2014 Halloween Happenings!

There will be no shortage of Festive Fun this weekend on the Emerald Coast. Whether you are a Big Ghost or a Little Goblin, you're are sure to find the perfect spirited celebration here this weekend.  

Oct. 25-26, 31 & Nov. 1-2

8th Annual Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Haunted House 

Located on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk at 7 p.m. Not recommended for children under 10. EcWildLifeRefuge.com 

Oct. 25-26 

Haunted Coast Guard Station 

The Coast Guard station, 2000 Miracle Strip Parkway in Destin, haunted house from 7-10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate one non-perishable food item per person. Not recommended children under 10.For more information call 244-7147

Oct. 25-26 & 30-Nov. 2 

Jaycees Haunted House at Fuds

Fudpuckers on Okaloosa Island at 8 p.m.!  Proceeds fund Give-A-Kid-A-Christmas and Thanksgiving Baskets. Not recommended for children under 10. 

Oct 26 Kid’s Day in the afternoon with non-scary characters. 850-598-2158 | FudPucker.com

Oct. 25-26

6th Annual Haunted History Tours

City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. Four tours will be conducted each night at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. DownTownFWB.com

Oct. 25-26, 31 & Nov. 1-2.

8th Annual Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Haunted House

at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk at 7 p.m. Not recommended for children under 10. EcWildLifeRefuge.com 

Oct. 25-26.

Haunted Coast Guard Station

The Coast Guard station, 2000 Miracle Strip Parkway in Destin, haunted house from 7-10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to donate one non-perishable food item per person. Not recommended children under 10.For more information call 244-7147

Oct. 25-26 & 30-Nov. 2

Jaycees Haunted House at Fuds

Fudpuckers on Okaloosa Island at 8 p.m.!  Proceeds fund Give-A-Kid-A-Christmas and Thanksgiving Baskets. Not recommended for children under 10. 

Oct 26 Kid’s Day in the afternoon with non-scary characters. 850-598-2158 | FudPucker.com

Oct. 25-26

6th Annual Haunted History Tours

City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center 139 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. Four tours will be conducted each night at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m. DownTownFWB.com

Oct. 25

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Relive the classic “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Harborwalk Village main stage from 7-11 p.m. Props will be provided. Costumes are expected. Doing the Time Warp is mandatory! EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 26

Monster Paddle at Harry T’s HarborWalk

The only costumed stand up paddle poker run in the United States, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Paddle Club, takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Paddle anything … SUP, kayak, canoe, outrigger, dragon boat, row boat, coffin ... anything. Get the highest ranked poker hand and win a huge prize. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 26

Magical Halloween Contest HarborWalk Village

Hundreds of costumed characters compete in a contest at 9 p.m. The winning stakes are high with more categories and better prizes. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 26

Destin Commons Halloween Haunt

Halloween Haunt from 4-6 p.m. on Main Street and Center Plaza. Fun includes a kids’ costume contest for ages 0-12; pet costume contest; fantasy face painting; creepy crafts; street dancing; trick-or-treating; and free photos with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang at Bass Pro Shops. DestinCommons.com

Oct. 25 -26

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Fall Festival

The annual festival will be held from 6-10 p.m. There will be a haunted tram ride, activities, food, and games for children. This is an all ages event although there may be age restrictions on the haunted tram ride. 267-8330 | FloridaStateParks.org/TopSailhill

Oct. 26

McGuire’s Irish Pub of Destin 17th Annual Halloween 5K/10K Run

At 9 a.m. costumed runners will dash through Destin. Run is followed by a post race party featuring live entertainment, Irish fare, Irish Wakes, McGuire’s ale and soft drinks! McGuiresIrishPub.com

Oct. 26- 27

Gulfarium Splash-or-Treat Spooktacular

GulfScarium’s Splash-or-Treat Spooktacular will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with family-friendly games and activities such as the HallowGreen Scavenger Hunt, free face painting, and a costume parade and contest. New fun house complete with a mirror madness maze. Gulfarium.com

Oct. 31

Gulfarium Trick or Treat

Kids can trick or treat around the park, enjoy crafts and watch a dolphin and a sea lion show. Gulfarium.com

Oct. 27  

Not-So-Spooky Family Fun Fest

Little ghosts and goblins can ride HarborWalk Village Express, a spunky kid-friendly spooky train ride around the village, take home treats and candy bags, and trick or treat at Village merchants from 2-5 p.m. Annual kids’ costume contest at 2 p.m. on center stage. The pet Howl O’ Ween parade and costume contest begins at 4 p.m. and is open to all four legged costumed creatures. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 28

