Our Top Picks for July 4-6 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

Happy Fourth of July weekend! Whether you plan to celebrate this patriotic holiday on land or on water, there are plenty of red, white and blue events along the Emerald Coast to choose from! These events include live concerts, multiple fireworks shows, discounted museum entry, Sunday cinema and more! 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 very safe and BEACHY July 4^th weekend! Enjoy!

Friday, July 4, 2014:

Concerts at the Landing – Continuum

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. Continuum will put on a show-stopping performance for all to enjoy. For more information, please visit www.1021thewave.com.

4^th of July Celebration at Fort Walton Beach Landing

The FWB Landing

139 Brooks Street

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 4-10 p.m.

Spend the Fourth of July at The Landing for food, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, exhibitor booths and more! The evening will conclude with a glimmering fireworks display around 8:45 p.m.

Red, White & Baytowne

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Destin

Time: 7 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day at Baytowne! Enjoy a day of fun in the sun and an evening that lights up the sky! There will be live music with children’s activities from 7-9 p.m. Fireworks are set to sparkle in the sky at 9:15 p.m. This even is free.

Beneath the Stars & Stripes: Free Concert on July 4^th at The Lighthouse Amphitheater

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

495 Grand Boulevard Ste. 206

Miramar Beach

Time: 7:30 p.m. 

July 4^th Fireworks in Destin

City of Destin

4200 Indian Bayou Trail

Destin

The City of Destin’s Annual Independence Day Fireworks Show will be held on Friday, July 4, near Destin Harbor over the waters of East Past, beginning around 9 p.m. Tune into Z96 during the show to hear the musical accompaniment.

4^th of July Fireworks & Dinner Cruise Celebration

SunQuest Cruises

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Miramar Beach

Time: 6-9:30 p.m.

If you picture celebrating July 4^th on a dinner cruise at sunset, then book your cruise onboard the SOLARIS Yacht today! This three-hour cruise includes a three-course meal, live entertainment and a fireworks show. For more information, visit www.SunQuestCruises.com or call 850.650.2519.

Museum Offers $1 Admission on July 4

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Avenue

Valparaiso

From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on July 4 Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida will offer $1 admission and FREE admission for museum members and children ages four and under. View historic exhibits including military, Native American, pioneer and early industries such as turpentine, boat building and fishing. There will be children’s activities and all guests will receive a free American flag or poster while supplies last. www.Heritage-Museum.org, 850.678.2615

Independence Day Celebration

Hilton Sandestin

4000 Sandestin Boulevard

Destin

Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

Enjoy the spectacular beach fireworks from your private balcony, from the moonlit shore, or join the fireworks and festivities on Hilton Sandestin’s expansive pool deck, featuring a traditional buffet dinner with all-American and coastal favorites. Visit www.SandestinBeachHilton.com for more information.

Saturday, July 5, 2014:

Rock the Docks Gypsy Riot

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 8-10 p.m.

Every Saturday night during the summer, come out for free concerts on the HarborWalk Village stage. For more information, contact info@harborwalk-destin.com or call 850.424.0600.

Sunday, July 6, 2014:

Sunday Cinema at The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Destin

Get Lucky in Destin!

If you are in Destin for St. Patty's Day weekend, you're in LUCK! On Saturday, March 16th the city of Destin's Parks and Recreation Department  will once again host the 13th Annual Run with the Dogs 5k. Registration for the Run/Walk is open until Friday, March 15th. All dogs are welcome, and there will be awards for both two-legged and 4 four legged participants. For more information or to register, call 850.650.1241.

Sunday, March 17th, from  12-11 p.m. you don't want to miss the festivities at he 5th Annual HarborWalk Village Grogg Games & Irish Street Festival. Enjoy live Irish music by authentic bag pipers Irish dancers, classic Irish fare and authentic Irish beers. Crafts and activities for children too! Fun for the whole family! For more information visit EmeraldGrande.

The Village of Baytowne Wharf will also be celebrating the luck of the Irish Saturday, March 17, 6-9 p.m., enjoy the beautiful scenery, live traditional Celtic music in the events plaza, sponsored by Henri’s Notions.  For more information visit, BaytowneWharf.

So get out there and enjoy all of wonderful festivities the Emerald Coast has to offer! For more information about local restaurants,dining, attractions,shopping,events,maps,coupons and MORE pick up a copy of Life's A Beach Spring issue. We are THE Visitor's Guide to the Emerald Coast. Be sure to LIKE us on FACEBOOK for you chance to WIN the Life's A Beach Spring Giveaway! 

Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events

Music, and movies, and magic, oh my! These are just a few of the spectacular events which you can attend WEEKLY, that’s right folks, WEEKLY here on the magnificent Emerald Coast. Take in a fireworks display every week, hey take in two! Enjoy live performances by talented musicians, be amazed and amused during a magic show, bring the family out for a movie under the stars and more! Had a blast this week? Awesome! Do it all again next week! More music, more laughter, more FUN! That’s what living the Emerald Coast lifestyle is really about my friends, whether you’re a local, just looking for a way to spend an evening, or a visitor trying to fully immerse yourself in the area, FUN is what it’s all about. Here on the Emerald Coast, this is where the fun is! Check it out, there’s always something exciting happening in this lively locale.

 

Mondays

Magician Rick Moore will astound and amaze you every Monday night from 7-9 p.m. during Magical Mondays at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy an evening full of laughs and illusions on the Events Plaza Stage. To create a little of your own magic, visit his shop after the show.

BaytowneWharf.com

Tuesdays

Enjoy an evening of fun and merriment complete with face painting, kid’s crafts, and live music by Coconut Radio when you head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Boomin’ Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. Stick around! The Village hosts a stunning fireworks show over the lagoon starting at 9:15 p.m.

BaytowneWharf.com

Pardi Gras transforms every Tuesday of the summer into Fat Tuesday at HarborWalk Village. Enjoy the floats, beads, and lots of swag during the parade, then grab a cocktail and some red beans and rice as you relish in the live entertainment.

EmeraldGrande.com

Wednesdays

The Wednesday Night Concert Series will entertain you with tantalizing live musical performances at the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 7-9 p.m. A complete performance schedule can be viewed on their website.

BaytowneWharf.com

Thursdays

Enjoy a toe-tapping good time at Concerts in the Park every Thursday in May and June on the Village Green of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Cultural Arts Village from 7-9 p.m. Bring your favorite lawn chair, wine and picnic or purchase dinner prepared onsite by local restaurants. Visit their website for a complete performance schedule.

MattieKellyArtsFoundation.org

 

Join HarborWalk Village in honoring local heroes during their weekly Red, White and Blue Celebration on the Harbor. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica flyover. The evening is topped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor. The celebration takes place from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday during the summer.

EmeraldGrande.com

Head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Sunset Cinema, a weekly showing of your favorite family movies under the stars. Movies start at 8 p.m. every Thursday throughout the summer. Visit their website to see what’s showing this week.

BaytowneWharf.com

Saturdays

Rock the Docks, a free concert series will rock HarborWalk Village every Saturday from 7-9 p.m. during the summer. For a complete schedule of performances visit their website.

EmeraldGrande.com

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

What Are You Doing This Weekend? April 27-29

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

What a great weekend we have ahead of us here on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast! There is truly something for everyone this weekend. Enjoy some fine wine, take the kids out to fun-filled beach fest, take in a sunset, a symphony performance, an enlightening lecture, and so much more this weekend. No matter what you’re in the mood for the Emerald Coast has something for you. Keep reading to find out about all the fantastic happenings coming up in the next few days, and don’t forget to check back next week for a whole new lineup! Don’t forget to take pictures of your Emerald Coast adventures and send them to your friends at Life’s A Beach. Pictures can be uploaded here: LifesABeachLLC.com/Upload_Photos.htm

Multi-Day Events

Image from SandestinWineFestival.com

The 26th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a picture perfect event complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food, ladies strolling in hats, and live music. Enjoy this event April 26-29.

SandestinWineFestival.com

The Navarre Fun Fest will take place April 27-28 from 3-10 p.m. at Navarre Beach. Non-stop entertainment with fireworks, arts and crafts, a children’s area, and plenty of food.

NavarreChamber.com, 850.939.3267

Friday, April 27

Head out to the 4^th Annual Sunset on the Harbor Hosted by the Destin Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event will kick off at noon with a “Fishing for Business” Corporate Fishing Challenge. The entire Destin community is invited to the Destin Fishing Fleet Marina between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. for a fish fry, silent auction and “Destin Sunset” cocktail making contest. A live DJ will spin the perfect soundtrack as sun sets over the beautiful Destin Harbor.

DestinChamber.com

Help children with special needs right here in your own community by attending Pandora’s Annual Children’s Invitational Charity Auction at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. This unique event provides funding to four local agencies that work together to improve the lives of our area’s special needs children as they strive to become independent adults. Be sure to check out the wide variety of silent auction items ranging from vacation packages, artwork, home decor items, jewelry, sports memorabilia, and much more. Event will be held from 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

For details call 850.244.8660 or email pandorasfwb@aol.com.

Saturday, April 28

Haydn Goes Hawaiian will be performed at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville beginning at 7:30 p.m. It's Hawaiian shirt night at the symphony as the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra spotlights the father of the symphony - Franz Josef Haydn and two of his most famous pupils, Mozart and Beethoven. In addition, a world renowned soloist will be featured. Put away your concert attire and put on your most colorful shirt and kick off summer with flair!

