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Farmers Markets

Windmills in Freeport Every Other Saturday 4-8 p.m.

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.

ECTC Children’s Theater at Seaside Mondays

Step into a world of magic, mischief, and moonlit romance as Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a family-friendly adaptation at the SEASIDE Amphitheater. Beginning at 6 p.m. Mondays through August 3rd, bring a blanket and enjoy dinner from any of Seaside’s delicious eateries. This joyful retelling of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy brings love, laughter, and live theatre to Central Square. It’s an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages.

Huck & Lilly @ Seaside Ampitheatre Tuesdays and Thursdays

Huck & Lilly will perform LIVE in the Seaside Amphitheater Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-5:45 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show. Free and open to all ages. Singer/songwriters Ken Johnson and Andi Zack-Johnson, as Huck and Lilly, specialize in music for kids AND the grown-ups who love them!

Bark for Books at Coastal Branch Library Wednesdays

Join Dog-Harmony and the Walton County Coastal Library for Bark for Books—a tail-waggingly fun way for kids to build confidence by reading aloud to a friendly therapy dog! Held every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. through May 20, this unique literacy program gives children the chance to practice their reading skills in a calm, pressure-free environment.

CAA Creative Kids Night April 10

Take the night off while your kids enjoy a cozy Parents’ Night Out at the CAA! Creative Kids Night for ages 5-11 yrs, returns to the Bayou Arts Center from 5-8 p.m. This month’s feature project: Colorful 3D Birds. Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas and bring a sleeping bag to snuggle up with during the film! Aprons will be provided. Kick off the evening with an exciting hands-on painting activity inspired by Pixar’s Rio. Then refuel with a pizza dinner before winding down for a cozy movie screening of Rio with an accompanying themed snack. Learn more & purchase tickets at www.culturalartsalliance.com/upcoming-events.

Gulf Coast Salute Air Show April 10-12

The Gulf Coast Salute Air Show, a premier aviation event held in Panama City Beach showcasing a spectacular lineup of military and civilian aerial performances, is scheduled at the Russell-Fields City Pier from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is a free family-friendly experience. The Thunderbirds will perform at 3 p.m. daily. The other entertainers will proceed them. Food & beverage vendors will be lined up along the beach accesses near Russell-Fields City Pier. For more information, visit visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/special-interest/gulf-coast-air-show.

Earth Day Beach Cleanup April 11

To help keep our beaches and parks beautiful, join the annual Earth Day Cleanup event from 8-10 a.m. This free family-friendly event includes: clean-up contests with prizes, a post-clean-up participant breakfast at select locations, and an event t-shirt (limited quantity). Participants are encouraged to bring: your own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and trash grabber, water bottle and sun protectant. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDwa5IYNnHpPUQ2NgaNGyeTj18tlUPMZhKDjB3A1JPAdrpQg/viewform.

Clean up locations:

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

The Crab Trap/James Lee Park

The Surf Hut

June White Decker Park

Henderson Beach State Park

CAA Cocktails & Clay April 15

Tap into your inner artist at Cocktails & Clay, a hands-on creative workshop hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County from 5-7:30 p.m. at Grayton Corner Cafe & Wine Shop. Sip while you sculpt with a complimentary glass on wine, along with light bites. oin local artist Sarah Bumanglag for a hands-on workshop where you’ll sculpt your own functional ceramic bird feeder — the perfect handmade touch for your spring garden. No experience needed — just come ready to relax, connect, and make something uniquely yours. Learn more and register at www.culturalartsalliance.com/event-details/cocktails-clay-at-grayton-corner-cafe.

Reeling in the Emerald Coast at Topsail State Park April 18

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Walton County 4-H will host a fun day of hands-on activities, local conservation experts and a Kids Fishing Tournament 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Register at 9 a.m. for the tournament, with lines in the water 9:30-11:30 a.m. Prizes for the biggest, smallest and most caught. Join in for an unforgettable morning on the coast.

Guided Plant Tour at Topsail State Park April 20

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on the third Monday of each month from 9-11 a.m. for a Guided Plant Stroll.  The stroll begins at Tram Stop #2. This program is free with regular park admission.

Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch April 21

A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. The event welcomes business partners to contribute door prizes. For sponsorship details, call Marta Thorpe at (850) 814-3822.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival April 23–26

Tickets are on sale now for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, returning to Grand Boulevard with more than 600 wines, beers and spirits to sample across four days of tastings, live entertainment and culinary experiences. Guests can purchase featured wines on site, with proceeds benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and children in need across Northwest Florida. Get full details and tickets at sowalwine.com.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Turns 21 and Goes Wild for Kids April 24–25

The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction, presented by the Jumonville Family, benefits children in need across Northwest Florida through Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 16 partner children’s charities. In 2025, the foundation donated $3.1 million following one of its most successful auctions to date.

The 2026 auction will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs and internationally renowned vintners. Held in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, the auction also takes place at Grand Boulevard the same weekend. The festival showcases hundreds of premium wines, spirits and culinary offerings, with proceeds benefiting DCWAF. Full details are available at dcwaf.org.

Earth Day at Biophilia Center April 25

Explore interactive booths, environmental education exhibits, and native plant vendors while connecting with wildlife experts and conservation organizations. The event is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and food trucks will be on site throughout the day. Enjoy hourly theater talks, a Career Hour featuring professionals from forestry, fish and wildlife, and other environmental fields, and an “Essence of Florida Flora” tasting room highlighting the unique flavors of Florida’s native edible plants. Learn more at eowilsoncenter.org.

Paper Bear Screening at Seaside April 19 and 26

The Paper Bear invites the community on a heartfelt journey into the forests and coastal wilds of Northwest Florida at 7:30 p.m. Blending live-action storytelling with hand-drawn animation, the film follows a father and son as they venture into the woods to document real Florida black bears, sharing campfire stories, local history, and the magic of the natural world along the way. Visit thepaperbear.org.

Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars May 2

Seaside School will debut its newest signature fundraiser, “Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars,” presented in partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach at 6 p.m. at Hotel Effie Sandestin. Inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, the ballroom-style competition pairs local leaders with professional dancers for an evening of glamour, entertainment and friendly rivalry—all supporting the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project. The 2026 Emerald Coast Stars include Dr. Lindsey Hoppe of 30A Smiles, Whitney Cooley of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty and Southern Sand, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner, and Drew Ward, principal of Seacoast Collegiate High School. The evening begins with a cocktail hour and champagne toast, followed by a plated dinner, dance competition, awards ceremony and VIP after-party. Guests—and supporters watching from home—can vote for their favorite dancer for $10 per vote. Sponsorships and tickets are available at SeasideSchools.net. For sponsorship information, contact Callie Cox at coxc@seasideschools.net.

Derby Day Run for the Roses at Baytowne May 2

Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf as they host the 1st Annual Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby celebration from 4-7 p.m. in the Events Plaza. Dress to impress and embrace the spirit of the day. High hats, glasses full, and eyes on the race—all for a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Dog Harmony. Your ticket grants you unlimited access to classic mint juleps, signature cocktails, and curated bourbon tastings, paired perfectly with delicious bites from Baytowne merchants. Tickets: www.bigtickets.com/e/baytownederby/runfortheroses.

FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament Returns to Sandestin May 9

Tee up for a great cause at Alaqua Animal Refuge’s 5th Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament, presented by Sandestin Investments, on Saturday, May 9, at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin (165 Sandestin Blvd. N., Miramar Beach). This signature fundraiser brings golfers and animal advocates together for 18 holes of scramble-format play with a shotgun start, on-course contests, raffles, awards and a “Pups & Pours” after party. Registration includes a cart, boxed lunch and two drink tickets. Proceeds support Alaqua Animal Refuge’s rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation and adoption programs across the Southeast. Registration deadline is May 4. Details and sign-up: app.eventcaddy.com/events/2026-fore-the-love-of-animals.

Tequila & Taco Fest May 16

Tequila & Taco Fest returns to the scenic waterfront at The Village of Baytowne Wharf from 1-4 p.m.! One of the Southeast’s favorite family-friendly festivals, this fun-filled day features mouthwatering tacos, premium tequilas & margaritas, live music, kid-friendly activities, and lively contests. Vote for the People’s Choice Best Taco, cheer on local favorites, and enjoy an unforgettable day on the Emerald Coast! Tickets and details at www.efestevents.com.

The post SoWal Upcoming Events April 2026 appeared first on South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information.

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South Walton Life | 30A News, Events and Community Information