Our Top Picks for May 29-30 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This weekend on the Emerald Coast is sure to be complete with numerous, exciting outdoor events for those of all ages to enjoy! 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 weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, May 29, 2015:

The Science of Beer

Emerald Coast Science Center

31 SW Memorial Parkway

Fort Walton Beach
Time: 6-8 p.m.
$30 - For beer, food and science!
$10 - If you're not drinking

Join the science center as they partner with Grayton Beer Company, and learn how the frothy beverage is made! Adults only. Please call 850.664.1261 or visit ECScience.org for more information.

Free Concerts at The Landing, featuring Jones & Company

The Landing

139 Brooks Street

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, May 30, 2015:

Rock the Docks LIVE

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 7 p.m.

Every Saturday night throughout the summer, come on out for free concerts on the HarborWalk Village stage! All concerts are open to the public. Entertainment this week will be provided by The Wide Open. For more information, please call 850.424.0600.

International Festival on the Coast

Shoreline Village

886 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 2-8 p.m.

This festival is a fun, family friendly, multi-cultural extravaganza with folkloric groups, food, arts and crafts, kids’ activities and more! Please contact David at 850.368.3505 for more information.

Military Appreciation Event at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

10562 Emerald Coast Parkway

Destin

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

All military members and their families are invited to this special Military Appreciation event. Check in for the event at the courtyard in front of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th to receive a Silver Sands Scavenger Hunt Card. Shoppers will have until 1 p.m. to complete the Scavenger Hunt. Afterward, they are asked to return to the courtyard for prize drawings, food, face painting and crafts by Abrakadoodle. The first 50 military members to check in for the event will receive a free Premium Outlets tote bag. *Must show valid military I.D. To learn more, contact 850.654.9771.

Our Top Picks for April 11-12 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This weekend is all about getting outdoors! Whether you are attending a walk with your dog to fight cancer or you are watching an outdoor concert performance at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, experiencing these events outside will make them that much more enjoyable. Especially so, since spring on the Emerald Coast has been absolutely beautiful thus far. 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 weekend! Enjoy!

Saturday, April 11, 2015:

Run 4 Science – Healthy Okaloosa Day

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join the 5^th Annual Run 4 Science 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run! The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Seabreeze Neighborhood. After the race, there will be a family-friendly post party at the Emerald Coast Science Center with food, fun and beer!

ecscience.org

Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market

DeFrance Antiques

230 Eglin Parkway SE

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market will be open the second Saturday of every month, beginning in March and continuing through October. An array of vendors will be set up with many different locally grown and handmade items such as fresh farm produce and fruit like Asian pears, local honey, grass-fed beef, baked goods, fresh eggs, jams, jellies, handmade soaps and scrubs, and so much more! Feel free to stroll down the streets of Downtown Fort Walton Beach after the Farmers’ Market and check out our local flavor and Southern hospitality. Our community offers many unique boutiques, restaurants and bars, perfect for a Saturday afternoon!

Bark For Life of the Emerald Coast

Destin City Complex

4200 Indian Bayou Trail

Destin

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer. By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, helping them move closer to their ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays. So, bring your best canine friend out for a fun-filled day, starting with a walk and continuing with demonstrations, contests and games.

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast Presents Touch-a-Truck

The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island

1450 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The JLEC is proud to bring Touch-a-Truck to the Emerald Coast for the first time! This community event will provide families with the opportunity to learn about and explore trucks, construction vehicles and public safety equipment. Each vehicle will have a driver present to answer questions and let the kids explore! There will also be crafts and games for the kids, free ice cream from Cinco Baptist Church and a Touch-a-Truck logo coloring contest. The winning logo will be featured on our website! Bryan Pest Control is the event sponsor.

All donations benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast and help to ensure the success of their programs such as the Child Clothing Project, Kids in the Kitchen and Back to Books Bash. Free admission for all ages. Donations will be accepted. The Junior League of the Emerald Coast, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the affective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The JLEC's purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

December ’63 to Perform Tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Dugas Pavilion in Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village

4323 Commons Drive West

Destin

Time: 7 p.m.

