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 October 18-19 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This upcoming fall weekend entails some fantastic events, including a kite festival, a zombie walk and ballet performance! 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 October weekend! Enjoy!

Saturday, October 18, 2014:

6^th Annual Flying High on the Harbor Kite Festival

HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point

Destin

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Kite Festival entails an all-day event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both October 18 and 19 at Destin Harbor’s HarborWalk Village and Norriego Point across the water. There will be giant 25 to 100-foot kites flying over the Destin Harbor, stunt kite lessons and family fun fly at Norriego Point. At HarborWalk Village, there will be kite making for the kids, paddleboard and skateboard demos, and toys and games. This event will be fun for everyone! For more information, please call 850.837.2800.

Fort Walton Beach Coin Show

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Fort Walton Beach Coin Club will host a coin show at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds October 18 and 19. Admission is free. Buy/sell/trade an assortment of coins/medals/tokens/currency. Bring the entire family! For more information, please visit fwbchamber.org/events/.

Snow White – Northwest Florida Ballet

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

100 College Boulevard

Niceville

On October 18 and 19, the Northwest Florida Ballet presents Snow White. The performance will take place on the main stage at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. Contact the Ballet at 850.664.7787 or visit NFBallet.org for ticket information.

Hispanic Heritage GALA Festival

Knights of Columbus

205 Carol Avenue

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

The Eglin Hispanic Heritage Committee is hosting a GALA Festival at the Knights of Columbus on October 18. The event will close out all events held by the committee in celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15). The committee would like to share the culture by inviting the community to enjoy Hispanic music and dancing. There will be a live band and a DJ for entertainment. Snacks will be provided. The event is free. Dress code is semi formal. This is an adult-only event, so please no children. For more information, visit fwbchamber.org/events/.

Downtown Fort Walton Beach 2014 Zombie Walk & Canned Food Drive

Fountain Square

196 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

The Zombie Walk and Canned Food Drive for Sharing & Caring will take place Saturday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. To register, please bring four cans of food to The Fort Walton Beach Landing or to the corner of Highway 98 and Ferry Road. More than $1,000 in prizes will be given away during this event. You don’t want to miss it!

2014 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Uptown Station

99 Eglin Parkway, Ste. 9

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 8 a.m.

Join the 2014 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of the Emerald Coast. This noncompetitive 5K walk raises money to fund breast cancer research and to educate Floridians about the importance of early detection and prevention. During this event, participants will join together to show support for the fight against breast cancer. For more information and to sign up, please contact Donna Fought at 850.585.9904 or e-mail donna.msabc@gmail.com.

Uptown Station Family Movie Night Series, Featuring: Muppets (2014)

Uptown Station

99 Eglin Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Join the movie crowd every other Saturday night at Central Park for Uptown Station’s family movie series in the park. All movies begin at dusk (approximately 7:30 p.m.) and are free and open to the public. Bring along blankets and chairs to stay comfortable. This week’s movie feature is the 2014 Muppets movie! Movie showings are always dependent upon the weather, so please refer to the Uptown Station Facebook page for the latest updates. facebook.com/UptownStation

Sunday, October 19, 2014:

ARTwalk on the Harbor

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Local artists display their unique and creative work along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk every third Sunday of each month.

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 April 25-27 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

This weekend it’s all about being OUTDOORS! There is a charity golf tournament, Relay for Life event, an Arbor Day event, a Heritage 5K and more. Try to get out and attend a couple of them, or ALL of them! For current weather updates, be sure to check www.weather.com or tune in via television to The Weather Channel.

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

Friday, April 25, 2014:
Emerald Coast Volleyball Week
4/23-4/27
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk
This 26-year running event invites all volleyball players (no matter their skill level) out to the beach for a week of fun in the sun and sand. This is, however, a primarily adult-oriented event. The event is presented by Fudpucker's Beachside Bar & Grill. For more information, visit www.EmeraldCoastVolleyball.com.

30th Annual Fun Fest
4/25-4/26
Navarre Beach
Time: Friday - 4-10 p.m.  Saturday - 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Santa Rosa Medical Center presents nonstop entertainment with arts & crafts, a children's area (unlimited pass to enjoy inflatables at a low price), fireworks, a 5K run, food and more! There will be a free shuttle service from the Navarre Beach Park during festival hours. Two nights of FREE concerts include performances by Maddy Rose, Chloe Channell, The Chris Martin Band and Robert Wayne. Visit www.NavarreChamber.com for complete details and registration forms.

Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival and Cultural Event
4/25-4/27
Fort Walton Beach Landing
If art, sculpting flutes, or playing the flute is a passion of yours, then there's a creative annual event in Fort Walton Beach calling your name. The totem for the 2014 festival is the hummingbird. There are three competitions at the festival: an Arts competition, a Flute Makers competition and a Flute Players competition. Spectators can enjoy the festival for free. There will be concerts, vendors with flutes, jewelry, baskets and more, and Native-American style food. Visit www.MusicalEchoes.org for more information.

