Memorial Day Weekend 2021 | Events & Activities | Destin, FL

Looking for activities and events to enjoy for Memorial Day Weekend? We've got you covered! Whether you're looking for family-friendly events, fireworks shows, beach bashes, or Memorial Day ceremonies – there's plenty to do this weekend!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FIREWORKS SHOWS:

Sunday, May 30th:

HarborWalk Village | 9:00pm

The Village of Baytowne Wharf | 9:00pm

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island | 9:00pm

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS:

Baytowne Memorial Day Weekend Celebration 

When: Saturday, May 29th - Sunday, May 30th

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin

Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf is gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend festivities with three nights of family-friendly events! Necessary precautions will be taken to ensure social distancing and everyone is staying safe. Admission is free and open to the public. 

Saturday, May 29: Concert 7-9pm Forrest Williams Band will take the stage from 7 p.m. until 9pm. Guests are invited to dance the night away as they listen to South Walton's own Forrest Williams Band, an award-winning favorite on stage among locals and visitors to the area. Forrest and Pherrel Williams perform a variety of music from southern rock to country and blues. 

Sunday, May 30: Live music, kids activities, fireworks 6-9pm Baytowne Wharf will host free children activities, including face painting, balloon animals, and lawn games from 6-9 p.m. Live music with Jarred and The High Aces. After the show, Baytowne Wharf will light up the sky above the lagoon with a patriotic fireworks show at 9:00 p.m. More info here!

Memorial Day Weekend Concert Celebration @ HarborWalk Village

When: Saturday, May 29th - Monday, May 31st

Where: HarborWalk Village, Destin

Description: HarborWalk Village invites you and your crew to spend a fun-filled weekend on the beautiful Destin Harbor. Kick-off the Summer season with Live Music, Fireworks & a Silent Disco Party at HarborWalk Village. $10 On-site parking fee 

Saturday, May 29th | Flash Flood @ 7:00pm 

Sunday, May 30th | Cadillac Willie @ 7:00pm, Fireworks @ 9:00pm 

Monday, May 31st | Silent Disco Party - DJ Chubby & DJ D Funk @ 7:00pm 

HarborWalk Village is home to the Destin Fishing Fleet, the largest charter fishing fleet in the country. Here you can experience the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village aboard one of Destin’s finest charter boats or stroll along the docks and witness the catch of the day. And where there is great fishing, there are great seafood restaurants, HarborWalk is no exception. Here you’ll find an array of cuisine that is fresh, local and delicious. More info here!

Memorial Day Lost Boys Beach Bash @ Norriego Point

When: Sunday, May 30th

Where: Norriego Point, Destin

Description: Bwoke and Lost Wandering present the first Inaugural Lost Boy's Beach Bash! This is an opportunity to give back to the community by providing locals and visitors with a fun filled day full of music, art, and all around good vibes. They're giving away hundreds of pounds of free crawfish! There will be games and prizes and tons of free merch! HELP KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN! Let's do our part and clean up after ourselves and others who've forgotten to! They'll be providing trash bags for everyone on the beach in hopes that before you make it back home safely at the end of the day that you fill up that trash bag with litter. More info here!

Music from NOON - SUNSET 

All Ages Welcome

FREE Open to the Public

Serving FREE Crawfish til they're gone

HELP US KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN 

Music Lineup: 

12-1 LOST WANDERING

1-2 DJ RAAB

2-3 TRIPSITTER

3-4 MATT HATTER

4-5 BWOKE

5-6 CREIGHFISH 

6-? HYPNOZ

Memorial Day Weekend @ Crab Island

When: Saturday, May 29th - Monday, May 31st

Where: Crab Island, Destin

Description: From early morning to sunset hundreds of boats, kayaks, and wave runners anchor down and celebrate at this popular Destin hang out. Wade through the shallow waters and enjoy music, food, and drinks at the floating restaurants. Rent a pontoon, kayak, or wave runner to see for yourself why Crab Island is Destin’s summertime hot spot!

Memorial Day Service @ Gulf Cemetery

When: Monday, May 31st @ 10:00am

Where: Gulf Cemetery, Santa Rosa Beach

Description: Gulf Cemetery will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. in Santa Rosa Beach. The approximately 150 veterans interred in the cemetery will be honored in a service that will include a keynote speech by Retired Air Force General, Philip Breedlove. In conjunction with this year’s ceremony, the The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be available to view. The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, it stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end. This Memorial Day ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to join in a dignified, respectful and patriotic tribute to these men and women who served our country in the Armed Forces. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the children present will be provided American flags to place on each of the veterans' gravesites. 

Gulf Cemetery is located at 1466 S County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be conducted at the Chapel at High Point, located across SR 393 from the cemetery. The public is welcome to attend. More info here!

Planning to be in town? 

Let's Chat!

Emerald Coast Events | May 2019

With summer almost here, there's so much to do! May is full of fun events and good causes. From music, to movies, to charity events, to Memorial Day Weekend happenings – there's a lot to be a part of. We've listed a few of our favorite happenings below. Plan a weekend to visit, or if you're lucky enough to be local, enjoy it all!  

FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:

4th Annual Jeep Beach Jam
When: May 14-18th

Where: Panama City Beach

Description: Jeep Beach Jam is already known as the “Fastest Growing Jeep Event in the Southeast” and this year will be our largest ever. We are currently estimating more than 2,000 Jeeps coming from over 17 States, all ready for the 4th Annual Jeep Beach Jam. Experience a Jeep owners Dream Vacation to the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”. Gather up your family and Jeep club and start making plans for heading straight to Panama City Beach Florida for a fun extended weekend with Jeep lovers from all over. For more info click here!

