South Walton Events and Festivals for Fall 2012

It’s that wonderful time of year again – uncrowded beaches, blue skies and balmy breezes, college football and the promise of cool, crisp weather right around the corner.  It’s fall on the beaches of South Walton and in case you didn’t know, there’s no better time to live or visit here! In addition to the stunning weather and picture-postcard Gulf, fall is also jam packed with festivals, concerts and events of all descriptions – and a perfect opportunity to get outside and hang out with the locals. Here’s a rundown of South Walton events for fall 2012.

Friday, September 28^th – Sunday, September 30^th – Rosemary Beach September Tennis Classic

Come out and play or watch great tennis in a beautiful Rosemary Beach setting! USTA 3.0 through 4.5 playing levels, singles, doubles, & mixed doubles. For more information, contact the Racquet Club at 850-278-2061.

Friday October 5^th – Sunday October 7^th – 34^th Annual Destin Seafood Festival

This popular annual Seafood Festival is hosted along the beautiful Destin Harbor and along the Harbor Boardwalk. With the action of the Destin Fishing rodeo right in the heart of the Festival, there will be lots of excitement along the docks. More than 60,000 locals and visitors are expected to attend this three day festival, which will be full of arts, crafts, music, food, entertainment, fireworks, and excitement for all! 2012 Destin Seafood Festival Hours:

Friday, October 5th, 3 pm – 10 pm
Saturday, October 6th, 10 am – 10 pm
Sunday, October 7th, 11 am – 5 pm

Saturday, October 13^th – Camp Helen State Park Ghost Walk & History Tour

Ghosts, spooks, pirates and witches will be hanging out at Camp Helen State Park, Saturday, October 13th. And everyone is invited to join them for an adventuresome evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.
The seventh annual Ghost Walk and History Tour, hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen, is suitable for children. New stories, pre tour entertainment and activities are being planned for this year’s event. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Thursday October 18^th – Sunday October 21^st – 2012 Back to Nature Festival

Each year, the South Walton Community Council hosts the Back to Nature Festival, a weekend of fun events held across South Walton that includes a variety of outdoor activities for the entire family. One of the featured events will be ‘Celebrate Nature at Seaside on October 20th from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon at the Seaside Amphitheater with live music, wildlife exhibits, children’s activities, environmental and green building displays. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and spend the afternoon.

Saturday, October 20^th – 3^rd Annual Rosemary Beach Uncorked

The third annual “Rosemary Beach Uncorked” is a culinary and wine pairing event that is a must for any foodie or wine connoisseur! Eight Rosemary Beach restaurants will each prepare three signature dishes paired with three unique wines. Additionally, enjoy a “featured wine” at each location specially selected by the chefs, wine makers, and distributors. Participating restaurants are Amavida Coffee, Edward’s Fine Food & Wine, Cowgirl Kitchen, La Crema Tapas & Chocolate, Onano Neighborhood Café, Restaurant Paradis, Summer Kitchen and Wild Olives Market/Bakery/Deli. Plus enjoy sweet treats and pairings by Sugga’ Pies. Participants are invited to visit each restaurant in the order of their choice during the designated four-hour event time frame. Advance tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at the official website. Tickets are limited!

Wednesday October 24^th – Sunday October 28^th – Panama City Beach Seafood & Music Festival: UnWined 2012

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) are co-hosting the Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival: UNwineD 2012, presented by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. The event will take place at the Captain Anderson’s Marina between Captain Anderson’s and Boatyard restaurants on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, until Sunday, October 28, 2012. The five-day festival will celebrate seafood, fishing, culinary arts, music, entertainment, arts and culture in Panama City Beach. On Friday, October 26, the LoCash Cowboys, from BMI Management, will be the headline performers of the evening. The Jeffrey Steele Band, also from BMI, will hit the stage with an energetic performance on Saturday evening, October 27. On the festival site, the Luxury Lounge will be the location for amazing seafood and wine tastings from the most desirable local restaurants. The goal for the Beach Chamber and FRLA is to conduct a world-class event for everyone to enjoy at the home of the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”.

For more information please contact the Beach Chamber at (850) 235-1159.

Saturday October 27^th – Sunday October 28^th – Destin Festival of the Arts

Recognized as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine art shows, over 100 juried artists from around the United States will dot the beachscape to compete for $9,000 in cash prizes. Explore a world of art ranging in a diverse palette ranging in acrylic, clay, collage, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, mosaic, oil, pen and ink, photography, digital art, pastel, pottery, sculpture, fiber, textile, wood and watercolor. Meet the artists and add to your own art collection for your home or office.

Other festival amenities feature live musical entertainment, a bistro-style food court, Kid’s ArtStop and festival merchandise. A Collaborative Art Exhibit showcases over 40 community artists representing students and adults. The Destin Festival of the Arts takes place at Henderson Beach State Park. Festival hours and admission:

Saturday, October 27 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 28 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
$3 Donation/Adult and Children under 12 free

Wednesday October 31^st – Trick or Treat in Seaside

From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm it is time for ghosts, goblins, and princesses to go door-to-door collecting candy from the Seaside merchants. Hop on the haunted hayride, hear spooky stories with the Seaside Repertory Theatre, and do the monster mash with terrifying tunes from 30A Radio, your community radio station. A spook-tacular time for all ages!