THE ELEVATED EXPERIENCE
A curated collection of events with our talented clients, partners, and friends
Independence Day 2026 Celebrations on the Emerald Coast
The United States turns 250 this July 4th, and the Emerald Coast is pulling out all the stops. From the Grayton Beach parade at sunrise to fireworks over the Gulf, the bayou, and the harbor at night — here's your curated guide to the best Independence Day weekend events from 30A to Pensacola, July 1–4, 2026. Check back as we keep adding.
Interlibrary Beach Clean-Up on Okaloosa Island
Join the Mary Esther Library crew and the Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative for a morning beach cleanup on Okaloosa Island. Gloves, buckets and grabbers provided while supplies last — bring sunscreen and water.
"The Paper Bear" Viewing
Celebrate the spirit of summer at Elevate Next’s Elevated Experience in Seaside! Join our community for a day of patriotic festivities, live entertainment at the Seaside Amphitheater, and classic family-friendly activities. Wrap up your night with a spectacular fireworks display over the beautiful Gulf Coast. Save your spot for July 12 and experience classic Americana with a vibrant coastal twist.
Future Makers: A Family Gallery Night
Gallery Night Pensacola presents "Future Makers" — a free, family-friendly celebratory evening on Friday, July 17, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Pensacola (Palafox between Main and Garden Streets), featuring local art, live music, food, and community gatherings. Gallery Night is a monthly 501(c)(3) nonprofit event held on the third Friday of each month. July’s edition is presented by Publix.
"The Paper Bear" Viewing
Celebrate the spirit of summer at Elevate Next’s Elevated Experience in Seaside! Join our community for a day of patriotic festivities, live entertainment at the Seaside Amphitheater, and classic family-friendly activities. Wrap up your night with a spectacular fireworks display over the beautiful Gulf Coast. Save your spot for July 24 and experience classic Americana with a vibrant coastal twist.
City of Fort Walton Beach's Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Fort Walton Beach Landing on Saturday, June 20, 2026! Join us from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a vibrant day of live performances, a local fashion show, line dancing, kids' water games, music by DJ Mike Ice, and over 20 food and local vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this family-friendly community celebration!
Gallery Night: Journey to Juneteenth
Gallery Night Pensacola's "Journey to Juneteenth" brings the streets of downtown alive on Friday, June 19, from 5–9 PM. This free community event honors Juneteenth with local art, live music, food, and cultural celebration. Presented by Publix, it's one of the year's most meaningful Gallery Nights — and a signature Emerald Coast experience not to miss. Details and updates at gallerynightpensacola.org.
38th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
Meet talented artists, Renee Broxson and Hope Walker Morgan, at the 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival! Join them—alongside 100+ artists—on May 3-4 at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, FL. Explore fabulous, juried artwork from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, and enjoy live music, activities, and various food flavors.
33rd Annual Ocean Springs Art Festival
The 33rd Annual Ocean Springs Spring Arts Festival takes place March 28–29, 2026, in downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The two-day event features artists, makers, plant vendors, live demonstrations, and entertainment. Fine artist Hope Walker-Morgan will be exhibiting her coastal-inspired paintings during the festival weekend.
Women’s History Month Conference
Conexión Media Group invites the community to their annual Women's History Month Conference, Her Impact — Women Leading Change in Our Communities. Featuring a panel discussion with three inspiring local leaders, plus networking, appetizers, door prizes, and more — this free event is open to everyone. Join us Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5:30–8:30 PM at Preservation Hall in Fort Walton Beach.
The 7th Annual International Festival
Conexión Media Group's 7th Annual International Festival returns to The Landing in Fort Walton Beach as part of Okaloosa County's celebration of the USA's 250th Anniversary. This free, family-friendly festival showcases more than 60 nations through live music, folkloric dance, international cuisine, and local vendors — all in the spirit of community unity. Join us Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 11 AM to 7 PM.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at 3rd Planet Brewing
Experience the luck of the Irish! Indulge in traditional favorites like corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish stew, paired perfectly with local craft brews on Saturday, March 14, 2026, between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. at 3rd Planet Brewery in Niceville, Fla.
