Our Top Picks for March 27-29 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Sprinkled along our gorgeous Emerald Coast this weekend are events like the Annual FWB Beer Festival, Spring Break Concert Series, the Annual Easter Extravaganzoo and so much more! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The Life's A Beach crew wishes everyone a beachy, SPRING weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, March 27, 2015:

3/27-3/29

Mary Poppins Musical

Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

107 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Mary Poppins: A Musical is based on stories by P.L. Travers & the Disney film Mary Poppins. Directed by Jean Starkey. Curtains open at 7:30 p.m. nightly, and at 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets are $20; students pay $10 at the door. This tells the story of the world’s most beloved nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement with her everywhere she goes as she becomes a most unusual nanny to Jane and Michael. For more information, visit stagecraftersfwb.com.

Saturday, March 28, 2015:

Knitting Class at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Avenue, Valparaiso

Time: 9 a.m. – noon

Learn the fun and useful craft of knitting at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida during a Heritage Alive! Craft Class with instructor Carol Burkhard. Learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. Bring your own yarn and size 8 circular needles. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $20 or $15 for Museum members. Please call 850.678.2615.

ADSO’s First Ever Starving Artists Sale

Arts & Design Society

17 First Street SE, Fort Walton Beach

Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

ADSO artists will be selling their art and/or new or gently used artist's materials or books that they no longer need. The sale will be indoors—inside the gallery and studios. This is a great opportunity to buy art and art supplies! This may include jewelry, ceramics, paintings, or whatever art the multi-talented group produces. For further information, visit artsdesignsociety.org, or call the office, Tuesday-Friday, noon - 4 p.m., 850.244.1271.

2^nd Annual Easter Extravaganzoo

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Zoo

5262 Deer Springs Road, Crestview

Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Celebrate the season and enjoy a spring day of fun with arts and crafts, flower planting, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny and more! Guests will be able to decorate eggs for some of their favorite zoo animals, and there will also be Easter egg hunts at 11 a.m. (ages 8-12), 11:15 a.m. (ages 0-3) and 11:40 a.m. (ages 4-7). Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children and free for guests ages 2 and under. For more information, please call 850.682.3949.

Fort Walton Beach Beer Festival

FWB Wine World in Uptown Station

99 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Spring Break Concert Series

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard, Destin

Time: 7 p.m.

Come rock the docks during this free concert series on the HarborWalk Village stage! This event is free and open to the public. The Gable Bradley Band will perform from 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, March 29, 2015:

SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Kicks Off Spring With Crawfish Cruise

SunQuest Cruises

Sundestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach

Time: Boarding begins at 12:45 p.m., cruise is from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Enjoy Cruise & Blues, Bugs & Brews on SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS’ 2^nd Annual Crawfish Cruise. Guests will indulge in a spread fit for a Cajun King (or queen) as the SOLARIS chefs serve freshly boiled, perfectly seasoned crawfish while cruising the beautiful waters and listening to live blues music by Cadillac Willy. The SOLARIS Crawfish Cruise is $45/per person, including a choice of crawfish, shrimp or jambalaya, live music and a three-hour cruise. Cost is $25 for kids 10 and under to purchase a hot dog and chips. Reservations required online at SunQuestCruises.com or call 850.650.2519.

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

March-April, 2015

2015 HarborWalk Marina 18th Annual Cobia Tournament

The tournament takes place at HarborWalk Marina, located on the Destin Harbor, just minutes away from the intracoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The tournament ends April 30 at 8 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Our Top Picks for March 13-15 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

There are quite a few fantastic events happening this weekend on the Emerald Coast! Since we can’t highlight them all, please visit these links to learn about some that are not included in this post.

DestinChamber.com/Events

FWBChamber.org/Events

Throughout the next month or so, Spring Break continues to be in full swing, and we welcome all of our happy visitors! Along the Emerald Coast this weekend will bring events like the 9^th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Classic, the 7^th Annual Irish Street Festival and Grog March, ARTwalk on the Harbor and so much more! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

 

 wishes everyone a beachy weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, March 13, 2015:

9^th Annual Children in Crisis Charity Golf Classic

Children in Crisis, Inc.

1000 Luke’s Way

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 11 a.m.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Northwest Florida Debut of “Art,” Tony Award-Winning Comedy, March 13-15

Market Shops

9375 U.S. Highway 98

Miramar Beach

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC), a not-for-profit professional theater company based in Miramar Beach, Florida, continues its 2015 season by staging the Northwest Florida debut of “Art,” a comedy by French playwright Yasmina Reza.

Directed by ECTC artistic producer Nathanael Fisher, “Art” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. in suite 15 at the Market Shops, located at 9375 U.S. Highway 98, near the entrance to Sandestin and Hilton resorts in Miramar Beach.

