FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A gala and patriotic drone show are planned for June 12 as part of Okaloosa County’s America 250 celebration, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, organizers have announced.
The event is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, located at 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard.
The evening will feature a formal dinner, a colonial-themed feast, and 1776-era reenactments, followed by a large-scale patriotic drone show presented by Cosmic Drone.
Organizers said the event is part of a broader, year-long effort led by the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission to commemorate the founding of the United States and promote education and community involvement across the county.
The gala is being hosted in partnership with Okaloosa County, the City of Fort Walton Beach, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Freedom Tech Center.
Attendees are encouraged to wear semi-formal or colonial attire, and period costumes are welcome, according to event materials.
Tickets are $100 per person, with sponsorship opportunities available that include reserved seating and VIP viewing of the drone show. Tickets may be purchased here.
The June 12 gala follows another major America 250 event scheduled in Okaloosa County, a Patriots Day parade and celebration set for May 9 in Crestview.
Organizers say the drone show will highlight themes of freedom, unity, and the nation’s founding principles as part of the milestone anniversary celebration.
For a full schedule of America 250 events, click here.






