Events at the Breakers on Okaloosa Island

Events on Okaloosa Island, in Fort Walton Beach, and in Destin

ALSO, see Breakers Events Calendar

APRIL

1 First Friday Concert Series

Enjoy live music at the Destin Commons Center Plaza. Highlights include food tastings from Destin Commons' restaurants, live models, face painting and kid's activities. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome, no coolers please. 850.337.8700.

1 Pizza & Magic at the Library

6:30 - 7:30pm at the Fort Walton Beach Library. 850.833.9590

1-3 Hog's Breath Annual Cobia Shootout Tournament

Weigh in from 6pm until 8pm nightly at Hog's Breath with food, drinks and entertainment. Cash prizes include random daily drawings. 850.837.5100

2 Set Apart

Concert performance by this bluegrass band and quartet held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

2 Scout-O-Rama

33rd annual event will be held at the NW Florida Fairgrounds in Fort Walton Beach, 9am - 5pm. Sponsored by the Boy Scouts, the event features kid's activities, displays and demonstrations throughout the day. Tickets available at the door, refreshments available for purchase. Rick Chapman, 850.683.0330.

2 - 3 Annual Home Show

Presented by the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties at the Niceville OWC Campus. 850.863.5107

7 "Strings of All Sorts"

The Philharmonic Society ends its fourth season with a program of chamber music under the direction of David Ott, featuring Beethoven, Handel and Haydn. 7:30pm at First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach. 850.837.1742 or 850.581.5253.

8 - 10 Southern Trans Am Regional Show

All Firebirds, Formulas, Trans Ams, GTAs and Firehawks are invited to this regionals show. Event will include food, drinks, music, door prizes, vendors and more. Noon - 6pm Fri, 9am - 3pm Sat, 8:30am - 6pm Sun at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island. 850.863.9516.

15 Greater Fort Walton Beach Showcase

7pm at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks & Recreation Dept., 850.833.9580.

15 NW Florida Symphony Orchestra "Mighty Beethoven"

Season finale will feature the works of Beethoven, with soloists Anna Polusmiak, Elizabeth Pacheco Rose, Hanan Tarabay, Frederic Antoun and Howard Reddy. 7:30pm at The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville, 850.729.6000.

16 3rd Annual Emerald Coast Foundation Beach Ball

Sponsored by the Emerald Coast Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to investing in youth. Beach Ball tickets are $300 per couple, limited number available. Attendees will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Shelly Bush, 850.243.3800.

19 - 24 Emerald Coast Volleyball Week

Four player volleyball tournament will be held at its new location at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Tournament play begins at 9am each day, players party at Fudpucker's at 7pm on Saturday. 850.243.2555.

19 Jamaican Me Crazy

Held at AJ's on the Destin Harbor, 850.837.1913.

21 - 22 Dance Facets

Annual dance concert showcases original choreography by dance faculty, students and guest artists in a wide range of dance styles including jazz, ballet, modern and more. The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville, 7:30pm. 850.729.6000.

22 - 24 9th Annual Summerhouse-pandora's Children's Golf Invitational & Auction

Three day golf tournament and auction to benefit local services for special needs children. Auction will be held at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island on Friday. 850.863.1530 or 850.974.4814.

23 Barbershop Quartets

Performance at The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville, 7pm. 850.729.6000.

23 Saturday in the Park Arts & Crafts Festival

Held in Perrine Park in Valparaiso across from the Heritage Museum, this event features talented artisans with an array of handcrafted items. Food vendors, entertainment and children's activities will be on site, 9am to 4pm. 850.678.2615.

23 Coastal Cleanup

Sponsored by the Tourist Development Council and the Environmental Council of Okaloosa County; join community volunteers to help keep our beaches beautiful. For schedule and location information, call Nancy Hussong at 850.651.7131.

26 Show Choir Finale

Performance at The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville, 7:30pm. 850.729.6000.