Digital Graffiti

When: May 17-18th

Where: Alys Beach

Description: Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is a one-of-a-kind projection art festival where artists use the latest digital technologies to project their original works onto the iconic white walls of Alys Beach. 
Opening night, Friday, May 17, is our family-friendly night featuring our 2019 projection art installations. Local food trucks and vendors are located throughout the festival footprint, while the street party winds through Alys Beach from Highway 30A all the way to Caliza restaurant. There, attendees will be greeted with à la carte food and drink options and fun for the whole family. This event is open to all ages. 
Saturday evening, May 18, is an all-inclusive food and drink experience, with stops along the festival’s path featuring samples by local and regional chefs, winemakers, distillers, and breweries. The evening culminates with desserts, spirits, and casual discussions of art around the pool at Caliza restaurant, which will showcase additional artwork. This event is 21+. Visit www.digitalgraffiti.com for more info.

The Emerald Ball

When: Saturday May 18th | 6:00-10:00pm

Where: Hilton | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Description: The Sacred Heart Foundation is rolling out the green carpet for the inaugural Emerald Ball on Saturday, May 18 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The black-tie gala will benefit the expansion of the Comprehensive Spine Program at Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast. The Champagne Reception will begin at 6 p.m. and doors will open for general admission at 6:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear shades of emerald for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing. Entertainment will include live music by Bay Bridge Band, live painting by South Walton Artist of the Year, Jenna Varney, and a wine and bourbon pull. Tickets are available online!

5th Annual Lionfish Removal & Awareness Festival

When: May 18-19th

Where: AJ's | Destin Harbor 

Description: You're invited to the 5th annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival on May 18-19, 2019 at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village overlooking Destin harbor. The event is FREE and open to the public and will feature family-friendly activities, art, diving and marine conservation booths, live music, fillet demonstrations, lionfish tastings, and the world's largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. For more info visit: www.emeraldcoastopen.com/

Rosemary Beach Beach Sculpture Opening Event 

When: May 23rd-24th

Where: Rosemary Beach Town Hall

Description: This year’s exhibition includes 16 sculptures from artists across 12 states. An Artist Panel Discussion will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Rosemary Beach Town Hall; and, the Opening Event will take place on Friday, May 24th at 4:00 p.m. in the Rosemary Beach Town Hall Courtyard. A beer and wine bar will be available at both events. Materials for the contemporary sculptures are as varied as their subject matter. Some address issues such as the environment and freedom, while others explore nature or formal elements like color, perspective, and balance, with one towering to 16 feet high. In addition to the juried show, a science-based sculpture created by students from Ohana School will also be on display. Made of debris from our Gulf waters, beach, and surrounding areas, the sculpture will raise awareness of the ever-growing problem of single-use plastics and its threat to oceans, marine life and humans alike. For more info visit: www.rosemarybeachsculpture.com/newevents

LuLu's Destin Bay Bash Summer Kick-Off

When: May 25th | 12:00-7:30pm

Where: LuLu's 

Description: Boat, float, or paddle up to LuLu's Destin to kick off the summer on Saturday, May 25th! Free concerts from 12-7:30pm on the Bay Bar. Enjoy a fun day on LuLu's beach, eat some great food and maybe get a hair wrap or henna tattoo! Paddle board & kayak rentals will be available and Fly the Beach Sea Plane lessons will be set up on the bay at LuLu's! Check out some of LuLu's favorite bands – Justin Jeansonne & the Dixie Gentlemen, Ben Loftin & The Family, Boukou Groove, and True Blue Band. For more info visit: www.lulubuffett.com/destin/bay-bash-may-25/

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS: 

Baytowne Memorial Day Weekend: Games, Concert, Fireworks & Ceremony

When: May 25-27th

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

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. Fireworks, children's activities, live music, and a ceremony will be hallmarks of this annual event. Click here for more info!

Destin Harbor Memorial Day Celebration

When: May 25-26th

Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend on Destin Harbor with live music and fireworks show over the harbor. It's time for flip flops, suntans, and summer! Kick-off summer with live music on the Destin Harbor all weekend long. Fireworks over the Destin Harbor will close the festivities on Sunday night at 9pm. Click here for more info!

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Show

When: May 26th | 9:00pm

Where: The Boardwalk | Okaloosa Island

Description: Kick-off summer with a special Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks show on Sunday at 9pm! Grab a beach chair or a seat at The Boardwalk for a stellar view of the show. Be sure to join each Wednesday at 9pm for the Okaloosa Island Fireworks series May 29th through August 14th! Click here for more info!

Memorial Day Service

When: May 27th | 10:00am

Where: Gulf Cemetary

Description: Gulf Cemetery will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27th at 10AM in Santa Rosa Beach. The 125 veterans interred in the cemetery will be honored in a service that will include a keynote speech by Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and F-15 Fighter Pilot, Scott Warner. Also, Cloud 9 Orchestra, a local big band, will play music during the ceremony. There will be a military aircraft flyover during the national anthem and the Walton County Sheriff’s Honor Guard will provide a ceremonial volley salute to the fallen. The ceremony will conclude with a "missing man" flyover formation performed with WWII aircraft by the Destin Warbirds. Click here for more info!

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Farmer's Markets

Every Saturday @ Seaside & Grand Boulevard

Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach

Seaside Central Square Cinema

When: Every Friday @ 7:30pm

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

Description: Grab a blanket and come out to the Seaside Amphitheater on Friday night for a family movie on the lawn. Free and open to the public. Check the movie schedule here! 

Kids Movie Night @ The Hub

When: Every Sunday | 7:00pm

Where: The Hub | 30A

Description: Grab a blanket and come out to The Hub on Sunday night for a family movie. Free and open to the public. Check the movie schedule here!

If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin. 

Planning to be in town? 

Let's Chat!

Emerald Coast Events | May 25th - June 3rd

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? 

Let's Chat!