Thursday, October 30, 2014

Our Top Picks for October 31-November 2 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This weekend is full of local, Halloween happenings! The fun ranges from a Halloween yacht party for adults onboard the SOLARIS to a child friendly trick-or-treating experience around Grand Boulevard. The weather is forecasted to be chilly during the night, so be prepared! There is also a Crypt Crawl (pub crawl) throughout Downtown Fort Walton Beach on Halloween night from 6-10 p.m. For more information, visit fwbpubcrawl.com.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a safe and thrilling Halloween weekend! Enjoy!


HALLOWEEN DAY
Friday, October 31, 2014:
GulfScarium’s Splash or Treat Spooktacular
Gulfarium Marine  Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 4-6 p.m.


Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treating at FWB FUMC
103 First Street
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church will hold its annual Fall Festival on the church lawn on Halloween. The event is free and open to the public. There will be trunk-or-treating and food. Other special activities include a bouncy castle, pony rides and a hayride. Trunk-or-treating takes place between 5:15-6:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear kid friendly Halloween costumes and attire. For more information, visit fwbchamber.org/events.

Rock the Yacht this Halloween on the SOLARIS
SunQuest Cruises
Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway
Miramar Beach
Time: 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
This adults-only party begins at 9 p.m. as guests dressed in their Halloween best board the SOLARIS. Cadillac Willy will conjure up a Halloween inspired set of live music that will rock all three levels of the yacht as its cruises local waters throughout the night. Local celebrity judges will be on the hunt for the best costumes aboard the SOLARIS. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume in each of the following categories: sexiest, scariest, most original and best all around. For more information, visit SunQuestCruises.com call 850.650.2519.


Halloween on the BOOlevard of Fun
600 Grand Boulevard
Miramar Beach
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Children are invited to trick-or-treat in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin and visit merchants as they provide Halloween treats from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 31. Enjoy an “amusingly spooky” live storytelling performance by characters from the Emerald Coast Theatre Company at 5:30 p.m. in Grand Park. This family friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit destinchamber.com/events.

Saturday, November 1, 2014:
Pancake Breakfast for Feline Friends of Destin
Destin United Methodist Church & Destin Life Center
200 Beach Drive
Destin
Time: 8-11 a.m.


Battle of the Best Disc Golf Tournament
Fort Walton Beach Municipal Golf Course
1955 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 9 a.m.


Kings of Hollywood Concert
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 6-9 p.m.
This concert is the culminating event in the Battle of the Best Field Day. You do not have to be a Field Day participant to attend the concert. Anyone who arrives at the fairgrounds after 5 p.m. with be charged a $5 admission fee to enjoy the concert. Free with military ID. Food and libations will be available from vendors at the fairgrounds. Kids can enjoy unlimited access to the SpaceWalk Kids’ Battle Zone with a $10 wristband from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, please contact the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at 850.244.8191.

Uptown Station Family Movie Night Series, Featuring Monsters House
Uptown Station
99 Eglin Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Join in on the movie fun every other Saturday night at Central Park for the family movie series in the park! All movies begin at dusk and are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring blankets and chairs for comfort. Movie showings are always dependent upon the weather, so please check for updates on Uptown Station’s Facebook page: facebook.com/UptownStation.

16th Annual Pinfish Classic
AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
116 Harbor Boulevard
Destin
Time: 8:30 a.m.
The City of Destin will host its 16th Annual Pinfish Classic from 8:30-10 a.m. at the weigh-in on Destin Harbor, behind AJ’s. This catch-and-release event is open to children ages 14 and under. Participants must bring their own fishing poles. Bait will be provided. Registration must be completed on location by 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented at 9:45 a.m. Awards include the largest and smallest pinfish catches in each age group, as well as an award for the most pinfish caught overall. The event is free to all youth and the first 50 participants to register will receive a free T-shirt. For more information, please call 850.654.5184 or e-mail recreation@cityofdestin.com.

Sunday, November 2, 2014:
Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:
Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor crabislandcantina.com
Harry T’s, Destin Harbor harryts.com
Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin mcguiresirishpub.com

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Our Top Picks for October 24-26 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This upcoming fall weekend is full of season-inspired events! From a Fall Carnival and an Arts Festival to a Zombie Stomp and a Halloween Haunt—there is something for everyone to partake in. For current weather updates, be sure to reference weather.com or tune in via television to The Weather Channel.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a safe and BEACHY weekend! Enjoy!


Friday, October 24, 2014:
City of Fort Walton Beach Fall Carnival
Docie Bass Recreation Center
54 Ferry Road
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
At this great event, there will be fun for the entire family, including a Haunted House, Trick-or-Treat Trail, candy carnival games, concessions, face painting, bounce houses and a cakewalk. Admission is free. Please call 850.833.9580 for more information.

Hog Rally Concert
HarborWalk Village
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Rally together for a free concert on the main stage with the Bobby Friss Band! Keep rocking on post concert with an After Party at Coyote Ugly at 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.flstatehogrally.com.

October 24 and 25
Haunted History Tours of Downtown Fort Walton Beach
139 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center presents the 7th Annual Haunted History Tours based on authentic local history, folk stories and spooky downtown historic sites. The tours will be conducted each night at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tours are limited to 30 people each and early sign-up and ticket purchase is encouraged. The program offers a guided twilight walking tour of historic sites in the downtown area and features costumed actors interpreting local history and haunted happenings. All tour participants should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to start time for each tour at the Indian Temple Mound Museum. Tours end with spooky refreshments inside the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org/events.

Saturday, October 25, 2014:
19th Annual Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Festival of the Arts
Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
4323 Commons Drive West
Destin
This annual, creative celebration highlights art, music, food and fun for everyone! The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) Festival of the Arts is located at 4323 Commons Drive West in Destin. It will take place Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, October 26, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.


