Our Top Picks for November 7-9 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

During this weekend, you can enjoy fantastic fall events like a wine festival, BBQ festival and a full-moon cruise! 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 wonderful and safe fall weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, November 7, 2014:

Nov. 7-9

Seeing Red Wine Festival Weekend

Seaside

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation presents the Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside. The weekend includes an Al Fresco Reserve Tasting on the Seaside Lyceum Lawn on Friday, the 24^th Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival Grand Tasting in downtown Seaside on Saturday and the Fall Walkabout and Charity Auction on the Sunset Deck at Hilton Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on Sunday. Attend one event, or all three! Your attendance at the Seeing Red Wine Festival supports local children in need. For more information, please visit SeeingRedWineFestival.com.

Nov. 7-9

29^th Annual Thunderbird Intertribal Powwow

Mullet Festival Grounds

FL Highway 85N & College Boulevard

Niceville

Spend the day with craft makers, singers, dancers, flute players, storytellers and exploring exhibits. Schedule of Events:

Friday: Children’s Day: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Powwow: 7 p.m. Grand Entry; Intertribal Dancing into the night

Saturday: Craft Competition: 10 – 11 a.m.; Special Performances: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Grand Entry & Opening Ceremonies: 1 p.m., followed by Intertribal, Exhibition, Competition Dancing until 5 p.m.

Night Grand Entry: 7 p.m. followed by Intertribal Dancing, Dance Exhibitions & Competitions into the night

Sunday: Church Service: 10 – 11 a.m.: at the Arena

Intertribal Dancing, Dance Exhibitions, Competition Winners: Noon to 4 p.m.

ADMISSION: Powwow: $5; $3 for ages 12 and younger/Children’s Day: $3

For more information, please visit fwbchamber.org/events.

Saint Simon’s on the Sound 40^th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair

Saint Simon’s on the Sound

28 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SunQuest Cruises SOLARIS Full Moon Cruise Benefitting the Junior League

SunQuest Cruises

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Miramar Beach

Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast is celebrating 50 years of making a difference in the Florida Panhandle with a Full Moon Cruise on the SOLARIS yacht. Evenings on the water take on a whole new luster under the light of a full moon. Cruise and dine on heavy hors d’oeuvres and savor a delectable S’mores bar under the glowing moonlight on the sparkling waters. Mingle throughout all three indoor and outdoor decks, enjoy live entertainment by David Hall and bid on great items at the silent auction. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. with the cruise taking place from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Reservations required online at www.jlec.org or by calling 850.269.7234.

Saturday, November 8, 2014:

Blues, Brews and BBQ

Top restaurants will compete in a spirited and fun cook off even that will offer samples of their original take on traditional BBQ. Breweries will offer more than 25 refreshing craft beers and cocktails to compliment the BBQ and signature coastal food. Visitors can purchase wristbands for $25 at the gate or in advance for $20 by calling 850.974.4801. Live entertainment will be provided by The Modern Eldorados, The Blenders and The House Rockers brought to you by Abita Brewery. A chance to win 2 VIP tours to Abita Brewery will be given away at the festival. For more information, visit Blues, Brews and BBQ on Facebook at facebook.com/BluesBrewsBBQ.

Nov. 8 – Nov. 14

ADSO’s Art Week

The Art Center

17^th First Street

Fort Walton Beach

The Arts and Design Society's annual Art Week takes place November 8-14, beginning with classes on November 8 and ending with an Arty Party on Friday, November 14, from 6-8 pm. During the week, 20 two-hour classes will be offered as a sampler of what's available at the Art Center. The first class is $25; subsequent classes are $20. All supplies are included. No expertise required. Projects will be completed in the class. Also, four, fun art competitions will be in progress. Check the website for details on classes and competitions. The free Arty Party will include the display of completed art and competitive art, activities and refreshments. All are invited. Please call 850.244.1271 Tuesday - Friday, noon - 4 p.m. or visit artsdesignsociety.org.

Sunday, November 9, 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

Your March 7-9, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

It’s weekend time and that means time for back-to-back days of entertainment on the Emerald Coast! With Mardi Gras behind us, a variety of other events like runs, fundraisers, festivals and concert series are taking place this weekend. Temperatures are reported by www.weather.com to be in the low-50s for the low and the mid-60s for the high. The chance of precipitation is very slight.

As always, have a BEACHY weekend!

