Snowbirds are invited to a variety of “winter welcome” events across the region. These are events submitted to us and are up to date at press time (Dec. 20.)
Jan. 5
Navarre Beach Snowbirds Club Welcome Event
8579 Gulf Blvd. Navarre Beach. Windjammers on the Pier. 4 to 7 p.m. Hosted by the Navarre Beach Snowbirds Club and open to all visiting winter guests. Enjoy the evening with a sunset pier walk, business vendors, arts, and crafts vendors, live entertainment and receive a Navarre Beach, Florida’s Most Relaxing Place swag bag with local information. For more information, contact Tracy Bragg at 850-493-3333 or email navarrebeachsnowbirdsclub@gmail.com.
Navarre Winter Lecture Series
Begins Jan. 6
A full slate of interactive lectures geared toward Snowbirds are on tap at the Navarre Visitor Center, 8543 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, Fla. Events begin Jan. 4 with “Welcome Day.” Other dates include: Jan. 6 – Game Day; 12 – Nature Trail Lecture; 13 – Makers Studio Craft-Flip Flop Signage; 18 – Naval Live Oaks; 20- Sunny Day Art Studio – Make a Mug (Noon at Sunny Day Family Art Studio); 25 – Artificial Reef Lecture; 27 – Flower Arranging Class; Feb. 1 – Seafood Lecture; (11:30 a.m.); 3 – Rock Painting; 8 – Sea Turtle Conservation; 10- Valentine Card; 15 – Audubon Lecture; 17 –Mardi Gras Craft and 22 – Emerald Coast Wildlife Lecture. Details: Pre-registration requested as space is limited. 850-981-8900 or www.getrelaxing.com
Perdido Key Chamber “Hootenanny” Series
Jan. 13, Feb. 10 and 24
The hootenanny is happening at the world-famous Florida-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Fla. The series starts Jan. 13 with “New Year, New Boots.” Guests are encouraged to dress up in their favorite western wear to enjoy some live pickin’-and-grinnin’ music as well as games and door prizes, followed by a delicious lunch provided by the legendary Flora-Bama chefs. The second event Feb. 10, “Sweetheart Saloon.” is dedicated to lovebirds of all ages. Attendees will be treated to an afternoon of great food, music, prize giveaways and games with Valentine’s Day flair. The 2022 series wraps up Feb. 24 with “Let the Good Times Roll” and a Mardi Gras twist. Foot-stomping music, plenty of throws, a delicious luncheon and more giveaways will be offered. Admission for each event is $10 per person. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at www.VisitPerdido.com, or in person at the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce; 15500 Perdido Key Dr. Pensacola, Fla.
Pensacola Beach Bash
Jan. 20
The annual Pensacola Beach Bash is sponsored by the Santa Rosa Island Authority at Our Lady of Assumption, 920 Via de Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach, Fla. A $1 entry fee will be donated to the Pensacola Beach Lifeguards. Event kicks off at 9 a.m. with coffee and a light breakfast. Guests are invited to browse vendor booths followed by entertainment: 10 a.m. – Pensacola Beach Elementary School Sandpipers; 10:15 Perdido Performing Arts & Productions with 10:45 p.m. – Bingo! Details: 850-923-1500.
Fort Walton Beach Chamber Winter Guest Fest
Jan. 20
Winter Guest Fest is happening Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. – Noon at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. The region’s largest winter guest trade show features a variety of vendors, giveaways and fun. Cost to enter is $2. Details: 850-244-8191 or www.fwbchamber.org
Gulf Shores Winter Entertainment Series
Begins Jan. 24
The City of Gulf Shores presents the 2022 Winter Entertainment Series lineup. Shows will be held at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center and require a purchased ticket. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and all shows will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are on sale now. The lineup for the 2022 Winter Entertainment Series consists of the following acts:Jan. 24-25, John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party; Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, A Toast to the Rat Pack; Feb. 7 and 8, Hollywood Icons; and Feb. 14 and 15, 3 Redneck Tenors “Broadway Bound.” Tickets may be purchased at www.gulfshoresal.gov/Winterentertainmentseries or the Gulf Shores City Store, 1821 Gulf Shores Pkwy. Details: 251-968-1171 or www.gulfshoresal.gov/Winterentertainmentseries
Pensacola Snowbird Roost
Feb. 8
Visit Pensacola will host its annual Snowbird Roost at the Museum of Commerce in Historic Pensacola Village. Tickets are $15 and are available for purchase at the Pensacola Visitor Information Center and the Perdido Key Visitor Information Center (must be purchased in advance). The event will showcase a Mardi Gras theme and feature picnic baskets from Classic City Catering, live entertainment, vendors and more. Details: www.visitpensacola.com
