569
Enjoy this annual, family-friendly Greek festival at Saints Markella and Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. With free admission, the 33rd festival features homemade food, live music, dancing and more. And, with kids activities like a balloon twister and a bounce house, there's fun for everyone.
More Info: www.fwbchamber.org/events/details/sts-markella-demetrios-greek-festival-10-20-2024-15609

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Emerald Coast

When: Oct 27, 2024
Where: AirForce Armament Museum, 100 Museum Dr, Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Join a section of the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care with the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Emerald Coast. This event is open to all ages and abilities with no registration fee, although donations are encouraged. Register and create your own team to start the fundraising process today.
More Info: act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2024/FL-CentralandNorthFlorida?fr_id=17515&pg=entry

8th Annual Tricks and Treasures

When: Oct 31, 2024
Where: The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
This annual Halloween celebration has fun for all ages with trick-or-treating, games, live entertainment and more. Pick up a treasure map and a “kids eat free” voucher at the main entrance to begin the ultimate treasure hunt. Tricks and Treasures is the place for crazy costumes and fun and don’t forget to stay until 8 p.m. for the fireworks finale.
More Info: www.fwbchamber.org/events/details/8th-annual-tricks-and-treasures-at-the-boardwalk-14774