Around Town Events

Freeport Spring Festival Returns

Saturday, April 4 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | Freeport Sports Complex, Freeport

Springtime in Freeport means it’s time again for the 16th Annual Spring Festival hosted by the Town Planters Society of Freeport. The beloved community celebration returns Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Freeport Sports Complex with a full day of family-friendly fun.

The festival will feature arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and local shopping, along with the crowd-favorite helicopter egg drops for children. Drop times are scheduled for 10 a.m. (walkers–age 4), 10:30 a.m. (ages 4–7) and 11 a.m. (ages 8–11).

One of the highlights of the day will be the 2nd Annual Easter Hat Contest, where participants can showcase their creativity with original homemade 3-D decorative Easter hats. Judging will be based on creativity, originality and theme, with awards presented during the festival.

The event is open to the community and continues a long-standing Freeport tradition of welcoming spring with family fun, local vendors and festive activities.

Arts and crafts and food vendors are currently being accepted. For applications, email tpsfreeport@yahoo.com or stop by Freeport City Hall.

Come celebrate spring with neighbors and friends at one of Freeport’s favorite annual traditions.

Farmers Markets

Windmills in Freeport Every Other Saturday 4-8 p.m.

Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House

Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Shakespeare in the Square: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Mondays, March 16–April 20 | 6 p.m. | SEASIDE® Amphitheater, Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach

Step into a world of magic, mischief and moonlit romance as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC), in collaboration with Seaside, presents William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This family-friendly adaptation by Gillette Elvgren will be performed outdoors at the SEASIDE® Amphitheater Stage in Central Square. Shows take place Mondays from March 16 through April 20 at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

CAA Creative Kids Night | March 27

Take the night off while your kids enjoy a cozy, holiday-inspired Parents’ Night Out at the CAA! Creative Kids Night returns to the Bayou Arts Center from 5-8 p.m. This month’s feature project: Enchanted Forest Canvas Paintings. Kids are encouraged to come in their pajamas and bring a sleeping bag to snuggle up with during the film! Aprons will be provided. Kids will kick off the evening with an exciting hands-on painting, then refuel with a pizza dinner before winding down for a cozy movie screening of Fern Gully with an accompanying themed snack. Learn more & purchase tickets: https://www.culturalartsalliance.com/upcoming-events.

Under the Moonlit Pines Gala at Biophilia Center | March 28

Join the Biophilia Center for Under the Moonlit Pines Gala, its signature gala celebrating environmental education, biodiversity, and the natural beauty of Northwest Florida at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center from 4-9 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music from the Panama City Youth Orchestra, delicious catering, an exciting auction featuring unique items, and opportunities to connect in support of the Center’s mission. For tickets and more information, visit eowilsoncenter.org. All proceeds benefit the Center’s hands-on environmental education programs.

Easter Egg Hunt at the Windmills | March 28

The 2026 Annual Easter Celebration at The Windmills at Hammock Bay in Freeport features a massive helicopter egg drop, live music, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m., this community event invites families to watch thousands of eggs drop at the Windmills Field.

Caring & Sharing Spring Fashion Show | March 29

Join Caring and Sharing for their Spring Fashion Show beginning at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. During the event, guests will enjoy a fashion show, lunch, a complimentary welcome drink, a silent auction, music, a photo booth, and more. Items will be for sale after the Fashion Show at the popular pop-up boutique curated specifically for this event. Purchase tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-sharing-spring-fashion-show-tickets-1981237758469.

Doggie Eggstravaganza at Grand Boulevard | April 3

Dog Harmony presents the 11th annual Doggie EGGstravaganza, the annual canine social where dogs hunt for eggs filled with yummy treats from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Guests will enjoy delicious food, family-friendly games, great prizes, and music. For a $20 donation in advance (or $25 on the day of the event), humans and their leashed canine companions will receive a souvenir bag to sniff out 1,000 colorful eggs filled with delicious dog treats. With two designated hunting areas for dogs over and under 35 pounds, every furry friend has a chance to join in on the fun. Visit dog-harmony.org to learn more, volunteer, donate or adopt.

