WCT What's New Roundup: Spring 2025

Spring is in full bloom, and there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to enjoy. From local art to live music and everything in between, there’s something for everyone this season. So, mark your calendars, gather your crew and let's make this season unforgettable!

Barefoot Princess: Glitz, Glam, and Graffiti Sip and Shop

A celebration of fashion, glam, luxury handbags and local art — where style and inspiration collide. Join the event on Thursday, May 15 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Barefoot Princess.

Website: barefootprincess30a.com.

Address: 67 Somerset Street, Unit 101, Alys Beach 

Phone: (850) 641-0400

Billabong: Ribbon Cutting for Relaunch

Celebrate the store's relaunch under new local ownership with two events. The Walton Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting on April 10, followed by a relaunch party on Saturday, April 12 featuring refreshments, music and giveaways. Visitors who donate $20 to Food for Thought will be entered to win the Grand Giveaway.

Website: instagram.com/billabong_destin

Address: 500 Grand Blvd #102K, Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 424-3553

Cultural Arts Alliance: 'Made in Walton County' Songwriters Showdown

Join the evening of music and competition on Thursday, April 3 from 6 - 8 p.m., where local songwriters will take the stage to share their homegrown songs and compete for cash and prizes. Audience members will vote to crown the ultimate winner. The free, family-friendly event will feature a food truck offering food and drinks for purchase.

Website: culturalartsalliance.com

Address: 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 622-5970

Chautauqua Winery: Spring Fling

The Spring Fling will take place Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Chautauqua Winery. The event will feature 50 - 60 arts and craft vendors, food trucks, live music and free outdoor wine tastings. Guests must bring a valid ID. Wine slushies, wine by the glass, bottles and cases will be available for purchase. The family-friendly event will provide alcohol-free juice for attendees under 21.

Website: chautauquawinery.com

Address: 364 Hugh Adams Road, DeFuniak Springs

Phone: (850) 892-5887

DeFuniak Springs: LakeFest

Join us Friday and Saturday, May 9 - 10 for the annual LakeFest in DeFuniak Springs, celebrating safe, recreational activities for entire families on the water and banks of Lake DeFuniak, one of the world's rare, naturally round spring-fed lakes. The 2025 event will include a fish fry, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, toy duck hunts, cardboard boat races and hydro-flight and wakeboard athlete performances. Attendees can expect live entertainment, waterslides, a dunking booth, a kids zone, food and merchandise vendors, educational exhibits and the 2025 LakeFest Car Show. Those interested in sponsorship, volunteering or vendor opportunities should check the website for more information.

Website: defuniaksprings.net/1101/LakeFest

Address: 1350 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs

Phone: (850) 892-8500

Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic & Sandestin's ECBC Stay Offer

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic will take place June 18 - 22, attracting anglers of all skill levels to compete for over $2 million in cash awards. The tournament returns to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for its 22nd year, featuring vendor exhibitions, live music, fireworks and thrilling marina weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday nights. Guests can book a 3-night or longer getaway at Sandestin between June 14 - 25 and receive 15% off their reservation using the special code ECBC25.

Website: sandestin.com

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 267-7773

Emeril Lagasse Foundation's Throwdown 2025

The signature annual fundraising event will take place from April 3 - 5, bringing together food, wine and philanthropic efforts. The three-day weekend includes a private wine dinner at Emeril's Coastal, a golf and pickleball tournament at Burnt Pine Golf Club, and a BBQ competition and benefit auction at Churchill Oaks. The event will benefit four Walton County charities: Alaqua Animal Refuge, Food for Thought, Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center and Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

Website: throwdownweekend.com

Address: 435 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 608-7040

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company: Run Club

Join the Idyll Hounds Run Club every Tuesday for a 1-mile run, earning discounted beers afterward at Idyll Hounds Brewing Co. The event welcomes runners of all levels, providing a fun way to stay active and unwind with friends.

Website: idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com 

Address: 845 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 183-1332

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company: Weekly Trivia Night

Test your knowledge every Wednesday at Idyll Hounds. Participants can win exciting prizes while enjoying craft beer in a friendly atmosphere.

Website: idyllhoundsbrewingcompany.com 

Address: 845 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 233-1138

LaCo: Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at LaCo Monday, May 5 in Seacrest with a DJ, face painter, photo booth, temporary tattoo station and family-friendly entertainment.

