October 22nd: Subaru Grand Opening
Join Subaru for their Fort Walton Beach grand opening, from 5:30p – 10:30p!
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October 24th – 25th: Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts
Known as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine arts shows, the MKAF Festival of the Arts is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. The 25th annual event is set for October 24th-25th, 2020 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin.
During the Festival, artists from across the United States will offer up their original artwork in the form of oil, watercolor, acrylic, and glass paintings; photography, sculpture, pottery, wood, paper, fiber, mosaics, mixed media, jewelry designs, and more in order to compete for $10,000 in cash prizes in 29 award categories, including the coveted “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice Award” which is selected by festival fans. The Festival also features a Collaborative Art Exhibit, which showcases select artwork of more than 60 community adult and student artists.
A celebration of art, music, food, and family fun, special features of the Festival include a live music lineup, arts, and three children’s book author’s, souvenir posters and t-shirts, and more.
General admission of $5 per person helps to fund the Foundation’s annual cultural outreach activities and programs. Children 12 and under are admitted free. All MKAF members receive admission as a complimentary benefit of their annual investment to bring art enrichment to the community for all people of all abilities.
With the safety and well-being of guests, artists, and staff as a top priority, MKAF asks that festivalgoers adhere to the following social distancing measures.
Maintain 6ft distance between your group and other attendees
- If inline for food, stay 6ft behind the next person inline
- Wash your hands frequently; you may also want to bring hand sanitizer
- The playground is closed for now
- Wear a mask if you so choose
- Tickets are $5, cash and credit accepted
- You may be required to wear a face-covering to enter an artist tent
For more info, click here
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Click on flyer for dates and locations
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October 26th: McGuire’s Blood Drive in Destin
Blood drive on Monday, October 26th from 11a-4p at McGuire’s in Destin. OneBlood will have the blood mobile parked out front. In addition to saving lives with your donation, each doner will receive a Halloween-themed T-shirt and a $10 eGift card.
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October 26th: Costa Blood Drive in Niceville
click flyer for more information
October 26th: Trick Or Treat Drive-Thru Boo!
display at the City of Destin’s Trick or Treat Drive-Thru Boo. All pumpkins not picked up by 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 27th will be discarded.
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October 27th: A Night With The Stars
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October 28th: Destin Library Halloween Hike
Gather your little ghouls and ghosties for a Halloween Hike on the Destin Library’s front lawn on October 28, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Trick or Treat through socially-distanced stations where library staff will be handing out crafts, snacks, candy, and toys. In case of rain, please refer to the library’s Facebook page or website for cancellation information the day of the event.
This event is for children ages five and under and there is no cost to attend, however registration is required to make sure we have enough treats for everyone. Go to //cityofdestin.com/library, click on Programs and Events, and then click on the Halloween Hike image to access the short registration form, or you can always call the library at 850-837-8572.
Click flyer to enlarge
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October 29th: “Spooky Secrets of The Stars”- A Planetarium Special Feature
Come dressed in Halloween costumes, get your Trick-or-Treat candy, and prepare to be scared! We’re ready to celebrate Halloween under the night sky in our inflatable planetarium.
Join our 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. show for family-friendly stories about the creepy creatures of mythology hidden in the night sky. These showings are appropriate for all ages.
Our 7 p.m. Spooktacular Show is more appropriate for ages 8 and up as the tales told during this show are spookier.
All shows last approximately 45 minutes.
Our Planetarium is an inflatable dome. Guests sit on cushions on the floor of the planetarium to view the show. Due to social distancing guidelines, space is limited. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended for this reason. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled showing. In case of no-shows/late shows: reserved spots will be released at show time to make space for the next party.
Seating is limited and very popular. We encourage purchasing your tickets in advance, as this is a first come, first served event. Please call 850-664-1261, stop by the Science Center, or use our online ticketing option to purchase your tickets.
Sponsored by ResortQuest Gulf Coast
Nonmember $7 Child | $9 Adult | $8 Senior
Member $5 Child | $7 Adult | $6 Senior
Planetarium Special Feature shows do not qualify for free member admission; reduced pricing is available for members.
For more info, click HERE
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October 31st: Destin Commons’ “Spooktacular Halloween”
Get ready for an eerily exciting Halloween celebration at Destin Commons! On Saturday, October 31st from 11 am – 3 pm, families will enjoy spooky crafts on the Uniquely Clever Art Bus, a photo booth by Epic Photo Co., balloon sculpting with Betty Longlegs, face painting by Arts on the Beach, and a magic and music show by Captain Davy and his Crew. Come dressed in your costume of choice and get ready to have a ghoulish time. Don’t forget to get some great family photos in front of everyone’s favorite fall display at Center Plaza.
