March is just about here to bring in spring and some fantastic events to attend! With many happenings benefitting different local charities, it's a great time to socialize while helping the community. Check out some of the happenings along the Emerald Coast and plan a visit. If you're lucky enough to be local – enjoy them all!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Foster Gallery First Friday Fête
When: March 3rd
Where: Cultural Arts Alliance Miramar Beach Creative Campus
Description: The Cultural Arts Alliance invites you to join them at the First Friday Fête on March 3, 2023 from 5 - 7PM at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus, home to The Foster Gallery and J. Leon Studio.
Meet the artists recently selected for our Spring Rotation, enjoy light bites as you stroll the gallery to view incredible NEW works on display and available for purchase. Plus, CAA Member and Spring Rotation Artist Elena Filshtinska will be onsite painting live!
The Creative Campus is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, call 850.837.3037 or visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com.
When: March 3rd-5th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
Description: The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show takes place March 3 - 5, 2023 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. This land based show will feature boat displays from all major manufacturers and the top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Boats ranging from entry level bow riders and center consoles all the way up to the next generation 42' center consoles with quad outboards that have become so popular. Buyers will find everything in-between. REAL. FUN. BOATS.
Visit emeraldcoastboatshow.com to purchase tickets, check out the venue and registered exhibitors.
Making it much more than a boat show, this event features everything for the kind of active, outdoor beach living so popular along the Emerald Coast. From stand up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles. In short, all the great things residents and visiting tourists enjoy on and around the water along the beaches is available at this event.
Show Dates & Time:
March 3, Friday | 10AM to Sunset "Red Carpet Opening Day"
March 4, Saturday | 10AM to Sunset"Ladies Day"
March 5, Sunday | 10AM to 5PM "Military Appreciation Day"
Follow Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show on Facebook for event updates.
When: March 4th
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Alaqua Animal Refuge invites you to join them in celebration of and for the love of animals at the 7th Annual 100 Point & Cult Wine Dinner, benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. Celebrate the opening of Alaqua Animal Refuge's new home with An Intimate Evening Under the Stars on Saturday, March 4, 2023 beginning at 5 o'clock pm.
100 Point Cult Wine Dinner
Enjoy sunset cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Tepees, followed by a special 5-course dinner of culinary perfection prepared by Chef Nikhil Abuvala of Roux 30a inside the Jumonville Family Welcome Center and its New Orleans inspired Courtyard.
Guests will be treated to craft cocktails and spirits, along with exquisite and unique 100 Point and Cult wines perfectly paired with Chef Nikhil's beautifully curated dinner inspired by our coastal roots.
The evening boasts a private concert with guest performances by various singers and songwriters joining us for the celebration. The fête also features a fabulous silent and live auction, along with interactions with the animals.
When: March 5th
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Thought macaroni and cheese was just for kids? Think again! Join us at the Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, March 5 from NOON - 3PM benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food.
$45 for V.I.C. || Very Important Cheese tickets include (1) beverage ticket and a t-shirt.
$25 for adults
$15 for kids (5 - 16 years old)
All proceeds from this event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, which works in our community to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
When: March 9th
Where: Ruth's Chris Steak House
Description: Join your friends at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Destin for A Taste of Jazz, a benefit for Emerald Coast Theatre Company on Thursday, March 9 from 5PM - 7PM. Enjoy an enchanted evening of live jazz, mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres, and delicious wine. This event is a fabulous way to support Emerald Coast Theatre Company's professional and educational theatre programs.
For tickets visit: EmeraldCoastTheatre.org
When: March 10-11th
Where: The Dugas Family Estate
Description: Soiree On The Bay: Act II , benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network, will take place March 10th & 11th. Enjoy a lavish gathering with fine wine, food and spirits. This weekend is presented by the Dugas family and will take place on their stunning family estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach.
Soiree On The Bay events include:
March 10 | 6:00PM - 9:30PM
An evening with exclusive wine tasting featuring vintners, food by Café ‑Thirty-A, music, and a live auction.
March 11 | 1:30PM – 7PM Bubbles, Bites, Bocce with music by the Tip Tops Band
The mission of CVHN is to eliminate the barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare for children in need through mobile solutions and community partnerships. For more info visit: cvhnkids.org
Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center: Gala & Golf Weekend
When: March 10th & 12th
Where: Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Description: The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is hosting their signature Golf & Gala weekend on March 10 & 12. Purchase your tickets today to reserve your spot at eccac.org/events-calendar.
The Gala features a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy great food, signature cocktails and get the chance to bid on lots of fabulous experiences during the live auction, which all goes to benefit every child who visits our center. Gala tickets only are $250 per couple.
