Events in Fort Walton Beach today

Experience a lively open-air marketplace where local charm meets coastal flair at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Saturday Market. Stroll among booths filled with handcrafted treasures, fresh produce, and culinary favorites while enjoying a welcoming community atmosphere. The event is held rain or shine at Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, a picturesque waterfront setting in the heart of downtown.

1LIFE Run Club hosts a community 3-mile outing in Destin where everyone sets their own pace, whether running, jogging, or walking. It is open to newcomers, with no registration required. The focus is simple... show up, get moving, meet friendly faces, and kick off the weekend on an active note. This meetup goes on in any weather, so bring a positive attitude and the rest is taken care of.

DeFrance Boutique is rolling out its semiannual tent sale with straightforward price points, where everything under the tent is marked at 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 dollars. This twice-yearly clearance helps make room for new arrivals and includes pieces that were previously removed from the sales floor and set aside especially for this event, along with additional items being added. These specials are available only on Saturday and Sunday.

This advanced blacksmithing class at Traditions Workshop focuses on forging a bearded hatchet from a railroad spike, framed with the idea that you never know when a zombie apocalypse might happen. Expect extensive hammer work to draw out the blade, then punch and drift the eye so a handle can be attached. If time allows, participants can also make the handle on a shaving horse. Wear natural fiber clothing. Long trousers and solid shoes or boots are required, and a long sleeve cotton shirt is recommended. Steel, coal, tools, working materials, gloves, eye and hearing protection, and dust masks as needed are provided. A leather apron is optional and can be brought or purchased. For questions about whether this level is a good fit, call.

Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast partners with United Fidelity Bank to present the annual Storybook Village Emerald Coast, held alongside United Fidelity Bank’s Community Day. Families can connect with over 30 local nonprofits that serve Okaloosa and Walton Counties and learn about community resources, programs, and services. Within the village, children can take home free books to build their home libraries, enjoy hands on games and activities inspired by featured storybooks, and participate in playful early learning experiences led by local childcare providers. This year’s theme, “Moo-ving Minds,” brings a farm focus to the day, including a petting zoo where visitors can meet friendly animals while exploring literacy activities that spark imagination and growth. Free treats include hot dogs, snow cones, and popcorn, and face painting adds to the fun. This free community event offers a welcoming space to learn, play, connect, and celebrate early literacy.

Experience a fall market at Spanish Trail Amphitheater featuring live music from Eric & Steven Demara. Bring chairs to relax while listening, then explore offerings from food trucks and vendors. Families can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere together.

At Spires Gallery in Niceville, FL, Elite One Stroke Instructor Sheila Kay Beck Mahony leads a step by step ceramic Jack-o'-lantern painting workshop. Participants paint their own festive piece and take it home completed. No prior experience is required, making it welcoming for beginners. The workshop fee is $52.50 and includes all supplies. Finished Jack-o'-lanterns are for decorative use only and are not food safe. Pre-registration is required.

AJ's Oyster Shanty serves a weekend brunch with a menu full of choices and bottomless mimosas, offering a laid back way to savor the day. It works for special occasions or for unwinding with friends and family. Settle in and spend unhurried time over good food and bubbly sips.

Discovery Dive World offers a focused weekend course designed to prepare divers for the SS United States, with training that builds confidence for exploring both its shallower areas and deeper sections. Over two days, the program combines classroom learning and Enriched Air Nitrox academics with pool or confined water practice, then transitions to open water for training and adventure dives at the advanced level to complete certification requirements. Participants who finish the course earn Advanced Open Water Diver and Enriched Air (Nitrox) certifications. These credentials support deeper dives, extend bottom time with nitrox, help shorten surface intervals, and improve nitrogen management, which is especially helpful for large wreck exploration. The course is well suited for Open Water certified divers, those planning to dive the SS United States, and anyone seeking stronger gas planning and longer, safer dives. Class sizes are intentionally kept small to prioritize safety and quality instruction.

