High-Flying Fun for All

THERE'S something for everyone...

The Life's A Beach team hopes that everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend, despite Hurricane Irma's surrounding presence. We are so thankful the storm did not have a direct hit on our beautiful area!

Looking at the week ahead, we have some featured, local events that are sure to inspire your inner adventurer.

15       National Drive Electric Week Exhibit

More than 30 electric cars, motorcycles and bikes will be on display at Destin Commons. Learn all about driving electric! Vendor booths, vehicle presentations and test drives will also be present. To learn more about this "green" event, visit DestinCommons.com.

Photo courtesy of Destin Commons.

16       Oktoberfest at HarborWalk Village

Don’t miss HarborWalk’s twist on an old German tradition this fall! Enjoy live music on the main stage, a variety of food from local vendors, arts and crafts for the whole family, over 20 German and seasonal craft beers, Stein Hoisting, games and more. For further information on this event, please visit EmeraldGrande.com.

Photo courtesy of Emerald Grande's website event page.

16       Knitting Class at Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

Have you always wanted to learn how to knit? Now is your chance! During this class, you will learn basic stitches and begin a project of your choice. You will need to bring your own yarn and short, size 8 circular or straight needles. The cost is $15 for museum members and $20 for nonmembers. Please call 850.678.2615 to register. You can visit Heritage-Museum.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of the Heritage Museum website.

16-17 Fly Into Fall Kite Festival

Join Kitty Hawk Kites and the Emerald Coast Kite Fliers Club for two days of free, kite flying fun! Enjoy larger-than-life show kites, professional stunt kite flying demonstrations, free kite flying lessons, a family fun fly perfect for any age and special activities at the Kitty Hawk Kites store at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. For more information, visit KittyHawk.com.

Photo courtesy of Kitty Hawk Kites Facebook page.

For more information on local events, please visit LifesABeachDestin.com or follow us on Facebook.

Have a beachy day!

Our Top Picks for July 2-4 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Our Top Picks for July 2-4 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Throughout the upcoming holiday weekend, the Emerald Coast is bustling with concerts, fireworks, an annual BBQ competition and 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 safe and beachy Fourth of July weekend! Enjoy!

Thursday, July 2, 2015:

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Presents: David Seering

4323 Commons Drive West

Destin

Time: 7 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.

At this week’s MKAF Concerts in the Village Summer Concert Series performance, David Seering—A Celebration of American Music will take the stage!

During this fantastic and energetic outdoor event, a band plays for a crowd spanning the grass that the Dugas Pavilion overlooks. The audience can bring their own food and drinks to enjoy, or they can purchase them on site. Also, be sure to bring lawn chairs or towels to sit on. Come ready for a night of upbeat tunes and a spectacular performance that you won’t forget!

The cost for this great event is $10 per adult and children under 12 get in for free. For more information, please visit MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org or call 850.650.2226.

Red, White and Blue Celebration

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 7 p.m.

The Red, White and Blue Celebration is a weekly honoring of a local hero. The celebrations highlight the efforts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ crafts, face painting and a vintage WWII aircraft flyover. The evening is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display over Destin Harbor at 9 p.m.

Friday, July 3, 2015:

5^th Annual Smoke on the Coast

Destin Commons

4300 Legendary Drive

Destin

Time: 5 p.m. - until

Have a fun-filled evening kicking off the Fourth of July holiday weekend at the 5th Annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival! Twenty area restaurants and BBQ aficionados will light up their grills to prepare their best dishes. Starting at 5 p.m., for $1 per sampling, people get to vote for People’s Choice winners with proceeds benefiting Children in Crisis, Food For Thought and Building Homes for Heroes.

Kids’ activities, face painting, street performers and continuous live music, including DJ Mack, The Wide Open and Heritage will keep the party going. The evening will end with an Independence Day firework extravaganza.

For more information, follow Destin Commons on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Concerts at the Landing, featuring Continuum

The Landing

139 Brooks Street

Downtown Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6-8 p.m.

This weekly event, that has been going on since May 1, is coming to an end THIS week. Bring a lawn chair and a cooler, and sit back and relax in the company of great tunes!

Downtown FWB Art Walk

139 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6-8 p.m.