The performance begins with an art gallery preview, featuring local Northwest Florida, including Andy Saczynski, Mary Hong, Velia Lala, Lori Drew and others prior to each show starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Due to language, the play is recommended for adult audiences. Seats are limited, and advance purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets, visit EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call 850.687.1637.

Saturday, March 14, 2015:

7^th Annual Irish Street Festival & Grog March

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Come on out to this festive, annual event held on the beautiful, Destin Harbor! The fun kicks off at noon with a street festival, live music and games. This part of the event will feature the Irish Dance Studio, the Emerald Coast Community Band, the Emerald Coast Pipe & Drum and Joe Ashcraft Bagpiper.

At 5 p.m., the Grog March Pub Crawl begins as patrons “Sham-Rock” their way throughout HarborWalk Village. The Pub Crawl is $10 per person with proceeds benefitting Food For Thought. Bring a plastic jar of peanut butter or jelly and receive $5 off your Grog March pass. At 6 p.m., there will be a live concert performance by Continuum, along with free Irish whiskey and green beer tasting!

For more information or to purchase tickets for this event, please visit HarborWalk Village’s Facebook page.

Snake Day

Emerald Coast Science Center

31 SW Memorial Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Experience live encounters with the science center’s reptile friends, as well as snake games and crafts, reptile face painting and more. For more information, please call 850.664.1261 or visit ECScience.org.

Lucky Leprechaun 5K/10K Run/Walk

The Fort Walton Beach Landing

139 Brooks Street

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 8 a.m.

Sunday, March 15, 2015:

ARTwalk on the Harbor

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

HarborWalk Village transforms into a mini art district with dozens of artists showcasing their vibrant, engaging and creative artwork, ranging from traditional to contemporary art, jewelry, paintings and more! For more information, please contact 850.424.0600.

March at the Post

American Legion Post 296

311 Main Street

Destin

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Help us to help our veterans. There will be food and cocktails available, along with lots of fun and entertainment. All events are open to the public.

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

March-April, 2015

2015 HarborWalk Marina 18th Annual Cobia Tournament

The tournament takes place at HarborWalk Marina, located on the Destin Harbor, just minutes away from the intracoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The tournament ends April 30 at 8 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Our Top Picks for March 6-8 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Throughout the next month or so, Spring Break will be underway, and we welcome all of our happy visitors! Along the Emerald Coast this weekend will bring events like an Art Walk, a Human Foosball Tournament, a Taco Fest and more! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The   crew wishes everyone a beachy weekend! Enjoy!

IT’S HERE! The spring 2015 issue of the Life’s A Beach Visitor’s Guide has officially been released and is arriving at our more than 300 distribution points over the next couple of weeks. Be sure to pick one up for great information on the local area as well as shopping/dining/attractions coupons!

Friday, March 6, 2015:

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Northwest Florida Debut of “Art,” Tony Award-Winning Comedy, March 6-8 & 13-15

Emerald Coast Theatre Company

112 Paradise Point Lane

Santa Rosa Beach

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC), a not-for-profit professional theater company based in Miramar Beach, Florida, continues its 2015 season by staging the Northwest Florida debut of “Art,” a comedy by French playwright Yasmina Reza.

Directed by ECTC artistic producer Nathanael Fisher, “Art” will be staged two weekends, March 6-8 and March 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. in suite 15 at the Market Shops, located at 9375 U.S. Highway 98, near the entrance to Sandestin and Hilton resorts in Miramar Beach.

The performance is at 7:30 p.m. with an art gallery preview featuring local Northwest Florida, including Andy Saczynski, Mary Hong, Velia Lala, Lori Drew and others prior to each show starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person. Due to language, the play is recommended for adult audiences. Seats are limited, advance purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org or call 850.687.1637.

Downtown FWB Art Walk

Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Highway 98 (starting at Wish Tree, ending at Hardbody Fitness)

Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Art Walk features local artists from all sorts of mediums. There is something for everyone, from oil paintings to handmade jewelry and everything in between. This family friendly event is a great way to kick off your weekend. Stroll the sidewalks while you check out all the fun, unique businesses, listen to local music and be amazed by our local artists.

Saturday, March 7, 2015:

Human Foosball Tournament – Fort Walton Beach Relay for Life

Uptown Station (main parking lot)

99 Eglin Parkway NE

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 12:30-4 p.m.

Join Relay for Life for their first ever Human Foosball Tournament, beginning at 12:30 p.m. this Saturday. You and five friends can play for $60/$10 per person. For more details on this event, please visit acsevents.org/site.

2^nd Annual Tequila and Taco Fest

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 1 p.m.

