📅 When
October 17, 2026
19:00 – 22:30
📍 Where
Elks Lodge, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
About this event
One of Okaloosa Island's most charming autumn fundraisers, the Black Cat Ball returns October 17, 2026, to benefit SOCKS — Save Our Cats and Kittens Shelter, the nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats on the Emerald Coast. Held at the Elks Lodge on Okaloosa Island from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, the evening is a feline-themed celebration done in full gala style.
Guests are treated to a gourmet feast and signature Meowtini cocktails, followed by a live auction featuring unique and one-of-a-kind items. A live band provides the soundtrack for dancing late into the evening. The dress code is cocktail attire, with optional cat-themed accessories warmly encouraged — past years have seen everything from cat-ear headbands to elaborate themed ensembles competing for the night's best-dressed honors.
All proceeds go directly to SOCKS to support medical care, food, and adoption services for cats in the Fort Walton Beach area. Tickets are available through the SOCKS website at saveourcatsandkittens.com. It's a rare combination of community warmth, good food, and a genuinely great cause — a favorite fall evening for animal lovers and event-goers across the Emerald Coast.
Best for: Animal lovers, couples, and anyone who enjoys a dressed-up evening out with a great cause behind it
What to expect: Gourmet dinner, specialty cocktails, live auction, live music and dancing — all in cocktail attire with optional cat-themed accessories
Planning tip: Tickets sell out in advance — purchase early at saveourcatsandkittens.com. Cat-ear headbands are a crowd favorite if you want to lean into the theme without going full costume.
Cost: Ticketed event — see saveourcatsandkittens.com for pricing and availability