The Downtown FWB Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month, beginning in March and ending in November. It features local art across a variety of mediums. There is something for everyone—rom an array of local art and jewelry to many other handmade creations. Stroll the sidewalk, check out all of the fun and unique businesses, listen to local music and be amazed by our local artists. It’s a great way to support our local community and start off your Friday evening downtown!

Saturday, July 4, 2015:

4^th of July Extravaganza on the Harbor

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 5:30-10 p.m.

Spirits will soar and flags will wave as July 4^th festivities kick off at HarborWalk Village with live music on the main stage, fireworks over the Destin Harbor and one big American celebration on Florida's Emerald Coast!

Let freedom, ring, rock and roll with a charming trio—the Victory Belles! Revive WWII classics in throwback, tailored dresses, coiffed curls, red lipstick and vintage charm at 5:30 p.m. on the main stage. The patriotic salute continues with authentic American Honky Tonk by The Modern Eldorados at 7 p.m., blending rockabilly with traditional country music. The band pays tribute to the essence of Ray Price, Webb Pierce, Hank Williams and Carl Perkins.

Grab a good seat because the celebration ends with a bang. Fireworks will glitter in the sky at 9 p.m. over the Destin Harbor!

Our Top Picks for November 21-23 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

The weather temperatures are warming up this weekend! Friday-Sunday you can enjoy a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, The Nutcracker ballet performance, Santa’s Holiday Arrival and 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 wonderful and safe weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, November 21, 2014:

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

1450 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Saturday, November 22, 2014:

Santa’s Holiday Arrival and Fireworks at Destin Commons

Destin Commons

4300 Legendary Drive Ste. 200

Destin

Time: 5–7 p.m.

Photo credit: Destin Commons

Santa Claus is coming to town at Destin Commons! At 6:45 p.m., join in Santa’s arrival with a festive holiday celebration parade down Main Street and the official lighting of the center’s spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree. Delight in a fireworks finale to kick off the holiday season. Activities and entertainment for the whole family include Christmas carolers, musicians playing traditional holiday favorites, kids’ craft projects by Abrakadoodle, and free photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Kids can visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops throughout the rest of November and December. Visit BassPro.com for Santa’s hours. For more information, visit DestinCommons.com or check out their Facebook page.

NWFL Ballet - The Nutcracker

Nov. 22-23

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

100 College Boulevard

Niceville

The Northwest Florida Ballet presents the holiday favorite "The Nutcracker" in the Mainstage theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 23. Advance tickets will be available for purchase through the NWF Ballet. To purchase tickets, visit purchase.tickets.com. Please contact the Ballet at 850.664.7787 or visit NFBallet.org for more information.

Thanksgiving on the Destin Harbor - Emerald Grande

Nov. 22 – Dec. 3

Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Enjoy a relaxing holiday at Emerald Grande where a chef will prepare dinner for your private suite and a full-service staff will return, clean and pack leftovers, then pour after-dinner drinks and serve dessert to you and your family. Room rates starting at $225. Enjoy a Thanksgiving Feast at Grande Vista Bar and Grill and make your Thanksgiving GRANDE.

Sunday, November 23, 2014:

City of Fort Walton Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

FWB Landing

139 Brooks Street SE

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 4 p.m.

Photo credit: City of Fort Walton Beach

Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 23, as the City of Fort Walton Beach presents its annual, waterfront Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. The program kicks off when Santa arrives by fire truck at the Landing. Be sure to bring your camera (and your Christmas list) because Santa will be in the Landing Park gazebo to visit with all until 7 p.m. 

Michael “Taz” WrightReynolds, longtime local favorite actor will read “Elf on the Shelf”. Local entertainer, Reid Soria of Autism Sings, will sing Christmas carols around the tree leading up to the official lighting of the City of Fort Walton Beach Christmas Tree. Mayor Mike Anderson will be on hand to do the honors, kicking off the holiday season in grand style.

  

Don’t forget to stick around for the outdoor movie—The Polar Express, starting at 6 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy the show! Fantasea Faces will be on hand for face painting and hot chocolate and other concessions will be available throughout the event. Bring the whole family and kick off the 2014 holiday season in style! For more information about the city’s holiday events, please call 850.833.9576 or visit FWB.org/Holidays2014.

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

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 7^th 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:

19^th 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