4th Annual Chemical Cocktail
Sample, sip, and vote at the 4th Annual My Chemical Cocktail on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This 21+ cocktail mix-off brings science and spirits together with creative drinks, live music, and prizes—all benefiting the Emerald Coast Science Center.
A Symphony of Taste: Mardi Gras Food & Wine Festival
Enjoy a festive afternoon of food, wine, and live jazz at A Symphony of Taste: Mardi Gras Food & Festival on February 1, 2026. Sample cuisine from local restaurants, explore a silent auction, and support the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s youth programs at this annual Mardi Gras–inspired tasting event.
Tennessee Craft-South’s 2025 Artists’ Holiday Tour
Tennessee Craft–South invites the public to the 2025 Artists’ Holiday Tour on Saturday, December 6 (10:00 AM–5:00 PM CST) and Sunday, December 7 (11:00 AM–4:00 PM CST) in Sewanee, Monteagle, Wartrace, and Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Tennessee Craft–South is the regional chapter of Tennessee Craft, a statewide organization dedicated to supporting and promoting handmade arts and crafts throughout Tennessee.
Pints & Prints at the Emerald Coast Science Center
Join the Emerald Coast Science Center for Pints & Prints on December 5, 2025, from 5:45 to 8:00 p.m. This 21+ screen-printing workshop includes drinks, light snacks, and access to museum exhibits while you create custom holiday gifts. Tickets include a t-shirt, tote, and postcard to print, with additional items available for purchase. Perfect for a fun, festive night out.
Oktoberfest at 3rd Planet Brewing
Get ready for the fifth annual Oktoberfest celebration at 3rd Planet Brewery in Niceville! From noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 20th, you can enjoy a day of delicious food, local brews, and authentic German music. The Knights of Columbus will be serving up grilled brats, hot dogs, and sides like sauerkraut and potato salad, while 3rd Planet offers over twenty beers on tap. Enjoy sweet treats for a donation and listen to traditional German tunes from 5 to 8 p.m. Most importantly, all proceeds from food sales will be donated to local charities. Join us for a day of fun that supports a great cause!
For the Love of Art: A Creative Community Fundraiser
Celebrate creativity and community at Artful Things Niceville during the For the Love of Art fundraiser on August 12 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Enjoy interactive art activities, live demos, and family-friendly fun while supporting the Arts & Design Society (ADSO).
Tropic Like It's Hot: Ladies' Night Out in Downtown Ft. Walton Beach
Ladies, join a tropical-themed evening of sipping, shopping, and socializing on Friday, June 27, starting at 5:00 p.m. in downtown Ft. Walton Beach!
Check in at Salt Hop Brewing, where you’ll pick up your wristband, and return by 7:45 PM to enter the raffle drawing.
In between, visit participating businesses in downtown FWB along the way to collect stamps and chances to win amazing prizes.
Purchase advance tickets for $10 (or $15 day of, if available) to enjoy light bites, refreshing tropical drinks, and good company all evening long!
22nd Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic
The 22nd Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf Classic presented by Matrix will be held on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. This premier golf event is a major annual fundraiser for the Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a home for surviving spouses of retired enlisted Air Force members.
ArtsQuest
Meet talented artists, Renee Broxson and Hope Walker Morgan, at the 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival! Join them—alongside 100+ artists—on May 3-4 at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin, FL. Explore fabulous, juried artwork from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, and enjoy live music, activities, and various food flavors.
Art in the Pass
Visit Hope Walker Morgan, a renowned acrylic artist based on the Gulf Coast at the 27th Art in the Pass festival on April 5 and 6 in Pass Christian, MS! Noted for her exquisite exploration of landscapes and textures on artist-grade top-level cotton/linen canvas, Hope’s work features innovative combinations of diverse consistency, luminosity, and volume.