After last month’s record low temperatures, February is really heating up—and with more than just the weather! No matter which direction you drive—Mexico Beach, Apalachicola, Seaside, Destin, Niceville, and of course right here in Panama City Beach, something fun is happening right around the bend. Check out the exploding calendar of local events, and whether your gobbling up gumbo at a festival, strolling through a street fair, watching a live performance, or catching Mardi Gras beads, as our Cajun friends say, “Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler”… Let the Good Times Roll!

Seaside Farmer’s Market

Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22; 9am-1pm, Seaside

Get your pick of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products, native plants and other unique offerings during our Market on Saturday mornings. Find local specialties that will help sustain our growers! Enjoy special cooking demos and activities sure to liven up your morning! Held beside Raw & Juicy Cafe and Organic Juice Bar. Visit seasidefl.com.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Day at the Gulfarium

February 02; 12:30- 2:00 pm, Gulfarium in Fort. Walton Beach

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park will host several players from the Pensacola Ice Flyers minor league hockey team for a special meet and greet with park visitors. Guests can mingle with the players, take photos, and even get autographs from their favorite Ice Flyers team members!  All day, park visitors will enjoy FREE french fries with the purchase of a sandwich at Gulfarium’s onsite concessions, the Dive-In Eatery.

30A Farmers Market

Sundays, February 2, 9, 16, 23; 9am-1pm
 Rosemary Beach

This community event on Barrett Square features fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, cheese, preserves, sauces, bread, sweets, prepared foods to go, and much more! Visit rosemarybeach.com for more info.

Knock’em Dead Play

February 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22; 7:30pm, Kaleidoscope Theater in Panama City (Lynn Haven)

This unique comedy/murder mystery has six different endings with the audience determining the final outcome. Directed by Barry Hertzog, the production runs three weekends. Friday and Saturday night performances start at 7:30pm, with Sunday matinees beginning at 2pm. Adults: $16; Sen/Mil: $15; Students: $8 when pre-reserved. For additional information, go to kt-online.org or call (850) 265-3226
.

Bob Milne Ragtime Piano

February 7 & 8; Fri. 8 pm, Sat. 3 & 8pm at the Dixie Theatre, Apalachicola

The top ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist of today returns for his 15th year at the Dixie and no one does it better! In the Library of Congress as a National Treasure, Bob Milne has followers from all over the country, so get your tickets early. Visit DixieTheatre.com for more info.

Forgotten Coast Chefs Sampler

February 9; 6:00–8:00pm (EST), 
4th Street and Avenue D in Apalachicola

Chefs from all over the Forgotten Coast will prepare their most creative dishes at the historic Coombs Armory located on 4th Street and Avenue D in Apalachicola. Sample an array from area restaurants. Talented shopkeepers and local designers give the event an extraordinary touch and add creative flair by decorating each table individually. The tables range from elegant to artistic and funky. Join us for our 18th year. Tickets are $60. For more information, call Apalachicola Bay Chamber at (850) 653-9419.

Glenn Miller Orchestra

February 12; 7:30pm, 
Northwest Florida State College, Niceville

The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra performs with an 18-member ensemble. Many original Miller big band arrangements & more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. Concert benefits Niceville High School Band. Tickets are $20. Buy at (850) 729-6000 or mattiekellyartscenter.org.

16th Annual Gumbo Cook-Off & Art Walk

February 15, 2014, 10am-noon, Art Walk immediately following Gumbo Cook-off 
at Sunset Park, Mexico Beach (Art Walk booths are along Hwy 98 at several locations)

Beginning at 10am, the competitors will be serving up delicious gumbos and Brunswick stews, plus music and free Mardi Gras beads! Tickets are available for sampling as many gumbos and stews as you like. Other food & drinks available, too. Art Walk immediately following by the S.E.A (Society of Expressive Artists). Juried art booths along Highway 98. For more information visit mexicobeach.com or call toll free at (888) 723-2546.

