CAA Announces 2025 Art Month Walton Schedule of Events

This May, Art Month Walton County returns with a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Presented by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) of Walton County with support by Visit South Walton, the month-long initiative will feature an exciting lineup of events including the Dine + Dive fundraiser for the Underwater Museum of Art, the 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival, Longleaf Writers Conference, Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach, Legally Blonde at Emerald Coast Theatre Company, special gatherings from Emerald Coast Storytellers, Sinfonia Salutes, Art Walks, and much more. 

Art Month unites artists, organizations, businesses, and audiences in a shared purpose to produce over 50 high-quality, diverse arts experiences for audiences of all ages throughout Walton County in May. The CAA’s mission is to foster creativity through the inclusive and collaborative advancement of the Arts. It is proud to promote and support the work of the pARTners in our community who are creating programs that align with the CAA’s vision for every person to experience the power of the Arts. Following is a list of Art Month events.

Wednesday, April 30, will kick off Art Month in Grand Boulevard’s Grand Park with the Dine + Dive fundraiser in support of the seventh installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), the nation’s first permanent artificial reef sculpture park created by the CAA and South Walton Artificial Reef Association. Doors open at 6 p.m. and guests are invited to view several of the UMA sculptures; enjoy a full cash bar with specialty cocktails; mingle with the artists; sample wines provided by the Dawson Group, Intercontinental Hotel New Orleans, Stinky's Fish Camp, Word of Mouth Restaurant Group, and Trenasse New Orleans; and taste featured items from popular area restaurants and celebrated Chefs including The Bay, Cantina Laredo, Cinders & Salt, Citizen at Alys Beach, Grayton Beach Catering, Iron & Grape, Marrow Private Chefs, Mozey’s, Roux 30A, Surfing Deer, Swiftly Catered, and Table 5 Catering. Enjoy live musical entertainment from the New Orleans band J & The Causeways. General admission tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door (if available). Tickets are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events. To learn more about UMA, visit UMAFL.org.

The annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Concerts in the Village series continues May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Each Thursday evening concert features family-friendly premier musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, reggae and disco to modern pop. Visit MKAF.org for the complete lineup and to purchase tickets. 

May 2 is the opening night of Legally Blonde presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company. A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Performances are Friday, May 2, through Sunday, May 18. For tickets and more information regarding performance dates and times, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org.

The 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival returns to Grand Boulevard’s North Park on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., showcasing more than 120 exhibiting artists from across the country. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) and presented by Grand Boulevard and Visit South Walton, the festival offers a dynamic blend of visual, performing, and interactive arts experiences for all ages. Highlights include the CAA Member Artist Gallery, student exhibitions, live art demonstrations, a powerful showcase from the CAA’s Prison Art Program, and interactive art activities for all ages. Guests will enjoy non-stop live music from acts like Boukou Groove, Marc Harris, Storm Folk, Hanson LeBouf, Johnny Tapp, Kool Breeze, Leana Carter, Sammy Strudgeon, Solomon Miller, and more. Attendees can also explore ImagiNation, a hands-on creative space where kids take the lead, sample delicious food and drink from local vendors, and view three of the latest sculptures destined for the Underwater Museum of Art. 

NEW this year, festival goers can elevate their experience with an exclusive VIP Package, featuring a Sip & Shop event on Saturday, May 3 from 5 – 7 p.m., including special offers from participating artists and a meet-and-greet with featured festival artist Gerard Frank. VIPs will also enjoy access to a private lounge throughout the weekend with complimentary snacks, drinks, and interactive activities. VIP tickets are on sale now at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/upcoming-events.

ArtsQuest is a rain or shine event open to the public. A $5 donation per person is encouraged at the gate to support the Arts. A list of artists, the entertainment schedule and other details will be available online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com/arts-quest. 

The Emerald Coast Storytellers return to the Art Month lineup this year on May 8 with an Open Mic Night at Grayton Beer. Listen as brave local storytellers share their written and spoken tales. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and stories will begin at 6 p.m. sharp. For more information and tickets, visit EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com. 

The 13th Annual Longleaf Writers Conference will take place in SEASIDE® and other venues May 10 through 17, featuring award-winning, visiting authors Andre Dubus III and Khadijah Queen with other special guests including literary agents Kayla Lightner, Ayla Zuraw-Friedland, and Audrey Crooks. Full conference registrations and a la carte seminars are available, along with options to participate in special events throughout the week, including personal consultations, readings and more. Register and purchase tickets online at LongleafWritersConference.com.

Art Walks will take place at 30Avenue on Saturday, May 10, at the Artist Warehouses on County Road 393 and in Grayton Beach on Thursday, May 15, and in SEASIDE® on Wednesday, May 28, featuring local artists, crafters, local retailers, restaurants, and bars.

