30A Florida events show off South Walton at its most vibrant. From world-class wine festivals to film screenings beneath the stars, these annual celebrations blend culture with coastal beauty and keep attendees coming back. Here are six upcoming 30A events to add to your calendar, along with places to stay when you go.
What are the biggest annual festivals on 30A?
30A Songwriters Festival – January
Held over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the acclaimed 30A Songwriters Festival brings more than 125 artists to 25 venues across South Walton, from restaurants to open-air stages. WaterColor Inn & Resort serves as the festival’s home base, with performances scheduled at Fish Out of Water, WaterColor BoatHouse, and the WaterColor Lake House. Shows also take place at Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel, as well as ANR at Camp Creek Inn, giving guests front-row access across multiple St. Joe properties along 30A.
30A Wine Festival – February
Each February, Alys Beach hosts the 30A Wine Festival, where winemakers, distillers, and chefs come together for tastings, workshops, and themed dinners amid the town’s striking architecture. The weekend pairs sophistication with a laid-back vibe, appealing to seasoned collectors and curious travelers alike. For convenient access and coastal charm, The Lodge 30A is a natural home base.
Digital Graffiti Festival – May
Also in Alys Beach, May’s Digital Graffiti Festival transforms the town’s whitewashed buildings into a canvas of color and light when more than 70 projections illuminate the landscape. The opening All-Inclusive Night includes fine food and drinks for a full sensory experience. After an evening of artistic wonder, retreat to boutique luxury at The Pearl Hotel.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival – October
October’s Harvest Wine & Food Festival welcomes top chefs and winemakers to WaterColor for multiple days of culinary adventures. Staying at WaterColor Inn puts you steps from scenic Cerulean Park, where the Grand Tasting and Harvest After Dark events are held. The Inn also offers a festival package with tickets for added convenience.
For more autumn events on 30A, explore our interactive Fall Guide.
Mountainfilm on Tour – November
For over 25 years, November’s Mountainfilm on Tour has brought a selection of Telluride’s most thought-provoking documentary short films to WaterColor® Marina Park. Two nights of films highlight tales of adventure, culture, and the environment in an outdoor festival atmosphere. Watersound Inn offers a peaceful retreat just a short drive away.
One Ocean Film Tour – November
Set beneath the stars at the Camp Creek® Golf Course driving range, the One Ocean Film Tour is an immersive evening of short films spotlighting ocean exploration, conservation, and coastal culture. This global touring event comes to 30A in November and features on-site concessions, a separate kids’ event, and casual lawn seating. Camp Creek Inn offers a special package with reduced room rates and two general admission tickets to the film tour.
What are some more upcoming 30A events?
Other popular 30A Florida events include the Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April) in Panama City Beach, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival (February) at Baytowne Wharf, and the family-friendly Flutterby Arts Festival (November) in Watersound® Town Center, which celebrates the monarch butterfly migration with art, music, and kids’ activities.
How early should I book accommodations?
Because these upcoming 30A events attract attendees from near and far, accommodations often sell out months in advance. For major festivals, like the 30A Wine Festival and Harvest Wine & Food Festival, it’s best to secure your stay when tickets go on sale. With properties like Camp Creek Inn, The Lodge 30A, The Pearl Hotel, WaterColor Inn, and Watersound Inn, you’ll always find the perfect stay to match your festival plans.
Details included in this story were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change based on seasonal schedules, amenity and/or operational updates. For the most current information, please visit the respective property’s website.
