Are you ready to plunge into 2024? Local festivities offer fun-filled events from parties and firework displays to plunges into local waterways, including the Gulf of Mexico.
The forecast for New Year’s Eve is mostly clear with a low around 46, and New Year’s Day will be mostly sunny with a high of 63 degrees and 30% chance of showers, according to the National Weather Service in Mobile.
Plunge organizers say the mid-60s temperatures predicted for January 1 should make for a more pleasant plunge.
“The Pier Plunge is a rain or shine event,” said Tamara Fountain, who alongside her husband, Ken, owns Windjammers on the Pier and operates the county-owned pier. “Some like to dive in while others just enjoy watching from the beach or on top of the pier, and the post-plunge party is always a super fun way to ring in the new year.”
Fountain says the 2024 Navarre Beach Pier Plunge is a free event which will include raffle drawings and vendors and that first responders will be on standby for safety.
“After we plunge, Windjammers on the Pier Restaurant & Bar will be hosting the after party, featuring a concert by Tribe Zion. “There’s no cover charge, and it’s family friendly. We’ll have food & drink specials and souvenir t-shirts for sale.”
Proceeds from t-shirt sales will go toward the Navarre Beach Area Chamber Foundation, a local nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Windjammers will be making a contribution toward the foundation’s Navarre’s 2025 Centennial Celebration.
Bart Pullum, 2024 president of the Navarre Area Board of Realtors, will officiate the start. “”We’re glad the event is supporting our effort to celebrate Navarre’s 100th anniversary in a yearlong celebration during 2025,” said, Pullum, who is serving on the Centennial Celebration committee.
Across the street, also on January 1, the 15th Annual Penguin Plunge N’ Paddle will take place in Santa Rosa Sound at Juana’s Pagoda from 12 noon until 4 p.m. There will be live music by Stevie Hall with a stand-up paddleboard adventure course at 12:30 pm, plunge at 1:30 pm and raffle drawing and food from 2-4 pm. Registration fee includes long sleeve dri-fit shirt while supply lasts. Cost $30-45 to support Healing Paws for Warriors. Tickets available via Eventbrite.com.
Other local New Year’s Celebrations include but are not limited to:
Juana’s Pagodas New Year’s Eve Party – Navarre Beach
Sunday, Dec. 31 8:30 pm – 12:30 am
1451 Navarre Beach Causeway. Live entertainment by Trick Zipper. Champagne toast at midnight.
Prix fixe dinner at Beach House Social – Navarre Beach
Sun., Dec. 31 7-11 pm
8375 Gulf Blvd., Navarre Beach. Five-course meal includes oysters, A5 Wagyu and champagne. Tickets $125.
Casino Royal New Year’s Eve Party – Navarre
Sun. Dec. 31 6 pm – 2 am
1850 Luneta St., Navarre. Hosted by American Legion Post 382. Free for members and $10 cover charge for non-members. Drink specials throughout the night. Includes Dinner served at 6 pm, champagne toast at midnight and breakfast after midnight. Semi-formal cocktail attire with best dressed contest for male and female. Live Band “Hired Guns” performs after dinner. All proceeds go towards the American Legion Post 382 Building Fund. Tickets can be purchased at the Post with the bartenders or at the door.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Pensacola Beach
Sun., Dec. 31 at Midnight
Quietwater Beach Boardwalk – 400 Quietwater Beach Rd. Free fireworks display on Santa Rosa Sound.
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Fireworks – Destin
Sun., Dec. 31 7 pm – Midnight
HarborWalk Village, 34 Harbor Blvd., Destin. Live music starts at 7 pm. Fireworks displays at 8 pm and midnight with ball drop at midnight. Free event open to public. $20 on-site parking.
Hosting an event? Submit details for publication consideration to info@ssrnews.com.