There will be free parking at Grace Lutheran Church & Art Shuttle from Emerald Coast Center by Bealls Department Store. Admission to the festival is $3 per adult. MKAF members and children under age 12 get in for free. For more information, please visit MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org or call 850.650.2226.


Gulfarium’s Splash or Treat Spooktacular
1010 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.


Eglin Zombie Stomp
Time: 2 p.m.


Kid Friendly – Haunted Heritage Day
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
115 Westview Avenue
Valparaiso
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.


Wear your Halloween costume and receive admission for $1. Museum members and children age 4 and under get in for free. Come for the Halloween crafts, historic exhibits, playtime in the Discovery Room for kids and a stroll in “Paradise Gardens.” For more information, please contact info@hertiage-museum.org or call 850.678.2615.

Halloween Haunt at Destin Commons
Destin Commons Center Plaza
4300 Legendary Drive, Ste. 200
Destin
Time: 4-7 p.m.
This event will be full of spooky crafts, Trick-or-Treating, a costume contest for kids and dogs, and the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge’s spooky haunted house attraction. Costume contest registration is at 4 p.m., the contest kicks off at 5 p.m. and Trick-or-Treating begins at 6 p.m. Abrakadoodle will be on site with children’s fantasy face-painting and creepy crafts. For more information, please visit DestinCommons.com.

October 25 and 26
Pumpkinpalooza
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Boulevard
Destin
Children and adult costume contests will be held during this exciting Halloween event. There will be plenty of drinks and live entertainment to savor. Children can Trick-or-Treat with merchants all day during business hours. Pumpkin decorating, free crafts and face painting will also be available! To learn more, contact info@harborwalk-destin.com or call 850.424.0600.

Sunday, October 26, 2014:
Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:
Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor www.crabislandcantina.com
Harry T’s, Destin Harbor www.harryts.com
Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin www.mcguiresirishpub.com

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Our Top Picks for October 18-19 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This upcoming fall weekend entails some fantastic events, including a kite festival, a zombie walk and ballet performance! For current weather updates, be sure to reference weather.com or tune in via television to The Weather Channel.

The Life’s A Beach crew wishes everyone a safe and BEACHY October weekend! Enjoy!


Saturday, October 18, 2014:
6th Annual Flying High on the Harbor Kite Festival
HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point
Destin
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.


The Kite Festival entails an all-day event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both October 18 and 19 at Destin Harbor’s HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point across the water. There will be giant 25 to 100-foot kites flying over the Destin Harbor, stunt kite lessons and family fun fly at Norriego Point. At HarborWalk Village, there will be kite making for the kids, paddleboard and skateboard demos, and toys and games. This event will be fun for everyone! For more information, please call 850.837.2800.


Fort Walton Beach Coin Show
Northwest Florida Fairgrounds
1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Fort Walton Beach Coin Club will host a coin show at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds October 18 and 19. Admission is free. Buy/sell/trade an assortment of coins/medals/tokens/currency. Bring the entire family! For more information, please visit fwbchamber.org/events/.

Snow White – Northwest Florida Ballet
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
100 College Boulevard
Niceville
On October 18 and 19, the Northwest Florida Ballet presents Snow White. The performance will take place on the main stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. Contact the Ballet at 850.664.7787 or visit NFBallet.org for ticket information.

Hispanic Heritage GALA Festival
Knights of Columbus
205 Carol Avenue
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
The Eglin Hispanic Heritage Committee is hosting a GALA Festival at the Knights of Columbus on October 18. The event will close out all events held by the committee in celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). The committee would like to share the culture by inviting the community to enjoy Hispanic music and dancing. There will be a live band and a DJ for entertainment. Snacks will be provided. The event is free. Dress code is semi formal. This is an adult-only event, so please no children. For more information, visit fwbchamber.org/events/.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach 2014 Zombie Walk & Canned Food Drive
Fountain Square
196 Miracle Strip Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
The Zombie Walk and Canned Food Drive for Sharing & Caring will take place Saturday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. To register, please bring four cans of food to The Fort Walton Beach Landing or to the corner of Highway 98 and Ferry Road. More than $1,000 in prizes will be given away during this event. You don’t want to miss it!


2014 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
Uptown Station
99 Eglin Parkway, Ste. 9
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 8 a.m.
Join the 2014 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of the Emerald Coast. This noncompetitive 5K walk raises money to fund breast cancer research and to educate Floridians about the importance of early detection and prevention. During this event, participants will join together to show support for the fight against breast cancer. For more information and to sign up, please contact Donna Fought at 850.585.9904 or e-mail donna.msabc@gmail.com.

Uptown Station Family Movie Night Series, Featuring: Muppets (2014)
Uptown Station
99 Eglin Parkway
Fort Walton Beach
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Join the movie crowd every other Saturday night at Central Park for Uptown Station’s family movie series in the park. All movies begin at dusk (approximately 7:30 p.m.) and are free and open to the public. Bring along blankets and chairs to stay comfortable. This week’s movie feature is the 2014 Muppets movie! Movie showings are always dependent upon the weather, so please refer to the Uptown Station Facebook page for the latest updates. facebook.com/UptownStation

Sunday, October 19, 2014:
ARTwalk on the Harbor
HarborWalk Village
10 Harbor Boulevard
Destin
Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Local artists display their unique and creative work along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk every third Sunday of each month.

Some Sunday Brunch spots in and around Destin:
Crab Island Cantina, Destin Harbor crabislandcantina.com
Harry T’s, Destin Harbor harryts.com
Angler’s Beachside Grill, Okaloosa Island Boardwalk anglersgrill.com

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Destin mcguiresirishpub.com