Don’t Miss The Next BIG Thing 2026
Monday, Oct. 26 | Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa | Miramar Beach
Connect with professionals, entrepreneurs, executives and emerging leaders during this regional business and leadership conference. Hear innovative ideas, build connections and explore new opportunities. Vendor booths, sponsorship packages and early-bird tickets are available. For details, contact Gabrielle Hamilton at gabrielle@waltonareachamber.com. waltonareachamber.com/the-next-big-thing/
It’s Almost Emerald Coast Rodeo Time
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 6-7 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Northwest Florida State College | Niceville
Saddle up for two nights of thrilling rodeo action at the fourth annual Emerald Coast Rodeo! Named Best Rodeo in Its Division for 2025 by the Professional Cowboys Association, this family-friendly event brings professional cowboys and cowgirls to Niceville for exciting bull riding, barrel racing, roping and more. Little cowboys and cowgirls get in on the fun with mutton bustin’ at 6:30 p.m., followed by professional rodeo competition at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 during rodeo week. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. Last year’s event sold out, so advance tickets are encouraged! 100 College Blvd. E., Niceville. emeraldcoastrodeo.com
Vote for Your Best at 30A BBQ Festival
The 30A BBQ Festival returns to Grand Boulevard from 5:30-8 p.m. to celebrate The Sonder Project! A rain-or-shine event, enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue, served up by the best grill masters along the Emerald Coast as they compete for the trophy for ’30A’s Best BBQ’ voted by you! In between bites, enjoy live music by River Dan, a photo booth, a silent auction, and a variety of refreshments from local purveyors including craft brews from Grayton Beer Company, wine and water. Details and tickets at BigTickets.
Honor Native American Heritage at the 38th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow
Nov. 6-8 | Twin Oaks Park (Mullet Festival Grounds) | Niceville
This three-day celebration features traditional dancing, drumming, storytelling, flute performances, authentic Native American crafts, cultural exhibits and food. Highlights include Friday’s Children’s Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday’s dance competitions and evening Grand Entry, and Sunday’s performances and competition awards. Held in recognition of National American Indian Heritage Month, this family-friendly event celebrates Native American heritage while promoting cultural understanding. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for ages 4-12 and free for children 3 and younger. Children’s Day admission is $3. Visit ThunderbirdPowwow.org or call 850-279-1931.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Emerald Coast
Nov. 7 | Registration 9:30 a.m. | Ceremony 10:30 a.m. | Walk 10:45 a.m.
Grand Boulevard | 600 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach
Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to walk in honor or memory of someone impacted by Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The morning includes the moving Promise Garden ceremony, with colored flowers representing each participant’s personal connection to the disease. Registration is free. Participants are encouraged to raise funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission.
Register at alz.org/EmeraldCoastWalk.
Celebrate with a Cause: Animore Weekend 2026!
Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest presented by Cafe Thirty-A
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Grounds (155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL)
Spend a beautiful autumn day surrounded by the peaceful acreage of Alaqua Animal Refuge, where live bluegrass music fills the air, local vendors offer plenty to browse and shop, and family-friendly activities make it a fun outing for all ages.
And perhaps the best part? Your day of fun has a purpose. Every ticket purchased directly supports Alaqua’s lifesaving mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and finding hope and new beginnings for animals in need. Come for the music, shopping and fall fun — and leave knowing you helped make a difference.
TICKETS: Online Pre-Sale Tiers: Available through Nov. 11. At-the-Gate: $15 for Adults | $5 for Children (Under 12). Online sales end Nov. 12. VIP Experience: Includes preferred concert seating at Angel’s Arena and access to the exclusive VIP Patron Lounge.
For More Information & Tickets: Purchase Tickets | alaqua.org
Tacos & Tequila Under the Trees
Saturday, Nov. 14 | Noon-4 p.m. | E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
Enjoy an afternoon of tacos, margaritas, music and outdoor adventure at this nonprofit fundraiser! Explore the nature trails during a scavenger hunt, discover hidden treasures, test your knowledge with nature trivia and enjoy tequila tastings along the way. Sponsored by Juan Taco Panama City Beach, this adults-only (18+) event features a taco bar and plenty of fun under the trees. E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, 4956 State Highway 20 E., Freeport. Purchase tickets and get details at eowilsoncenter.org.