Friday, March 7, 2014:

WEAR ABC TV 3 Hosts Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Blood Drive

OneBlood

4900 Mobile Highway

Pensacola

7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Each year, WEAR ABC TV 3 along with Subway and Pensacola KIA Autosport thank blood donors who attend this event to save lives. Each blood donor will receive a wellness check and a cholesterol screening. Donors will also receive a “Blood Donors are Lucky Charms” T-shirt. Subway sandwiches will be served from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Generally, healthy people ages 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Donors save countless lives every day.

www.OneBlood.org

30A Wine Festival to Benefit the Children’s Volunteer Health Network

Alys Beach

Throughout this weekend-long event, enjoy wine seminars, walkabouts, after parties, live music and so much more! There will also be bourbon and beer tasting paired with barbecue, and pork and pinot featuring croquet.

www.30AWineFestival.com

Photo credit: 30AWineFestival.com. This photo was taken at last year's 30A Wine Festival.

Oyster Reef Construction - Volunteer Opportunity with Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA)

Placid Drive

Fort Walton Beach

(Meet at the end of Harrelson Drive)

From 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., volunteers will help the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance move and place bagged oyster shells at the reef site. Wear gloves, clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. Bring a towel, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat. Bring refillable water bottle and snacks. To RSVP, contact Gwinr@nwfsc.edu.

Horizons of Okaloosa County & Act4Murder present Killer in the Kitchen

Wyndham Garden of Fort Walton Beach

573 Santa Rosa Blvd.

Fort Walton Beach

Act4Murder will perform one of the fantastic interactive productions along with dinner, a cash bar and a silent auction. Tickets are $55 per person and all proceeds benefit Horizons. Bring your best detective skills and ready yourself for fun, food and surprises! This year’s performance is titled “Killer in the Kitchen” (think reality cooking show) and just might have an appearance by a celebrity chef! For more information, find Act4Murder on Facebook.

  

Saturday, March 8, 2014:
37th Annual McGuire's St. Patrick's Prediction Run
McGuire's Irish Pub
600 E Gregory Street
Pensacola
From 8 a.m. - noon, everyone is welcome to run/walk in the McGuire's St. Patrick's Prediction 5K Run/Walk. The run begins and ends at McGuire's Irish Pub in Pensacola. Don the color green and come on out for a fun time!
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Pensacola/McGuiresStPatricksDayPrediction5KRun 

Run For the Health of It 5K/8K

Saint Mary Parish Life Center

165 Coral Ave.

Fort Walton Beach

Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner and show begin at 7 p.m.

The second annual Run For the Health of It 5K/8K run/walk will be hosted by Saint Mary Parish Life Center on March 8. The race is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Participants of all ages and athletic abilities are welcome. The run will help raise funds to provide healthcare services and education to our local community via the new White-Wilson Community Foundation.

www.WhiteWilsonCommunityFoundation.org

The Rat Pack is Back – Special NFSO Fundraiser

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

100 College Blvd. E

Mainstage Theater

Northwest Florida State College

Niceville

“The Rat Pack is Back!” presents a special performance March 8 at 7:30 p.m. to benefit the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO). This smash-hit show is in its 14^th successful year in Las Vegas. Relive the great songs and terrific voices of the original Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact 850.729.6000 or www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.

Home School Fridays

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Ave.

Valparaiso

March 7 will be the next Home School Friday. The month of March features “Can you ‘Dig It?’ ” During these classes, questions such as “What is an archaeologist?” and “What is the process for unearthing and recording historical objects?” will be answered and explained. Participants will discover important vocabulary terms related to archaeology. You will also get to work together with the teachers with digging, investigating, observing, and collecting and recording data. This hands-on learning experience is one-of-a-kind, so come on out and explore! Space is limited. Please pre-register by calling 850.678.2615.

Tequila and Taco Fest

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Blvd.

Destin

1-5 p.m.

Tequila and Specialty Taco Tastings from HarborWalk Village restaurants and other local venues. Live entertainment, raffles, Lick ‘em, Shoot ‘em, Bite ‘em and Eat ‘em Contest and more. VIP After Party at Crab Island will include Reserve Tequilas, live entertainment and more. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army. Price is free to attend/$10 Tasting Armband/$25 VIP After Party ticket.

ADSO Life Sculpture Workshop

Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach, Inc.

17 1^st Street SE

Fort Walton Beach

9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Participants will create Marquette-size clay sculptures of a live model during this half-day sculpture workshop. Cost of workshop: $25 for members, $30 for non-members, plus a tip for the model. Cost may change, depending on the number of artists. Clay, firing and model fee are included in the cost. Advance registration and payment are required. Please call 850.244.1271 or visit the ADSO office Tuesday-Friday from noon – 4 p.m.

Texas Hold ‘em Poker Shoot Out

Elks Lodge #1795 on Okaloosa Island

1335 Miracle Strip Pkwy.

Fort Walton Beach

The top 10 finishers in this 3^rd Annual Poker Tournament will be awarded prizes. Tickets are sold in advance and at the door. All proceeds to benefit American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of the Emerald Coast. For more information, contact Poker Director Bea at sadie220@yahoo.com or via phone at 850.225.5679.

