March brings the start of the spring season and plenty of lovely activities to take part in. The weather starts to warm a bit, the sunsets are simply stunning, and many events take place including many charity events. There's no better way to spend your time than for a good cause. If you're in town this month or lucky enough to be local – here are some happenings to check out along the Emerald Coast.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Rising Stars & Red Carpet Soirée
When: March 3rd
Where: Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Description: Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents: Rising Stars and Red Carpet Soirée on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Destin, Florida. Tickets are $50.00 and include chef's samplings, beverage tastings, and a celebration of all things music, art, theatre, and fashion. Join Emerald Coast Theatre Company at this evening event supporting its mission to enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional and educational theatre! Purchase tickets here.
Seaside Prize Weekend
When: March 6-8th
Where: Seaside
Description: Join for a weekend to celebrate the accomplishments of Michael Lykoudis, FAIA, Francis and Kathleen Rooney Dean of the School of Architecture and Professor at Notre Dame.
Each year has its own unique flair, but all are consistently exciting and engaging. The Seaside Institute awards the Seaside Prize to individuals, organizations, or communities who have made major contributions to the quality and character of their community. Seaside Prize winners are leaders in urban design, planning, architecture, development, and education, having a major influence on how towns and cities can best be built and re-built to reflect and promote new urban principles. These elements Walkability, Diversity, Beauty, and Sustainability are exemplified in more than 200 new urban communities throughout the United States which inspire and enrich the quality of life. Register today for the 2020 Seaside Prize.
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
When: March 7th
Where: Frank Brown Park
Description: Mark your calendars, the 27th Annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival will be at Frank Brown Park on Saturday, March 7, 2020! Feel free to bring your hats, sunglasses and folding chairs. This event includes: Scottish Athletic Competitions, Scottish Clan Reps, Bagpipe Bands, British Car Club Show, Children's Activities, Scottish & Irish Food, Irish Step Dancers & more!
Our Festival isn’t just about the Highland Games: it is an all-day family event with something for everyone. Musical acts range from bagpipe bands to traditional folk music to Celtic rock bands. For more information:
https://pcbeachscotfestival.com/
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival | Facebook Page
Taco & Tequila Festival @ Seascape Towne Centre
When: March 7th
Where: Seascape Towne Centre
Description: Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Tequila and Taco Fest at Seascape Towne Centre. A variety of local restaurants will be competing for the Best Taco on The Emerald Coast. Sample over 40 different types of Tequilas from Blancos, Resposados, Anjieos, Mezcals and taste some of your best Margaritas! Fun for the whole family, test your arm in the “Pepito’s Tortilla,” Tossing contest, face painting for the little amigos, and music from Meringue 4.
PRE PARTY | Friday March 6th from 6pm to 9pm T&T Fest pre-party at Mezcal Mexican Bar & Grill. “Bocadillos and Margaritas” with Tequila, Margarita Sampling and Live Music. $40 per person.
TACO & TEQUILA FEST | Saturday March 7th from 1pm to 5pm Unlimited Taco Tastings and Tequila and Margarita samplings. From $50 to $95 per person.
BYE BYE BRUNCH | Sunday March 8th from 11am to 2pm at ACME Oyster House. Special Brunch Menu for $25, price includes one Margarita or a Bloody Mary. Limited Seating.
Follow Seascape Towne Centre on Facebook for updates!
Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center: Golf & Gala Weekend
When: March 7-8th
Where: Hilton Sandestin / Kelly Plantation
Description: The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is hosting their annual signature Memorial Gala & Golf weekend March 7th & 8th. The Gala event is at 6:00 on Saturday, March 7th, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy dinner, dancing, and live entertainment as well as live and silent auctions. Dress is coastal chic for the Gala, an energetic, yet important fundraising event to benefit children by providing services to help identify, treat and support child victims in abusive situations.
The annual Golf Tournament, also to benefit ECCAC will take place on Sunday, March 8th at Kelly Plantation Golf Club.
Please call 850.833.9237, Ext. 256 to make reservations. For further information on ECCAC, or to purchase tickets online visit www.eccac.org.
Mac & Cheese Festival
When: March 8th
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Thought macaroni and cheese was just for kids? Think again! Join us at the Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, March 8th from 1 - 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. Local restaurants will be competing for the best mac in town. Be there to sample everything for yourself and cast your vote! Samples will be for sale at Destin Commons starting at noon on the day of the event.
For more information, please visit https://emeraldcoastbgc.org/mac-cheese-festival/.
Bubbly Baytowne
When: March 12th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Come out to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an evening of champagne, live music, and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne from 5-6PM. Stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes and enjoy the sounds of live music in the Events Plaza. This event is free and for 21 and up only. Sip and shop through the Village streets in Sandestin. The village will be open to the public during this event.
15th Annual Art in the Park
When: March 21st-22nd
Where: WaterColor Cerulean Park and Town Center
Description: Welcome to the 15th annual Art in the Park held at WaterColor Cerulean Park and Town Center on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday March 22, from 9:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. both days. WaterColor is the ideal backdrop for the open-air art festival where visitors and locals are invited to spend the day exploring a wide spectrum of art, enjoying live music, socializing over a fun beverage and bite to eat, or just relaxing in the park. Artists from all over will showcase their works throughout the park and town center on Saturday and Sunday. You'll find works of art from many genres including paintings, charcoal, chalk, photography, glass, jewelry, custom furniture, pottery, wood, fashion and much more. Follow Art in the Park on Facebook for updates on this year's event, live music and more.
The Emerald Ball
When: March 28th
Where: Hilton Sandestin
Description: The Sacred Heart Foundation is once again rolling out the green carpet for the 2nd Annual Emerald Ball on Saturday, March 28 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The black-tie gala, presented by Howard Group, will benefit the expansion of the cardiac and spine programs at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast. Guests are encouraged to wear shades of emerald for the elegant event. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing. Entertainment will include live music by Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters, a wine and bourbon pull, and a photo booth by 30A Life Photography. A highlight of the evening will be the opportunity to enter-to-win a $5,000 shopping spree at McCaskill & Company. Tickets for this exclusive, jewelry drawing will be available to purchase for $100 each and will be limited to 150 entries. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.sacredheartemeraldball.com.
St. Patrick's Day Events:
March 1st | 30A Festival & Parade @ Gulf Place
March 15th | Family Day Party @ Harborwalk Village
March 17th | St. Patrick's Day @ McGuire's Irish Pub
March 17th | Paint the Village of Baytowne Green @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
WEEKLY EVENTS:
South Walton Bocce
Every Monday @ North Beach Tortilla Co.
The Bay Wednesday Night Bonfire & Music
Every Wednesday @ The Bay
Alys Beach Spring Reels
Every Wednesday @ Alys Beach
Every Saturday @ Seaside & Grand Boulevard
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin.
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
