Two Days of Music, Community, and Giving Back

Mark your calendars, music lovers—December 7-8, 2024, is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend in Walton County. The Inaugural DwightFest is coming to the Gulf Place Green Space and Amphitheater in Santa Rosa Beach, and this isn’t just any music festival. It’s a celebration of art, community, and the power of music to bring people together for a cause.

With 15 incredible musicians and bands gracing the stage—including chart-topping headliner Paul Thorn, powerhouse vocalist Joanna Cotten (known for her work with Eric Church), the soulful Laura Lamb, two-time Grammy winner Timothy Bloom, world-touring artist Grayson Capps, and the mesmerizing Emily West—DwightFest is a must-attend for anyone who loves live music.

But DwightFest is about so much more than the music.

The Heart Behind the Music

DwightFest was created in honor of Dwight Ward, a beloved local pottery artist and champion of our Walton County creative community. For more than 30 years, Dwight has been an ambassador for local artists and events, tirelessly supporting others and shining a light on the talent that makes this region so special.

After suffering a severe stroke in 2023, Dwight found himself unable to create his art—a devastating turn for someone who has always poured his heart into his craft and his community. His friends knew the best way to honor his legacy was to pay it forward, helping other artists, musicians, and service industry workers who face unexpected financial and healthcare challenges.

Thus, DwightFest, Inc. was born, with all proceeds from this year’s event going directly toward supporting these individuals in their time of need.

The Lineup & Schedule

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect over the two days of DwightFest:

Saturday, December 7th

• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Bucket of Bullets Band
• 11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: Waco Ramblers
• 12:40 PM – 1:40 PM: Casey Kearney Band + Queens Ransom
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Blue Mother Tupelo
• 3:20 PM – 4:20 PM: Laura Lamb
• 4:40 PM – 5:40 PM: Geoff McBride
• 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Grayson Capps & Corkey Hughes
• 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Paul Thorn

Sunday, December 8th

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Pickled Pickers
• 12:20 PM – 1:20 PM: Timothy Bloom
• 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM: Emily West
• 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Percy Bady
• 4:20 PM – 5:20 PM: Shelly Fairchild
• 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Greg Barnhill
• 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM: Joanna Cotten

How to Join the Fun

Whether you’re a local or planning a trip to Walton County, DwightFest is your chance to experience two days of incredible live music while giving back to the people who make our community shine.

Both General Admission and VIP tickets are available. Buy weekend passes or single day tickets. 

Purchase tickets online at DwightFest.com.

Let’s Make This a Success

At its core, DwightFest is about supporting the creatives and service workers who pour their passion into making Walton County a paradise for locals and visitors alike. It’s a way to honor Dwight Ward’s legacy and continue his mission of lifting others up.

Follow the Official Feacebook Page for DwightFest.