Connect with author Amanda Linnemeyer at a meet and greet highlighting her work across YA fantasy, speculative fiction, and thriller genres. She grew up in Oregon and holds a B.A. in English. Her titles include Symbioted, Hollow Daggers, and All That Glitters in Shadows.

Enjoy seasonal family portraits with a quick mini session at Twin Hills Park in Crestview, FL. Each booking is 15 minutes at $35, and all photos from the session are included. Advance registration is required.

Now in its third year, Witches & Warlocks Ride 2026 is a spirited golf cart and bicycle outing hosted at Hidden Creek Golf Course in Navarre, Florida, traveling through Hidden Creek and Holley by the Sea. Participants stop at multiple points for snacks and festive drinks, with lively entertainment and engaging activities featured along the route. The event is for ages 21 and older. It benefits a local nonprofit, with 100 percent of proceeds donated, and a total of $2,005 given over the first two years. Further information will be announced soon.

Game night at Hurlburt Field Chapel welcomes active-duty service members, veterans, and families from the NWF area. Enjoy an evening of games with pizza donated by Task Force Pizza, prizes from GameMasters Guild and TBS Comics, and free childcare provided in partnership with Operation Childcare Project. Registering will double your chances to win a giveaway.

Celebrate on the water with a philanthropic twist. Fleets & Eats brings a distinctive catamaran experience where coastal attire sets the tone, with chef inspired bites and refreshing cocktails, stops at Harbor Docks and Tailfins, and a finale afterparty at The Edge Seafood featuring live music, exclusive raffles, and more. Each ticket includes boat transportation, heavy appetizers, a signature cocktail at each stop, and entry to the afterparty. Every ticket supports the Emerald Coast Autism Center Scholarship Fund, helping students and families access vital education and services. Seating is limited.

The Glitter for Zuri Sneaker Ball Gala at La Sala Event Center blends formalwear with favorite sneakers for a purpose-driven celebration of connection and community. Partnering with Advanced Sacred Hope Academy, the evening raises support for therapy, inclusion, and play for children in the area. Guests can enjoy dinner with dessert, auctions held live as well as silent, sneaker-themed contests with prizes, hands-on activities and surprises, and uplifting moments that share Zuri’s journey. Special VIP experiences add extra touches, and there are clear ways to directly contribute to Glitter’s training and care. The event welcomes parents, educators, advocates, business owners, dog lovers, and anyone who believes every child should have the chance to thrive.

Jeeps gather at John Beasley Park on the south side of Highway 98, just east of the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk. After staging, the group convoys to the Destin Harbor area for a Jeepalooza celebration with live music, sports on a jumbo screen, and a fireworks finale.

Take part in a free weekly store tournament featuring Constructed Standard play. Sign up through Bandai TCG+. Matches use Swiss pairings with three rounds, or four rounds if there are nine or more players, and each round runs 30 minutes. The top finisher or finishers receive a winner promo pack, a promo pack, and two OP16 packs, and the top 18 players receive a promo pack. Every participant is included in a free raffle. Outside food is welcome, and everyone is asked to clean up after themselves.

This free, family-friendly fall festival features trick-or-treating at decorated vehicle trunks, along with inflatables, games, a dunking booth, hot dogs, and refreshments. Activities take place in the parking lot on the Highway 98, Miracle Strip Parkway, side of Sunrise City Church.

A three course dinner pairs with a comedic whodunit as MURDER AT THE MONSTER BASH, written by Paula Hilton, takes the stage. Ivana Crump hosts a Halloween-themed costume fundraiser for HOWSA, but an eerie discovery beneath the restaurant sets a spooky tone when the coffin in the corner may not be just a prop. Cost is $52 and includes dinner, the show, tax and tip. The meal offers a choice of entrée, including Chili Con Carne with cornbread, Chicken Masala with rice pilaf and mashed potatoes, or Pumpkin Gnocchi. Every dinner comes with a Vine House Salad dressed with a signature Champagne vinaigrette and finishes with Apple Cake topped with caramel sauce. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for the best. VIP packages are available.