27 - May 1 Musical Echoes

Annual event features music and dance performances by Native American artists, seminars on flute making and playing, and an outdoor market with Native American art, beadwork, clothing and more. Award winner Mary Youngblood will be the featured artist. Doug Reed, 850.243.4405.

28 River Echoes

7:30pm concert at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, featuring Native American artists Mary Youngblood, Jeff Ball, Suzanne Teng, Coyote Oldman, Ed Winddancer and more. Doug Reed, 850.243.4405.

30 Family Fun Reading Day

9am to 1pm at Fort Walton Beach Library. Join in the fun as area sponsors, schools and community organizations present a family event with a focus on literacy. Games, crafts, special guests and more. 850.833.9590.

MAY

6 First Friday Concert Series

7 The Standifers

Concert performance by this quartet held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

12 6th Annual Buy the Bayou Auction

Held at the Eglin Golf Course in Niceville. For more information, contact the Niceville-Valparaiso-Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 850.678.2323.

14-15 "Memories and More" Quilt Exhibit

Held at the Creative Senior Center in Fort Walton Beach from 9am to 4pm. 850.833.9586.

15 Sunday in the Park

Bring your lawn chairs for an afternoon of entertainment from 2pm to 5pm at Fort Walton Beach Landing. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach, 850.833.9576.

15 June 9 Gallery Openings

The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville presents the ADSO 13th Annual SE Regional Juried Exhibition in the McIlroy Gallery and the ADSO 2004 Golden Brush Award winners in the Holzhauer Gallery. 850.729.6000.

19 - 22 Emerald Coast Boat Show

The 4th annual event at the Emerald Coast Conference Center on Okaloosa Island offers excitement for boaters and anglers of all ages. The show will feature over 400 types of boats, a vast selection of marine accessories, fishing clinics and kid's activities. Noon - 7pm Thurs, 10am - 7pm Fri & Sat, 10am - 6pm Sun. 800-940-7642.

30 20th Annual Gate to Gate Run/Walk

A 4.4 mile run/walk and 1 mile fun run begins at 7am at Eglin AFB. Register at www.active.com or call 850.882.6801 for information.

JUNE

3 First Friday Concert Series

3 - 5 Billy Bowlegs Softball Tournament

Held at the Fort Walton Beach softball complex, sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach Parks and Recreation Dept. 850.833.9578.

3 - 6 Sprint Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and Torchlight Parade

Festival starts 3pm on Friday at Fort Walton Beach Landing with food vendors, an arts and crafts fair, music and entertainment and an 8:30pm fireworks display. Saturday 10am to 7pm, featuring the Billy Bowlegs Armada landing from 3-3:30pm. Parade rolls north on Eglin Parkway from 2nd Street in Fort Walton Beach at 8pm on Monday night. 850.244.8191.

4 Blu-Grace

Concert performance by this bluegrass band and quartet held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

6 My First Tri

200 meter swim, 8 mile bike ride and 2.5 mile run begins at 7:30am at Postal Point on Eglin AFB. Register at www.active.com or call 850.882.6801 for information.

9 Kids Day at the Landing

Free activities and displays at the Fort Walton Beach Landing from 10am to 1pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach, 850.833.9576.

9, 16, 23, 30 Mattie Kelly Concerts in the Park

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents their annual summer concert series featuring locally and nationally recognized artists. Bring your lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy an evening of music for all ages at Kelly Plantation Park in Destin, 7pm. 850.650.2226.

11 Together We Prepare

Race begins at 8am at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. $15 entry fee, 850.862.4874.

11 Billy Bowlegs Coronation

Pageant begins at 7pm at the Arts Center at OWC in Niceville. 850.729.6000.

18 Sand-sational Summer Sand Fest

Enjoy sandcastle building by one of Florida's best, Mark Flynn, as he creates a spectacular work of art in the Destin Commons Center Plaza beginning at 10am. Families are invited to join in the sand activities. 850.337.8700

18 - 26 Parade of Homes

Showcase homes in the area are on display and open for tours. Presented by the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties, 850.863.5107.

