ENTERTAINMENT

Arts and Entertainment Nov. 16 - 23

Staff Writer
The Destin Log
Emerald Coast HOG Toys 4 Tots Run: The 34th Annual Emerald Coast HOG Chapter Toys 4 Tots Run benefiting Children in Crisis and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at Sam’s Club parking lot in Fort Walton Beach. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. ride ends at Niceville Mullet Festival grounds. Entry fee is $10 and a new toy or gift card.

Area codes are 850 unless noted

Comunity Christmas Chorus

Rehearsal date for the first practice for the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Sounds of the Season will be held from 9-11 a.m. Nov. 16 at Village Baptist church in the music suite. A final rehearsal will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. For more information, call 650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.

Fundraiser

Randy Wise Homes, Inc. will hold a fundraiser to benefit Building Homes for Heroes from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Grande Ballroom at Emerald Grande in HarborWalk Village. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at www.BuildingHomesForHeroes.org or Randy Wise Homes, 127 N. Partin Drive in Niceville. Attendees will enjoy dinner, a silent auction and a presentation by Building Homes for Heroes. 

Pioneer Day

A free, family event, Pioneer Day takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville. Park fees are waived and food will be available for purchase. Participate in making rag dolls, dipping candles and playing old fashioned games. Listen to live dulcimer and flute music and a storyteller. Two Civil War re-enactor groups will fire muskets and display their campsites. Rain date is from 12-3 p.m. Nov. 17.

Sparkling Wines & Holiday Lights

The Sandestin Wine Festival presents the second annual Sparkling Wines & Holiday Lights from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 16 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.Stroll streets lined in twinkling lights and greenery as you sip a variety of champagnes and taste featured menu items from various Village restaurants. For information and tickets visit www.sandestinwinefestival.com.

Stage Crafters

Stage Crafters Community Theatre presents the holiday musical “Miracle in Bedford Falls” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, 107 Miracle Strip Parkway in Fort Walton Beach. Tickets are $20 and available at P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach, Bayou Books in Niceville and www.StageCrafters.com. Discounted student tickets are $10 and available at the door. Call 243-1101.

American Impressions

Mandolinist and fiddler, Jeff Midkiff of Virginia will perform the regional premiere of his acclaimed “Concerto for Mandolin — From the Blue Ridge” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville for the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s “American Impressions” concert. The NFSO will also perform. Tickets are $22.50/adults and $16/active duty military and youth age 18 and younger and are available at 729-6000 or www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Sugarplum Doodles

Enjoy the story of The Nutcracker presented free by the dancers of Northwest Florida Ballet and create holiday keepsakes with the artists of Abrakadoodle Art Education and Parties at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Destin Commons. Characters in attendance will include Clara, Franz the Dancing Bear, the Mouse Queen and the Nutcracker himself.

Grilling the Feast

Grill Master Wayne Paul hosts a Grilling the Feast Thanksgiving Cooking Class from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 17 at Bay Breeze Patio, 32 Forest Shore Drive in Miramar Beach. The class will feature tips, tricks and recipes for creating the most delectable Thanksgiving meal outdoors. The class is appropriate for all skill levels and participants will receive a free Wayne's Get Grillin’ Rub. The cost is $10/person and proceeds benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge. To register, email wayne@baybreezepatio.com or call 269-4666.

Independent Film Series

The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will sponsor the movie “Stories We Tell,” an independent film documentary, at 4 p.m. Nov. 19. The program is free and open to the public. Films are unrated and directed toward mature audiences. Seating will be limited to 30 on a first-come, first-served basis.     

Bourbon at the Bay

Sip on bourbon and scotch, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and start your holiday shopping early at the first Bourbon at the Bay from 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Regatta Bay.  The event, which features bourbon and scotch tastings and a silent auction, is open to the public. Tickets are $30.  For more information, visit www.DestinChamber.com.

Americana Under The Stars

Sally Spring performs at a family/pet friendly concert series, Americana Under the Stars, from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 21 in the amphitheater at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Open mic begins at 6 p.m. Bring a chair and beverage. Free admission into park and a suggested donation of $5 goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill.

Wine Dinner at Vin’tij

Indulge in a four course meal paired with delectable wines at Symphony of Flavors Wine Dinner at Vin’tij in Miramar Beach at 6 p.m. Nov. 21. Live music and unique auction items complete the evening. All proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

Howl at the Moon fundraiser

For a $10 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, receive admission to the best dueling piano show on the Emerald Coast at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at Howl at the Moon on Okaloosa Island. Doors open at 7 p.m. Country music artist items will be given away hourly. Purchase tickets in advance and receive a free St. Jude T-shirt. One-hundred percent of the monies collected will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Call 244-1055.

Taco and Tequila Festival

Crab Island Cantina, 2 Harbor Blvd., hosts its inaugural Taco and Tequila Festival from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 23. Cost is $40/person and includes tacos, sauces and tequilas, a silent auction and live entertainment featuring Flamenco guitarist with DJ Vasco in between sets. Purchase tickets at Crab Island Cantina or any Pepito’s restaurant. The event will benefit the Salvation Army.

Kingdom of Sweets

The Northwest Florida Ballet Kingdom of Sweets Reception, sponsored by Vintij Wine Boutique and Bistro, will be held from 5:30-7:15 p.m. Nov. 23 at Mattie Kelly Arts Center Art Galleries in Niceville. Cost is $20 and includes an evening of wine and desserts to celebrate the opening night of The Nutcracker. Call 664-7787 or stop by the studio to RSVP. No tickets will be sold at the door.

The Nutcracker

The Northwest Florida Ballet’s 44th annual presentation of The Nutcracker begins at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are $28/adults and $14/children 12 and under and can be purchased at nfballet.org or 850-664-7787.