With the 30A Songwriters Festival setting the rhythm for the weekend, the area comes alive with music, community gatherings, and creative events leading into the celebration. From live performances and wine walks to theater and family-friendly activities, it is a full slate of ways to experience the energy around South Walton during one of its most anticipated weeks.

1. Underwater Wonders of the Florida Panhandle

Explore the hidden marine life just offshore with retired federal fisheries biologist Dave Clausen, who shares decades of snorkeling experience and stunning insights into the underwater ecosystems of the Florida Panhandle. This engaging talk reveals what lies beneath our local waters and how anyone can discover it safely and responsibly.

Winter Community Speaker Events 2026 Programs / Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. @ Coastal Branch Library

2. Grayton Beach Wine Walk and Live Music Night

Kick off the 30A Songwriters Festival with an evening of wine tasting, small bites, and live music from local favorite Reed Waddle. Stroll between unique Grayton Beach merchants, enjoy dessert and dancing back at Shacks, and wrap up the night with the always popular dancing raffle.

Grayton Beach Wine Walk / Thursday, January 15, 2026, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm @ Shacks Art Grayton Beach

3. Touch of Gray Grateful Dead Tribute Night

The Tanner Gray Band brings two high-energy sets of Grateful Dead favorites, Jerry Garcia Band classics, and more to Papa Surf Burger Bar. Expect local drink specials, a lively crowd, and plenty of room to dance the night away.

Touch Of Gray (Grateful Dead Tribute) performed by the Tanner Gray Band / Thursday, January 15, 2025, from 6 p.m. @ Papa Surf Burger Bar

4. 30A Songwriters Festival 2026 Weekend

From January 16 to January 19, 2026, Scenic Highway 30A becomes a showcase for original music as more than 125 artists perform across intimate venues from Rosemary Beach to Miramar Beach. Headliners including Mavis Staples, Toad the Wet Sprocket, 10,000 Maniacs, I’m With Her, Nikki Lane, and Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves anchor a four-day celebration that also supports the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County.

To get tickets, check out the venues and schedule, or to learn more, click here!

5. Murder on the Orient Express on Stage

Agatha Christie’s classic mystery comes to life as Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents a suspense-filled journey aboard the snowbound Orient Express. With a train full of suspects and one shocking murder, Hercule Poirot must solve the case before the killer strikes again.

Murder on the Orient Express / Friday, January 16, 2025, from 7 p.m. @ Emerald Coast Theatre Company

6. Biophilia Art Festival Kids Craft Day

Young artists are invited to explore nature-inspired creativity at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center with a hands-on morning of art and crafting. Part of the January Biophilia Art Festival, this event celebrates the connection between nature, imagination, and creative expression.

Biophilia Art Festival: Kids Craft Day / Saturday, January 17, 2025, from 8 a.m. @ E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

7. Sunday Funday with The Pickled Pickers

Wrap up the weekend at AJ’s Grayton Beach with live music from local favorite The Pickled Pickers, blending blues, funk, R&B, country, and bluegrass. Bring friends and family for an easygoing evening of great food, drinks, and dance-worthy tunes.

Pickled Pickers / Sunday, January 18, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ AJ’s Grayton Beach

To keep up-to-date with daily 30A events and other fun things happening here at the beach, bookmark the 30A Events page, and download the free 30A iPhone and 30A Android apps.