August/September 2026 Calendar

Events all along the Emerald Coast

Pensacola Unplugged: Songwriter Showcase

Aug. 1 

Lose yourself in both established and underground talent at the Studer Community Institute in Pensacola. Let those acoustic performances pull on your heartstrings in an evening of fresh, soul-searching songwriting.

sites.google.com/view/pensacola-unplugged

Empowered Light Holistic Expo 

Aug. 1-2 

Widen your scope of consciousness with a revolutionary two-day wellness event that combines a lineup of visionary speakers and holistic vendors with an exploration of the latest technology. Discover innovation beyond imagination on Okaloosa Island.

awakenedstories.com/expo

Kids’ Concert
with Huck & Lilly

Aug. 3 

Take your little ones down to Rosemary Beach to hear this dynamic duo perform their lively signature tunes. This concert is for kids and adults alike, featuring songs from their albums There’s a Tree Growing in my Room and Sunshine.

30a.com/events/huck-lilly-8

Aug. 4–Sept. 29 | Pensacola

Bands on the Beach

Sandy toes and sunglasses are a must at Pensacola’s free beachy concert series, featuring performing artists surfing through every genre of music. On Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m., experience the sounds of soothing waves and rocking tunes at the Gulfside Pavilion.

For more information, go to visitpensacola.com/events/signature-events/bands-on-the-beach.

STEAM Day with Mrs. Dedge

Aug. 7 

Sign up now for a hands-on innovation and imagination experience hosted by L&C Artistry Panama City. At this drop-off event, children can expect three hours of STEAM activities, including a journey through sensory stimulation, take-home crafts, and a fun means of discovery that encourages creative problem-solving and new ways of thinking.

facebook.com/lncartistryinc

Cards on the
Coast 2026

Aug. 8 

Featuring 200 tables and more than 80 vendors offering a variety of collectables, this event is open to buying, selling, and trading sports cards and other trading card games. Held at the University of West Florida, visitors can expect vintage and newly released packs, as well as giveaways, raffles, and other prizes. 

cardsonthecoastshow.com

Electric Garden at Perfect Plain Brewing Co.

Aug. 15 

At this immersive festival experience in Pensacola, attendees can explore a curated vendor market, enjoy performances from local talent, and take part in unique interactive experiences. Ticket options include general admission and VIP packages, with VIP guests receiving access to exclusive features such as a private DJ, dedicated bartender, a 360-degree photo booth, and a complimentary drink.

visitpensacola.com/events/electric-garden-at-perfect-plain-brewing-co

Maxfit Classic

Aug. 15

Featuring athletes from across the nation competing in Bodybuilding, Bikini, Men’s Physique, Figure, Women’s Physique, Classic Physique, Fitness, and Wellness, this national qualifying event at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center includes a $125,000 Master’s Pro payout.

eliteathleticspromotions.com/
maxfit-classic

Ladies Who Launch

Aug. 19

Celebrating influential women making a difference in the community, Ladies Who Launch is providing an opportunity for young professionals to gain inspiration through networking, encouragement, and professional development. Lunch will be included, with admission available for both Destin Chamber members and non-members. 

destinchamber.com

10th Annual SOF Missions Diamond Gala

Aug. 29

Honor our nation’s warriors and their families at an evening gala featuring dinner, live entertainment, heartfelt warrior stories, an illustrious guest speaker, and an exclusive silent auction at the Emerald Coast Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach. You can become a sponsor or simply purchase tickets to help ensure that no warrior has to fight alone.

sofmissions.org/gala

Labor Day Showdown: Bike, Car, and Truck Show

Sept. 6

Drive all your family and friends down to Fort Walton Beach to experience an automotive showcase of custom cars, motorcycles, trucks, vendors, and local automotive organizations. Immerse yourself in antique and modern-age automotive culture as well as an auction benefiting the American Cancer Society.

labordayshowdown.com

Sept. 3–Dec. 17 

Phantasmagoria

Celebrate Phantasmagoria, a building-wide exhibition featuring more than 100 works by internationally recognized metal-point artist Victoria Goro-Rapoport. Explore two decades of drawings, prints, and photographs, enjoy an artist-curator conversation with Jennifer Wren Daugette (Supak), and savor a special dessert tasting by Food Network and Netflix-featured chef Lasheeda Perry.

Opening Reception on Thursday, September 10 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries & Collection, Northwest Florida State College. For more information, contact Jennifer Wren Daugette (Supak), director and curator, at artgalleries@nwfsc.edu or by phone at (850) 729-6044.

Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer Festival

Sept. 19

Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast for the sixth year, this classic Destin festival features juicy burgers, silky-sweet bourbon, and refreshing beer.

eatsomeburgers.com

Sandestin Triathlon

Sept. 23

Calling all athletes! Boasting over 700 competitors from across the Southeast, this competition includes a half-mile swim in the glorious Gulf, a 20-mile cycling journey along the coast, and a 4-mile run through the heart of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

destinmiramar.com/events/sandestin-triathlon-2026

Pensacola Seafood Festival

Sept. 25–27 

The Pensacola Seafood Festival is home to a variety of fresh seafood vendors from across the Gulf Coast, with plenty of bites for the landlubbers, too. Peel back the layers of this three-day event with over 170 arts and crafts exhibitions, live music from local artists, and a section for the little guppies to enjoy games and activities. You’re sure to have a shell of a time at this free community-oriented event.

pensacolaseafoodfestival.com