What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?
We've got a big weekend ahead of us. It’s President’s Day weekend, so I know there are a few people out there who will enjoy a longer break than usual. Fat Tuesday is just around the corner as well, so there are several Mardi Gras celebrations happening throughout the area over the next few days. This should also be a highly entertaining and cultured weekend, with an art show, and several musical performances, including the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra among others. In addition, if you’re an avid runner, you will have your choice this week of what events you’d like to participate in, and for what cause.
It’s a great weekend to be on the Emerald Coast, and if you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve highlighted a few of the area happenings for the upcoming weekend below for your convenience.
Multi-Day Events
(February 17 & 18) Spend an evening enjoying the sounds of Grammy Award-winning The Parker Quartet. This astounding string quartet performs this special evening in the intimate setting of Rosemary Beach Town Hall. Event begins at 7:30 p.m. both days.
(February 18-19) Barefoot runners, this is your race!
The Destin 50 Beach Ultra Marathon, 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. boasts an entire weekend of events for runners. This race will take place on the white sand beaches of Destin, Florida and next to the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. That's right, the entire 50 mile/50K/relay races are in the sand! Truly a race like no other. Marathon benefits go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Friday, February 17th
The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents Stars of Tomorrow at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Relish in the extraordinary talent that is highlighting the 2011 Concerto Competition winners. This family friendly concert features the orchestra in a salute to the Old West, with a presentation of Aaron Copland's Billy the Kid suite, and guest artist performances by the talented winners of the 25th annual Concerto Competition for young musicians.
Saturday, February 18th
Navarre’s 26th Annual Mardi Gras Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. on Grand Boulevard in Navarre Beach.
The Friends of the Museum will be sponsoring the annual White Tent Yard Sale Fundraiser from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. outside the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum. Several tents and tables of gently used items, baked goods, and coffee will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Heritage Park and Cultural Center.
850.833.9595
The Doo-Wah Riders concert at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium offers a return to familiar Americana. They have entertained for more than 30 years with their sounds of high energy country with a Cajun twist. Concert starts at 7:30 P.M. The audience is invited to a reception at the Magnolia Grill following the concert where they can meet all the band members.
Enjoy great food, beverages and more at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival which will take place at the Village of Baytowne Wharf from noon until 4 p.m. Bring your discerning palate, and cast your vote as area restaurants and businesses vie for the prestigious title of “Area’s Best Gumbo.”
850.244.8110
Enjoy a parade, costume contest, movie and more at the
1st Annual Hammock Bay Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Festival at Hammock Bay in Freeport. The theme this year is Beach Bound Hounds! Parade will start at Canine Commons Bark Park in Hammock Bay at 4 p.m. and end in the town square at Hammock Bay where the street party begins. Stay for a movie in the park featuring Disney’s animated comedy Princess and the Frog set in the festive city of New Orleans.
Head out to the Destin Commons from 3-5 p.m. for the Destin Commons Mardi Gras Masquerade featuring entertainment, a seafood boil, arts & crafts, street dancing and more.
Take part in the Son of A Beach 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation this Saturday. Event begins at 8 a.m. at the Back Porch Restaurant in Destin. Registration includes a logo'd SoB cooler, water, light snacks and entertainment.
Get active for a great cause at the Run for the Kids a 5K run or walk event to benefit AMI Kids Emerald Coast. Event starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. After party/awards ceremony will follow at Fokkers in Downtown Fort Walton Beach.
Bring your artistic side to the Annual Art Show and Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seascape Resort Conference Center. Several artists represented. Original watercolors, prints, cards, gift items, and art instruction supplies will be for sale. Come meet the artists and purchase local artwork. This event is FREE and open to the public.
850.837.9181
Sunday February 19th
This year’s
Modern Bridal Expo at the Village of Baytowne Wharf gives brides the opportunity to mix and mingle with leading wedding vendors at Sandestin’s Baytowne Conference Center. The expo will feature a high-energy fashion show, door prizes, and the chance to win a FREE honeymoon! As a bonus brides may tour Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s wedding venues.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Mardi Gras Dog Parade is one of the premier canine events on the Emerald Coast with members of the four-pawed community coming far and wide to participate. This year’s theme is Cruisin’ Canines: Fetch a Wave. Event starts at 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.
Join the Northwest Florida Symphony Guild for their annual Food and Wine Tasting, to be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from 1-4 p.m.
Celebrate the coasts most talented regional and local musicians at the 4th Annual Beachcomber Music Awards at HarborWalk Village. Enjoy live music throughout the village from several of the nominees. Concerts are FREE and open to the public.