Website: laco30a.com 

Address: 10343 E. County Highway 30A, Seacrest Beach

Phone: (850) 231-4021

Mile Marker Fifteen Tacos: New Menu

The Big Chill's Mile Marker Fifteen Tacos introduces a new Spring 2025 menu featuring grilled Mexican street corn, lobster tacos and a brisket burnt ends quesadilla. Guests can view menus and order online.

Website: thebigchill.com/food-and-drink

Address: 7000 East Highway 30A, Inlet Beach

Phone: (850) 213-0782

Omaire Gallery at Kaiya: Now Open

The first international fine art gallery on 30A is now open! The space features a hybrid museum and gallery design with a minimalist, European-inspired courtyard. The gallery offers a transformative art experience that goes beyond traditional art appreciation.

Website: omairegallery.com 

Address: 25 Kaiya Ave., Suite 2, Inlet Beach

Phone: (203) 496-1106

Rosemary Beach Foundation: 11th Annual Cornhole Tournament

Teams of two players are invited to compete in a round-robin tournament followed by single elimination on Saturday, April 26 at East Long Green in Rosemary Beach. The event is limited to participants 21 and older. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Website: cornhole30a.com

Phone: (504) 606-6764

Roux 30A: Monthly Around the World Dining Series

Embark on a culinary journey with Roux 30A's monthly "Around the World Dinner" series. Each month features a unique five-course menu showcasing flavors and traditional cooking techniques from a different country. The intimate communal setting offers an evening of culinary exploration and cultural immersion at Grayton Beach. Tickets can be booked directly through the website's events link.

Website: roux30a.com 

Address: 114 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach

Phone: (850) 225-1615

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Burnt Pine Membership Preview Night

Discover Burnt Pine Country Club on Thursday, April 24, from 5 - 7 p.m. The event offers a chance to explore the championship course, facilities, and member benefits. Attendees can experience the renovated clubhouse, enjoy cuisine and learn about membership opportunities. RSVP required.

Website: sandestin.com 

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 267-6500

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Earth Day Cleanup

Participate in the Earth Day cleanup on Tuesday, April 22, from 7:30 - 10 a.m. Volunteers will help remove plastics and debris along the Sandestin boundary of Choctawatchee Bay. Refreshments will be provided by the resort.

Website: sandestin.com 

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 267-7773

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Fore! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament

Alaqua will host its 4th annual golf tournament for animal lovers Saturday, May 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Teams of four or more individuals can participate in a day of golf at Sandestin. Registration is available through the event's online platform.

Website: sandestin.com/things-to-do/events/fore-the-love-of-animals-golf-tournament 

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 267-8000

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Wednesday Night Tribute Concert Series

The April concert series will take place every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Events Plaza Stage. Concerts are scheduled for April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, featuring local and regional talent across various genres.

Website: sandestin.com 

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 267-8180

Sandestin Wine Festival & Sandestin Wine Festival Package

The much-anticipated Sandestin Wine Festival will return Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13 to the Emerald Coast for its 38th year at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The four-day festival promises a world-class wine experience featuring renowned vineyards, gourmet bites and live entertainment. Guests can get the best value on accommodations, including festival tickets, by staying close to the action at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. With the resort's Sandestin Wine Festival Package, attendees can save up to 15% when staying two or more nights at Sandestin and receive one ticket per registered adult for the Grand Wine Tasting Event on Saturday, April 12. Book online by April 4, using code WINE25, or call (844) 620-0442 to speak with a reservation specialist.

Website: sandestin.com

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (844) 620-0442

Shades' Crawfish Festival

Join the crawfish celebration on Sunday, April 27. The all-day event will include crawfish plates, live music by Anne Cline, cornhole and more.

Website: shades30a.com 

Address: 10952 E County Highway 30A

Phone: (850) 231-9410

Tequila and Taco Fest & Sandestin's Tequila and Taco Fest Package

Join us Saturday, May 10 from 1 - 4 p.m. for the second-longest-running event of its kind in the U.S. will feature local restaurants and food trucks competing for Best Taco and Best Margarita. Guests can sample various tequilas, margaritas and tacos. The family-friendly event will include live music and a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant. Sandestin offers a package with up to 20% off accommodations and one ticket per registered adult for the Saturday main event. Book online using code TACO25 or call for reservations.

Website: sandestin.com 

Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Miramar Beach

Phone: (850) 267-8180