Spice up your Saturday with taco tastings prepared by local chefs that love to put their own spin on traditional tacos. There will also be a tequila tasting with more than 20 varieties of tequila, from a spiced habanero to smoky agave. The event is sponsored by Crab Island Cantina and Sauza Tequila. Proceeds will benefit the Salvation Army.

TICKETS: General Admission: $15 – General Admission includes a tasting armband for unlimited samples of tacos and 6 tickets for tequila samples. VIP: $20 - VIP Package includes armband for unlimited samples of tacos and 10 drink tickets with an exclusive after party at Crab Island Cantina, featuring additional top-shelf tequilas, exclusive exotic tacos and live music from 5-8 p.m. To purchase tickets: eventbrite.com.

Act4Murder Presents “Decked Out For Death”

American Legion Post 296

311 Main Street

Destin

Time: 5 p.m.

This great, Murder Mystery Dinner will consist of grilled steak or baked Cornish hen, potato, salad and dessert, along with beverages. There will be a cash bar as well. Dress in your best cruise ship attire and come ready to play and figure out “who dunnit?” The cost is $32 per person and the event is open to the public. For more information, please call 850.837.3818 or visit AmericanLegionDestin.com.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge to Host the Inaugural Zoolectric 5K

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

105 Santa Rosa Boulevard

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 7 p.m.

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is preparing to host the inaugural Zoolectric 5K. Participants are invited to sprint or stroll their way through an exciting course, featuring “electrifying” entertainment, glow zones and DJs. The run will begin and end at Nightown—Destin’s most popular club for the past 30 years.

Runners are invited to wear bright, neon colors, reflective gear and glow attire. A glow accessory will be provided to each pre-registered runner at packet pickup and event shirts will be given to the first 250 registrants. 

Registration (3/1-3/6/15) is $25. Registration is available online at ecwildliferefuge.com/zoolectricrun, or registration forms may be picked up at the Refuge on Okaloosa Island, or at Run With It in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. All proceeds will benefit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and will be used toward medical care, environmental education and conservation efforts for our native wildlife.

Children’s Advocacy Kieran May Memorial Golf and Gala Weekend

Mark your calendars for the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) annual Kieran May Memorial Golf and Gala Weekend, March 7 and 8. The weekend kicks off with the Gala at 6 p.m. on Saturday, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy a fun, Roaring ‘20s theme, dinner, music, dancing, live and silent auctions, and a cork wine pull. A live auction will include sought after items such as a trip to the Kentucky Derby, CBS Sports golf package with the winner’s pick of a golf tournament with the announcers, and a vacation home in San Miguel.

           

The Gala is an important, black tie optional (or Roaring ‘20s attire), fundraising event to benefit children by providing services to help identify, treat and support them in abusive situations. The popular golf tournament follows on Sunday, March 8, at the Raven Golf Course in Sandestin with a noon tee time. A hole-in-one contest will be sponsored by Sam Taylor for a chance to win a Cadillac.

           

The golf tournament is in memory of Kieran May, who passed away in 2012. He was a major supporter of ECCAC. Kieran May Memorial Golf Tournament costs $400 per person, which includes two tickets to the Gala. Purchased separately, Gala tickets are $250 per couple. Please call 850.833.9237, Ext. 256, to make reservations. For further information on ECCAC, visit eccac.org.

Sunday, March 8, 2015:

March at the Post, Sundays March 8 and 15

American Legion Post 296

311 Main Street

Destin

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Help us to help our veterans. There will be food and cocktails available, along with lots of fun and entertainment. All events are open to the public.

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

March-April, 2015

2015 HarborWalk Marina 18th Annual Cobia Tournament

The tournament takes place at HarborWalk Marina, located on the Destin Harbor, just minutes away from the intracoastal waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The tournament begins when the first fish is caught and ends April 30 at 8 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

Life's A Beach Awarded Four ADDYs at 2015 Local Competition

On Saturday, February 28, Life’s A Beach Publications was ecstatic to win four ADDY Awards during the 2015 American Advertising Federation of the Emerald Coast ADDY Awards Gala held at Bric á Brac in Destin. The following are photos of our winning entries, along with descriptions of their category and what each entry entails.

A  big THANK YOU to our clients as well as our fans!

Gold ADDY:

Collateral Material Publication Design, Cover

The Destin Area 2014 Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory for Destin Area Chamber of Commerce

Silver ADDYs:

Non-Traditional Advertising, Single

Life’s A Beach Collection 2015 Beach Calendar for Life’s A Beach Publications

Collateral Material Publication Design (Magazine or Book), Series

Life’s A Beach THE Visitor’s Guide to the Emerald Coast

Collateral Material Publication Design, Cover

Currents: Greater Fort Walton Beach 2014 Community Information Guide and Membership Directory for Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce