Our busiest season starts with Memorial Day Weekend. Most spend their days at the beach or boating out on Crab Island, but there are plenty of other activities to be a part of too!
This year we do have some potential rain in the forecast so – weather permitting – the Memorial Day Weekend events are still going to be happening this weekend. If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS:
Memorial Day Concert Celebration
When: Saturday, May 26th - Sunday May 27th | 7-9pm
Where: Harborwalk Village | Destin
Description: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend on Destin Harbor with live music and fireworks show over the harbor. It's time for flip flops, sun tans, and summer! Kick-off summer with live music on the Destin Harbor all weekend long. Fireworks over the Destin Harbor will be on Sunday night at 9pm.
Memorial Day Weekend: Games, Concert & Fireworks
When: Saturday, May 26th - Monday May 28th | 7-9pm
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin kicks off their Memorial Day festivities with three nights of family friendly, free events! Enjoy a relaxing and patriotic weekend at the boutiques, eateries and nightlife of The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin.
On Saturday, May 26th, Farewell Angelina will take the stage from 7 p.m. until 9pm. Guests are invited to dance the night away as they listen to heart-stopping harmonies and blazing fiddles and guitars.
On Sunday, May 27th, Baytowne Wharf will host free children activities, including face painting, balloon animals, and lawn games from 6-9 p.m. Local favorites Coconut Radio will perform their signature Americana, Bluegrass and Blues tunes from 7-9 p.m. And on Sunday, Baytowne Wharf will light up the sky above the lagoon with a patriotic fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.
On Monday, May 28th, The Sandestin Owners Association and Village of Baytowne Wharf will host a Memorial Day Ceremony beginning promptly at 7 p.m. in the Events Plaza. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair as limited seating will be available. Please join as we honor the men and women that lost their lives while serving our Country.
33rd Annual Eglin Memorial Day Gate-to-Gate Run
When: Monday, May 28th | 7-9:30am
Where: Unity Park Eglin AFB
Description: Celebrate one of Northwest Florida's greatest traditions at Eglin's 33rd annual Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk. This competitive race is open to the general public, and to all ages and skill levels. There will also be a free kids run after the start of the main race. The 4.4-mile course on Eglin AFB starts at Unity Park, follows Eglin Boulevard to Memorial Trail and ends at Unity Park. Flowers will be provided for each runner to drop at the Veteran’s Memorial along the route. A post-race party will be held at the finish line featuring live entertainment and free refreshments including food and beverages for runners, walkers, and teams to enjoy. For more info visit: https://www.eglinlife.com/96/fss.html?more=96FSS_GateToGate2018
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Lulu's Destin 3rd Anniversary Bay Bash
When: Saturday, May 26th | 12-7pm
Where: Lulu's | Destin
Description: Boat up, float up, paddle up, or come by land. Join in the celebration of LuLu’s 3rd Anniversary Bay Bash on Saturday, May 26, from noon to 7:30 p.m. Revel in a family day filled with non-stop fun, with back-to-back live music atop the Crazy Sista Bay Bar overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay.
It’s a boat-up or drive-up party. Play all day in the Bay with the music and fun extending out of the restaurant. The non-stop live music begins at noon with headliner, Carolyn Wonderland playing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. showcasing her Texas blues vocals and guitar, along with drummer, Kevin Lance and bass guitarist, Bobby Perkins.
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival
When: Friday, June 1st - Saturday, June 2nd & Monday June 4th
Where: Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
Description: Started in 1953 as a water-skiing festival whose pirate theme was inspired by the notorious William Augustus Bowles, the Billy Bowlegs Festival has grown into one of the premier events of its kind in the country. Billy Bowlegs offers people a great opportunity to mingle, party, and have a good time. This year’s pirate shenanigans, including “battles” on land and sea between the Bowlegs bunch and the city’s mayor, will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2. They’ll be accompanied by fireworks, live music, and plenty of grog and grub.
The festival ends on Monday night, June 4th, with the family-friendly Billy Bowlegs Torchlight Parade. The parade, featuring floats, boats, beads, bands, and, of course, pirate-costumed Billy and his Krewe, will start in downtown Fort Walton at 7 p.m. and travel northward on Eglin Parkway to Hughes Street. For more info visit: http://www.billybowlegsfestival.com/
First Friday ArtWalk
When: Friday, June 1st | 5-7pm
Where: Seaside | 30A
Description: Spend first Friday of each month strolling Central Square and visiting Seaside Merchants from 5-7pm. First Friday Art Walk takes place year round in Seaside. Participating merchants throughout town host special in-store exhibits and events showcasing their jewelry, art, fashion, music, wine and food. Catch live music and grab a cold beer or cocktail as you stroll Central Square, easily reaching shops and places on the square and all around town. Have a great night in Seaside, Florida. You'll love the unique people and places.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES:
Moonlight Movies & Face Painting
When: Every Thursday @ 5pm
Where: Rosemary Beach Western Green | 30A
Description: Join in the fun at Moonlight Movies & Face Painting held on the Western Green in Rosemary Beach on Thursday nights. Face Painting starts at 5:00pm, Movie at 8:15pm. Bring the family for a wholesome and fun movie night under the stars! Blankets and Lawn Chairs are Welcome.