Spring Break 2014 Concert Series

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Blvd.

Destin

Saturdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29

All guests and locals are invited to HarborWalk Village to enjoy a free Spring Break concert on these Saturday nights on the Destin Harbor. Concerts are free and open to the public. March 8: Gypsy Riot 2-5 p.m. (part of Tequila and Taco Fest), March 15: Continuum TBD (part of 6^th Annual Irish Street Festival), March 22: Gypsy Riot 7-9 p.m. and March 29: Gypsy Riot 7-9 p.m.

Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina

Crab Island Cantina

2 Harbor Blvd. #100

Destin

Every Saturday Night is Latin Night with “DJ Vasco.” From 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and top 40. Drink specials all night.

www.CrabIslandCantina.com

2014 Emerald Coast Football Combine

4200 Indian Bayou Drive

Destin

The 2014 Emerald Coast Football Combine is set for March 8 at the Morgan Sports Complex in Destin. Current and former college and high school coaches will be on hand to participate. The goal of this organization is to get scholarships for as many kids as possible. For more information, please call 850.240.0693.

Coconut Kids and Toys & Treasures to Join Forces in Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy. W

Destin

The Sandestin Retail Shops are combining two of their most popular stores to provide guests and locals with the ultimate children’s shopping destination. Coconut Kids, a children’s boutique featuring brand names for the little ones, will be joining Toys & Treasures in an expansion project to become the shopping experience unlike any other, catering to children of all ages. The Grand Reopening (seven days of fun) will take place March 9-15 in The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Sunday, March 9, 2014:

Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina

Crab Island Cantina

2 Harbor Blvd. #100

Destin

Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with the purchase of an entrée. View the menu online. www.CrabIslandCantina.com/Events.html

The view of Crab Island Cantina from the water.

“So You Think You’re Funny?” at Crab Island Cantina

Crab Island Cantina

2 Harbor Blvd. #100

Destin

Crab Island Cantina on the Destin Harbor hosts a comedy competition every Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. with sign up at 5 p.m. Sixteen weeks of competition with weekly winners to compete for the grand prize of performing at the world famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California. The overall winner will receive two round-trip tickets and a three-day, two-night stay at Wyndham Resorts. For more information, please contact Ed Joseph at 321.230.0487.

www.crabislandcantina.com/events.html

Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s

46 Harbor Blvd.

Destin

Come out to Harry T’s for a delicious Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruit, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato, hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. http://www.harryts.com/.

Your Feb. 28 – March 2, 2014 Weekend Entertainment Guide

It’s here again—the weekend! And better yet, it’s Mardi Gras weekend! Get out and enjoy this festive purple, green and gold event by taking part in one (or all!) of the many Mardi Gras parades and happenings over the weekend. Temperatures are reported by www.weather.com to be in the mid-60s for the high and mid-50s for the low, with a chance of rain Friday through Sunday. Don’t let the slight chance of rain hold you back from enjoying yourself!

Life's A Beach Mardi Gras float from 2012.

As always, have a BEACHY weekend!

Friday, February 28, 2014:

Mardi Gras Pub Crawl with Destin Nights

HarborWalk Village at the Emerald Grande

10 Harbor Blvd.

Destin

Don your best Mardi Gras outfit and join the Destin Nights for another exciting pub crawl! Purchase an armband to support a local charity and receive drink and food specials at each stop. Visit the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl with Destin Nights Facebook page for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/485493214892864/?fref=ts

Cello Recital – Featuring NFSO Cellist Boyan Bonev

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

100 College Blvd.

Niceville

Cellist, Boyan Bonev, from the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra performs a recital at 7:30 p.m. Donations accepted at the door to support the NFSO. For information, contact the NWF State College Fine & Performing Arts Division office at 850.729.5382. www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.

Saturday, March 1, 2014:

ADSO Window Gallery Display, Month of March 2014 – Pat Federinko

Art Center

17 First Street, SE

Fort Walton Beach

To showcase the work of local artists, the Arts and Design Society presents a month-long exhibit in their studio windows, facing First Street in Fort Walton Beach. In March, on display is the art of Pat Federinko. Pat works with paint, pottery and glass. The window art is available for viewing 24/7, while office and gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, and the gallery (which is free to the public) is additionally open 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

Snake Day

Downtown Fort Walton Beach (in front of the FWB Landing)

139 Brooks Street

Fort Walton Beach

Experience exciting encounters with live animals from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Southern Resorts Garage Sale to Benefit Ronald McDonald House

RE/MAX Southern Office

34894 Emerald Coast Pkwy.

Destin

The garage sale, which will take place from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., will feature high-end office furniture and décor, like-new clothing and other odds and ends donated by Southern employees. One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House. The event will take place at the old RE/MAX Southern office located at 34894 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin.