19 "The Sauce Boss"

Bill Wharton, "The Sauce Boss", one of the nation's most entertaining chefs, returns to AJ's in Destin to play some old fashioned swamp music blues while cooking a pot of gumbo for the crowd. 850.837.1488.

19 - July 21 Gallery Openings

The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville presents selections from the Polk Museum of Art in the McIlroy Gallery and selections from the OWC permanent collection in the Holzhauer Gallery. 850.729.6000.

25 On The Edge X

Ballet performance will be held at the Arts Center at OWCC in Niceville, 7:30pm. NW Florida Ballet, 850.664.7787.

JULY

2 New Life

Concert performance by this quartet held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

4 Annual Bay Area Fireworks

Annual fireworks display over Boggy Bayou in Niceville/Valparaiso. Sponsored by the Niceville-Valparaiso-Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, 850.678.2323.

4 Independence Day Celebration & Duathlon

Duathlon begins with a 5K Run followed by a 200 meter swim at Lincoln Park on Bayshore Drive in Valparaiso at 7am. Family festivities at the park from 11am to 9pm, featuring games with prizes, space walk, clown, free watermelon and live music. Sponsored by City of Valparaiso, 850.678.5402.

4 Independence Day at the Landing

Held at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, 4pm to 10pm. Live music, entertainment, children's activities. Fireworks display at 8:30pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach and the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber, 850.833.9500.

14 Kids Day at the Landing

Free activities and displays at the Fort Walton Beach Landing from 10am to 1pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach, 850.833.9576.

20 "Annie Get Your Gun"

OWC series performance at The Arts Center in Niceville, 7:30pm. 850.729.6000

AUGUST

6 Forgiven

Concert performance by this trio held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

15 - 21 Emerald Coast Boat Week

The Emerald Coast Poker Run event has expanded to include a week of activities featuring an opening event at the Fort Walton Landing on Saturday with live entertainment. The Poker Run takes place the following Saturday, and a Harbor Bash, Fun Run, Captain's Party and World's Largest Boat Party round out this fun filled event. Proceeds from the Poker Run, the largest charity run in the nation, go to local children's charities. Shelly Bush, Emerald Coast Foundation, 850.243.3800.

SEPTEMBER

b Common Garments

Concert performance by this Southern gospel quartet held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

11 Sunday in the Park

Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an outdoor concert at Fort Walton Beach Landing from 2-5pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach. 850.833.9576

17 Emerald Coast Health Fair

A well rounded event sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber showcasing the many health options available in our community for people of all ages. Santa Rosa Mall, 10am - 4pm. 850.244.8191

18 Annual Luau Party

Held at AJ's on the Destin Harbor, featuring live entertainment and authentic Hawaiian food. 850.837.1913

22 3rd Annual Rubber Duck Race

Held at Turkey Creek in Niceville. For information, call the Niceville-Valparaiso-Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 850.678.2323.

22 - 25 Emerald Coast Fall Classic

Four player volleyball tournament will be held at its new location this year at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. Mike Minich, 850.243.2555.

OCTOBER

1 - 31 Destin Fishing Rodeo

Daily, weekly and overall prizes for several categories. Held at the Destin Harbor; 850.837.6734

1 Sons of the Father

Concert performance by this trio held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

8 AJ's 3rd Annual Shuck-Off

Oyster shucking competition held at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar in the Destin Harbor. Participants compete for prizes including an all-expense paid trip to the National Championships in Maryland. 850.259.3958.

15 Kidz on the Coast Family Fall Festival

Enjoy clowns, face painting by Fun Faces, US Gold, ATA Karate, Birds of Paradise, Nonie's Ark and more. 11am to 4pm, Destin Commons Center Plaza. 850.337.8700.

