DESTIN, Fla. — The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) will celebrate the cultural arts with an expanded lineup at its 2025 Festival of the Arts, taking place October 24 through 26 at the Cultural Arts Village in Destin.
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The 30th annual event begins Friday, October 24, at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick-Off Party featuring illustrator Janae Erickson drawing live on the Dugas Pavilion to music by DJ Josh. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine pours from Vinuv. Tickets are $30 for MKAF members and $50 for nonmembers.
The Festival continues Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, featuring more than 100 artists from 15 states showcasing works across 16 mediums, including oil, photography, mixed media, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics. Admission is free.
Festival Producer Deb Nissley said MKAF is expanding offerings this year to celebrate three decades of community support.
“Back by popular demand, our entertaining emcee Arty will be out and about once again starting on Friday with the Arty Kick-Off Party,” said Ms Nissley.
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“We’re expanding the VIP bar area, adding an exciting online silent auction component, bringing back face painting, welcoming Moore Family Art to host a fun immersive experience for kids — we hope you enjoy it all.”
Attendees can enjoy live art demonstrations, browse works from emerging and student artists, and participate in the interactive Kids Corner & Creation Station. Two full days of live music, dance performances, and food vendors round out the family-friendly experience.
The Festival also hosts a juried and collaborative art competition judged by Sam Joslin, public art and exhibitions manager for the Council on Culture & Arts in Tallahassee, and Yvonne Christine, instructor at the University of West Florida. Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice Artist Award at the main entrance.
A highlight of the event is the Collaborative Art Exhibit, featuring local student- and adult artists competing for the $850 McIlroy Awards, given by Pam and Peter McIlroy in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s inaugural first lady and longtime MKAF supporter.
At the ArtsReach tent, guests can view Zentangle and Warrior Arts works by veterans supported through MKAF’s mindfulness and resilience programs. Education Director Melanie Moore will be on hand to meet visitors and discuss the nonprofit’s outreach mission.
The live entertainment lineup includes Stormfolk, Drew Tillman, StudioSixTwenty5, and Coconut Radio on Saturday. Sunday performances feature Michael Fagan, Roman Street Trio, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, and Kool Breeze.
Cuisine on the Green will include The Banana Tree Destin, Red Neck Riviera Smokers, the Rican Vegan, Fuel, Spork, Sugar & Co., RJ’s Popcorn & Pork Rinds, and Mama’s Lemonade. Wine, beer, and cocktails will be available in the Beer & Wine Garden.
Festival merchandise will feature artwork by Niceville-based artist Kathy Schumacher, whose coastal oil painting “Symphony in Sails” is the official poster and t-shirt design. Signed prints and shirts will be sold in the souvenir tent.
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Additional attractions include a charity art drawing tent, an online auction running through October 28, a free Festival Guide, and complimentary parking with shuttle service from Destin High School and Destin City Hall.
Volunteer shifts are available by contacting Stephanie Shea at (850) 217-2833 or sshea@boemortgage.com.
The Festival is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations benefit the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation and its ArtsReach programs, which serve students, individuals with disabilities, and veterans across Northwest Florida and the Southeast.
For Arty Kick-Off Party tickets or Festival information, visit www.MKAF.org or call (850) 650-2226.