A dinner show at Redd's Pub spotlights the Singing Bartender Show, bringing made-from-scratch dishes together with live performances for a distinctive experience. Reviewers often note the mix of flavorful food, personal service, and a lively, insider vibe that feels more like a local secret along 30A. For reservations, call 850-325-0252.

Birdie takes over Festival of Fears for a spooky night at Oak Tree Natural Park that blends Halloween chills with opportunities to meet new people. Expect a creepy trail to test your nerve, a house of horrors, a fright-filled zone, and a museum devoted to monsters. It suits singles, newcomers, and anyone seeking a different kind of fall evening, and there is no need to arrive with a date or a big group. Be ready to walk, explore, laugh, and scream, with plenty of chances to connect with others along the way. See if you can conquer the trail and show how brave you are.

Made-to-order plates are available for $12, with weekly specials to keep things fresh. Friendly company and a lighthearted atmosphere pair with the fun of watching volunteers show off their balancing skills with plates and coffee cups. Bloody Marys and mimosas are offered. Those who wish to volunteer can check in with the cashier.

The 3rd Annual OKI Fest brings the community together to celebrate Okinawan culture and spirit. Admission is free, and entertainment is provided at no cost.

Explore the Sunday Outdoor Market at DeFrance Antiques on Beal in Fort Walton Beach. Local vendors, artists, and makers showcase unique works, repurposed goods, jewelry, clothing, shabby chic furniture, art, food, and more. The market takes place only twice a year at this location, presented along with the Semi-Annual Tent Sale at DeFrance Boutique. Visitors can also browse additional finds inside the store.

An annual Fall Festival at Covenant Community Church offers a friendly mix of free activities and treats. Enjoy music, a hayride, and a bounce house, along with complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, soda, and plenty of candy. All offerings are provided at no cost, creating a relaxed community gathering for families and neighbors.

Families can take advantage of a Sunday perk where children 12 and under receive one complimentary kids entrée, up to a $15 value, with the purchase of an adult entrée. The offer is limited to one free kids meal for each adult meal purchased. It cannot be combined with other promotions or specials, is not valid with dip certificates, and does not apply on holidays.

Gulf Coast Media’s free weekly bookstore invites readers to explore a wide selection of books at American Self Storage in Crestview. Guests can bring gently used titles to swap or simply browse and leave with new favorites. It is an easy way to clear space on your shelves, discover fresh stories, and connect with fellow book lovers in the community. In addition to books, there are budget friendly finds such as $1 DVDs and CDs, with video games starting at $3. Please limit book selections to ten or fewer per household per visit.

A casual meetup where the Playground Amateur Radio Club and interested operators come together to test and tune equipment, build skills, and explore amateur radio. The session features hands-on projects, teaching, and RF experimentation. Participants also work on making long-distance contacts around the world and receive coaching in operating techniques across multiple modes, ranging from analog and digital to computer-assisted contesting. Attendees can focus on the RF topics that match their interests.

LuLu’s Destin hosts Martin Lane for a Nashville-style night on the Choctawhatchee Bay. Expect rich harmonies and a broad playlist that blends rock classics with 90s country hits. One moment might echo the polished vocals of Fleetwood Mac, the next the sing-along favorites made famous by Shania Twain, all keeping the energy up. Enjoy the music alongside scenic waterfront views and tasty dishes for an evening that brings a Music City vibe to the bay.

Sunday evenings at The Country Gym in Gulf Breeze feature bingo in a bar setting led by Breaux & Co. There is no charge to participate, and prizes are up for grabs. Players can settle in for a few rounds and have dinner while they play.

Returning for a second year at Katie’s, this community pumpkin patch features an expanded selection and festive photo opportunities. Guests can choose from pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes and capture seasonal photos with charming backdrops, including the Katie’s truck. Building on last fall’s popular debut, the experience offers pumpkin picking and family-friendly fall moments.