City of Destin’s Fall Festival

From 5-8 p.m. at the Destin Community Center. Please bring one non-perishable food item for admission. There will be booths with fun games and activities, a cakewalk, a costume contest, a spacewalk/slide, food for sale, and candy for those just stopping by to Trick-or-Treat. Judging is at 5 p.m. 654-5184 | DestinCommons.com

Oct. 30

11th Annual Light the Night

Village Baptist Church in Destin from 6-7:30 p.m. All are invited to join in this family friendly event that offers activities for all ages. VillageBaptist.org

Oct. 31 

Trick-or-Treat off the Street at Silver Sands

All goblins and ghosts, families with children 13 and under, are invited to stroll the sidewalks at Silver Sands Premium Outlets in costume to collect goodies from each store from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Look for the pumpkin sign in the window of participating stores. PremiumOutlets.com

Oct. 31

Halloween Fireworks

Come out and enjoy a fireworks show over the Destin harbor to celebrate Halloween and the end of the Destin Fishing Rodeo on at HarborWalk Village. EmeraldGrande.com

Oct. 31 

Village of Baytowne Wharf Trick or Treat Street

Friends, fireworks and frights take center stage from 6-8 p.m. throughout the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Trick or treat through the Village streets and visit merchants as they hand out Halloween treats. Dance on the stage as the D.J. plays frighteningly good tunes and end the evening with a spooky fireworks show over the lagoon at 8 p.m. BaytowneWharf.com  

Nov. 1

Halloween Candy Buy-Back

Dr. Scott Runnels will buy back candy for $1 a pound of unopened candy, up to five pounds, from 8 a.m. to noon at his office, 4399 Commons Drive E #10 in Destin. Candy will be sent to Operation Gratitude to be sent to troops. Soldiers often give the candy to children in local villages. Call 269-0333.

Nov. 2

Biophilia Fall Festival

Biophilia Center hosts its Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a haunted trick or treat trail, hay ride, the Science Brothers, Nonie’s Ark Animal Encounters, petting zoo, live music by Mike Whitty, carnival games, harvest produce, bounce house, Abrakadoodle arts and crafts, face painting, Tucker Dukes food truck, Biophilia exhibits, local organizations and more. Admission is$8/adults and $5/children. Ages 2 and under free. EoWilsonCenter.org

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What Are You Doing This Weekend? July 20-22

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Wowee! We are more than halfway through the month of July! Before we know it, it will be back to school time for the kiddos once again. But enough about that, let’s live in the wonderful here and now of a beautiful summer on the Emerald Coast. In addition to the lovely beaches, and fun-filled attractions, there are a few don’t-miss events that will be going on this very weekend! Check it out!

REMINDER:

Remember, friends and readers, there is nothing we here at Life’s A Beach love more than seeing folks out there enjoying the spectacular Emerald Coast. If you’d like to share your photos with us (and have them considered for future publications) upload those amazing shots here: Life's A Beach Photo Upload

Friday, July 20

There is something for everyone at the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Artwalk. Enjoy a stroll along the streets of this historic district and take in the work of the local artists set up in front of every store. A wide variety of arts and crafts will be on display including hand-made fishing lures, wood burning, jewelry, oil paintings and more. Many stores will even be offering discounts and refreshments to patrons throughout the event. The event will come to a close with a surf movie presented by Fluid Surf Shop. This free event will take place from 5:30-8:30pm.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Artwalk on Facebook

Saturday, July 21

Join your friends at HarborWalk Village this Saturday from 7-9pm for the presentation of their weekly free concert series, Rock the Docks. This week’s performance will feature Angels Envy, one of the best dance bands in Destin. Best of all, all concerts in this series are free and open to the public, so get out there and dance the night away!

EmeraldGrande.com

Sunday, July 22

Enjoy live music, wine, cheese, a silent auction and more at the 4th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception for the Emerald CoastWildlife Refuge. Stick around! You won’t want to miss the special appearances of the Refuge’s Animal Ambassadors. This event will be held at the Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach from 2-4pm. Get your tickets today by visiting www.ecwildliferefuge.com.