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is walking down memory lane with the help of memorable music. In partnership with Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate, Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation continues a yearlong celebration of its 20^th anniversary with a rousing special performance by December ’63. The five-member band is named for Frankie Valli’s 1975 hit "December 1963 (Oh What a Night)," which topped the music charts at No. 3 in the U.S. in 1975. December ’63 celebrates the indomitable spirit of the charismatic ‘60s crooner with the unmistakable falsetto voice with such memorable hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You” and more.

Bring a chair, blanket and picnic or purchase dinner prepared onsite from food trucks and local restaurants serving up delicious dinner menu options. Bring your own beverages or purchase water, soft drinks, beer and wine at the event. Tickets for this benefit concert are $25 for adults or $20 for MKAF members. Children (under 12) get in for free. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 850.650.2226. Proceeds from the event will benefit MKAF’s mission to support cultural events and educational programs.

Sunday, April 12, 2015:

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 December 5-7 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This weekend’s calendar features a few art-inspired events as well as holiday-inspired ones. 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, December 5, 2014:

A Christmas Carol

(December 5 – 6)

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Sprint Theater

100 College Boulevard

Niceville

The classic Charles Dickens tale “A Christmas Carol” takes a delightful twist December 5 and 6 in a customized adaption by Northwest Florida State College that combines lively music and song, along with acting, period costumes, narration, set design and more to bring to life the story of Tiny Tim, Scrooge, Bob Crachitt and the spirits of Christmas. Included in the ticket price of $25/each will be Victorian-style desserts and beverages. The event will feature performances in the Sprint Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and an additional show on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Call or click for tickets through the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office at 850.729.6000 or online at MattieKellyArtsCenter.org. In-person tickets sales are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is located on the Niceville campus of NWF State College at 100 College Boulevard.

Sounds of the Season

Saturday, December 6, 2014:

Visit with Santa

December 6 – 7

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: noon – 4 p.m.

Children can bring their wish list to Santa! All of Santa’s guests receive a special treat.

Breakfast with Santa at Bubba Gump

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

14059 Emerald Coast Parkway

Destin

Time: 8 a.m.

Make your reservations today for breakfast with Santa! This event includes a breakfast buffet, fun activities and free goodies for kids, and, of course, Shrimp Louie and Santa Claus. To be entered into the raffle, please bring an unwrapped gift for Toys for Tots. For more information, please contact 850.650.1881.

Christmas Market: Holiday Open House

Emerald Coast Science Center

31 S. Memorial Parkway, behind the baseball field

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Crafts, games, giveaways and holiday treats. Plus, holiday shopping from vendors all over the Emerald Coast!

*The Emerald Coast Science Center officially has a new home located at 31 S. Memorial Parkway. In celebration of their new location, the center will host many community events to welcome the guests and families of the Gulf Coast! A complete list of events will be posted soon. For more information, please call 850.664.1261.

Sunday, December 7, 2014:

Breakfast with Santa at Emerald Grande

Grande Vista Bar and Grill, located inside Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 8-11 a.m.

Bring the holiday season to life! Children can enjoy a delicious and festive breakfast with Santa at the Grande Vista Bar and Grill! For reservations, please contact 850.424.0621.

“A White Tie Holiday” Youth Orchestra & White Tie Rock Ensemble

Northwest Florida State College

100 College Boulevard

Niceville

Time: 2 p.m.

Have a “White Tie Holiday” with the Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra (NFSYO) at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The NFSYO welcomes back the White Tie Rock Ensemble of Pensacola for a Christmas music extravaganza. This event features the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, holiday tunes, favorite holiday movie moments, a carol sing along and a multimedia light show.

The event is free with donations accepted at the door to support the youth orchestra programs of Northwest Florida State College. The concert will be held in the Mainstage Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the Niceville campus of Northwest Florida State College at 100 College Boulevard.

The White Tie Rock Ensemble comprises five professional musicians of guitar, drums, bass, keyboard and vocals who reproduce the classic rock sounds of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s throughout northwest Florida and south Alabama. The group’s founder, Jonathan Clark, is also trained as a classical musician and heads the Escambia County Youth Orchestra programs.

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 May 30-June 1 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Happy Friday! This weekend features events around the Emerald Coast like concerts, a fish fry, a pirate science adventure and a roller derby game. In other words, lots of excitement and fun!  For current weather updates, be sure to check weather.com or tune in via television to The Weather Channel.

A nice trip to the beach is always in the picture, too!