To keep our little ghosts and goblins safe, we will be hosting a Virtual Costume Contest this year. Be sure to submit your entry into Destin Commons’ first-ever Virtual Costume Contest to des.halloween@turnberry.com. For more information visit Destin Commons’ Facebook page or destincommons.com.
Where: Center Plaza at Destin Commons
Schedule:
- 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Uniquely Clever Art Bus and Betty Longlegs
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Photo Booth by Epic Photo Co.
- 12:00 PM -2:00 PM: Arts on the Beach Face Painting
- 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Captain Davy’s Magic and Music Show
- 2:00 PM -3:00 PM: Meet and Balloon Sculpting with Captain Davy
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October 31st: Tricks & Treasures At The Boardwalk
click to enlarge flyer
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October 31st: Destin Commons Spooktacular Halloween
Get ready for an eerily exciting Halloween celebration at Destin Commons! On Saturday, October 31st from 11 am – 3 pm families will enjoy spooky crafts on the Uniquely Clever Art Bus, a photo booth by Epic Photo Co., balloon sculpting with Betty Longlegs, face painting by Arts on the Beach, and a magic and music show by Captain Davy and his Crew. Come dressed in your costume of choice and get ready to have a ghoulish time. Don’t forget to get some great family photos in front of everyone’s favorite fall display at Center Plaza.
To keep our little ghosts and goblins safe, we will be hosting a Virtual Costume Contest this year and will not have trick or treating on property. Be sure to submit your entry into Destin Commons’ first-ever Virtual Costume Contest to des.halloween@turnberry.com. For more information visit Destin Commons’ Facebook page or destincommons.com.
WHERE: Center Plaza at Destin Commons
WHEN: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 31st
SCHEDULE:
- 11:00 AM-1:00 PM: Uniquely Clever Art Bus and Betty Longlegs
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Photo Booth by Epic Photo Co.
- 12:00 PM -2:00 PM: Arts on the Beach Face Painting
- 1:00 PM-2:00 PM: Captain Davy’s Magic and Music Show
- 2:00 PM -3:00 PM: Meet and Balloon Sculpting with Captain Davy
For additional information, call (850) 337-8700, or visit www.DestinCommons.com, Facebook, Instagram, Dine Instagram, or Twitter.
Spooktacular Halloween Facebook Event page
Virtual Costume Contest Facebook Event page
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October 31st: Crestview Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 31, 1-6 p.m.: The Main Street Crestview Association and the City of Crestview invite families to enjoy a fun, safe evening of music, vendors, trick-or-treating and costume contests on Main Street. Vendors will distribute treats for trick-or-treaters. For information or to register as a vendor, contact MSCA, 850.810.6722, www.downtowncrestview.org.
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October 31st: Crestview Trick-or-Treating
Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.: While it is up to parents to determine when they would like their children to be out trick-or-treating, Mayor JB Whitten recommends these hours on Halloween night. Adults should escort their children and take precautions to assure their safety by carrying hand sanitizer, having flashlights and making sure costumes and masks allow youngsters to walk and see unencumbered.
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November 4th: Virtual Science Lab “Zoology”
Virtual lessons begin November 4th! November’s lab explores what it’s like to work in a branch of biology that specifically studies the animal kingdom. With fun at-home activities and expert advice from a Zoologist in the field, this course is sure to be wild! Register HERE
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November 5th – 8th: Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Produced by Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), the festival offers patrons over 250 wines paired with Gulf Coast fare over 3 days of events. For more info, click HERE. Tickets for the 4th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival are on sale now at https://850tix.com/organizations/destin-charity-wine-auction-foundation
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November 6th: Homeless Veterans Stand Down
Homeless U.S. military veterans will find a variety of assistance — including medical screenings, inoculations, clothing, toiletries and free bicycles — at the 2020 Okaloosa-Walton Homeless Veterans Stand Down Nov. 6 in Crestview from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “It’s a one-stop shop for veterans who are homeless and need help,” Crestview AmVets Post 35 second vice commander Liz Westby said. “We’ll have a veterans’ court there for minor infractions,” Ms. Westby said, complete with a judge to help clear a vet’s record of some outstanding legal issues that otherwise pose no threat to the community. Veterans must provide proof of eligibility such as a Veterans Administration card, military ID, or DD Form 214 at the stand down to obtain services, which include:
• Flu, tetanus and pneumonia inoculations
• Mental health screenings
• Dental screenings
• Health, comfort and toiletry items
• Florida Department of Veterans Affairs services
• Haircuts
• Veterans court
• VA clothing, boots and blankets
• Employment and job search services
• A nourishing meal
• Veterinary services (8:30-11:30 a.m. only)
• Bicycles
• VA housing assistance
• VA benefits assistance
• County transit passes (to facilitate attending doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc.)
