Are you planning a trip to the beautiful Fort Walton Beach, FL? Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or looking for some exciting activities, there is a wide range of Fort Walton Beach events throughout the year to keep you entertained. From vibrant festivals to cultural celebrations, there is always something special happening here.
Join us as we explore some of the most fantastic things to do in Fort Walton Beach, FL, to explore during your next beach getaway.
No vacation is complete without a cozy place to stay, so book one of our Fort Walton Beach condo rentals with Brooks and Shorey.
Spring Fort Walton Beach Events
Springtime in Fort Walton Beach is full of energy, excitement, and color. With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to explore the various activities that spring in this charming city has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key events in Fort Walton Beach this spring season.
Fly into Spring Kite Festival
Fly into spring this year and join the fun at Kitty Hawk Kite’s annual Fort Walton Beach Kite Festival. The festival will be held at the Okaloosa Boardwalk on Saturday, April 6th, and Sunday, April 7th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Here, you can witness some of the largest kites in the world take flight and decorate the sky with characters and animals as large as 100 ft. Families gather to participate in kite-building workshops, watch stunt kite demonstrations, and compete in friendly kite-flying contests. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family. Feel free to bring your own kites and fly!
Okaloosa RevFest
Taking place in early April, the Okaloosa RevFest showcases original art and music from local artists. This event is a fantastic celebration of creativity and talent within the Fort Walton Beach community. If you are a fan of great food and lively music, you definitely don’t want to miss this!
Echoes Flute Festival
The Landing will once again come alive with Native American Music beginning on April 25th through April 27th. The Musical Echoes Flute Festival celebrates Native American culture, music, and art for 3 days in late April. We are planning an incredible lineup of artists once again for 2025. This festival attracts flute players from across the country, who come to perform, compete, and improve their skills through workshops and masterclasses. The festival is often held in various local venues, allowing attendees to explore different parts of the city while enjoying beautiful flute music.
Summer Fort Walton Beach Events
Summer in Fort Walton Beach is synonymous with sun-soaked fun, outdoor activities, and vibrant festivities. From pirate festivals to patriotic celebrations, there is an exciting array of events awaiting you.
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
The 68th Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival in Fort Walton Beach from May 16th to 20th. This family-friendly, pirate-themed celebration will feature a variety of events and activities throughout the weekend, offering one of the best things to do in Fort Walton Beach. The festivities begin on Thursday evening with a Pre-Invasion pirate meet and greet from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Ferry Road SE, between Burrito del Sol and Parlor Doughnuts. Downtown Fort Walton Beach will also host a Little Scallywag Pirate Walk for aspiring young pirates to collect treasure from local businesses.
The official festival starts at 5 p.m. Friday evening at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, with vendors, food trucks, and live music by The Midnight Shepherds. At approximately 7 p.m., Captain Billy Bowlegs is expected to engage in a brief skirmish with Mayor Dick Rynearson. On Saturday, the festival resumes at 10 a.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, featuring more vendors, food trucks, and live music. The highlight of the day will be Captain Billy’s return with his pirate crew to storm the city around 3:30 p.m. and celebrate with locals until 7 p.m. The festival will conclude on Monday evening with the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber’s Torchlight Parade up Eglin Parkway, starting at 7 p.m. The parade will showcase more than 100 floats and participants, with Captain Billy and the entire Krewe of Bowlegs aboard their five floats, anchoring the parade to celebrate their 68th annual capture of Fort Walton Beach.
July 4th Fireworks at Fort Walton Beach
The City of Fort Walton Beach invites you to celebrate the Fourth of July with food, music, and a fireworks show on Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park. There’ll be plenty of food vendors to choose from, including Tonie’s Gumbo House, Kansas City Wings, B & T Kettle Korn, Miracle Strip Concessions, and Tiana’s Lunchbox. Cool treats to beat the heat will be available from Jay’s Italian Ice and Okaloosa Dippin’ Dots. Vendors will also be selling light-up novelty items. Scratch 2020, who performed during last year’s Fourth of July event, will be returning to the stage with their mix of party and rock music this year. Members of the Community Chorus will also perform. The show will close with a fireworks display over Santa Rosa Sound at 8:45 p.m. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the celebrations!
Plan Your Visit
Start planning your perfect spring or summer getaway with our stunning Fort Walton Beach condo rentals. Browse our selection today and secure your spot for a relaxing, sun-filled escape when you book with Brooks and Shorey!
Emerald Coast Poker Run
For those seeking a bit of excitement and competition, the Emerald Coast Poker Run delivers. This high-energy event attracts boating enthusiasts from all over, who set out on a thrilling journey along the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf Coast. Powerboats, fishing boats, pleasure boats, and everything in between will fill the waterways for one of the largest and most popular charity poker runs in the USA! All proceeds from Emerald Coast Boat Week and Poker Run go to the recipient children’s charities of the Emerald Coast Foundation. This event was started over 25 years ago to give the youth in our local area a chance at a brighter future. As of last year, the Emerald Coast Foundation has raised over $2.5 million dollars for local kids in need. This is a volunteer-run event, and there are no paid employees. Every penny goes to the kids out of love and dedication to our community and our kids.
Fort Walton Beach Rentals at Brooks and Shorey
When planning your visit to Fort Walton Beach for any of these exciting events, you’ll need a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Here at Brooks and Shorey Resorts, we offer a wide selection of Fort Walton Beach rentals to suit your needs. When you are looking for cozy Fort Walton Beach condos, we have the perfect accommodations for you. Staying in a condo rental has its advantages, such as the flexibility to cook your own meals and the privacy of having your own space. We offer rental properties with stunning views, luxurious amenities, and close proximity to the beach and local attractions. You can expect modern amenities, well-maintained properties, and exceptional customer service during your stay. Make the most of your visit to Fort Walton Beach by staying in a condo rental with Brooks and Shorey.