The Big Red Bus from One Blood visits the Post for a community blood drive. Capacity is limited, so appointments are preferred, and walk-ins are accepted when openings are available. After donating, participants can enjoy refreshments and beverages on the Big Red Bus, receive a thank you gift from One Blood, and take home a voucher for a free made to order breakfast at the Legion.

A Lunch N Learn at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce focuses on Estate Planning Essentials. PlanWise Law presents the session. It is free for Chamber members, and registration is required.

Gather a team for a free-to-play night of friendly competition with drinks and delicious food. Bring your best game, your appetite, and your friends for a lively evening to remember.

Settle in for an upbeat night of bingo featuring 10 games with cash prizes. A $20 buy-in covers all 10 rounds. Bring a dauber, or pick one up on site for $2. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. There will also be free drawings and a 50-50 cash prize. Plan to arrive early so you can grab your cards, find a seat, and get a drink before the first number is called. Open to the public. Participants must be 18 or older.

This casual burger night for men at Fatboys in Navarre offers a relaxed setting to share a meal and conversation. It provides an easy way to connect with others. Bring a friend and an appetite for an evening of good company.

Step up to the table for a pool tournament using a double-elimination bracket. The entry fee is $10, and the champion takes the full payout beyond the buy-in. All are welcome to participate.

Tuesday Beatdown at Muscle Beach is a no-cost session for men at Ed Walline Beach Access in Santa Rosa Beach. Expect roughly 45 to 60 minutes of activity. Wear shoes to start, and if it is warm and the group goes onto the sand, you can take them off. Gloves are good to bring. No sign-up is required, simply arrive.

AJ's On The Bayou features an all you can eat special with Baby Gulf Shrimp, served fried or prepared as the chef chooses that night. Plates come with fries, slaw, and hushpuppies for $19.99. This deal is available at all four AJ's locations.

AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar offers an all you can eat shrimp special available across all four AJ's locations. Fried baby Gulf shrimp are served with fries, slaw, and hushpuppies for $19.99.

Enjoy an unlimited shrimp special available across four AJ’s locations. Baby Gulf shrimp are served fried, along with a chef’s choice preparation for the night. Plates come with fries, slaw, and hushpuppies. The price is $19.99.

A favorite networking night returns with an adventurous twist at Navarre Family Watersports, hosted by Navarre Young Professionals and sponsored by The Bindu Institute. Registration covers time on the ropes course, opportunities to connect with other young professionals, and entry into a door prize drawing. The previous edition left lasting memories and strong connections, showing that meaningful conversations do not have to happen around a conference table. If heights are not your thing, you will be in good company. Participants will take turns on the ropes course in small groups, leaving plenty of time to meet new people and offer encouragement from the ground. Plan to wear comfortable, casual attire and closed toe shoes since activities take place outdoors and on the course. Registrants are welcome to bring an optional door prize as a simple way to highlight their business. Whether you come for the challenge, the conversations, or both, expect to leave with new contacts, memorable moments, and perhaps a fresh perspective.

Challenge your brain at a free trivia night while enjoying seafood and cold drinks in Fort Walton Beach. Rick’s, a local staple for more than 25 years, is open on Tuesdays for Trivia Night.

AJ's On The Bayou hosts an evening of karaoke where guests can take the mic and showcase their vocal talents. The lively setting features music, food, and drinks, welcoming both seasoned performers and those simply seeking some fun. Friends can support one another and enjoy live entertainment together.

An open mic at The Country Gym in Gulf Breeze provides a platform to show off talent. Hosted by Drummer Dave, it happens every Tuesday.

Set in Seagrove Beach at Greenway Station 30A, this market brings together a carefully selected mix of local farmers, fishermen, bakers, growers, artists, and artisan food producers. Browse seasonal fruits and vegetables alongside hydroponic greens, microgreens, gourmet mushrooms, fresh herbs, and fresh-cut flowers. Find farm-raised meats and Gulf seafood, including crabcakes, seafood dips, and other prepared specialties. Stock up on farm eggs, dairy and goat milk products, and farmstead treats. Pantry finds range from raw local honey and pickled goods to jams, jellies, and other small batch selections. Enjoy artisan breads, pastries, and pies, and sip fresh-pressed juices, handcrafted lemonades, or specialty sodas while you explore. Discover convenient prepared foods such as chicken salads, frozen and ready-to-heat meals, guacamole with fresh chips, cream cheese spreads, premium olive oils and vinegars, dehydrated fruits, and farm-crafted snacks. Beyond food, shop natural bath and body care, goat milk soaps, wellness items, and handmade self-care goods. Art lovers can peruse handmade crafts, boutique clothing, artisan jewelry, and locally made gifts. Experience the flavors and creativity of the Emerald Coast at a newer community gathering spot that supports local farmers, makers, artists, and small businesses.

This food pantry supports the community with care, offering groceries for those in need and opportunities for volunteers to help out. All are welcome, whether picking up food or pitching in to assist others.

This midweek blues session features John Mark Turner and Dave P Moore.

Emerald Coast Storytellers is continuing its westward expansion with a Fort Walton Beach series that invites new voices and fresh perspectives to the mic. This gathering takes place at The Craft Bar - Destin Harbor, a lively setting for craft cocktails and coastal energy where live storytelling helps turn strangers into familiar faces. Settle in to listen, or step up and share your own words. The theme is Skeletons. Admission is free with RSVP, and space is limited. If plans change, attendees are asked to release their spot so someone else can attend. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including a special happy hour for attendees. When registering, participants can reserve a mic slot in advance. If not signed up ahead of time, check in with Breanna on arrival to be added on site. Writers, poets, musicians, performers, and first timers are welcome to present fiction, nonfiction, poetry, true stories, or work that blends forms. The featured storyteller will be announced.

Settle in for Music Under the Stars with the Forrest Williams Band at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Bring a chair and enjoy the music in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Each Wednesday, The Country Gym in Gulf Breeze turns into a karaoke spot hosted by Breaux & Co. Everyone is welcome, whether you love the mic or are trying it for the first time. The atmosphere is relaxed and all about having fun, with no pressure to be a pro.

AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar features a prime rib dinner special with a 10 ounce cut served with au jus and horseradish cream, plus a salad and baked potato for $24.95. The special is offered at all four AJ's locations and is available while supplies last.

AJ's On The Bayou features a prime rib dinner special with a 10 ounce cut served with a baked potato and a side salad for $24.95. The offer is available until sold out and is not valid on holidays or during special events. This promotion is available at each of the four AJ's locations.

Celebrate the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Brilvont, a veteran-founded brokerage and advisory company supporting clients along the Emerald Coast and beyond. The firm partners with entrepreneurs to purchase, sell, scale, and transition businesses through brokerage, franchise guidance, valuation services, and strategic consulting. Attendees can meet members of the team, tour the Emerald Coast office, learn more about the services offered, and connect with local business professionals and community leaders. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be door prizes and giveaways to mark the milestone.

AJ's Oyster Shanty offers a prime rib dinner special featuring a 10 ounce cut, paired with a baked potato and a side salad for $24.95. The special is available while supplies last and is not offered on holidays or during special events.

Settle in for a lively evening of trivia offered indoors or outside. There is no cost to participate, and prizes are handed out each night. Groups of six or more are encouraged to make a reservation, while all other seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Music Bingo blends the classic game with a playlist, swapping numbers for songs from a wide range of genres and decades. No special music knowledge is needed. Listen for the tracks, mark your card, and enjoy the atmosphere. Winners can claim prizes and a bit of bragging rights. There will be free food and drink giveaways. Seating is limited and tends to fill quickly.

This dinner show at Redd's Pub blends live entertainment with the venue's signature singing bartender and food made from scratch. Reviews often note the combination of house-made dishes, personal service, and a lively vibe that feels more like a local secret rather than a tourist stop. The experience captures the character that has made this 30A spot a favorite.