21 Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival

Annual festival serves up all types of food, including the celebrated fish. Arts and crafts vendors, kid's activities, local entertainment and nationally known music headliners round out this event. Held in Niceville, 10am to midnight Friday and Saturday, noon to 8pm on Sunday. 850.729.4008.

23 AJ's 3rd Annual Mullet Toss-Off

Mullet tossing competition held at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar on the Destin Harbor. Participants compete for prizes from local merchants. 850.837.1913.

25 Fall Carnival and Costume Competition

Held at the Docie Bass Recreation Center from 6pm to 8pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach Rec. Dept., 850.833.9580.

29 Destin Festival of the Arts

The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents a juried fine arts show representing artists from around the country. The event features a children's activity tent, student art exhibit, live entertainment and bistro cafe. Henderson Beach State Park, 9am to 5pm. 850.650.2226

29 Hallow-Teen Night

Held at the Fort Walton Beach Library, 7pm - 11pm. 850.833.9590

29 Kid's Pumpkin Carving

Bring the kids to the docks at AJ's in Destin to carve their free pumpkin and get treats, 1pm - 3pm. 850.837.1913.

29 ZOO Boo

A Harvest Festival Halloween event with fun activities for children held at the Zoo in Gulf Breeze. Proceeds benefit Rotary for the High School Scholarship fund. For more information, call 850.932.2229.

29 Crafts & Collectibles Annual Craft Show

Held at the Creative Senior Community Center in Fort Walton Beach from 10am to 3pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach Creative Senior Center, 850.833.9586.

31 Halloween Carnival

Event will be held at the Chester Pruitt Center in Fort Walton Beach from 6-8pm. Sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach Recreation Dept., 850.833.9582.

NOVEMBER

4 18th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow

Enjoy a Native American traditional song & dance festival with dancers from all over the Southeast. Storytellers, flute players, gospel singers, Hawaiian dancers, vendors and a craft competition round out the festivities. Children's day is Friday from 9am - 2pm, when area school districts are invited to bring their students. Hours for the general public are 7 - 10pm Fri, 9am - 10pm Sat and 10am - 4pm Sun. 850.884.9125

5 13th Annual MidBay Bridge Run/Walk

The race will begin at 8:00am on the south side of the bridge at Destin Middle School and stretches 4.5 miles, finishing at the White-Point Recreation Area on the north side of the bridge. Niceville-Valparaiso-Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, 850.678.2323.

5 New Horizon

Concert performance by this Alabama group held at 7pm at Cinco Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Sponsored by American Gospel Ministries. Jim Harkins, Sr., 850.862.6211.

12 6th Annual NW Florida Doll Show

Held at the Fort Walton Beach Creative Seniors Center from 9am to 3pm. Featuring vendors from all over the state with collectibles, modern, accessories and more. Admission is $2, on-site appraiser fee is $3. For information, call Pat at 850.833.9586.

DECEMBER

2 NW Florida Symphony Guild Candlelight Christmas

Concert and gourmet dessert reception will be held Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm at The Arts Center at OWC in Niceville. 850.897.4123

3 Museum Holiday Open House

Enjoy an old fashioned trip back into the early 1900's with a visit to the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum and Garnier's Post Office Museum in historic downtown Fort Walton Beach from noon to 3pm. 850.833.9595.

3 Animation in Motion

Enjoy the largest residential Christmas display in Niceville, featuring over 350 animated dolls, a Christmas village with over 800 pieces and two trains, indoor and outdoor lighted displays and more. Santa visits on Christmas Eve from 7pm to 9pm. Special group tours available with advance notice. Sunday - Thursday, 6pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday, 6pm to 9:30pm. Debbie Lewis, 850.678.6155

5 Fort Walton Beach Holiday Parade

Held on Eglin Parkway at 6:30pm; sponsored by the City of Fort Walton Beach. 850.833.9576.

Please check back often. New events are added periodically.

* Golf is only offered on full rack rate (NO Discounted Rates)!*

* Holiday Specials can not be used in conjunction with any other discount!

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