Celebrating its 18th anniversary, Digital Graffiti is a one-of-a-kind projection art festival where artists use the latest digital technologies to project their original works onto the white walls of Alys Beach. This year’s event takes place Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. Each year, the festival attracts international digital artists, filmmakers, musicians, interactive designers, photographers, VJs, producers, celebrities, agency executives and fans of art, technology and architecture. Visit DigitalGraffiti.com for tickets and details.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents Tchaikovsky vs. Drake in an unforgettable performance that will “redefine” the symphony experience. Conceived and arranged by Steven Hackman, known for his imaginative and unexpected pairings, this piece masterfully blends the timeless compositions of Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the contemporary sounds of hip hop rapper Aubrey (Drake) Graham, redefining the boundaries of music in the 21st century. Tickets are $40-$65. Purchase online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

Celebrate the Memorial Day holiday weekend in Alys Beach at the Sinfonia Salutes FREE family-friendly music concert on Sunday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. Bring blankets or low back chairs and grab a spot on the amphitheater lawn. For more information visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or AlysBeach.com. 

Come experience the more intimate side of Emerald Coast Storytellers: face to face, pen to paper, fingers to keys on Thursday, May 29. No matter where you are on your own writing journey, this event is open to all. We'll be at the CAA’s Bayou Arts Center armed with our pens, journals, and laptops, and ready to talk shop and get to work. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a brief discussion followed by breakout time to work on individual projects or an optional writing prompt. The event is free to attend, but rsvp’s are encouraged. For more information, visit EmeraldCoastStorytellers.com.

Art Month Walton sponsors include Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard Town Center, Alys Beach, Latitude Margaritaville, Half Shell Vodka, SEASIDE®, Emerald Coast Magazine, and Hwy 331.com. For more information on all Art Month events, please visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/art-month. 

ART MONTH WALTON SCHEDULE

APR 30

‘DINE + DIVE’ FUNDRAISER WITH J & THE CAUSEWAYS BENEFITING THE UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART Grand Park, 600 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach

6 - 9 p.m.

MAY 1-31

SPECIAL EXHIBITION AT EMERALD COAST THEATRE COMPANY 560 Grand Boulevard, Ste. 200, Upstairs, Miramar Beach

MAY 1

VERSES & VIBES OPEN MIC NIGHT

674 US HWY 331, DeFuniak Springs

6 p.m.

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES - BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY 4323 Commons Dr. W, Destin Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. 

MAY 2 - 18

LEGALLY BLONDEEmerald Coast Theatre Company 560 Grand Boulevard, Ste. 200, Upstairs, Miramar Beach

MAY 3 - 4

37th ANNUAL ARTSQUEST FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Town Center in Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach Saturday, May 4: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 5: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MAY 8 EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS OPEN MIC NIGHT Grayton Beer, 217 Serenoa Rd, Miramar Beach

5 - 8 p.m.

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES - DEAR AMY: AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE  4323 Commons Dr. W, DestinGates open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. 

MAY 9 - 10

LAKE FEST

1226 Circle Dr., DeFuniak Springs

MAY 10 ART ON THE AVE!

12805 US Hwy 98 E, 30Avenue in Inlet Beach

MAY 12

RUMPLESTILTSKIN

SEASIDE® Amphitheater, SEASIDE®

MAY 10 – 17

LONGLEAF WRITERS CONFERENCE

Academic Village and other locations in SEASIDE® 

MAY 15

GRAYTON BEACH ART WALK

14 Clayton Lane, Grayton Beach

THIRDSDAY ART WALK

416 S. County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES - KICKSTAND JENNY 4323 Commons Dr. W, Destin Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. 

MAY 16 - 17

DIGITAL GRAFFITI

Alys Beach

MAY 17

SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS TCHAIKOVSKY X DRAKE 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE, Ft. Walton Beach

MAY 19

RUMPLESTILTSKIN

SEASIDE® Amphitheater, SEASIDE®

MAY 21

COCKTAILS & CLAY

835 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach

NATIVE SPECIES OF 30A - A COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL ANIMALS, ODD PEOPLE, AND PLACES THAT LINGER AT JUSTIN GAFFREY GALLERY 21 Blue Gulf Dr., Blue Mountain Beach

MAY 22 MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES - THE MOLLY RINGWALDS 4323 Commons Dr. W, Destin Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. 

MAY 25 SINFONIA SALUTES

Alys Beach Amphitheater

MAY 26

RUMPLESTILTSKIN

SEASIDE® Amphitheater, SEASIDE®

MAY 27 KIDS IMPROV BOOTCAMP

The Rep, SEASIDE®

MAY 28 SNOW WHITE

St. Augustine Green, Rosemary Beach

SEASIDE® ART WALK

SEASIDE®

MAY 29 KIDS IMPROV BOOTCAMP

The Rep, SEASIDE®

MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION CONCERT SERIES - PETTY HEARTS 4323 Commons Dr. W, Destin Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. 

EMERALD COAST STORYTELLERS AFTER-HOURS WRITING NIGHT CAA’s Bayou Arts Center, 105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Santa Rosa Beach

6 - 8 p.m.

MAY 30

FRIENDS & FAMILY FINALE

The Rep, SEASIDE®

MAY 31

Certainly So LIVE at The Rep

The Rep Theatre, SEASIDE®