As the holiday cheer fades and a fresh calendar begins, January offers an exciting lineup of events along 30A and the Emerald Coast. From plunging into icy gulf waters to celebrating music, fitness, and furry friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kick off 2024 with community traditions like the Navarre Beach Pier Plunge or the South Walton Polar Plunge, explore your adventurous side with the Ellie Biscuit Trail Trot, or revel in artistic flair at the iconic 30A Songwriters Festival. Dive in and make January truly extraordinary!
FEATURED EVENTS
Navarre Beach Pier Plunge
Navarre Beach Pier | Navarre Beach
January 1st, 2025
Kick off the new year with an unforgettable day of fun, food, and community at Navarre Beach Pier and Windjammers! Start your morning right with breakfast options will be available from 8:30 to 11AM. Grab quick bites from the food truck or enjoy the regular breakfast menu at Windjammers—perfect fuel for the day ahead! Join us as we make our way to the beach at 11:45AM and take the plunge into the gulf at noon! It’s a chilly but exhilarating tradition you won’t want to miss. Then, from 1 to 5PM, enjoy a high-energy performance by The Six Piece Suits, a party band from Pensacola led by the talented Kyle Hooks.
South Walton Polar Plunge
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar | Santa Rosa Beach
January 1st, 2025
The 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar will benefit South Walton Fire District’s community education programs. This family-friendly event includes a costume contest at 12PM. It’s open to all plunge participants! We will officially plunge into the New Year at 1PM. After the plunge is over, join us back at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar to celebrate the start of the New Year. Plunge participants must sign up online prior to the event.
Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-Mile Trail Trot
Point Washington State Forest | Santa Rosa Beach
January 4th, 2025
The 2025 Ellie Biscuit 20 & 10-Mile Trail Trot will be taking place on Saturday, January 4th at Pt. Washington State Forest. While billed as a “no frills” kind of race, runners actually get quite a lot for their money. A beautiful and well-supported course for starters. All registered runners will also receive the coveted official Ellie Biscuit race hoodie. And…the chili is back! That’s right, finish your race and then enjoy everyone’s favorite post-race snack: chili!!!
Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising through The Change
Mattie Kelly Arts Center | Niceville
January 7th, 2025
This hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical is finally here. We are all set to sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. This is a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship.
Hurricane Relief Fundraising Event
Lulu’s Destin | Destin
January 14th – 16th, 2025
The Don Middlebrook – Singer/Songwriter 7th Annual Hurricane Relief Fundraiser at Lulu’s in Destin, Florida is set for January 14th, 15th, and 16th. Three big nights of #puretroprock entertainment! Come support your favorite Trop Rock artists as they raise funds for a great cause.
30A Songwriters Festival
Multiple Locations | South Walton
January 16th – 20th, 2025
The 30A Songwriters Festival is a unique four day music extravaganza featuring over 125 songwriters and musicians performing original songs in various genres ranging from country to Americana and folk as well as blues and soul in 25 dedicated listening rooms on historic Highway 30A in South Walton. The festival brings together nearly every South Walton community and many businesses to showcase our home as a destination not only for the beauty of its beaches but also for the wealth of its artistic cultural offerings. Past performers include Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Indigo Girls, Graham Nash, Grace Potter, Jason Isbell, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Shawn Mullins and Patty Griffin, among many more.
Bette, Babs & Beyond
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center | Okaloosa Island
January 17th, 2025
Don’t miss this thrilling tribute to legendary female icons like Bette Midler, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and more celebrating six decades of music history. Enjoy beloved songs such as The Wind Beneath My Wings, I Will Always Love You and What’s Love Got to Do With It in this energizing concert event.
Hops for Hounds
Props Brewery Hammock Bay | Freeport
January 18th, 2025
Put on your walking shoes and leash up your furry friends because Hops for Houns is Back! Join Dog-Harmony for an exciting day at the Fifth Annual Hops for Hounds, happening on Saturday, January 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Props Brewery Hammock Bay. The event will feature a short tail-wagging stroll through the Windmills, followed by a lively after-party celebrating our beloved pets! For $35 per person, you and your furry companion can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere featuring craft beer, live music, food trucks, and more. Professional photographs of you and your canine will be sponsored by Rescue Animal Photography.