Flutterby Arts Festival Returns To Watersound Town Center Nov. 6-8 With A Full Weekend Of Art, Science, Music, Film, & Creativity For The Whole Family

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) is delighted to announce the return and expansion of one of Walton County’s most beloved fall traditions, the Flutterby Arts Festival, taking flight at Watersound® Town Center November 6–8 for a weekend filled with art, music, film, creativity, family fun, and a little early holiday magic. All events will take place at 85 Origins Main St.

Now in its 34th year, Flutterby celebrates the magical migration of the Monarch butterfly through our area while bringing the community together for a weekend of entertainment and hands-on arts and science experiences. This year’s expanded celebration begins Friday evening and continues through Sunday’s signature festival.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, November 6, with the First Friday Fall Concert Series at The Pavilion at Watersound® Town Center. Presented by the CAA and Russell Carter Artist Management with support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, the free concert opens with two Nashville-based musicians, including singer-songwriter, author and fiddle-player Jessica Willis Fisher followed by headliner and Americana roots rocker Webb Wilder with his trio. Guests can bring a chair and cooler and settle in for an evening of live music under the stars and enjoy a festive start to the Flutterby weekend. A food truck will be on site.

On Saturday, November 7, Flutterby continues with a brand-new Flutterby Film Night from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Pavilion. Families are invited to bring a picnic and chairs and enjoy a free screening of the beloved animated adventure A Bug’s Life. The evening offers a fun, relaxed way to celebrate Flutterby’s tiny-but-mighty inspiration before the main festival day.

The weekend culminates on Sunday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Flutterby Arts Festival. This family-friendly celebration will offer a full day of hands-on creativity and whimsical fun for kids of all ages.

Festival-goers can spread their wings with arts and crafts projects, interactive workshops, music, a Walton County student butterfly art exhibit, a butterfly wing creation station, a Monarch butterfly learning center, face painting, art demonstrations, carnival games, an inflatable slide, a toddler play area, and the always-anticipated butterfly parades.

Just in time for the season of giving, the Flutterby Festival will once again feature a Holiday Artist Market, offering the perfect opportunity to shop small, shop local, and shop joyfully. Stroll among tents brimming with treasures as professional artists and makers showcase one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether checking off a holiday gift list or treating yourself, the Market offers a chance to take home something meaningful while directly supporting local artists and makers. 

This year’s featured Flutterby artist is Elsie Lance of Freeport Elementary, whose artwork graces the official 2026 Flutterby promotional materials. Festival merchandise will be available, and food trucks will be on-site serving lunch favorites, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages for kids and grown-ups alike.

Attendees can also enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the Watersound® Monarch Art Trail (WMAT), featuring audio from the sculpture artists about their artwork, along with information about the surrounding native landscaping. The WMAT is part of the CAA’s Art in Public Spaces program and showcases eight original sculptures installed along South Watersound Parkway’s existing mile-long walking and biking path. The trail was created in 2021 with support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, and use of the area was made possible by The St. Joe Company.

The Flutterby weekend is presented by the Watersound® Origins Community and Watersound® Town Center, with support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, Visit South Walton, Hwy331.com, and Emerald Coast Magazine.

All Flutterby weekend events are free to enter and open to the public. Some Sunday festival activities require tickets or tokens, which can be purchased at the CAA welcome and information tent within the Festival. Parking, including accessible parking, will be available on-site.

Want to be part of the magic? Additional sponsorship opportunities are available—contact CAA Director of Advancement Gabby Callaway at gabby@culturalartsalliance.com to learn more. Volunteers are also needed to help create all the fun! Visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com/volunteer to sign up.

For more information on the Flutterby Arts Festival and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, visit CulturalArtsAlliance.com or call 850-622-5970. For tickets and more information about the 30A Songwriters Festival, visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com.