Have a fun an exciting weekend here on the Emerald Coast! While enjoying your adventures, remember to keep one thing in mind - Life's A Beach!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

The 4th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception for the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

About the Event

Join the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge this Sunday, July 22, from 2-4pm for their 4^th Annual Wine and Cheese Reception. Relax and mingle at the beautiful Magnolia Grill in historic downtown Fort Walton Beach while learning the latest news from the refuge. Patrons will enjoy live music, finger foods, cheese, wine and a fantastic silent auction. ECWR staff and volunteers will be onsite, ready to share their stories of interesting animal rescue adventures. Special appearance by the refuge’s Animal Ambassadors! Tickets to this event are only $15 per person and may be purchased online at ECWildlifeRefuge.com, or by calling the refuge directly at (850) 650-1880. Proceeds from this annual reception benefit the operations fund of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge.

                              About the Refuge

Image: Facebook.com/EmerladCoastWildlifeRefuge

Established in 1994, the mission of the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is education, conservation, and rehabilitation for the welfare of Florida’s natural wildlife. The organization provides wildlife rescue, rehab and environmental outreach to 5 counties in Northwest Florida. Refuge staff is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing an invaluable service to the most biologically diverse areas of North America. While working closely with local law enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to protect, treat and release native species, the Refuge rescues thousands of animals each year. The Refuge is also the lead response team for the Federal Marine Mammal Stranding Network from mid-Walton County to the Alabama state line. The ECWR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relying on donations, grants , fundraising events, and memberships to support their mission.

ECWR Education

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is committed to bringing animal education to our community. Their team of professional educators, trained docents, and animal ambassadors are seen at many local community events and festivals, providing a memorable and engaging experience for both children and adults. ECWR’s education programs promote humans’ coexistence with and appreciate of nature. All programs are science-based and in compliance with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.

Image: TheDestinLog.com

The Refuge’s Outwild programs serve the public schools of Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties as well as local clubs, civic groups, senior centers, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Outwild programs feature live animal ambassadors and informative discussions on the natural history of indigenous wildlife. The program’s information is presented in an engaging, interactive format allowing for maximum interest and enjoyment.

The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is also host to children’s summer camps, giving kids the opportunity to explore the great outdoors on ECWR’s waterfront property. Campers will get to participate in live wildlife demonstrations, and team-building games, all while learning about wildlife rehabilitation, Florida’s ecosystems and natural history and much, much more.

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

In addition to the numerous educational opportunities offered by the Refuge, perhaps the most immersive is participation in their Charter School. The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge Academy of Zoological Sciences is scheduled to open its doors in August, 2012. Along with all required curriculum taught by certified teachers, the academy will emphasize the topics of wildlife rehabilitation, zoology, captive wildlife management, conservation, and pre-veterinary studies.

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

Show Your Support!

Now that you know more about this amazing non-profit organization and all the wonderful things that they do, get your tickets to this fun-filled event and help support the Refuge. While you’re there be sure to let them know how much we appreciate them and everything they do. 

Image: Facebook.com/EmeraldCoastWildlifeRefuge

What Are You Doing This Weekend? May 4-6

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend! How will you celebrate? There are a few great things going on this weekend that you won’t want to miss. So check below to see what lively events you’d like to attend this weekend. If nothing catches your fancy, you can always grab an icy-cold margarita, or spend some time on one of the area’s ever-beautiful beaches!

 

Multi-Day Events

Burning up the Beaches a two-day car show, cruise, and beach bash with loads of fun and prizes will take place May 4-6! Check in at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.

BurningUpTheBeaches.com

Friday, May 4

Photo from NathonAbbotTeam.com

Saturday, May 5

Come out and celebrate at the Cinco de Mayo Spring Fest at HarborWalk Village from 4-10 p.m. A vibrant celebration of Latin music, food, dance, and more! Kids will enjoy many free activities and crafts. You won’t want to miss this spirited event which will include  piñata breakings, a nacho eating contest, a “Running of the Bulls” featuring the Roller Derby Girls and more!

EmeraldGrande.com

Hop aboard the Southern Star for the Waves for Wildlife Dolphin Cruise to benefit the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge. Enjoying scouting the water for dolphins and other wildlife while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Destin area. The cruise will include live music by Dannica Lowery, free food, beer & wine, raffles and a meet-and-greet with our live animal ambassadors. Tickets can be purchased at the refuge or online at ECWildlifeRefuge.com for only $30 for adults, and $15 for children under 10.

Take in some local history as the Destin History & Fishing Museum Celebrates Founder’s Day from 10am-4pm. Learn about the founders of Destin, revive your memories of days gone by in a sleepy little fishing village, visit the “Old Post Office” and admire the new “Footprints in the Sand” celebration garden which commemorates Destin’s past, present, and future. Museum admission is free all day long.

Sunday, May 6

Photo from OceanReefResorts.com

Enjoy your beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew