UPCOMING EVENTS
Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts
Festival of the Arts
October 24 & 25, 2026
Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Mattie Kelly Dugas Pavilion Green | Destin, Florida
Admission and parking are free.
Celebrating its 31st year, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts is one of Northwest Florida’s premier juried fine arts festivals, bringing together more than 100 acclaimed artists from across the country for a colorful weekend of art, music, food and family fun.
Stroll the Festival grounds and discover an exceptional collection of original artwork in a variety of mediums. Meet the artists, watch live demonstrations and find one-of-a-kind pieces to take home. Throughout the weekend, enjoy continuous live entertainment, hands-on children’s activities, an art raffle, local food vendors, a beer and wine garden, and more. On Saturday, festivalgoers can also cast their votes for the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Festival attendees will have the opportunity to meet 2026 Featured Poster Artist Jamie Babula of Panama City Beach and view her hyperrealistic colored-pencil artwork, Drawn to Paint, created especially for this year’s Festival. The original artwork will be offered in a Silent Auction benefiting MKAF.
Watercolor Whimsy
Join us for Watercolor Whimsy, a watercolor class on the beach. November 7, 3:00pm-6:00pm at Miramar Regional Beach Access. Reserve your spot here.
Crafted
Join us in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre for the Alys Beach Crafted Holiday Makers Market on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 2 - 4:30 pm; Saturday, November 14 from 10 am - 2 pm; and Sunday, November 15 from 10 am - 2 pm.
This collection of specially selected artisans will showcase their craft, their inspiration, and their stories with product representing the best in regional workmanship. Guests are invited to stroll through the Amphitheatre in Alys Beach Town Center to peruse the works of these makers while learning more about their process and selecting items for purchase as gifts for the holiday season, or as meaningful pieces for their own collections.
Enjoy live music while exploring the Makers Market and enjoy a selection of treats and refreshments available for purchase from surrounding Town Center Merchants. Photos with Santa will be available on select days during the Holiday Makers Market; Saturday and Sunday from 12-2PM. This event is free and open to the public.
America's 250th Exhibition
My piece Sunlit: Sawtooth Palmetto is on display at Northwest Beaches Airport in Panama City through the end of the month, in an exhibition honoring America’s 250th! Check it out if you’re flying through, and send me a picture if you spot it IRL.
Thanks to the Cultural Arts Alliance, Bay Arts Alliance & Northwest Florida Beach International Airport (ECP) for this opportunity!
Watercolor Whimsy at Locohana
After a summer away, we're kicking off the return of our Watercolor Whimsy classes with a special evening at Locohana, one of the Emerald Coast's newest restaurants!
Join us Thursday, September 24, 2026 for a relaxed evening of watercolor, good food, tropical vibes, and plenty of creativity. We'll be painting outside under Locohana's tiki umbrellas (weather permitting!) with the restaurant's fun coastal-inspired atmosphere all around us.
You'll paint eight mini watercolor paintings, then choose your favorite to mat and take home. No experience necessary—just come ready to unwind, get creative, and enjoy a fun night out.
🌴 Watercolor Whimsy at Locohana
📅 Thursday, September 24
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Locohana in Destin
🎨 $65/person — all art materials + instruction included
Food and drinks will be available for purchase directly from Locohana throughout the evening, so come early, grab a drink, order some delicious food, and settle in for a night of painting and fun.
And after a summer of adventures, a new baby, and a little time away from teaching, we're SO excited to be back. 💙
Come celebrate the kickoff of our Watercolor Whimsy return with us at Locohana!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT, buy your tickets here: https://www.amberdecicco.com/watercolorwhimsy
Beyond Color | Black and White Photography Exhibition
Two of my cyanotypes were accepted into the CAA’s Black & White Photography Exhibition!
Since cyanotypes are famously Prussian blue, I experimented with hand-toning mine with tea to transform the blue into a deep black/brown. I was thrilled with the results—and I'm excited to see them hanging in the show!
The opening reception will include light bites and a champagne toast, with Come From Away following afterward.
See the exhibition virtually →
The artwork will remain on display through February, so keep an eye out for my pieces the next time you catch a show at ECTC!
Alaqua Holiday Bazaar
Step into a festive wonderland at our annual Holiday Bazaar, where the spirit of the season comes alive on December 7th from 11am to 4pm!
Wander through rows of unique vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts, artisan crafts, and delectable treats.
Visit the Winter Wonderland section, where enchantment awaits around every corner.
Our Holiday Bazaar is the perfect place to embrace the joy of the holidays and find something special for everyone to treasure this season!
Tickets: Adults $10 | Children $5
Crafted Holiday Market
I am honored to have been selected to showcase my work at this years Crafted Holiday Market at Alys Beach!
Here are the expanded dates and hours we’ll be open to the public:
November 15, 2:00pm-4:30pm
November 16, 10:00am-2:00pm
November 17, 10am-2pm
—
“These thoughtfully chosen artisans will present their works, showcase their craft, their inspiration, and their stories. These products, representing the best in regional workmanship, will be available for purchase as folks shop through the Amphitheatre in pursuit of beautifully curated gifts for their loved ones in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Enjoy live music while perusing the Makers Market and enjoy a selection of treats and refreshments available for purchase from surrounding Merchants. Photos with Santa will be available during select times during the Holiday Makers Market. This event is free and open to the public.” Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/426979606704266/?ref=newsfeed
—
This Holiday Market is in conjunction with Alys Beach Crafted. “It was created to celebrate the collaboration of talents that come together to enrich the 30A experience. This event, sprung from 2019’s successful debut of Firkin Fête, aims to tell the stories of crafted beverages, culinary experiences, artistry, and workmanship. Crafted will be a weekend of events here in Alys Beach, a gathering of renowned craftspeople from around the country sharing the process, the inspiration, and the product of their craft at the Holiday Makers Market, Firkin Fête, Spirited Seminar, the Spirited Soirée and Pickleball & Picklebacks. Alys Beach Crafted is pleased to announce that all proceeds will benefit one of Walton County’s local non-profits, the Cultural Arts Alliance.” Source: https://alysbeachcrafted.com
Alaqua Fall Festival
Come check out our booth at Alaqua Fall Festival on October 26th from 11 AM to 4 PM at 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, FL! This family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the season with a wide array of activities for all ages.
Event Highlights:
Live Music by Buffalo Nickel
Hayrides through scenic areas
Doggie Costume Parade for your furry friends
Face Painting and Kids’ Games
Kids Costume Contest with prizes
Flag Raising Ceremony by Walton High School Color Guard
Photo Opportunities with festive backdrops
Vendors and Food Trucks offering seasonal treats
Cat Café with seasonal food and beverages
Tickets:
Adults: $10
Kids 12 and under: $5
Kids 2 and under: Free!
Enjoy a fun-filled day of pumpkin picking, live music, hayrides, and so much more with your family and friends while supporting the animals of Alaqua Animal Refuge!