Deep in the wild forests of Florida’s Panhandle, a father and son embark on a journey that neither expected. Tasked with tracking a rare female black bear, the father brings along his screen-obsessed son—who suddenly finds himself cut off from the digital world when cell reception fades. Stranded together for a week in the backcountry, the boy is drawn into his father’s nightly storytelling, spun from an old family journal passed down through generations. As campfire tales of vanished worlds, ghostly legends, and ancestral secrets begin to blur with the mysteries of the forest itself, the boy slowly awakens to a deeper connection—with nature, with his family’s heritage, and with the black bears that still roam the pines. But when an unforgettable encounter with the wild changes everything, he must decide what kind of legacy he wants to carry forward.

Performances are December 4th, 5th & 6th at 6 PM

The Florida Chautauqua, Inc. and Emerald Coast Theater Company proudly invite you down the rabbit hole for a delightful adventure, a children’s theatrical production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.!
Follow our talented young performers as they bring this whimsical world to life with color, laughter, and a touch of madcap magic. These extraordinary school-age kids have worked tirelessly to create a show brimming with imagination, heart, and hometown spirit!
Don’t be late for this very important date!

Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour Returns to DeFuniak Springs for 2026: A Year of Songs, Stories, and Southern Charm

Nestled in the heart of historic DeFuniak Springs, this acclaimed series transforms the century-old Florida Chautauqua Theater into an intimate listening room, where Grammy nominated singer songwriter Tim Jackson curates a lineup of world class artists. Each performance showcases musicians who do not just play their songs, they reveal the stories, inspirations, and Southern soul behind them.

Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour, beloved across the South for its nostalgic evenings of original music and authentic storytelling, returns to the Florida Chautauqua Theater for its fifth year in 2026. Known for bringing internationally acclaimed singer songwriters to small theaters and intimate listening rooms, the tour blends Jackson’s own music with performances from some of his favorite guest artists.

Audiences will connect deeply with the simplicity and sincerity of the stories and songs. Every show feels like a gathering of friends, sharing meaningful moments, heartfelt memories, and new discoveries together.

Artists from all over the world are buzzing about the venue, Jackson says. The experience of performing in this historic theater, combined with the incredible energy from our audience, has made it easier than ever to bring in exceptional talent.

The 2026 season promises fresh voices, returning favorites, and the same heartfelt and intimate atmosphere that has made the Storytellers Tour one of the region’s most anticipated monthly musical experiences.

Tickets for the first shows of 2026 Storytellers Tour dates are now available. Join us for an unforgettable evening of genuine stories, timeless songs, and the magic of live music in a historic small town theater.

Don’t miss Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Friday evening at 7 p.m.! Featuring Reed Waddle and Paul Childers!

Celebrate the Christmas season by enjoying a Christmas movie with your family! Thank you to our community partners for making the movies FREE to attend.

On December 1st watch The Holiday, brought to you by Triangle Chevorlet!

On December 8th watch Arthur Christmas brought to you by Clary-Glenn Funeral Homes and Crematory!

On December 15th watch Gremlins brought to you by Trustmark!

Don’t miss the kids performance of Shrek Jr. The Musical in partnership with Emerald Coast Theater Company on Saturday, November 23rd at 7 PM and Sunday, November 24th at 2 PM.

This weekend don’t miss Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour with Dan Smalley and Jared Herzog! Dan Smalley is a grammy nominated songwriter and Jared Herzog was a contestant on NBC’s The Voice! Epic talent headed to our stage!

The Florida Chautauqua is proud to host Grit & Grace, the Official Folklife Production of Walton County! The 2022 Production of Grit and Grace is “Finding Home” by renowned Artist, Poet, and Playwright, Nancy Hasty.

Event dates are July 22-23, 7 pm and July 24, 2 pm at the Chautauqua Ritz Theatre in DeFuniak Springs.

Registration is open for our upcoming fall kid’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. in collaboration with Emerald Coast Theater Company! Click here to register. Classes start August 14th and the production will debut in November. Students get to act, sing and dance on a professionally designed stage with so many fun costumes!