UNwineD | April 3-4

UNwineD returns to Panama City Beach at Aaron Bessant Park. Spend the weekend tasting craft beer, wine, and spirits while sampling cuisine from renowned area chefs and local eateries. For details and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined.

Seaside Easter Celebration | April 5

Celebrate Easter Sunday in Seaside! Bring the whole family for a day filled with complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny, live music, face painting, and exciting activities for kids. Kicking off at 1 p.m., the Easter Egg Hunt has over 25,000 eggs and promises an egg-citing adventure for children of all ages.

Gulf Coast Salute Air Show | April 11-12

The Gulf Coast Salute Air Show, a premier aviation event held in Panama City Beach showcasing a spectacular lineup of military and civilian aerial performances, is scheduled at the Russell-Fields City Pier from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This is a free family-friendly experience. The Thunderbirds will perform at 3 p.m. daily. The other entertainers will proceed them. Food & beverage vendors will be lined up along the beach accesses near Russell-Fields City Pier.

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival | April 23–26 | Grand Boulevard

Tickets are on sale now for the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, returning April 23–26 to Grand Boulevard with more than 600 wines, beers and spirits to sample across four days of tastings, live entertainment and culinary experiences.

The weekend kicks off Thursday with Winemakers and Shakers at Wine World in Destin, followed by Friday’s VIP Wine Tasting (4–6 p.m.) featuring rare selections and expert pours, plus Bitters, Brews & Bartenders (5:30–8 p.m.) showcasing craft cocktails, lite bites and a lively mixology competition. The Grand Tasting takes place Saturday (3–6 p.m.) and Sunday (1–4 p.m.), highlighting world-class wineries — including the Willamette Valley Vintners Association — alongside chef-driven pairings in Wine World’s Culinary Village.

Guests can purchase featured wines on site, with proceeds benefiting Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and children in need across Northwest Florida. Pre-sale tickets are available now at sowalwine.com; prices increase April 1.

Walton Chamber Spring Golf Classic

April 24 | 9 a.m. shotgun start (registration 8 a.m.) | Eagle Springs Golf Course, DeFuniak Springs

The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce invites the business community to the 2026 Spring Golf Classic, presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union, on April 24 at Eagle Springs Golf Course (171 Country Club Lane) in DeFuniak Springs. The four-person scramble welcomes golfers of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition and networking.

Team registration is $500. The Eagle Team Sponsorship ($650) includes team entry, mulligans, tee busters and a tee sign. Additional sponsorships and prize or raffle donations (groups of four items) are also welcome.

Register or learn more at WaltonAreaChamber.com or contact Gabrielle at Gabrielle@WaltonAreaChamber.com.

Destin Charity Wine Auction Turns 21 and Goes Wild for Kids | April 24–25

The 21st Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction presented by the Jumonville Family benefits children in need across Northwest Florida through Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) 16 partner children’s charities. In 2025, the foundation donated $3.1 million following one of its most successful auctions to date.

The 2026 auction will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity chefs and internationally renowned vintners. Held in conjunction with the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival, the auction also takes place at Grand Boulevard the same weekend. The festival showcases hundreds of premium wines, spirits and culinary offerings, with proceeds benefiting DCWAF. Full details are available at dcwaf.org.

Veterans & First Responders Appreciation Lunch | April 21 | Niceville Community Center

A Superior Mechanical will host its inaugural Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Niceville Community Center (204 Partin Drive N., Niceville). The community-focused event honors local veterans, active military and first responders with a catered hot lunch from Swiftly Catered, special presentations and an AC system giveaway to one deserving service member or first responder in need. Eligible participants include members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, EMT/Medics, Police, Sheriffs and Firefighters. Register for the HVAC giveaway at ASuperiorMechanical.com under ABOUT US > HVAC GIVEAWAY. Business partners are welcome to contribute door prizes. For details: Marta Thorpe at (850) 814-3822.