Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Amy Albers
As a serious beach enthusiast, I don’t really need a reason to visit a beach destination. Other members of my family, however, don’t feel the same way. They need some other draw, especially in the off-season. Walton County in Florida offers mild weather and plenty of things to do near Sandestin during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
On a recent visit, something stood out to me. There’s a sense of community in Walton County. Celebrating and supporting good causes go hand in hand with these communities. Their favorite things to celebrate in this laid-back but cultured area are art, food, and wine. When Sandestin neighborhoods hold events, they are always worth your while.
Music Events Near Sandestin

30A Songwriters Festival, January
Over three days of the 30A Songwriter’s Festival, you’ll have access to over 175 singer-songwriters at approximately 30 venues in South Walton County. The venues range from sizable outdoor platforms to cozy cafes. Among this year’s headliners were Elvis Costello, Roseanne Cash, and K.T. Tunstall. A hit in the smaller venues was John Oates.
The renowned festival recently completed its fifteenth year, and profits go to the Cultural Arts Alliance of South Walton. The casual beach vibe lends to the fun of discovering up-and-coming talent.
Crescendo! Sinfonia Gulf Coast, February
Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s mission is to “redefine the symphony experience.” Crescendo! is a new event at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. It blends culinary experiences and top-notch musical entertainment.
In addition to featuring renowned winemakers and celebrity chefs, patrons can bid on high-end auction items. The event benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s efforts for music education and community engagement initiatives in Northwest Florida.
Sports Events Near Sandestin

Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K, February
The world’s first New Urbanist town, Seaside, hosts the Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K, now in its 22nd year. The event attracts runners from all over the world but still manages to pull off a hometown feel.
Don’t miss Taste of the Race featuring local chefs! All proceeds support the local Seaside School, the oldest operating public charter school in Florida. It educates grades 5 through 12 on a lovely campus with a neighborhood feel.
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, June
The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic might be your favorite if you’re more outdoorsy. This premier sport-fishing tournament is held at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.
In addition to fishing, there will be cooking demos, live music, and fireworks after dark. Hang out at Baytowne Marina to catch the anglers weighing their catches. Nearly $2 million in prizes are on the line!
30A 10K, 5K, and Fun Run, November
Work up an appetite during this annual Thanksgiving Day 10K and 1-mile Fun Run. The route starts and ends in Rosemary Beach and is appropriate for the family. The course is flat and fast along 30A, so this is a good bet if you’re going for a PR. With three races, there’s a spot for every runner or walker.
Sandestin Food and Wine Events

Sandestin Gumbo Festival, February
For 35 years, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been bringing the Cajun to South Walton. Your ticket purchase for this event in the Village of Baytowne Wharf includes unlimited gumbo and Bloody Mary sampling. The creativity of the concoctions is mind-blowing!
Of course, live Zydeco music will be heard while you’re entering your vote for the best gumbo and the best Bloody Mary. Feel free to bring the family because there are kid’s activities too.
Pro Tip: The Village of Baytowne Wharf is home to plenty of restaurant options, so picky eaters won’t go hungry.
30A Wine Festival, February
This four-day event in ritzy Alys Beach features a fun event each day! This year’s titles are Oysters and Champagne, Tapas and Tequila, Bourbon, Beer & Butts, and Rose’ and Croquet. Over 80 wines will be featured, and you can imbibe guilt-free because the proceeds benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. Alys Beach is a gorgeous setting, so break out your croquet whites and have a ball!
Sandestin Wine Festival, April
A highlight of my trip was the amazing food and wine available from local restauranteurs. The Sandestin Wine Festival, now in its 37th year, features local chefs and wine experts from around the globe. There is no snobbery here—the vibe is laid-back and casual, just what you would expect at the beach. The event occurs in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, and tickets include a Riedel wine glass.
Pro Tip: Seek out offerings from Vin’tij Food and Wine. I was so impressed with the pairings that owner Todd Reber and Cheff Ignacio Bernal created.
South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, April
We told you that this area is a must for foodies! The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival turns Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach into a food and wine lover’s wonderland. Over 600 wines are featured, along with varied cuisines of local chefs.
Pro tip: Taste anything created by Juan Bochenski, the executive chef at Ovide in Hotel Effie. Of course, live music and spirits other than wine will be available.

Baytowne Beer Festival, October
I’m one of those rare women who prefer beer over wine. South Walton’s Baytowne Beer Festival can deliver! Over 200 domestic and international craft beers will be available for sampling during the Grand Craft Beer Tasting.
For a more intimate experience, don’t miss the “Beer From Around Here” evening, which features local breweries and educates about craft beer culture. This fun event takes place in the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival, October
The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation has donated over $32 million to children’s charities in Northwest Florida thanks to the annual Harvest Wine and Food Festival in WaterColor. In addition to the Grand tastings, wine dinners highlight this four-day festival. If you prefer other spirits, check out the cocktail brunch.
Main Street Oktoberfest, October
Main Street DeFuniak Springs hosts an annual Oktoberfest event that includes all the German fare and beers you can handle. Try your hand at axe-throwing to the accompaniment of authentic German music. Check out the German-themed vendors and the shops along Main Street.
Seeing Red Wine Festival, November
Originally a small event created to build community within Seaside, the Seeing Red Wine Festival is celebrating 31 years! It’s a celebration of winemakers and is geard toward both conoisseurs and occasional wine drinkers. The tastings, live music, and vendors blend to create a fun festival atmosphere.
The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival, November
Local restaurants compete for bragging rights at The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival in Miramar Beach. Mixologists get creative with toppings such as grilled cheese sandwiches and sushi!
If Bloody Marys don’t interest you, there will be three Bubbly Bars for champagne. Remember the food, the market shops, and, my favorite, a big screen for watching SEC football. Call me when the Dawgs are on.
Arts Events Near Sandestin

