November 2025

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Tim Hawkins Live

​ [[{“value”:” Laugh your way into fall with Tim Hawkins LIVE at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville, Florida! For a limited time only, you can “Fall-In” to $25 All-In Pricing (plus applicable taxes) — no hidden fees — while supplies last. Date: Sunday, November 16 Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville, FL Tickets: Just $25 all-in (plus applicable taxes) during the special Fall-In promotion running October 1–19 Don’t miss an evening of hilarious comedy, music, and family-friendly fun from one of America’s favorite comedians. Seats at this price are limited, so grab yours before they’re gone! Purchase Tickets Here – http://bit.ly/45bqFAq The post Tim Hawkins Live appeared first on Mattie Kelly Arts Center. “}]]  Read More

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Fall Division Recital

​ [[{“value”:” Come out to the Tyler Recital Hall to support our music students in the Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts Division at NWFSC. Students perform a variety of music selections from Classical repertoire, Musical Theatre selections, to Jazz and Pop songs. Entry is free, and tickets are not required. ALL RECITALS ARE AT 6PM TYLER RECITAL HALL The post Fall Division Recital appeared first on Mattie Kelly Arts Center. “}]]  Read More

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Presenting the 32nd SEASIDE Prize™ Celebration

 [[{“value”:” SEASIDE Institute Announces Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt as the 2026 Seaside Prize Recipients. The SEASIDE Institute is thrilled to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2026 SEASIDE Prize. The prize, which is awarded annually, celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development.   On this momentous occasion of the Seaside Prize, the Seaside Institute is honored to bestow this recognition upon two distinguished individuals: Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt. The celebration will take place over the weekend of February 6-8, 2026, featuring a variety of events and symposia focused on resiliency, sustainability, and legacy. Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA) was formed in 2001 in Miami by Erik Vogt and Marieanne Khoury as a practice in architecture, urban design, and town planning. Erik received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and his Master of Architecture from Yale University. Marieanne received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Wisconsin (after studying for 3 years at L’Ecole Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris, France) and has a Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. Both are licensed architects working throughout the country.   The practice, currently based in Alys Beach, Florida, engages projects in a variety of scales, programs, and locales. Each is strongly rooted in enduring types and forms that have developed over time to serve both the individual inhabitant at the scale of the building and shape the individual building... Read More

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Dog-Harmony Establishes “Paw Pantry” with Caring & Sharing of South Walton

 [[{“value”:” By Christie Solomon Dog-Harmony is proud to announce the launch of its new program, Paw Pantry, designed to support local families and their beloved canine family members. This initiative, an expansion of the non-profit’s “Keeping Dogs in Homes” program, will ensure that no family has to make the difficult choice between feeding themselves or feeding their dog. In partnership with Caring & Sharing of South Walton, Paw Pantry will initially serve 15 families, with plans to expand as the program grows. “We currently serve an average of 850 local families each month,” says Caring & Sharing Case Manager Dani Aylsworth. “We are paw-sitive there will be room to grow with the Paw Pantry partnership.” The Paw Pantry collaboration supports Dog-Harmony’s mission of preventing shelter surrenders by addressing a key barrier to pet ownership: access to pet food. Dog-Harmony will collect donations of pet food and distribute them through partners, like Caring & Sharing, to areas where they are needed most. This way, every bowl can be filled, helping to ensure dogs remain in their loving family homes. Dog-Harmony Founder Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, says, “We are thrilled to establish the Paw Pantry partnership with Caring & Sharing of South Walton. By providing dog food assistance to families in need, we prevent beloved family dogs from being surrendered to already overwhelmed and overcrowded animal shelters in our communities.” In the past three years, Dog-Harmony has distributed more than 10,000 pounds of dog food to families in need. With Paw Pantry, the non-profit... Read More

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Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Expands Art in Public Spaces Program

