From thought-provoking talks and live music to theater, art, and meaningful fundraisers, this week on 30A is packed with ways to connect, be inspired, and get out and enjoy the community. Here’s your curated look at the best events happening along the coast over the next few days.

1. Branding in the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Era

A free Lunch and Learn on January 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, exploring how Name, Image, and Likeness can shape powerful personal and professional brands. Led by Kiley Thomas of 850 Title, the session offers practical tools for storytelling, social media strategy, and building meaningful online connections.

NIL Reimagined: Name. Image. Likeness. The Blueprint for Branding & Social Media / Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Walton Area Chamber of Commerce

2. Piano Nights at Havana Beach

Enjoy live piano music by Michael Johnson on Thursday, January 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Havana Beach Bar and Grill in Rosemary Beach, featuring classic favorites performed on the baby grand while you dine.

Michael Johnson / Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Havana Beach Bar & Grill

3. Murder, Mystery, and Poirot on Stage

Agatha Christie’s classic thriller comes to life at Emerald Coast Theatre Company with a suspenseful staging of Murder on the Orient Express, showing January 15 through February 1 with evening and matinee performances. Trapped aboard a snowbound train, legendary detective Hercule Poirot must solve an impossible murder before the killer strikes again.

Murder on the Orient Express / Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 7 p.m. @ Emerald Coast Theatre Company

4. Friday Happy Hour Live Music

Kick off the weekend with live music from Bryan Bludworth on Friday, January 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at AJ’s Grayton Beach, pairing great tunes with drinks, coastal vibes, and a laid-back happy hour atmosphere.

Bryan Bludworth / Friday, January 23, 2026, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. @ AJ’s Grayton Beach

5. Jazz Night at the Red Bar

Enjoy an evening of live jazz with the Red Bar Jazz Band on Friday, January 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Red Bar, a local favorite known for its lively music and iconic atmosphere.

Red Bar Jazz Band / Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Red Bar

6. Nature Through the Lens Photo Contest

Submit your best nature-inspired photography and celebrate creativity at the Biophilia Art Festival on Saturday, January 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, featuring local artists, vendors, and prize-winning photos revealed during the event.

Biophilia Art Festival: Photo Contest / Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. @ E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

7. Americana Evening with Dean Johanesen

Experience the unique sounds of Dean Johanesen’s Circus Swing and American roots music on Saturday, January 24, at 6:00 p.m. inside the historic lodge at Camp Helen State Park as part of the Americana Concert Series, presented by the Friends of Camp Helen with limited advance ticket seating.

Americana Concert Series- Dean Johanesen / Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 6 p.m. @ Camp Helen State Park

8. Red Shoe Party for a Meaningful Cause

Step into an elegant evening of cocktails, cuisine, and purpose on Saturday, January 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Old Florida Fish House, supporting children in foster care across Okaloosa and Walton Counties with chef-driven bites, a silent auction, and a creative Red Shoe contest.

Red Shoe Party / Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Old Florida Fish House

9. Stand in the Light with Jordan Smith

Experience an inspiring evening of music on Saturday, January 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater featuring powerhouse vocalist Jordan Smith, whose soaring gospel and soul-filled performances will be backed by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for a moving celebration of hope and faith.

Stand in the Light Featuring Jordan Smith / Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. @ Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater

10. Hands-On Sourdough with Vin’tij

Learn the art of sourdough baking on Sunday, January 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Grand Boulevard in an immersive class designed for food lovers eager to build confidence and master sourdough techniques to use at home.

Sourdough Class with Vin’tij / Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Grand Boulevard

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.