Musical Echoes Flute Festival will return to Fort Walton Beach on April 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and April 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, non-alcoholic, family-friendly event celebrates Native American culture, art and music. 

The hallmark of the festival is the unique sound of the Native American flute, which will be brought to life by solo performers and full bands from the stage during the entire festival, as well as dancers performing colorful, rhythmic traditional dances. Among the internationally acclaimed Native American musicians and dancers performing are Nation of Change, Mark Holland and Shelley Morning Song. A special performance by Michael DeMaria will be another highlight. 

In addition to the live music and dancing, flute-makers will be selling their instruments and offering tips and guidance on how to play, and art and craft vendors will offer custom jewelry, baskets, leatherwork and other handmade items. There will be traditional Indian fry bread and other festival food available, and the main tent will hold raffles and a silent auction. T-shirts celebrating the festival and featuring artist Kenneth Maines’s image of this year’s totem, the butterfly, will be available for purchase too.

A torchlight ceremony will take place April 25, at 6 p.m., featuring the Thunderbird Honor Guard and Poarch Creek Indian Traditional Dancers. 

Earlier in the week, Musical Echoes will co-sponsor a music-writing workshop, Expanding Your Journey, featuring award-winning musician Jonny Lipford, who specializes in Native American flute music and will be playing at the festival. The workshop will take place April 23 at the Marina Bay Resort. 

Location: Fort Walton Beach Landing, 139 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach, FL. For more information, visit MusicalEchoes.org or email Tisha Maraj at [email protected]