UPCOMING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT (beginning Jan. 27)
Snowbird Sunday Concert Series
The Market Shops at the entrance to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort presents the free Snowbird Sunday Concert Series with Rusty Hammerstrom from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 31 on the lawn. Bring chairs and blankets. In the event of rainy weather, the concert will be relocated to the covered patio outside of Bijoux at The Market Shops.
• Feb. 7: Michael J Thomas
• Feb. 14: Ron Adams “Shadow of the King” & The Memphis Echoes
• Feb. 21: Chuck Lawson
• Feb. 28: Austin Jennings
ADSO window display
During January, The Arts and Design Society presents the works of Helen Blair, artist and teacher whose talents cover a wide range of media, in its studio windows that face First Street in Fort Walton Beach.
MADCO Dance
The renowned Modern American Dance Company presents an eclectic array of repertoire dance featuring some the nation’s finest professional dancers at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College. Tickets are $20 each. Group discounts available.
Americana Under The Stars
Bring a chair and a beverage to enjoy the music of Sally Spring at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the amphitheater at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. Free admission into park and a suggested donation of $5 goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill.
Greek Luncheon
Saints Markella & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church will host a Greek Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at the church, Hwy. 98 and Bryn Mawr Boulevard. Cost is $9; dine or carry out. Call 244-0822. Pastries will be for sale at additional cost. Event continues until March 31.
ADSO's Open House
The Art and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach hosts its Fifth Annual Open House from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 29 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 30 at 17 First Street, SE, in Fort Walton Beach. Members will share their work with the public 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. Call 244-1271 or visit http://www.artsdesignsociety.org/ for information.
Gumbo contest
Destin History and Fishing Museum hosts its annual gumbo contest and silent auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Museum, 108 Stahlman Ave. Local restaurants and individuals compete in two categories, and after judging the gumbo will be sold to the public. Admission to the museum will be free all day.
Winter Guest Concert Series
Shake off the chills of winter with free live music on HarborWalk Village’s main stage with Coconut Radio from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 31.
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
Kick-off the Mardi Gras festivities with a pub crawl through the Destin Harbor Boardwalk Feb. 5 and 6 at HarborWalk Village. Wear your best green, purple and gold Mardi Gras outfit for a carnival of fun and great drink specials at every stop. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-mardi-gras-pub-crawl-tickets-20061606806 for your pub crawl pass and more information.
Almost, Maine
The Emerald Coast Theatre Company will perform the popular romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” Feb. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28 at The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Parkway on the corner of Sandestin Boulevard. Friday and Saturday show times are 7:30 p.m. and Sundays are at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $23 per adult, $18 for seniors and $15 for students. ECTC also offers a 10 percent military discount. To buy tickets visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call 687-1637.
8th Annual Mardi Gras Parade
Roll, float, pedal or push your Krewe, business, family and friends to experience Destin’s biggest Mardi Gras parade on the Destin harbor at 2 p.m. Feb. 6. See dazzling floats, colorful costumes, street performers, live entertainment and more as the parade rolls through HarborWalk Village. Proceeds from entry fees and donations will benefit Food For Thought.
Mardi Gras Dog Parade
The 13th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. This year's theme is Bark n' Roll. Celebrate an iconic era of music as Rock n' Roll takes on Mardi Gras. Call 267-8119 or email meg@baytownewharf.com for registration information.
Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Parade
Let the good times roll with the 14th Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade as it rolls through Sandestin at 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Unique and colorful floats, golf carts, and pick-up trucks roll down the streets and marchers dressed up in all their Mardi Gras best shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies, and other trinkets.
Fat Tuesday Celebration
Celebrate Mardi Gras at one of the many HarborWalk Village restaurants and bars from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 9. Enjoy free red beans and rice compliments of Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi while it lasts.
Fairytale Valentine party
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will host a Fairytale Romance Valentine Party at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Destin Library. The program is free and open to the public. Bring your sweetheart to taste cupcakes and vote as local bakers compete for awards for the best flavor, original recipe, and unique cake decorating, etc. Then enjoy romantic musical songs of our time performed by two barber shop quartet groups provided by the Emerald Coast Chorus.
Baytowne Seafood Boil
The official kickoff for the Sandestin Gumbo Festival starts at 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at Fat Tuesday’s at Baytowne Wharf. Cost is $5/plate.
Gumbo Festival
The 27th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival will be held from 12-4 p.m. Feb. 13 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Cost is $20/advance and $30/day of. Sample a variety of gumbo and vote for your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner. Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best” and award the most creative set-up as “Best Display.” Gulf Coast's restaurants will be featured along with live music and children’s activities.
Dikki Du and the Zydecko Krewe perform from 12-4 p.m. on the Events Plaza Stage and Stevie Hall from 1-4 p.m. on the Baytowne LIVE Stage. Purchase tickets at www.sandestingumbofestival.com.
Opera Brunch fundraiser
The Choctaw Bay Music Club will host its annual Opera Brunch Fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Niceville Community Center, 204 N Partin Drive. The Pensacola Opera's Artists in Residence will provide excerpts of Franz Lehar's opera "The Merry Widow." Celebrate Valentines Day weekend with a fun filled afternoon, a brunch, entertainment, and a raffle for those who support efforts to raise student college scholarship money and summer music camp awards. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students at Bayou Books, 1118 E John Sims Parkway in Niceville, and P.S. Gifts, 29 Walter Martin Road NE in Fort Walton Beach. Purchase online for $27.50 at www.ChoctawBayMusicClub.org. Ticket sales end Feb. 8. Call 231-3199 or email cbmc1977@gmail.com.
Wedding Vow Renewals
A tropical re-union wedding vow renewal ceremony is a unique present to give your spouse for Valentine’s, and it’s free. Couples can renew their wedding vows at a 2 p.m. ceremony Feb. 14 at LuLu’s restaurant in Destin. Hurricane Jane, an ordained minister and a member of the Parrott Heads club, will officiate. Arrive a little early to settle in and stay for the fun.
Independent Film Series
The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will sponsor a movie, "Far from the Madding Crowd," a drama/romance, at 3 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Destin Library. The program is free and open to the public. Directed toward mature audience.
Art show/reception
The Arts and Design Society will host the annual Van Porter Student Art Show Feb. 23-March 4. The exhibit showcases outstanding 8th grade and 12th grade art work. A reception is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Art Center Gallery, 17 First Street, SE, in Fort Walton Beach. Admission to the reception and Gallery is free. For further information, visit www.artsdesignsociety.org, or call 850-244-1271.
Charitable gala
Celebrate Miss MatchMaker's 20th year at a charitable gala at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at The Sky Room at The Beach House, 4009 S Sandestin Blvd. in Miramar Beach. Dress is optional black tie. Events benefits Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Camp M.A.S.H., a week-long recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease.
Annual Chili Cook-Off
More than 20 restaurants cook-up their secret Chili recipes for the 11th annual Chili Cook- Off from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 27 at HarborWalk Village. Hot, spicy chili and live entertainment on the Destin harbor. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/emerald-coast-parrot-heads-chili-cookoff-tickets-20474862866.
Rock'n Bingo
Play Rock'n Bingo from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Landshark's Pizza or from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Mama Sherry's Pizza & Wings.
Locals Night Out
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Destin presents Locals Night Out with the music of Jones & Company from 6-9 p.m. every Wednesday in the Courtyard Bar.