Top Events on the Emerald Coast for April 15th - 31st

The Emerald Coast has awesome events all year long, and we have a few tops picks for this month. Be sure to check out our calendar of events for a full list of fun things to do in Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, and Destin! 

Our Top Picks for April 16-19 Entertainment on the Emerald Coast

If you are fond of wine, live music, fashion or pirate invasions, then this weekend’s events on the Emerald Coast will have no problem keeping a smile on your face! Be sure to check weather.com or tune in to the Weather Channel for the latest updates on local weather conditions.

The  crew wishes everyone a safe and beachy weekend! Enjoy!

Thursday, April 16 – Sunday, April 19:

29th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Sandestin Wine Festival brings an opportunity for discovery. Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences like wine dinners with celebrity chefs, preview events throughout the year and wine tastings that showcase hundreds of wines.

Event Schedule:

4/16: Official Kick-Off Party at Rum Runners in Sandestin and Wine Dinner at Marlin Grill

4/17: Champagne & Seafood Voyage onboard Sunquest Cruises – Solaris and Grand Wine Tasting

4/18: Mind. Body. Beach. and Grand Wine Tasting

4/19: Brunch on the Bay at Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin

Tickets are available at sd.xorbia.com. For more information, visit SandestinWineFestival.com.

Friday, April 17, 2015:

Sandestin Wine Festival Kick-Off Seafood & Champagne Cruise

SunQuest Cruises

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort/Baytowne Marina

9300 Emerald Coast Parkway

Miramar Beach

Celebrate the kick-off of the highly anticipated Sandestin Wine Festival on a luxurious 125-foot yacht that cruises the open waters while indulging in fresh, local seafood and premium champagnes. The SOLARIS chefs are featuring an elaborate four-course, Gulf Coast seafood menu, each paired with premium champagnes. Patrons will embark on an unforgettable day that begins with a Dockside Reception at noon with hors d’oeuvres and sparkling bubbly. It’s smooth sailing for the rest of the afternoon as guests enjoy all three decks of the SOLARIS yacht, including the open-air sky deck, and three additional coastal cuisine courses and champagne. Reservations required online at SunQuestCruises.com or by calling 850.650.2519.

The Mulligans in Concert

Ramada Plaza Beach Resort

1500 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Saturday, April 18, 2015:

Pirate Day at the Emerald Coast Science Center

31 Memorial Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come join the science center for sea monster dissections, navigation and pirate and sea crafts. Come dressed as your favorite pirate. You can even visit the William Augustus Bowles Mobile Pirate Museum, which will be present for the event.

Spring Style Event at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Silver Sands Premium Outlets

10562 Emerald Coast Parkway W., Suite 200

Miramar Beach

Shoppers are invited to enjoy this fun event that will feature a fashion show, food, Abrakadoodle art project for kids, Facetime PhotoBooth, prize drawings and more. The first 50 to check in at the event will also receive a free Premium Outlets signature shopping tote. The event will be held in the space to the left of Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5^th, next to Rack Room Shoes.

Attendees will get to preview spring fashion trends at a fashion show hosted by guest bloggers Jami Ray of 30A Street Style and Jessica Fay of Lipstick, Heels & A Baby. These fashion trendsetters will bring their expertise to the event by exclusively styling looks for the fashion show and hosting the live event.  

Attendees can also enjoy a taste of Silver Sands Premium Outlets with delicious samples from an array of eateries at the center including Pino Gelato Café that will offer samples of Italian coffee, gelato and their famous Ferrari Flatbread Sandwich. The event is sponsored by Southern Vacation Rentals.

Bowlegs Pirate Invasion!

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

1010 Miracle Strip Parkway

Fort Walton Beach

Local Color Artists to Exhibit at Destin Library

Destin Library

150 Sibert Avenue

Destin

The Destin Library will host an art exhibit of the Local Color Artists Club through April 18. The exhibit will feature the works of local artists from the Destin/Fort Walton Beach/Niceville area. The fifteen-piece exhibit includes the works of:

Sue Tarkin

Bill Stephenson

Dr. Theresa McRee

Dennis Rosati

Amy Jo Rosati

Lynette Miesen

Helen Blair

Jackie Lynch

Gini Simpson

Marie Jackson

Tamara Lee Sturgeon

Lou Kaunzinger

Barbara Brook

Sue Peck Hamm

Priscilla Bonjour

Exhibit hours at the Destin Library’s Calhoun Room are:

            Monday                                   9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

            Wednesdays                          1-5 p.m.

            Tuesday/Thursday              9 a.m. – 8 pm.

            Friday                                       9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

            Saturday                                  9 a.m. – 1p.m.

For more information, please contact Amy Jo Rosati at ajrdjr112@cox.net.

Sunday, April 19, 2015:

ArtWalk on the Harbor

HarborWalk Village

10 Harbor Boulevard

Destin

Each month, HarborWalk Village transforms into a mini art district. Happening every third Sunday, dozens of artists come out to showcase their vibrant, engaging and creative artwork ranging from traditional to contemporary art, jewelry, paintings and more. You’ll find a mix of unique, handcrafted items from both emerging and established artists.

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.

The Sandestin Wine Festival is Just Around the Corner!

What: The 26th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival

When: April 26-29

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf 

Image from SandestinWineFestival.com

The Sandestin Wine Festival is a picture perfect event complete with white tents, flowing wine, gourmet food, ladies strolling in hats, live music, and more. Each year, the Village of Baytowne Wharf, the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, transforms itself into the South of France with a four day event providing patrons with an atmosphere to enjoy fine wine that is both entertaining and enlightening.

Image from SandestinWineFestival.com

The festival’s bounty of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending private dinners, participating in auctions for rare and distinctive wines, and taking part in wine tastings that showcase an unprecedented 800 wines. Wine novices are able to learn more about wines and sample from a comprehensive selection in all varieties, styles, and price ranges. Seasoned wine connoisseurs can enjoy meeting winemakers, asking detailed questions, and acquiring hard-to-get selections. As an added bonus, participants have the opportunity to immediately purchase their favorite selections from the retail tent at discounted prices.

Image from SandestinWineFestival.com

If you’re ready for an event that combines a great time with some of the best food and wine from around the globe, mark your calendar for April 26-29 and attend this year’s Sandestin Wine Festival. For more detailed information, visit their website at SandestinWineFestival.com.