Digital Graffiti Festival, May
One of the most unique festivals near Sandestin is the Digital Graffiti Festival. Alys Beach is a luxury beach community where all the city’s buildings are white. It’s simply striking. So, what better place to use the building as a backdrop for the projections of digital artists?
The event invites these artists “to explore how their fluid forms connect with people and architecture to create spontaneous and wondrous experiences.” Physical art installations are also featured along festival paths.
South Walton Art Month, May
If you’ve got more than a weekend, plan to check out the events happening during South Walton Art Month. In addition to the May festivals already listed, patrons explore visual, performing, and literary arts programming at venues throughout the county.
My favorite is “Under the Sea,” which benefits the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the United States. This is an amazing way to combine art and the water sports for which Florida is known.
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, May
Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach hosts another festival, the ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival. The event is a juried show of over 125 artists who exhibit and sell their work in various mediums.
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County organizes the festival, which is open to the public and requires only a nominal admission donation. Kid’s activities and food vendors are on hand.
MountainFilm on Tour at WaterColor, November
The favorite short documentary films from the Telluride Film Festival travel to WaterColor in November for an outdoor showing. The film festival runs for two nights in the WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater and aims to inspire and educate moviegoers about significant issues.
Mountainfilm declares a “mission of exploring cultures, preserving environments, and promoting adventure.” A presenter will offer insight into the films and the filmmakers. Be sure to tour WaterColor prior to the film; the city is lovely.
Sandestin Events Celebrating Nature
Lakefest, June
Head to Lake DeFuniak in DeFuniak Springs for Lakefest, the ultimate in family-friendly activities. Families can watch live entertainment and water sports races or check out local exhibitor’s booths. If you’re feeling particularly creative, try the cardboard boat races! Other classic festival staples are a car show, a farmer’s market, and a good old-fashioned fish fry.
Flutterby Festival, November
The Cultural Arts Alliance presents another fantastic event at the Flutterby Festival, celebrating the migration of thousands of Monarch butterflies through Walton County. This children’s art and science festival occurs near Rosemary Beach at the Pavilion at Watersound Town Center.
Kids will love the arts & crafts, science station, and student butterfly art exhibit. Live performances and a fun butterfly parade entertain families.
Sandestin’s Holiday Events

An Evening of Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights, November
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is all dressed up for the Sparkling Wine Festival in this celebration of bubbly. Featured restaurants will serve delicious appetizers and over 30 different labels of champagne. Stay for the tree lighting and a choreographed light show.
Christmas Reflections, November
Chipley Park in DeFuniak Springs lights up their spring-fed lake with over 10 million lights reflecting off the water. The historic town shines with the annual display. Santa will be on hand to take requests and pictures. The Festival of Trees at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood is a special treat.
Hometown Christmas, November
DeFuniak Spring’s Hometown Christmas offers my kind of shopping. Held at the Walton County Fairgrounds the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the two-day event features a wide variety of homemade crafts and other items that are perfect for anyone on your list. Ease into the holiday spirit with great food, free kid’s crafts, and another visit to Santa to plead your case.

Christmas Candlelight Tour at Eden Gardens State Park, December
This one-night-only event in Point Washington is magical. Walk through Eden Gardens State Park by the light of luminaries to the historic Wesley House. Carolers will greet you on the porch; listen a while before you go in to take a tour of the home.
Local organizations and businesses will decorate each room, and guests will be encouraged to vote for their favorite room. After the tour, stop by the pavilion for refreshments. This event happens on the Saturday before Christmas.
Merry Main Street, December
DeFuniak Springs gets our vote for most holiday spirit. Head to this charming town any weekend in December before Christmas for some holiday magic. Visitors enjoy live music, theatrical performances, and character appearances. There are food trucks, an outdoor market for last-minute shopping, and the opportunity to see the Big Man and his wife, Mrs. Claus.
Where to Stay Near Sandestin, Florida

My pick is Hotel Effie. Named for the owner’s grandmother, Effie Burns, the hotel strives to embody the gracious hospitality its namesake was known for. Many of the events listed take place in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, which is just behind Hotel Effie. When there isn’t a special event taking place, the village has restaurants, shops, and other attractions, so you can enjoy exploring without requiring your car.
If you decide to stay in, check out the rooftop bar and pool. It’s a fun space during the day, but after 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, it’s 21+ and ready for a party. A meal at the on-site restaurant Ovide is a must. Chef Juan Bochenski blends classic Southern flavors to bring comfort food and fine dining together. Bring the kids! There’s a menu just for them, and the atmosphere is cozy.
Choose Your Favorite Events Near Sandestin

There is a reason to visit South Walton County at any time of the year. The festivals and special events near Sandestin give you reasons to visit several times a year. If you aren’t coming for an event, stay for the vibe. Each of the neighborhoods in the Sandestin area has its own feel, appealing to different tourists. Check out the Visit South Walton online guide for lodging suggestions and other things to do that are a perfect fit for you.