The 25th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival

February 15; 12–4pm, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach

This winter festival favorite is back for its 25th year! Gulf Coast restaurants will be featuring their top-secret recipes! Spend the day sampling a variety of gumbo—Dark or light roux? Chicken & sausage or seafood? Vote for your favorite for the “People’s Choice Award.” Enjoy live music and family entertainment. Visit SandestinGumboFestival.com for details and ticket information.

David Seering and Friends entertain the Emerald Coast for Children in Crisis

February 15; 7:00pm, 
Village Baptist Church, Destin

Accomplished and brilliant musician David Seering will perform his annual concert to benefit local charity Children in Crisis (CIC). Enjoy an evening of variety entertainment featuring a tribute to Liberace and a very special commemorative performance to honor David’s father. Joining him are the Van Deusen Trio and special guest artist Amanda Holmes. All proceeds benefit the foster children of NW Florida. Tickets are $25. For more details call (850) 864-4242 or visit childrenincrisisfl.org.

President’s Weekend Outdoor Concert

February 15; 5:00 pm, Seaside

Join us on Lyceum Lawn as we celebrate President’s Weekend with an outdoor concert. Visit seasidefl.com for more info.

Connections

February 15 & 16: 7:30pm, 
Rosemary Beach

Lauded for their “intelligence” and “immensely satisfying” playing by the New York Times. The Amernet String Quartet, Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida International University, is one of the most acclaimed ensembles of its generation and has been praised for its intelligence, ravishing sound, and commitment since its inception. Located in South Barrett Square Presented by the Merchants of Rosemary Beach and Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Tickets are $35, available at sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Valentine to 30A

Saturday, February 15: 7:30 pm Seaside Repertory Theatre, Seaside

Celebrate the season of romance with the second annual Valentine to 30A.  Actors of The Rep bring heart and soul to the most loveable lines written for stage.  Enjoy the sultry vocals and smart, sexy lyrics of awarded singer-songwriter Lisa McCormick. Tickets are available at The Rep and Amavida Coffee for $25. For more information visit seasiderep.org.

MEMPHIS: Broadway Musical

February 22; 7:30 PM 
Northwest Florida State College, Niceville

The national tour of the Broadway hit “Memphis” appears at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Winner of 4 Tony Awards ®! Don’t miss one of Broadway’s newest and hottest national touring shows. What happens when a 1950’s Memphis DJ with white listeners decides to play African-American music? Is Memphis ready for it? Is America? Inspired by the story of the legendary DJ Dewey Phillips and the music that became known as “rock ‘n’ roll”. Tickets are $45. For more info, call (850) 729-6000 or visit mattiekellyartscenter.org

Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras Parade

February 22; 2pm, 
Downtown St. Andrews, Panama City

For more parade information and other events, please visit standrewsmardigras.com/main-parade

Symphony of Taste Food & Wine Fest

February 23; 1:00- 4:00 pm Northwest Florida State College, Niceville

Food samples by area restaurants accompanied by over 50 different wines from around the world, micro-brew beers, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and a silent auction and music. Tickets for sale at Chan’s Wine World locations in Grand Boulevard and Destin. The cost is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Advance tickets may also be purchased online or by phone through the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office at (850) 729-6000 or mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Mardi Gras at the Beach

February 28–March 1, Pier Park & Aaron Bessant Park, Panama City Beach

Friday night: Fat Tuesday Street Fair & Kids Zone open at 4 pm. There will also be a Second Line Parade that will start on the Boardwalk at the Back Porch and work its way to Aaron Bessant Park for a FREE Dr. John concert. Saturday, the Fat Tuesday Street Fair and Kids Zone opens at 10 am. Kids Costume Contest at noon and an Adult Costume Contest at 12:30 pm. There will be two parades. The event is free and open to the public. For details: visit Facebook.com/ShopPierPark or Simon.com/mall/pier-park.