The Golf Tournament, also to benefit ECCAC, will take place on Sunday, March 12, at Kelly Plantation Golf Club with registration and a cookout meal from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for a tournament shot gun start at 12 p.m. Tournament cost is $400, which includes two tickets to the Gala.Players will experience a fun day out on the beautiful golf course while enjoying food, drinks, each other's company and playing for tons of amazing prizes.
When: March 17th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Friday, March 17th from 6 - 9PM. Featuring Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and Live Music from Shenanigans! Free and open to the public.
Guests can also enjoy merchant specials around the Village of Baytowne Wharf for St. Patty's Day all night long!
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and the gathering place for many locals and visitors along the Emerald Coast. Learn more about shopping, dining, nightlife and events at baytownewharf.com and on Facebook.
When: March 18th
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Alaqua Animal Refuge will host an Adoption Event, Volunteer Drive & Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, March 18th from 10AM - 5PM. Find your new best friend with adoption specials and giveaways. Enjoy food trucks, education booths, dog training tips, and tour of the grounds and nature trails.
The Adoption Event & Volunteer Drive is part of Celebrate!, a month-long celebration during March to mark Alaqua’s momentous reopening to the public! To learn more, visit www.Alaqua.org.
To find out how to become a sponsor or vendor email: info@alaqua.org.
When: March 19th
Where: North Beach Social
Description: Southern Sound Music Alliance presents the Summer Haze Music Festival on Sunday, March 19th from 11AM - 9PM. This full day event will feature some of SoWal’s favorite musicians at North Beach Social. General admission is free. VIP & Sponsorship opportunities available.
The event kicks off on Sunday, March 19 at North Beach Social at 11:00AM with live. music featuring Hunter & Tony, Certainly So, Siren & the Mudpuppies, Mississippi Shakedown, Chris Alvarado Trio, Boukou Groove, and the Iceman Special! Local art vendors will also be set up for the day.
Proceeds from the event will benefit A Bed 4 Me, a local nonprofit that helps children in need.
Wild & Free Festival
When: March 25th
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Description: Alaqua Animal Refuge will host a Wild & Free Festival on Saturday, March 25th from 10AM - 5PM featuring live music, food and beverages, and a "baby shower" for the hundreds of native orphaned wildlife that make their way to the shelter. Enjoy a wildlife scavenger hunt, face painting, birdhouse decorating, and tour of Alaqua's new wildlife ambulance -- filled with animal ambassadors!
This event will highlight Alaqua’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, a state and federally permitted facility, providing a much-needed resource for rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, and orphaned native Florida wildlife across an 11-county area.
The Wild & Free Festival is part of Celebrate!, a month-long celebration during March to mark Alaqua’s momentous reopening to the public! To learn more, visit Alaqua.org.
Whimsical Wonderland Walton Chamber Gala & Awards Ceremony
When: March 31st
Where: Hilton Sandestin
Description: The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala and Awards Celebration will be held Friday, March 31 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The black-tie optional “Whimsical Wonderland” Gala will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception where guests will have the opportunity to socialize with other attendees including elected officials, dignitaries, business owners, Chamber members, and guests. Following the reception, guests will enjoy a seated dinner and awards ceremony.
For information on how to reserve a table, become a sponsor or purchase tickets visit: waltonareachamber.com.
UNwineD
When: March 31st
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
Description: UNwineD is an incredible two-day celebration of craft beer, spirits, and wine set to take place on March 31 & April 1, 2023 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. Savor the flavors of fine craft beer, award-winning wine, and delicious local cuisine pairings. The venue is festival seating, so make sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
For more info and to purchase tickets, visit visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined/
Friday, March 31
Presented by Southern Living | 6:00PM
Get an exclusive preview of the UNwineD and raise a glass while you mix and mingle with mixologists and top tastemakers of the South. This one-of-a-kind night offers, custom cocktails, live music, and more! Only 250 tickets are sold to the Kickoff Party and include admission to the entire weekend of events.
Saturday, April 1
The Celebration | 1 - 4PM
Grand Tasting & Cocktail Competition: Taste craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world and sample delectable creations by local leading chefs. Browse through Art & Vendor Row filled with local shops and boutiques, and be sure to also stop by the Southern Living tent for home decor, cookbooks, and more!
Saturday, April 1 Concert in the Park | 4:30PM
Bring your lawn chair and blankets! Following the Grand Afternoon Tasting, join us for a concert in the park with live entertainment by headliner Magic Giant and opening act The Collection.
The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Concert Series @ 30Avenue
Nightly | 6:00-9PM
Reels in the Amphitheatre @ Alys Beach
Every Thursday | 7:30PM
Awkward Oxen Improv @ Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Every Friday | 10AM
Live Music @ Fish Out of Water | WaterColor
Every Friday | 6-9PM
Every Sunday | 11AM-1PM
Farmer's Markets
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach & Hammock Bay
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