Events

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island rings in 2025 with fireworks, ‘pelican plunge’ into Gulf

Annual celebration features beachfront fireworks display on New Year's Eve, followed by morning Pelican Plunge fundraiser benefiting local children in the community.

Jared Williams

Local residents can celebrate New Year’s twice at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, starting with evening fireworks and continuing with the annual Pelican Plunge fundraiser the next morning.

The Boardwalk will host a 9 p.m. fireworks display on New Year’s Eve, featuring beachfront views, live music, and a complimentary champagne toast. Visitors can watch the display from The Boardwalk’s restaurants – Rockin’ Tacos, The Crab Trap, and Floyd’s Shrimp & Steak – which will offer New Year’s Eve specials.

The following morning, Jan. 1, the 2025 Pelican Plunge begins at 11 a.m., with check-in starting at 9 a.m. Pre-plunge activities include hot cocoa and coffee, raffle ticket sales, a costume contest, and live DJ entertainment.

At 11:30 a.m., participants will dash into the Gulf of Mexico. Afterward, plungers can warm up at The Crab Trap’s post-plunge party featuring the restaurant’s gumbo, drink specials, and live music.

The event raises funds for local children, offering raffle prizes worth thousands of dollars. General admission tickets are available for $30 on the day of the event, including the plunge, after-party access, complimentary cocoa and gumbo.

A limited number of King Crab VIP packages are available for $400, including New Year’s Eve accommodation at The Holiday Inn Resort on Okaloosa Island, $200 in dining certificates for The Boardwalk establishments, two plunge tickets, two t-shirts, and a wellness welcome bag from Spa Lilliana at Hotel Effie Sandestin.

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island is located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast, Fort Walton Beach.

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