Upcoming Arts and Entertainment (beginning Jan. 14)
Winter Guest Fest
The area’s largest seasonal guest expo will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 16 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. Admission is $1 and includes coupons, giveaways and other surprises. The event will have a Mardi Gras theme and many new vendors will be present. Call 244-1931.
Act4Murder
A local professional comedy troupe, Act4 Murder performs Redneck Rivalry at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Crab Island Cantina at HarborWalk Village in Destin. Price is $49.95/adults and $24.95/children 10 and under. Call862-2885 or visit www.act4murder.com to make reservations.
• Jan. 23: Decked Out for Death at 7 p.m. at Angler’s Beachside Grill on Okaloosa Island
• Jan. 30: Red Leg the Dreaded Pirate of the Gulf at 7 p.m. at Crab Island Cantina at HarborWalk Village in Destin
Pyramid Art Show
The Arts and Design Society will host a Pyramid Art Show through Jan. 16 at 17 First Street, SE, in Fort Walton Beach. A reception is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 9 and the public is invited. Admission to the reception and the gallery is free. Call 244-1271.
ADSO window display
The Arts and Design Society presents the art of Carolyn Williams who works in watercolors and acrylics in their studio windows facing First Street in Fort Walton Beach during January.
American Legion
Enjoy Karaoke from 7:30-11:30 p.m. Jan. 16, 23 and 30 at American Legion Post 296, 311 Main Street in Destin. Call 837-3818.
• Breakfast Made to Order from 8:15-11:15 a.m. Jan. 18. $6/adults, children 12 and under free. Jabbo & Friends, 4-7 p.m.
• Sal’s Fish Fry, 3-6 p.m. Jan. 17. Cost $7
• Sal’s Bingo, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 19
• Cajun Ray’s Fish Fry, 3-7 p.m. Jan. 25 Cost $7
• Post Bingo, 6-8 p.m. Jan. 26
Mardi Gras on the Island
The 10th anniversary of the Mardi Gras parade begins at 11 a.m. Jan. 17 and runs from the western end of Santa Rosa Boulevard eastward toward U.S. 98. A Helen Back Block Party follows on Amberjack Drive. Call 244-8191.
ArtWalk on the Harbor
Dozens of artists showcase their creative artwork ranging from traditional to contemporary art, jewelry, paintings and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at HarborWalk Village. Winter concert begins at 2 p.m. Every third Sunday of month.
Rock For A Cure 2015
The Seventh Annual Rock for a Cure will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at The Block in Fort Walton Beach. Local bands will unite for a benefit concert for the American Cancer Society. Minimum donation at the door is $10 with door prizes and food provided by local vendors. Bands include Ray Scott, Cowboy Troy, Heritage, The Helvetica Effect, Something to Yield, and The Owsley Brothers.
Winter Guest Concert Series
All winter guests and locals are invited to enjoy a free inspirational concert with LivingFaith Church from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 18 on HarborWalk Village’s main stage.
• Jan. 25: Deja Vu Band
• Feb. 1: Chuck Lawson
• Feb. 8: Coconut Radio
• Feb. 15: Flash Flood
• Feb. 22: Soundsations Choir
• Feb. 6: George Dyer & Family
Senior Wednesdays
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park on Okaloosa Island will offer $5 park admission for visitors age 62+ every Wednesday through March 4. Enjoy marine animals shows and exhibits for a fraction of the regular park admission, $18.95 for seniors.
Fine Arts Exhibitions
The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Inc., presents its annual juried regional fine arts exhibition through Feb. 13 in the McIlroy Gallery at the Mattie Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. This exhibition showcases the best in all media from throughout the Southeastern United States. Also on view in the Holzhauer Gallery will be a solo exhibition of the works of Rick Otoupalik, whose sculpture, Balance, won 2014 ADSO Best-in-Show award. Call 729-6044 or email ArtGalleries@nwfsc.edu for information or to schedule group tours.
The Midtown Men
They took Broadway by storm in the hit musical “Jersey Boys” and will perform their favorite Sixties Hits from The Beatles, The Rascals, The Turtles, Motown, The Four Season, The Beach Boys and more at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Tickets are $45 each and available at 729-600 or 888-838-ARTS (2787).
Open house
The Art and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach hosts its Fourth Annual Open House from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at 17 First Street, SE, Fort Walton Beach. Members will share their work through a members’ art exhibit and demonstrations throughout the open house, including painting, pottery, and photography. Refreshment will be served and members will be available to introduce visitors to ADSO and its activities and classes.
Celebration On Ice
Experience world-class ice skaters in a one-of-a-kind show with the national tour of Celebration On Ice at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Tickets are $35/adults/$20 youth ages 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or 888-838-ARTS (2787) for more information.
Gumbo Contest/Silent Auction
The Destin History & Fishing Museum hosts its annual Gumbo Contest and Silent Auction fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Destin Community Center. Area restaurants and individuals compete for the title of the best gumbo in the Panhandle. The event will include live music by a local band and a silent auction of 60 plus packages including artwork, vacation stays, jewelry, and restaurant gift certificates, boating and fishing trips, services, golf, recreational activities and much more. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.
Advanced tickets are available now at the Museum for $10 per adult. Admission will be $12 at the door the day of the event. For more information concerning entering your gumbo in the contest, donating an item for the silent auction or coming to enjoy the event contact the Museum at 837-6611 or email kathydestinhistory@gmail.com.
Capes & Crowns
Dress up as your favorite superhero or glittering princess and enter The Capes & Crowns Fun Run + 5Kto benefit The Tree House Episcopal Montessori School in Santa Rosa Beach from 3-7 p.m. Jan. 31 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Before Jan. 14, registration is $35/5K and $20/Fun Run. After, $40/5K and $25/Fun Run. Register at CapesAndCrowns.com.
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
Wear your best Mardi Gras outfit join in the pub crawl along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk from 8-11:30 p.m. Feb. 6. Drink and food specials at all the stops.
Branson Show Camp
Branson entertainer George Dyer & Family perform at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. Matinee is $15 and evening show is $18.
Mardi Gras Parade
The Destin Harbor transforms into New Orleans as big brass band music fills the harbor during the Seventh Annual Mardi Gras Parade from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 7. Enjoy floats, street performers and colorful costumes as they parade through HarborWalk Village tossing beads, moon pies and more. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs. To participate, email abrand@harborwalkdestin.com.
Beaux Arts Exhibition
The 56th Annual Beaux Arts Exhibition will be held Feb. 6-8 at the Meridian at Westwood, 1001 Mar Walt Drive inFort Walton Beach, and sponsored by the Arts and Design Society. A reception and silent auction will be held from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 8 with awards to be given at 3:30 p.m.
Mardi Gras Celebration
Enjoy free red beans and rice from Jackacudas Seafood and Sushi and celebrate Mardi Gras at one of the HarborWalk Village clubs and restaurants from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 17.