To assure attendees don’t just pick up freebies and leave, they will be required to visit several mandatory services, including career services and health screenings, organizers said. Attendees must wear face masks and observe social distancing as precautions against COVID-19.
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November 7th: Crestview Veteran’s Day Parade
On November 7th at 10:00am there will be parade honoring all those who have served. This parade will begin at Hub City Smokehouse and proceed North past the Courthouse.
If you would like to participate in the parade, register HERE.
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November 7th: Artisans Alley Craft Fair
Artisans Alley (behind Publix on Racetrack Road) in Fort Walton Beach will host a craft fair on the first Saturday of each month, from 9am-2pm. Booth rental fees will being donated to a different animal non-profit group each month. Those groups will also be on hand holding pet adoptions.
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November 11th: Crestview Veteran’s Day Memorial
Please join us for a ceremony honoring all of the brave men and women who served our country. The memorial will be held on November 11th at 11:00am in front of the Veteran’s Memorial on Courthouse Terrace. We ask that if you are interested in coming, please RSVP so we may know how many people to expect. You may RSVP here.
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November 12th: Planetarium Feature “Sordid Secrets of the Stars”
Special feature on November 12th, with shows at 6 & 7 p.m. Explore the Norse legends and mythology hidden in the sky at this planetarium for guests ages 18 and up…much like Loki, we’re sure this show will contain plenty of mischief! Spaces are limited, so purchase your tickets soon. TICKETS HERE
November 13th: Costa Blood Drive in Niceville
Costa Enterprises McDonald’s will host monthly blood drives with OneBlood at their Niceville location through the end of 2020. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be parked at 1090 John Sims Parkway from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Friday, November 13th for all guests and community members who are willing to donate.
All donors will receive a complimentary COVID-19 Antibody Test in addition to the regularly administered wellness checkup consisting of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, including cholesterol screening. Those planning to donate can schedule an appointment ahead of time by visiting https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/. Walk-ins are also welcome to donate blood on the day of the event.
All donors will also receive various OneBlood swag items, a $10 eGift Card, and a voucher for one free small fry to be used at any of the 24 Costa Enterprises McDonald’s locations.
The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Donors will be able to see their results approximately 48 hours after donating by logging into their donor portal at www.oneblood.org.
OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood. Generally healthy people ages 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid photo ID can donate blood at any one of the drives hosted by OneBlood and Costa Enterprises McDonald’s.
One in three people will need blood in their lifetime. Blood that is donated at any one of these drives will likely be transfused within two to three days. The turn-around is fast and the need is constant. Many potential blood donors believe that they cannot donate blood due to medical or other reasons. If you are curious if you are a candidate for donation or to learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type, visit oneblood.org
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November 14th: Harvest Festival
Woodbine Baptist Church invites you to our Annual Harvest Festival. Nov 14th from 4-6pm. Free games, hayrides, and food! Come fellowship with us! Located at Woodbine Baptist Church 4912 Woodbine Rd, Milton, FL 32571.
The event will take place from 4-6pm
For more info, visit www.woodbinebaptist.org
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November 14th: Okaloosa Walton Heart Walk Digital Experience
Heart Walk is locally sponsored in Okaloosa and Walton counties by MAG Aerospace and Mary Esther Bingo. This year’s chair is Chad Vuyovich of MAG Aerospace.
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November 14th: Emerald Coast Out Of The Darkness Walk
Save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide by joining the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Florida Panhandle Out of the Darkness Virtual Walk on Saturday, November 14th.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Since 2004, AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks have built a movement to raise awareness and funds to fight this leading cause of death. Together, our community sends the message that you are never alone, that healing is possible, and when we connect, we create hope.
Our community’s dedication is stronger than ever as we introduce the Florida Panhandle Out of the Darkness Virtual Walk. No matter what your connection to suicide, by joining the Florida Panhandle Walk, you can show people that we are strong, we are resilient, and we are hopeful. Together, we can create a culture that’s smart about mental health.
Learn more at AFSP.org/walk
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November 14th: PAWS Adoption Event at Subaru
Dogs and cats ready to be adopted from the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society will be showcased at the NEW Subaru dealership in Fort Walton Beach, 916 Beal Pkwy, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov 14th. Adoption fees range from $45 to $125 for dogs, and $45 to $100 for cats. Fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, flea/tick/heart worm control and microchip. Subaru hosts a PAWS adoption event monthly. Social distancing is respected, and masks and face shields are available.
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November 24th- 28th: Fall Break Fun at Emerald Coast Science Center
Fall Break Fun starts November 24th at the museum, and you don’t want to miss it! We’re always thankful for our guests, and to show our appreciation, we’ll have new fall-themed activities in the Makerspace each day on the 24th, 25th, and 27th. We’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so stop by to enjoy crafts, SMALLab fall games, Creature Features, and more! We’re also open November 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special activities including a Chem Demo and Creature Feature. Visit our calendar of events to check out the schedule of activities for each day.
