It’s the weekend. Finally. You’ve waited five days for this
and now you don’t even know what to do with your free time. Don’t sweat it. We
have some fun ideas to keep you entertained for the next three days.
The weekend weather for Fort Walton Beach/Destin is
forecasted to be in the upper 50s to low 60s, with a slim to no chance of rain.
In other words, it’s going to be quite beautiful outside, so try to take
advantage of it!
All weekend long:
30A Songwriters Festival
Scenic Hwy. 30A in South Walton
Starting Friday and lasting all weekend long is the annual
30A Songwriter’s Festival. This festival features 150 artists and 25 venues to
keep you entertained, full and hydrated. If you love music and the beach, then
you will surely enjoy this creative event.
Friday, January
17, 2014:
Destin Desserts
Sandestin Golf
and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W
Destin
Destin Desserts
showcases local chefs competing for the title of champion by creating desserts
using Girl Scout cookies as the main ingredient. The 2014 Destin Desserts
competition will take place in the Links Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach
Resort. Doors open at 6 p.m., program begins at 7 p.m. Includes social hour,
heavy hors d'oeuvres, dessert tasting, voting, awards, silent auction and entertainment
by Shades of Blue. Limited tickets are $25 per person and are available at each
competing chef’s business: Southern Agenda, Niceville; Hair for You, Miramar
Beach; Shear Twist, Niceville. Sponsorship opportunities available. Please
contact Irene Field at 888.271.8778 for more information.
Saturday, January
18, 2014:
Abita Mardi Gras Parade
The 11th
annual parade begins at 11 a.m. at the corner of Santa Rosa Blvd., and Tarpon
Dr. (on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach) and then wends its way eastward
down Santa Rosa Blvd. and ends at Tom Thumb. Spectators may bring seating and
view the parade at any point along the route. Be sure to bring a bag to hold
all of the beads and other goodies that you may catch during the parade.
Parade After Party at Helen Back Café
114 Amberjack Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach
Second Annual
Mardi Gras Block Party at Helen Back Café on Okaloosa Island. The cost is $15
at the door for Abita beer sampling, red beans & rice, gumbo, crawfish boil
and beads from 12 p.m. till. There will also be live music by True Blue Band
and Blues Brothers. The party will take place on the new deck! Bring your crew
out for the party immediately following the FWB Abita Mardi Gras Parade.
Parade After Party at The Boardwalk
1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy.
Fort Walton Beach
The Boardwalk will host an after party following the Abita
Mardi Gras Parade that entails great prices on meals at Floyd’s Shrimp House,
The Crab Trap and The Black Pearl. Check out The Boardwalk for lots of post
parade family fun!
Mardi Gras Celebration at Caffé Italia One89
189 Brooks St. SE
Fort Walton Beach
Beginning at 1 p.m., Caffé Italia One89 will host a Mardi
Gras Celebration complete with a special menu, featuring authentic Cajun
cuisine, live music all day by Season Ammons Band and Dr. Zydeco Bob & The
Flytones. This day-long, family fun celebration takes place inside, outside, on
the water and at the new Wine Bar!
Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Every Saturday Night is Latin Night with DJ Vasco. From 9
pm. to 2 a.m., where you can dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and
top 40. Drink specials all night long.
Emerald Coast Wine School—“One Night Stands”
Groovy Grouper Grill
4304 Destin Commons Blvd. Bldg. C110
Destin
Emerald Coast Wine School aims to educate consumers about
wine in a way that can heighten their appreciation and, in turn, increase the
pleasure they find when enjoying wine. The school also teaches individuals in
the wine & hospitality trade information that can aid them in selling wine
to their customers. In class two, you learn the proper pairing of food and
wine.
Sunday, January
19, 2014:
HarborWalk Village Winter Guests Concert Series
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
All winter guests and locals are invited to enjoy a free
concert by Chuck Lawson from 2-4 p.m. on the HarborWalk Village main stage.
ARTwalk on the Harbor
10 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
ARTwalk at HarborWalk Village at the Emerald Grande features
local and regional artists and vendors along the Destin Boardwalk from 11 a.m.
– 4 p.m.
Wine Reception at The Magnolia Grill
157 Brooks St. SE
Fort Walton Beach
There will
be a wine & hors d’oeuvres reception at The Magnolia Grill of Fort Walton
Beach from 2-4 p.m. Individual tickets are $15 or 2 tickets for $25. All
proceeds benefit the Okaloosa Arts Alliance. There will also be live
entertainment and drawings for a chance to win tickets to multiple local
events. An OAA member information table will be present. For more information,
please contact Amy at abaty@okaloosaarts.org.
“SailGate”
Parties at the Marina—NFL Sundays
Baytowne Marina
at Sandestin
9300 Emerald
Coast Pkwy. W
Destin
Enjoy an
outside "tailgate" party at the scenic Baytowne Marina at Sandestin,
including the broadcast of NCAA and NFL evening football games on a projector
and large screen. Get your favorite beverages and football fare from the Marina
Bar and Grill. Thursdays are Ladies Night. Ladies wearing their favorite team’s
jersey will receive half off vodka cocktails until halftime of the featured
game. SEC Saturdays and NFL Sundays and Mondays entail lots of football, drinks
and great food. For more information, please visit www.sandestin.com/events or
call 850.267.7778.
Sunday Brunch
at Crab Island Cantina
2 Harbor Blvd.
#100
Destin
Enjoy an
awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views on the Destin Harbor. Drink
bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. for $12
with the purchase of an entrée.
Sunday Brunch
at Harry T’s
46 Harbor Blvd.
Destin
Come out to Harry
T’s for a delicious Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served
with fresh fruit, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato hash
browns or cheese grits. Bottomless champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