Campfires and Safety

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

7525 W. Scenic Hwy. 30A

Santa Rosa Beach

Topsail Hill Preserve invites you to learn about campfires. This all-ages program will take place outside around the campfire ring at the amphitheater. You will learn safety, cooking techniques and a host of other useful ideas. Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle. Park staff will direct you to the clubhouse parking lot upon arrival.

Saturday Latin Night at Crab Island Cantina

Crab Island Cantina

2 Harbor Blvd. #100

Destin

Every Saturday Night is Latin Night with “DJ Vasco.” From 9 p.m. – 2 a.m., dance to Bachata, Merenque, Salsa, Reggaeton and top 40. Drink specials all night.

www.CrabIslandCantina.com

HarborWalk Village 6^th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Blvd.

Destin

Enjoy sparkly floats, colorful costumes, street performers and float riders tossing handfuls of beads! Stay and enjoy live music on the Main Stage, following the parade. Proceeds from the entry fees and donations will benefit a local charity. Parade begins at 2 p.m.

View of HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point.

Fourth Annual Eglin AFA Fisher House 5K

Fisher House of the Emerald Coast

P.O. Box 2007

350 Boatner Rd.

Eglin AFB

The Eglin AFA Fisher House 5K is a 5K Race and Kids’ Fun Run, benefitting the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and presented in partnership with the Team Eglin Top Three Association. The Fisher House provides a home away from home for families of sick or wounded military personnel, veterans and their families. No one ever pays a cent to stay at the Fisher House. Each year, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast serves nearly 400 guests. If interested in a sponsorship, please contact Eddie McAllister at EglinAFA@gmail.com. For more information, call 850.218.8817.

Home School Fridays and Hands-On History Saturdays

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Ave.

Valparaiso

March 1 marks the next Hands-On History Saturday and March 7 will be the next Home School Friday. The month of March features “Can you ‘Dig It?’ ” During these classes, questions such as “What is an archaeologist?” and “What is the process for unearthing and recording historical objects?” will be answered and explained. Participants will discover important vocabulary terms related to archaeology. You will also get to work together with the teachers with digging, investigating, observing, and collecting and recording data. This hands-on learning experience is one-of-a-kind, so come on out and explore! Space is limited. Please pre-register by calling 850.678.2615.

Sunday, March 2, 2014:

Children’s Advocacy Kieran May Memorial Golf Tournament

Kelly Plantation Golf Club

307 Kelly Plantation Dr.

Destin

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is hosting their annual Children’s Advocacy Kieran May Memorial Golf Tournament March 2 with a noon tee time at Kelly Plantation. This important fundraising event benefits children by providing services to help identify, treat and support them in abusive situations. ECCAC’s Night of a Thousand Stars Gala will take place on the eve of the golf tournament, Saturday March 1 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort at 6 p.m. The golf tournament is $400 per person, which includes two tickets to the Gala. Please call 850.833.9237 ext. 222 to make reservations. For more information, visit www.ECCAC.org.

Mardi Gras Dog Parade

Village of Baytowne Wharf

9300 Hwy. 98 W

Destin

Join Sandestin for the 11^th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade! The streets will be filled with costumed dogs and their humans throwing a myriad of throws, beads and parade favors. Themed convertibles, small floats (pulled by masters), golf carts, bicycles and decorated wagons will be everywhere with Mardi Gras music filling the air. The 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. For more information, visit www.Sandestin.com/Events.

Sunday Brunch at Crab Island Cantina

Crab Island Cantina

2 Harbor Blvd. #100

Destin

Enjoy an awesome Sunday Brunch with one of the best views of the Destin Harbor. Drink bottomless Margaritas, Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. with the purchase of an entrée. View the menu online. www.CrabIslandCantina.com/Events.html

Crab Island Cantina on Destin Harbor.

“So You Think You’re Funny?” at Crab Island Cantina

Crab Island Cantina

2 Harbor Blvd. #100

Destin

Crab Island Cantina on the Destin Harbor hosts a comedy competition every Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. with sign up at 5 p.m. Sixteen weeks of competition with weekly winners to compete for the grand prize of performing at the world famous Comedy Store on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, California. The overall winner will receive two round-trip tickets and a three-day, two-night stay at Wyndham Resorts. For more information, please contact Ed Joseph at 321.230.0487.

www.crabislandcantina.com/events.html

Sunday Brunch at Harry T’s

46 Harbor Blvd.

Destin

Come out to Harry T’s for a delicious Sunday Brunch on the Destin Harbor. Brunch items are served with fresh fruit, a fresh bakery basket and your choice of fried potato, hash browns or cheese grits. Bottomless champagne with entrée purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. http://www.harryts.com/brunch.html