 [[{“value”:” The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) has added two vibrant new masterpieces to Walton County’s cultural landscape, marking another bold milestone for its Art in Public Spaces program. Internationally renowned street artist Kelsey Montague, known for her larger-than-life, interactive murals, has brought her signature style — and her famous wings — to The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center at 85 Origins Main Street and the newly opened Grayton Beach Central Parking Facility on County Road 283 South. These colorful, joy-filled works are designed not just to be seen, but to be experienced — encouraging visitors and locals alike to step in, snap a photo, and quite literally become part of the art. Kelsey Montague believes that art should not be separated from the human experience, but that the human experience should have a hand in creating art itself. Kelsey has painted large-scale, interactive street murals around the world including in Istanbul, New York City, Los Angeles, Singapore, Sydney, Cape Town, and Buenos Aires. Each piece has provided an opportunity for thousands of people to become living works of art. Participants are invited to step into the artwork, explore what inspires them and post pictures on social media in the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou.   Kelsey began her #WhatLiftsYou movement in Manhattan 11 years ago with large-scale murals of her iconic wings. Celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Vanessa Hudgens and Jessica Biel have posed with the street art wings while media outlets like The New York Times, Forbes and The Today... Read More

Pirates + Food + Booze = Fun at Pirate Brew Fest Nov. 1

 [[{“value”:” Pirate Brew Fest 2025 Ahoy, mateys! Ready yer sea legs and polish yer tankards, Pirate Brew Fest is droppin’ anchor at Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill on November 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM! This free-for-all shindig features a bounty of local breweries and spirit-makers handing out free samples and swag faster than a cannon volley. Festivities go from 11am to 3pm. Pirate Brew Fest Fun There’s no better way to unleash your inner buccaneer than at Pirate Brew Fest, where the air will be filled with the clink of frothy steins and the roar of Coconut Radio’s live island-rock tunes. You’ll test your sea-dog skills in axe throwing and pirate games, snag swag and free samples from the region’s finest breweries and distillers, and feast on Fudpucker’s flame-grilled burgers, hot dogs, and savory pirate-inspired specials. Wander among talented art vendors peddling hand-crafted treasures, then marvel at rare beer relics brought ashore by the BCCA Spearman Chapter of the Bama Cannas. Whether you’re dueling for axe-throwing bragging rights, dancing to live music under the sun, or simply sipping a cold one while soaking up the salty atmosphere, Pirate Brew Fest promises four hours of rollicking, friendly fun that’ll have you shouting “Yo ho, let’s go!” all the way home. Pirates & Destin, Florida Legends whisper that during the Golden Age of Piracy, cutthroats and corsairs crept into the sheltered coves of today’s Emerald Coast, right off the shores of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, to prey on... Read More

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Inaugural Jazz Festival: SOWAL Jazz Fest, Nov. 6–8, 2025

 [[{“value”:” South Walton is striking a new cultural chord this fall with the launch of its inaugural SOWAL Jazz Fest, a three-night celebration of world-class music and community connection. From November 6–8, 2025, the festival will transform some of 30A’s most beloved venues into intimate jazz clubs, offering unforgettable performances that benefit the non-profit SOWAL Foundation. Audiences can choose from two evening showtimes—6 p.m. and 8 p.m.—at every venue. Each ticket grants access to a specific performance, allowing guests to design their own festival journey. With tickets starting at just $50, every guest is guaranteed a seat, whether selecting VIP Reserved Seating or General Admission Seating. Featured Performances Frank Sinatra Tribute – Josh Sirten and The Velvet Jazz Quartet bring Ol’ Blue Eyes’ greatest hits to life at SOWAL House on Thursday and Friday nights. Billie Holiday Tribute – Sheila Ford with The Velvet Jazz Quartet captures the haunting beauty of Lady Day at SOWAL House on Saturday night. Amy Winehouse Tribute – Teresa Lombardi and The Midnight Muses Quartet channel Winehouse’s raw power and passion at Distillery 98, all three nights. The Quiet Storm – Jazz legends Bobbie Storm, Wayne Mitchum, and Jimmy Ward deliver coastal jazz and Southern soul at Black Bear’s Bar Room, all three nights. Venues SOWAL House – A cultural hub renowned for its intimate, world-class performances. Distillery 98 – A lively blend of craft cocktails, local art, and insider distillery experiences. Black Bear’s Bar Room – A cozy Grayton Beach hideaway, perfectly suited for soulful, up-close jazz. A Message from the Foundation “As President of... Read More

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Events in South Walton October-November 2025

 [[{“value”:” Farmers Markets Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eden Gardens Fall Film Series Oct. 23 The Friends of Eden Gardens announce the return of the Fall Film Series, a series of family-friendly, spooky, classic films played on an outdoor screen under the oak trees at Eden Gardens State Park. The event is free with paid park admission ($4 per vehicle). Films will be shown on the lawn near the pavilion starting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23: Frogs (1972 & Filmed at Eden) Fall Silent Auction Benefiting Emerald Coast Food Rescue Oct. 24 Bid for a cause! Help fight hunger in Okaloosa and Walton counties while enjoying food, drinks and community fun. Proceeds support ECFR’s mission to deliver 250,000 pounds of food monthly. Details: emeraldcoastfoodrescue.org. Fleets & Eats Oct. 25 Come party with ECAC on the Destin Harbor for our 1st Annual Fleets & Eats event! Proceeds benefit Emerald Coast Autism Center. This year’s theme is Tikis & Tequila so wear your best luau attire and get ready to ride a tiki through the Harbor. We have stops at The Edge and Harbor Docks before the big afterparty at Tailfins with live music, silent auction items, and more! Tickets include heavy appetizers and signature cocktails, transportation via boat and entry to the afterparty. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/fleets-eats-tickets-1623155906009.... Read More

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Seacoast Collegiate High School and NWFSC Celebrate the Opening of Expanded South Walton Center

 [[{“value”:” A new era of education has officially begun. In August, Seacoast Collegiate High School (SCHS), the high school under the SEASIDE SCHOOL, and Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) held a celebratory ribbon cutting with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce to mark the grand opening of the newly expanded Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center – home to brand new college facilities and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The event brought together key state and local leaders including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, Senator Jay Trumbull, Representative Shane Abbott, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, and many other local and state officials. Their presence underscored the importance of this groundbreaking project that expands the high school’s capacity but also ensures all students of Walton County have personal access to a Northwest Florida State College education where they live. The project is designed to expand access to high-quality high school and post-secondary education and prepare the next generation of leaders in STEM, business, healthcare, and beyond. “This center is more than a building—it’s a bold investment in the future of Walton County,” said Dr. Tom Miller, Executive Director of SEASIDE SCHOOL. “Together with Northwest Florida State College, we’re creating a center that expands access, inspires achievement and prepares our students to lead in a rapidly changing world.” The expansion comes during a historic milestone year for the SEASIDE SCHOOL—celebrating its 30th year in operation as one of Florida’s first... Read More

A Weather Channel for the Emerald Coast

 [[{“value”:” By Ed Offley A weather channel dedicated to Florida Panhandle localities is set to begin operations this month, its co-founders tell Life Media. Meteorologists Chris Smith and Dan Nyman left Panama City Beach TV station WJHG on June 15 to create “Panhandle Weather,” a 24/7 weather channel that will be available online and on most streaming channels. The target date for the launch was set for October 1. The channel will focus on weather for the Florida Panhandle, with specific segments for individual cities and counties throughout the day. It will also have the capability of issuing weather emergency warnings for severe storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. “This is going to be the wave of the future for weather,” said Smith, who had worked at WJHG for sixteen years of his three-decade career before making the move into independent weather forecasting. “You don’t need a TV station to broadcast now.” The data collection process for “Panhandle Weather” is the same as that for traditional broadcast outlets. Smith and Nyman will have a constant feed of information from the National Weather Service on cloud cover, wind, rain, temperature and humidity. From that, they will create specific situational reports and forecasts by incorporating locally collected weather data into the program. Nyman, who worked at the station for three years after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, said the programming goals for Panhandle Weather are far different from national cable channels like The Weather Channel. “The online weather operations have been... Read More