No weekend plans? We can help! August 17-19

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Hello there friends! I hope that everyone is enjoying time spent on the always lovely Emerald Coast. (I know I enjoy every minute of my time here.) I know that thoughts of fall are starting to pop up in everyone’s minds as we draw near the first day of school, and several other landmarks in time that tell us that cooler weather is on the way. Before you break out your sweaters and oh-so-cute knee-high boots, enjoy this beautiful summer! After all, there’s just something about sweet, sweet summertime that sends the “ahhhhhh” vibes through us. Get out there and savor the summer Emerald Coast style, with these exciting events.

 

Also, check out these Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events, to find out what happens here EVERY week!

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

Multi-day Events

Calling all fitness enthusiasts! You won’t want to miss the Max Fit Nutrition – Emerald Coast Power Expo this Friday and Saturday, August 17-18. Get out to the Emerald Coast Convention Center for this power-packed event.

Friday, August 17

It’s that time of the month again folks… by which I mean Art Walk time of course! Head to Downtown Fort Walton Beach for this free, open-air bizarre. Visitors can stroll the streets of this historic district where artists of all types will be displaying their creations. Enjoy the live music, art demonstrations, shopping and dining as you stroll. The evening will conclude with the presentation of a surf movie on the lawn behind Fired Up. (5:30-8:30pm)

Downtown Fort Walton Beach Art Walk on Facebook

Saturday, August 18

Be a part of history when you participate in the FIRST EVER Paddle at the Porch – Destin SUP Cup. This exciting event will begin in the beautiful emerald green waters behind the iconic Destin restaurant, The Back Porch. The event will feature a 3 mile recreational race and a six mile elite race. After the race there will be awards, food and fun!

Paddle at the Porch - Destin SUP Cup

A tasty 3-course meal, a little comedy, a little MURDER… sounds like a good time right? Head to Christopher’s Uncorked in Crestview this Saturday as Act4Murder presents KNOCK ‘EM DEAD, a hilarious murder/mystery that will have you laughing at the edge of your seat over a delicious dinner. 

Act4Murder.com  

The African American Student Association (AASA) of Northwest Florida State College will host a benefit Gospel Concert, “An Evening with Le’Andria Johnson,” at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. The evening will feature BET’s Sunday Best™ Season 3 Titleholder and Grammy© award-winning gospel artist, Le’Andria Johnson. Concert proceeds will benefit the NWFSC Pacesetter Scholarship Program. Special guest host will be Linda “Sonshine” Moorer, the Mid-Day Diva of Magic 106.1 radio. Included local performers are Believer’s Life Center Dance Ministry of Pensacola, and Spirit and Truth Ensemble of Love & Faith Community Church of Tallahassee.

MattieKellyArtsCenter.org

Sunday, August 19

As always, have a sun-filled, fun-filled and BEACHY weekend! After all, Life’s A Beach!

        -The Life’s A Beach crew

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

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

What Are You Doing This Weekend? April 13-15

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Friday the 13^th doesn’t seem so ominous when you are here on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast. There are several fun-filled events happening along the coast this weekend, so if you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, browse this list of just a few of the area’s happenings for the upcoming weekend.

Multi-Day Events

 

The Gulf Coast All-Levels Athletic Championships Cheering Competition will take place April 14-15 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.

AthleticChampionships.com

The St. Mary's Spring Fling starts this weekend! It’s the same Spring Fling area families and visitors have enjoyed for years. It’s just moved from the church grounds to behind the fairground buildings to allow more room for the midway rides, games, and the food court. The lively event will be taking place from April 14-18. Admission and parking are free.

The ensemble "Flutes Furioso" of Northwest Florida State College will perform two free concerts this weekend. Saturday, April 14, they will be playing at noon at the Tyler Recital Hall in the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville, and Sunday, April 15, at 2:30 in the atrium of Westwood Retirement Resort in Fort Walton Beach.  The Flutes Furioso ensemble will premiere two new pieces at these performances, in addition to popular and classical favorites from the flute choir repertoire. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

You won’t want to miss the Emerald Coast Boat Show taking place all weekend long. Head out to Santa Rosa Mall April 13-15 to see all the boats on display from 10 am to 9 pm.