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

Friday, May 30, 2014:

Concerts at the Landing – Chris and Gileah

The FWB Landing

139 Brooks Street

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Bring a lawn chair, picnic and your friends out to this musical event on Friday evening. Chris and Gileah will put on a show-stopping performance for all to enjoy. For more information, please visit www.1021thewave.com.

Fish Fry Fundraiser

103 First Street

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

FWB First United Methodist Church will hold a Fish Fry Fundraiser on Friday. Tickets are $8 each and include fish, cheese grits, hushpuppies and coleslaw. Enjoy your food in the church fellowship hall, or choose take-out. All net proceeds from the event will benefit Fresh Start for Children and Families and FWB FUMC Student Ministry Missions. Tickets can be purchased at the church or at P.S. Gifts in Fort Walton Beach.

Saturday, May 31, 2014:

Pirate Science Adventure

Emerald Coast Science Center

139 Brooks Street

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

On Saturday, Emerald Coast Science Center will host a Pirate Science experience for those of all ages. Come join the fun for sea monster dissections, celestial navigation, fishing, pirate and sea crafts, a touch tank and more! Come dressed as your favorite pirate! The cost for members is $2 and for nonmembers is $7.75 for adults, $6.75 for seniors, $5.75 for kids and children ages 2 and under get in for free. Call 850.664.1261 for more information.

BBSD Roller Derby Presents: The Memorial Melee

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Come out to watch your local, roller derby girls play their favorite game! It’s a family-fun event, beginning at 7 p.m. The cost is $12 at the door and children 12 and under are admitted for free.

Rock the Docks LIVE

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Every Saturday night throughout summer, come out for great concerts on the HarborWalk Village stage! All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, please e-mail info@harborwalk-destin.com or call 850.424.0600.

Sunday, June 1, 2014:

Paws on the Throttle Poker Run

Panhandle Animal Welfare Society

752 Lovejoy Road

Fort Walton Beach

Time: Last bike out at 11 a.m./Last bike in at 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.Paws-Shelter.org or call 850.243.1525 or 850.244.0196.

Chill, Chill, Go Away – Indoor Activities During Cold Weather

As a result of the recent cold snap taking over the Emerald Coast, many people are staying away from the outdoors and seeking warmth inside. When you’re not busy at work and would like to go out and do something with your friends or loved ones, there are indoor options for fun in the area.

We know our area is known for its warm days and beautiful beach weather, but it also boasts many other activities for those cold, winter days. Here’s a list of some of the things to do on the Emerald Coast when you want to stay indoors.

Museums

Browse a local museum and learn about the history of the area and its people. The Air Force Armament Museum, Destin History and Fishing Museum, Indian Temple Mound Museum and Emerald Coast Science Center are just a few of the museums around town.

Air Force Armament Museum

Games

For a day of fun, head on over to Fat Daddy’s Arcade next to Fudpucker’s in both Destin and Okaloosa Island. Santa Rosa Mall also has a newly revamped arcade. These arcades provide numerous, exciting games with unique prizes available in exchange for tickets. Take your family or friends out to an arcade for hours of cyber entertainment.

Fudpucker's on Okaloosa Island

Shopping

The popular act of browsing rows and rooms of clothing, accessories and shoes in hopes of finding something special to add to your wardrobe, is a favorite cold day and sunny day activity on the Emerald Coast. With fabulous shopping offered locally at Destin Commons, Santa Rosa Mall, and an array of smaller shopping centers, your retail adventure will be a blast.

Destin Commons

Coffee

If you want to stay low key for your outing, then stop in at a local coffee or pastry shop and grab a warm cup of Jo or some hot chocolate. Coffee and hot chocolate taste great no matter what time of day you enjoy them.

Food

Sit down for any meal of the day at a nearby restaurant. There are so many to choose from. Whether you are craving seafood, Italian, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, or almost any other type of fare, you will find a restaurant that caters to your taste buds.

Movies

Rent a movie from Redbox or venture out to the theater. There are Redbox locations all around at places like Winn-Dixie, Walgreens and Walmart, and the cost is just a dollar per DVD. Don your comfortable clothes and go view one of the recently released films in the comfort of cushion seats and a big screen, with popcorn and candy to top it off.

No matter what you choose to do for fun indoors during cold weather on the Emerald Coast, there is no doubt that you'll stay warm and entertained!