Things to Do

Freeport, Florida News
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Things to Do in Freeport

Whether you’re a longtime resident or just moved here, Freeport has more going on than you might expect. From youth sports tournaments to bayfront fishing, here’s what’s available.

Annual Events

Bayfest (September)
Freeport’s biggest festival. Live music on multiple stages, local food vendors, arts and crafts, a car show, and a fireworks finale. It draws thousands from across Walton County and beyond. If you only attend one event all year, make it this one.

4th of July Parade & Fireworks (July 4)
Parade starts at 4:00 PM from the Freeport Learning Center, rolling through downtown with floats, classic cars, and local groups. Fireworks at 8:30 PM at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex. State Road 20 closes at 3:45 PM along the route.

Trunk or Treat (October)
A safe, family-friendly Halloween event where local businesses, churches, and organizations decorate their vehicles and hand out candy. Held at the Sports Complex. Registration to host a trunk usually opens in September.

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting (December)
Downtown parade followed by the tree lighting ceremony. Free hot chocolate, Santa visit, and the kind of community gathering that reminds you why small towns matter.

Spring Festival & Eggstravaganza (March/April)
Easter egg hunt, bounce houses, face painting, and family activities. A good introduction to the community if you’re new.

Parks & Recreation

Freeport Regional Sports Complex
📍 Hammock Bay
A 60-acre regional destination. Facilities include:

  • 6 baseball/softball fields (lighted)
  • 4 soccer fields
  • 2 football fields
  • 6 pickleball courts
  • Modern playground (added 2026)
  • Concessions and restrooms

The complex hosts USSSA-sanctioned tournaments throughout the year, including the USSSA Baseball Panhandle State Championship and the Westonwood Ranch PCA Rodeo. Tournament weekends bring teams from across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia — and their families fill local hotels and restaurants.

Pilcher Park
📍 Near The Waters apartments
A neighborhood park with walking paths, open green space, and a small playground. Good for an evening walk or letting the kids burn energy.

New Community Center
Currently under construction near the Sports Complex. Expected to include:

  • Indoor gymnasium
  • Meeting rooms
  • Fitness area
  • Covered outdoor pavilion

Opening expected late 2026.

Outdoor Activities

Fishing

  • Choctawhatchee Bay — Public boat ramps at Pilcher Park and Sports Complex area
  • Local ponds — Several retention ponds hold bass and bream (ask a local)
  • Surf fishing — 30 min to Santa Rosa Beach

Boating

  • Public ramps on the bayou near Hammock Bay
  • Kayak and paddleboard friendly
  • Watch for shallow areas at low tide

Hiking & Nature

  • Point Washington State Forest (20 min south) — 15,000 acres of trails
  • Econfina Creek (45 min northeast) — Swimming holes and spring-fed creek
  • Nokuse Plantation (1 hour) — Nature preserve with hiking

Beaches

  • Santa Rosa Beach/30A — 25 min, public access with parking
  • Destin — 30 min, full resort amenities
  • Grayton Beach State Park — 35 min, less crowded, $5 entry

Youth Sports

Freeport’s youth sports scene is active and growing:

  • Freeport Youth Baseball/Softball — Spring and fall seasons
  • Youth Soccer — Walton County Youth Soccer League
  • Pickleball — Leagues at Sports Complex, all ages
  • Swimming — Lessons at Sports Complex pool (seasonal)

Tournaments hosted at the Sports Complex bring travel teams year-round. If your child plays competitive baseball or softball, they’ll likely play a tournament here at some point.

Dining

Freeport’s restaurant scene is small but growing. You’ll find the basics here, with more variety a short drive away.

What’s Available in Freeport

  • Pizza — Chicago-style, hand-tossed, and national chains
  • Burgers — Fast food and local burger spots
  • BBQ — Southern-style smokehouses along Highway 20
  • Mexican — Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and margaritas on US-331
  • Seafood — Fresh Gulf catches, fried shrimp, fish sandwiches, po’boys
  • Asian — Noodle bowls, rice dishes, and casual Asian dining
  • Breakfast — Local diners with classic plates, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, omelets
  • Cafe fare — Sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, coffee, organic options

Casual / Chain

  • McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s, Wendy’s, Zaxby’s

Grocery + Prepared Food

  • Publix — 16400 US-331 — Deli, bakery, hot bar, sushi, pharmacy
  • Register Farm Market — Health foods, organic produce, ready-made meals, cafe

Within 20 minutes:

  • DeFuniak Springs: More local options, historic downtown dining
  • Santa Rosa Beach: Beachfront dining, seafood, upscale casual
  • Destin: Full range — fine dining, chain restaurants, seafood markets

Shopping

  • Grocery store — Full-service supermarket with pharmacy, deli, bakery, and prepared foods
  • Specialty market — Health foods, organic produce, supplements, and cafe
  • Dollar store — Basic household needs
  • Walmart — Coming to Freeport (in planning, 96 acres south of Hwy 20, ~175,000 sq ft)
  • Nearby Walmarts: Niceville (25 min), DeFuniak Springs (30 min), Destin (35 min)
  • Other nearby shopping: Destin Commons (30 min), Silver Sands Premium Outlets (35 min)

Churches

Freeport has active congregations across multiple denominations:

  • Baptist
  • Methodist
  • Presbyterian
  • Catholic (nearest parish in DeFuniak Springs)
  • Non-denominational

Most churches have Facebook pages with service times and events.

Day Trips

DeFuniak Springs (20 min)
Historic downtown, Lake DeFuniak (one of two perfectly round natural lakes in the world), and the Walton County Heritage Museum.

Seaside/30A (25 min)
The famous planned community, boutique shopping, art galleries, and beach access.

Destin (30 min)
HarborWalk Village, fishing charters, restaurants, and the Destin Commons outdoor mall.

Panama City Beach (45 min)
Full-service beach town with Pier Park, amusement parks, and more tourist infrastructure.

Getting Involved

  • City Council meetings — 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday, open to public comment
  • Volunteer at the Sports Complex or library
  • Join a church or community group
  • Coach youth sports — always looking for volunteers

Last updated: May 2026

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