Events
Welcome to our Events Calendar, your go-to resource for staying in the know about all the exciting happenings in our community.
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
- Location: Grand Boulevard
- Starts: 10 AM
- Ends: 7 PM
In 2026 ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival celebrates its 38th year! The event is planned for Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 120 artists from around the country.
ArtsQuest is a juried show that includes artists in the categories of Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oils & Acrylics, Original Digital Art, Photography, Sculpture, Wood and Works on Paper (Watercolor, Printmaking, Pastels, Pencils, Ink). ArtsQuest awards $10,000 in cash prizes. ArtsQuest is a rain or shine outdoor event. The festival is open to the public, and a $5-$10 admission donation is encouraged to support the Arts.
The Festival will also feature a variety of activities and attractions for art enthusiasts of all ages. Attendees can look forward to art demonstrations, a CAA member gallery, a Walton County student exhibit, a special exhibit from the CAA’s Prison Art program, an interactive public art installation, Silent Auction, continuous live music and entertainment, and “ImagiNation: where kids rule.” A full cash bar will be available throughout the weekend in Grand Park.
Fudpucker's Gatorfest 2026
- Location: Fudpucker's Beachside Bar and Grill - Destin, FL
- Starts: 11:00 AM
- Ends: 3:00 PM
Celebrating Gator Beach, this fun-filled Gatorfest event includes Gator Food Cooking Contest, Gator Shows, Vendor Booths, Alcohol Tasting, Kid's Activities, and more!
This action-packed 4 hour event kicks off at 11 A.M. and runs until 3 P.M. enough time to get you gator food and drink on!
More information and ticket sales found here: https://fudsgatorfest.com/
Baytowne's 1st Annual - Run for the Roses
- Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
- Starts: 4:00 PM
- Ends: 7:00 PM
Step into an evening where Southern meets coastal elegance at Baytowne's First Annual Kentucky Derby celebration. Your ticket grants you unlimited access to classic mint juleps, signature cocktails, and curated bourbon tastings, paired with delicious bites from Baytowne merchants. Gather friends and family to watch the Kentucky Derby unfold live on the big screen!
Dress to impress and embrace the spirit of the day with raffles, live DJ entertainment, cigar bars, and a Best Dressed Derby Contest.
You will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind upscale watch party on the Emerald Coast!
Ticket costs are $75 + tax.
More Information found here: https://www.baytownewharf.com/what_to_do.php?month=5
15th Annual Burning Up the Beaches Car and Motorcycle Show
- Location: Freedom Tech Center- 1900 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547-1217, United States
- Starts: 9:00 am
- Ends: 3:00 pm
Burning Up the Beaches is BACK!
Join us for the 15th Annual Car Show in Destin & Fort Walton Beach — a full weekend of cruising, chrome, and coastal vibes.
Party, cruise, and show off your ride on the Emerald Coast
April 30 – May 2, 2026
Freedom Tech Center Field
Live music, DJ Salty, valve cover races & more
All proceeds benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast, supporting children & adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Register now & get the full schedule: burningupthebeaches.com
Come for the cars. Stay for the cause.