NFSymphony.org, 850.729.6000

It’s World Tai Chi Day. Watch Tai Chi demonstrations at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach. Refreshments will be available onsite. Join Tai Chi artists from the local area in a standing meditation at 9:55 a.m. Tai Chi artists in 65 countries will be participating in creating a wave of healing energy for the planet and its people.

BlueWillowWellness.com

Join Entomologist Dr. Walter Tschinkel at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center as the distinguished research professor discusses metal casting of Harvester Ant colonies. Come learn about these amazing ants and the beautiful structures they create! Observe one of his largest Harvester Ant colonies which is housed at the Center.

EOWilsonCenter.org

Sunday, April 29

Go back in time to the Soul Train line and dance the night at the Beal Street Bottle Club as Q’LaLa Productions, Roundtable Radio, Beal Street Bottle Club, and E&J Productions presents a Soul Train Tribute Show. Events include costume contest, live performances, Soul Train Line, and Scrabble board.

For more information, call 850.642.2221.

Hope everyone has a terrific weekend, and as always, keep it beachy!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

Get fed at The Shed! Grand Re-Opening Tomorrow, March 1st!

Head to The Shed tomorrow for their Grand Re-Opening!

Image from www.facebook.com/
theshedbbqdestin

Mmmmmmm! Destin’s The Shed Barbeque and Blues Joint will be hosting is grand re-opening tomorrow, March 1^st. This is one event you do NOT want to miss. Award winning BBQ, brews, live entertainment, what more could you ask for? Bonus! The joint is newly renovated and located at HarborWalk Village on the beautiful Destin Harbor. Is your mind officially blown or what?

Image from www.facebook.com/
theshedbbqdestin

ShedSpred is the 4^th Best BBQ Sauce in the WORLD!

When BBQSuperStars.com recently ranked the Top 100 BBQ Sauces in the world, The Shed’s ShedSpred placed 4^th and their rubs placed 12^th. These guys know their barbeque! Are you salivating yet?

Mattanja Bradley of Bradley Circus will be performing live joint March 1^st and March 2^nd, and the Beachcomber Musician of the Year, Forrest Williams, will be hitting the stage at 10 p.m. on March 2^nd.  Who else will be rocking the Shed this month? Check out the March music line up below to find out more.

The Shed Destin March Music Line up

03/01 7pm Mattanja Bradley of Bradley Circus
10pm Hotel Oscar

03/02 7pm Mattanja Bradley of Bradley Circus
10pm Forrest Williams Band

03/03 6pm Bob Margolin
10pm Yamadeo

03/07 7pm Space Capone

03/08 7pm Roots of Rebellion      

03/09 7pm Lee Yankee and the Hellz Yeah

03/10 6pm Delta Saints
10pm The 17th Floor

03/11 10pm Velcro Pygmies and the Bad Ass Brass Band

03/12 10pm Velcro Pygmies and the Bad Ass Brass Band

03/13 6pm Wes Loper
10pm Trotline

03/14 6pm David Chastain
10pm Fly By Radio

03/15 6pm Mario Mena
10pm Trotline

03/16 6pm Forrest Williams Band
10pm Park Band

3/17 6pm Mario Mena
10pm Wrong Way-Tribute to Sublime

3/22 7pm Jimmy Buffett Tribute

3/23 6pm Fort Bayou Slim
10pm ArtOfficial

3/24 6pm SugarCane Jane
10pm Dave Matthews Tribute Band

3/29 7pm Jimmy Buffett Tribute

3/30 TBA

3/31 6pm Curtis Grimes
10pm Higher Ground-Tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers

www.facebook.com/theshedbbqdestin

www.theshedbbq.com

Mardi Gras Kick Off Parade At HarborWalk Village

Hanging out before the parade.
On the left Sarah Hockett, Charles Born, Whitney Born.
On the right, Mardi Gra King Mark Bellinger.

I know there were a ton of people at last Saturday’s Mardi Gras Kick Off Parade at HarborWalk Village. It was an absolutely gorgeous day to be out enjoying the festivities. For those of you that were in attendance you know what a blast this event was.

Gearing up for the parade. We're ready to roll!
From right to left:
Whitney Born with her dad, Charles, Life's A Beach Distribution Manager,
Sarah Hockett, Copy Production Editor,
Melissa Wride-Auer, Art Director,
Rick Seevers, Publisher/Owner

 Everyone was in a festive spirit and dressed to the nines in their Mardi Gras best. A river of purple, gold, and green flowed through the streets of HarborWalk Village as it rained beads, candy, and moon pies over the crowds of smiling people. The Life’s A Beach gang was glad to glitz up the van, glam up themselves and be a part of this fun-filled celebration. 

Rubbing elbows with the Mardi Gras King and Queen
Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council's
Mark Bellinger, and Destin Mayor "Sam" (Sarah) Seevers

A post- parade picture of our decorating handy work

Click here to see video of this event!