Come early and get your face painted by one of the talented artists. Enjoy popcorn and the best hot dogs on the beach from DogManDu!
May-June Movie Schedule:
May 31st | COCO
June 7th | Beauty & the Beast
June 14th | Wonder
June 21st | The Emoji Movie
June 28th | Spider Man: Homecoming
Red White & Blue Hero Celebration
When: Every Thursday @ 7pm
Where: Harborwalk Village | Destin
Description: The Red, White, and Blue Celebration happens every Thursday on the Destin Harbor. A celebration of an American hero, including a presentation of the colors, ceremony celebration, a WWII vintage airshow, entertainment by The Village Belles and fireworks over the Destin Harbor at 9:00 P.M.
30Avenue Concert Series
When: Every Thursday & Friday @ 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: 30Avenue On the Greens | 30A
Description: Enjoy great music with friends and family on the green at 30Avenue. There will be LIVE bands 6-9 pm every Thursday and Friday night!
Sunset Yoga
When: Every Wednesday @ 6:00pm
Where: Henderson Beach Resort & Spa
Description: No better way to end the day. Bask in the glow and let yourself go. Under the setting sun we will have some fun and notice our body and mind begin to unwind. During this flow we will work head to toe followed by a glass of prosecco! All levels welcome. Class is 60 minutes.
Gulf Therapy – A Community Paddle Out
When: Every 1st & 3rd Friday @ 7:00 am
Where: Grayton Beach Florida's Scenic Hwy 30A
Description: Join the local surf and paddle board community for a morning dose of “Gulf Therapy.” Tackle mental health issues with a simple recipe – saltwater, sun, and sand. Paddle out with the community and start the weekend off right. Salt water is always healing, therapeutic, and the perfect solution for a balanced life. This paddle out will start at the Western Lake boat launch in Grayton Beach, then head over to the Gulf where the beach connects. This way you can get comfortable paddling in the Gulf with support, or choose a mellow paddle in the lake. Adventure 30A will have paddle board rentals available for $10. If there are waves bring a surfboard!
Paddle South Walton – Weekly Paddle Excursion @ South Walton
When: Saturdays @ 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Where: South Walton (Location changes)
Description: This is a weekly paddle expedition open to anyone who would like to attend. Location changes every Saturday, and participants must bring their own paddle board and gear. Meet is at 8 o’clock sharp on Saturdays, and paddle departs location at 8:30 am returning to the starting location at 10:30 am. Follow the Paddle South Walton Facebook page for details about locations and dates and other special announcements.
30A YOLO Bike Club – Excursion Ride
When: Every Saturday @ 9:00am
Where: YOLO Board + Bike | Gulf Place Town Center | 30A
Description: Now in its third year, the 30A YOLO Bike & Beach Club brings together locals and visitors of all skill levels for a fun and laid-back exploration of South Walton’s natural habitats. Group bike rides are free and take place every Saturday. Participants meet at the YOLO Bike + Beach Store in Gulf Place at 8:45 a.m, depart at 9:00am, then ride through the trails of Point Washington State Forest. All skill levels and bike brands are welcome – “ride what ya got!”. Bikes are available for rent.
Happy Hour Paddle
When: Every Saturday 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Where: Tom's Landing
Description: Join us for a Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure offering one of the only SUP Sunset trips in the area! The trip starts at our Paddle Hut Hideawa, located just 5 minutes north of Grayton Beach. Learn the basics in our calm secluded lagoon, then paddle down the canal and out into the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay and paddle to The Bay Restaurant for Happy Hour. Arrive at the area’s hottest new hang out via paddleboard and enjoy a cold beverage & appetizer and then paddle back enjoying the sunset and looking for dolphins dancing in the Bay. Approximately a 45 minute paddle to the restaurant, we hang out there for about an hour, and paddle another 45 minutes back. All gear, professional instruction, photography, and tour guide are provided for this 3 hour adventure. Food and beverages are optional and not included in price. Please call directly to book for children age 8-12.
Farmer's Markets:
Every Saturday @ Seaside & Grand Boulevard
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
Planning to be in town?
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