Photo courtesy of Bill Lucas.

24^th Annual Amici d’Italiani Charity Golf Tournament

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club

302 Country Club Road

Shalimar

Registration: 10:30 a.m.  Shotgun start/tee time: noon

Sons & Daughters of Italy Joseph B. Franzalia Lodge #2422 proudly presents the 24^th Annual Amici d’Italiani Charity Golf Tournament in loving memory of our departed Brothers & Sisters. The cost per person is $60 for nonmembers and $50 for Shalimar Pointe members. The fee covers your cart, beverage and food. The proceeds of this dedicated tournament go toward scholarships of college-bound seniors. For more information or to purchase your player application or hole sponsor application, call 850.863.8944 or 850.609.6077.

Relay for Life of Fort Walton Beach

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds

1958 Lewis Turner Blvd.

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 6 p.m.

For 29 years, Relay for Life has been the American Cancer Society’s premiere fundraising event. This overnight, walking journey celebrates our survivors and honors those whose lives were taken by cancer. Help the continuation in funding cancer research and providing services for those fighting for their lives. Register your team at www.RelayForLife.com and join the community on April 25 at the NWF Fairgrounds.

Dance Facets 2014

4/25-4/26

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Mainstage Theater at NWFSC

100 College Blvd.

Niceville

Time: 7:30 p.m.

The stellar dance students at Northwest Florida State College present their annual dance concert, Dance Facets 2014, featuring original works and choreography, stunning talent and more on April 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. Dancers will perform original dance presentations, featuring classical ballet, contemporary and modern. To purchase tickets, contact the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office at 850.729.6000 or purchase online at www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.

Destin Charity Wine Auction

4/25-4/27

Children in Crisis, Inc.

Grand Boulevard

Miramar Beach

Destin Charity Wine Auction is recognized as one of the nation’s “Top 10 U.S. Charity Wine Auctions” by Wine Spectator Magazine and is the Foundation’s largest annual event. The event draws wine aficionados, gourmet chefs and celebrity vintners from around the world to enjoy word-class wines in the gorgeous setting of white-sand beaches on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. Funds raised benefit 12 local charities, impacting the lives of children in need. To view the schedule of events, visit www.destinchamber.com.

City of Destin to Host Arbor Day Event

City of Destin

4200 Indian Bayou Trail

Destin

Time: 10:00 a.m.

This event will feature a guest speaker and a tree-planting ceremony by the city’s Environmental/Tree Committee. The ceremonial magnolia tree for this year has been donated by former Mayor Sam Seevers, dedicated to the City of Destin staff. Mayor Ponder will host the ceremony. The featured guest speaker will be Henderson Beach State Park Specialist, Lynda Smith. The city will give away an Eastern Redbud seedling to the first 50 people to arrive at the ceremony. The public is welcome to bring their own seedlings to trade with other tree enthusiasts. For more information on this event, visit www.destinchamber.com.

Saturday, April 26, 2014:

38^th Annual Saturday in the Park & Heritage 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run

Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida

115 Westview Ave.

Valparaiso

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

This free, family-oriented event offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. The festival begins with the Heritage 5K Run/Walk and Kids one-mile Fun Run at 8 a.m. It then continues throughout the day with live entertainment, historic craft demonstrations, re-enactments, folk artists, food vendors and a Kids Zone with old-fashioned toys, contests and more! Register early (before April 24) at www.Active.com or visit the Heritage Museum. For more information, contact 850.678.2615.

6^th Annual Spring Market

4/26-4/27

Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island

1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy.

Fort Walton Beach

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This two-day shopping extravaganza features vendors from around the country, selling unique gifts and quality merchandise. The event enables locals and visitors to shop while supporting the various community projects of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. General admission is $5. All proceeds benefit the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. If you would like to be a vendor, please e-mail JLECMarket@yahoo.com.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day/Camp Sign-Up Day

Fort Walton Beach YMCA

1127 Hospital Road

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Healthy Kids Day is the YMCA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-bring of families, featuring fun, active play and educational activities to help kids be healthy and reach their full potential. Healthy Kids Day is a free community event to get kids moving and learning. There will be hands-on, interactive activities for families to participate in, along with membership specials for the YMCA and special promotions for YMCA summer day camp programs.

Sunday, April 27, 2014:

Red Cross Stadium Stomp

American Red Cross of Northwest Florida

222 N. Baylen Street

Pensacola

Sunday: Run/Walk: 2:00 p.m.   Baseball game: 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: pre-registration/packet pick-up at World of Beer

Be a part of the American Red Cross 1^st Annual Stadium Stomp! Bring the family and run/walk the 1.3-mile course through and around the Wahoo Stadium at the Community Maritime Park. Finish the afternoon by staying for an exciting baseball game. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross of Northwest Florida. The cost is $25 for the run/walk and $9 for the baseball game. To register, visit www.Active.com or call 850.432.7601.