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December 5th: PAWS Adoption Event at Subaru
Dogs and cats ready to be adopted from the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society will be showcased at the NEW Subaru dealership in Fort Walton Beach, 916 Beal Pkwy, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec 5th. Adoption fees range from $45 to $125 for dogs, and $45 to $100 for cats. Fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, flea/tick/heart worm control and microchip. Subaru hosts a PAWS adoption event monthly. Social distancing is respected, and masks and face shields are available.
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December 5th: Artisans Alley Craft Fair
Artisans Alley (behind Publix on Racetrack Road) in Fort Walton Beach will host a craft fair on the first Saturday of each month, from 9am-2pm. Booth rental fees will being donated to a different animal non-profit group each month. Those groups will also be on hand holding pet adoptions.
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December 22nd: Costa Blood Drive in Niceville
Costa Enterprises McDonald’s will host monthly blood drives with OneBlood at their Niceville location through the end of 2020. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be parked at 1090 John Sims Parkway from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 22nd for all guests and community members who are willing to donate.
All donors will receive a complimentary COVID-19 Antibody Test in addition to the regularly administered wellness checkup consisting of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, including cholesterol screening. Those planning to donate can schedule an appointment ahead of time by visiting https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/. Walk-ins are also welcome to donate blood on the day of the event.
All donors will also receive various OneBlood swag items, a $10 eGift Card, and a voucher for one free small fry to be used at any of the 24 Costa Enterprises McDonald’s locations.
The antibody test is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the virus, regardless of whether they ever showed symptoms. Donors will be able to see their results approximately 48 hours after donating by logging into their donor portal at www.oneblood.org.
OneBlood is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood. Generally healthy people ages 16 or older who weigh at least 110 pounds and have a valid photo ID can donate blood at any one of the drives hosted by OneBlood and Costa Enterprises McDonald’s.
One in three people will need blood in their lifetime. Blood that is donated at any one of these drives will likely be transfused within two to three days. The turn-around is fast and the need is constant. Many potential blood donors believe that they cannot donate blood due to medical or other reasons. If you are curious if you are a candidate for donation or to learn more about the importance of blood donation and how donors can target the power of their blood type, visit oneblood.org
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Ongoing: Various Programs
• A REQUEST FROM THE DESTIN CHARITY WINE AUCTION FOUNDATION: Our friends in the wine industry are the life behind our events, and we would not be able to help children in need within our community without their generosity. Our hearts go out to those that have lost their homes and businesses to the 2020 wildfires in California, and ask that you consider joining us to lend support during this critical time by donating to our emergency relief fund. Funds raised will be donated to the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund and Sonoma County Vintner Foundation Emergency Relief Fund. Please accept our sincere gratitude for your compassion during these extraordinary circumstances. We also encourage you to buy and drink wine from those wineries that have been most effected. For a running list of damaged and destroyed wineries, please click HERE. And to donate, please click HERE.
• PTSD FREE FLOAT THERAPY: Float Brothers is offering FREE Float Therapy sessions for veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD every Monday by appointment. To sign up, bring in military ID or DD 214 and letter from your doctor with PTSD diagnosis. Participants should call the spa to make appointment. Online booking is not available for the PTSD program. Contact Float Brothers for more info at 850-460-8720
• DESTIN SENIOR MEMBERSHIP: Join the Destin Seniors Membership to enjoy multiple festivities including the senior lunch bunch, potluck, casino trips, bingo, chair exercise, knitting, scrabble, and Mexican dominoes. Members must be a Destin Resident to join. For more information about becoming a member of the Destin Seniors, please call the Destin Community Center at 850-654-5184.
• DESTIN SENIOR CHAIR EXERCISE 50+ YEARS: Destin Senior Chair Exercise classes are offered at Buck Destin Park Monday and Wednesday mornings from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., for Destin residents. The chair exercise consists of performing light exercises to help improve balance, flexibility, strength, and circulation. The class is free for Destin residents.
• DESTIN SENIOR WALKING CLUB: Join the Destin Senior Members for a walk around the Destin Community Center’s gymnasium on Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. All the miles that you walk will be added to our “team map” as we travel from one region to the next. The team’s miles are reported on the 4th Friday of each month at the Destin Senior Membership’s Potluck.
• SENIOR DROP-IN HOURS: The Destin Senior Center located at Buck Destin Park, 724 Legion Drive, offers senior drop-in hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Seniors (50 years and older) meet to enjoy each other’s company, participate in games such as Mexican Train Dominoes, Scrabble, Poker, etc.
