This February, the Emerald Coast transforms into a vibrant tapestry of festivities, from coastal feasts and cultural illuminations to Mardi Gras celebrations and side-splitting comedy. Check out the best culinary, cultural, and entertainment scenes the Emerald Coast has to offer this February and let the good times roll!
FEATURED EVENTS
Brunch Fest
10 Harborwalk Village | Destin
February 3rd, 2024 | 12PM
Dive into a coastal feast at the 3rd Annual Brunch Fest, where the Destin Harbor becomes a brunch lover’s paradise. Picture this: mimosas in hand, you’ll wander through the Village, savoring mouthwatering brunch bites, zesty Bloody Marys, and bubbly delights. Don’t miss out on this December celebration – because let’s be real, brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s a downright awesome experience on the Emerald Coast!
Navarre Krewe of Jesters 38th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
Navarre Beach
February 3rd, 2024 | 1PM
Get ready to laissez les bon temps rouler as the Navarre Krewe of Jesters celebrate 38 years of family-friendly Mardi Gras fun! Join the krewe for a vibrant parade, kicking off at 1 pm and rolling through Gulf Blvd from Indiana St to the traffic light, complete with festive floats and bead-tossing festivities. Don’t miss the official after-parade bash at Andy D’s – the ultimate destination for post-parade revelry and let the good times roll!
SeaLights Festival
Seascape Resort | Miramar Beach
February 1st – March 31st, 2024 | 5PM-10PM
An unforgettable celebration of light and culture awaits at SeaScape Resort with the Sealight Festival, where over 1000 meticulously handcrafted Chinese lanterns illuminate the night. Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of traditional Chinese lantern festivals, as seasoned artisans with over 20 years of experience infuse each lantern with a unique story, creating a whimsical spectacle that seamlessly blends ancient craftsmanship with modern LED technology. Running from February 1 to March 31, 2024, Thursday through Sunday, 5 PM to 10 PM, this magical 45-minute walk captivates visitors of all ages.
Valentine Tour of Homes
Santa Rosa Beach
February 10th – 11th, 2024 | 10AM-4PM
You’re invited into some of the most jaw-dropping homes of 30A at the Annual Valentine Tour of Homes, a two-day rain or shine event. This self-guided tour explores some of Walton County’s most distinctive homes, showcasing diverse architectural styles, exquisite interior designs, and impressive art collections. All proceeds from the $40 advance tickets benefit the Cultural Arts Alliance’s Art for All program, providing crucial funding for arts education initiatives, grants, and scholarships in Walton County.
Mardi Gras Celebration
HarborWalk Village | Destin
February 10th, 2024 | 2PM – 6:30PM
Get ready to groove at HarborWalk Village as Mardi Gras hits the Harbor! Join in the fun at 2:00 PM for live music by Fais Do-Do, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration. At 4:00 PM, let the good times roll with a vibrant parade featuring dazzling floats, street performers, and an abundance of beads.
Baytowne Mardi Gras Parade
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
February 11th, 2024 | 2PM
Get ready for an epic Mardi Gras celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – it’s BIGGER and BETTER than ever! “Laissez les bon temps rouler” as the streets come alive with vibrant floats, decked-out golf carts, trucks, and even costumed dogs and their owners spreading Mardi Gras cheer. Join the lively marchers dressed in their Mardi Gras best as they shower parade-goers with a dazzling array of beads, moon pies, and other festive trinkets.
Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
February 13th, 2024 | 6PM-8PM
Get ready to groove at Stinky’s Bait Shack as they host the 14th Annual Swamp Get ready to unleash the fun on the most festive day of the year, Fat Tuesday, with the Baytowne Mardi Street Pardi! Beginning at 6 pm, join us for a Village Street party featuring live music, street performers, and an atmosphere buzzing with Mardi Gras energy. Keep the celebration going into the night with parties at various Baytowne establishments. So, grab those beads, let your hair down, and get set for a night of unforgettable revelry – because on Fat Tuesday, we’re all about letting the good times roll!
Sand Up Comedy
Santa Rosa Beach
February 14th – 17th, 2024
Get ready to belly laugh like never before at the Emerald Coast’s Official Comedy Festival – the Sand Up Comedy Festival! This four-day extravaganza guarantees non-stop hilarity and entertainment, offering audiences side-splitting humor, unforgettable punchlines, and the chance to indulge in world-class comedy at some of South Walton’s premier venues. Get ready to experience the lighter side of life and join us for a comedy-filled adventure along the stunning Emerald Coast!
2024 Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K Presented by Seaside
Seaside School | Seaside
February 18, 2024 | 7:30AM
Get your running shoes ready because the Seaside School Half Marathon + 5K is back in person for its 22nd running on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in the picturesque Seaside, Florida. Lace up and hit the pavement as the half marathon kicks off at 7:00 AM, followed by the 5K race at 7:30 AM. Proceeds from this event directly support the Seaside School, Inc one of Florida’s oldest surviving public charter schools.
30A Wine Festival
Alys Beach
February 21st – 25th, 2024
Savor the flavor at the 30A Wine Festival, generously underwritten by The Alys Foundation, making its triumphant return to Alys Beach from Wednesday, February 21 to Sunday, February 25, 2024. In its 12th year, this festival is a celebration of distillers, vintners, and culinary excellence, offering a delightful array of events and workshops. Beyond the exquisite tastes, the 30A Wine Festival is a celebration with a cause. All proceeds from the event go to the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, a local charity committed to providing health services to uninsured or underinsured school children in Walton and Okaloosa Counties.
35th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
February 24th, 2024 | 12PM-4PM
Get ready for a flavorful feast and family fun at the 35th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, hosted by The Village of Baytowne Wharf & Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort! With unlimited gumbo and Bloody Mary samplings, live Zydeco music, and a vibrant gumbo cook-off, this Gulf Coast winter food extravaganza promises a day of culinary delights and family fun.
5th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival
HarborWalk Village| Destin
February 24th, 2024 | 12PM-4PM
Dive into a flavor-packed fiesta at the Shrimp & Grits Extravaganza – The Destin Harbor’s newest hot-ticket event that’s seen its crowd double and then some over the past three years. In this showcase of one of the South’s most beloved dishes, you’ll find local culinary maestros, food trucks, and personal chefs from Fort Walton Beach to 30A battling it out for the coveted title of the Emerald Coast’s best Shrimp & Grits. But it’s not just about the taste; this festival also boasts a big heart, having raised a whopping $60,000+ for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.