                                              SantaRosaMall.com/Events

Friday, April 13

Head to the Art Wing of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for the Amy Riddell Reading and Book Signing starting a 7 pm. Listen as poet and professor Amy Riddell reads from her first full-length collection of poetry, Bullets in the Jewelry Box, an inspirational true-crime story.

Saturday, April 14

Come out and run for a good cause at the Run 4 Science, sponsored by the Emerald Coast Science Center. The run and festival will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. Races will be held for all ages starting with preschool, and activities and information will be available after the race.

Run4Science.com

Destin Commons guests are invited to join Valley Crest Landscape from 12-2 pm as a butterfly garden is planted in honor of the upcoming Earth Day. Planting will take place in the front greenery area, opposite Sephora. Special guests Off the Vine Organic Produce and Williams-Sonoma will be onsite providing healthy eating tips and tricks for guests. Life is Good will also be hosting an Earth Day Good to Grow Party in-store from 12-5 pm featuring live music, snacks and fun activities for all ages.

DestinCommons.com/Special-Events

Sunday, April 15

A great day for exploring! See if you can find some dolphins or manta rays! If you get a great picture be sure to share it with us at LifesABeachDestin.com/Upload_Photos. We love to see folks enjoying the beautiful Emerald Coast, so feel free to upload any of your vacation photos!

Have a great weekend! And, as always, keep it beachy!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 30 - April 1

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

A bit of sleepy weekend here on the Emerald Coast this weekend. There are definitely a few great events happening, so on the bright side, you can devote more attention to these events. The weather should be gorgeous this weekend, so it will also be a great time to hit the beach or get out there on the water. For other ideas, check out the latest spring issue of Life’s A Beach, you’re sure to get some inspiration there!

Multi-Day Events

Purses with a Purpose, the much-anticipated purse extravaganza returns to Silver Sands Factory Stores on March 30 and 31. Purses with a Purpose is a two-day purse sale and auction where new and gently used designer handbags are donated to be sold and auctioned off with all profits benefiting Shelter House, the domestic violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties. For more information about Purses with a Purpose or donating, please contact Shelter House at 850.243.1201

Head out to Bass Pro Shops in Destin on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1 for their annual Easter celebration! Easter egg hunts will be held at 1 p.m., lasting one hour. Free crafts will be available from 12-3 p.m. Get a free photo with the Easter Bunny Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Sunday from 1- 4 p.m. The celebration will continue next weekend, so hop on over to Bass Pro Shop!

www.basspro.com

Bass Pro Shop is a hopping place this weekend! Head to the shop on Saturday, March 31 and on Sunday, April 1 between 12 and 3 p.m., and meet Pro Fisherman, Ott Defoe, the 2011 BassMasters Elite Series Rookie of the Year. Ott will give a presentation on fishing techniques and be available for autographs and "down and dirty" tips on how to improve your fishing.

www.basspro.com

Friday, March 30

Saturday, March 31

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Course begins at 8:30 a.m. This program is designed to be an introductory course to meet the boating education needs of all recreational boaters. Students who complete this program will earn an official boating education certificate and the FWC Safe Boater ID card will be mailed to you.

www.flotilla14.org

Learn how to make belts, sashes, and bookmarks with the art of stick weaving with Gail Lynn Meyer. Part of the Green Earth Living Craft Series, this fun class allows you to make a bookmark (including finishing and optional beadwork) and start a belt. Students will have the skills to finish the belt at home. Class costs $15 for the public, and $12 for Friends of the Museum Members. All materials are included with the price of the class. Advanced registration required. Please call 850-833-9595 or email jlamott@fwb.org to sign up for the class or for more information.

Sunday, April 1

Have fun-filled, sun-filled and  beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 23-25

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

There’s some great stuff happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend. (Besides the beautiful weather that is.) If you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. Go ahead, browse through some of the area happenings we’ve highlighted below and see if anything catches your fancy.

Multi-Day Events

The Building Industry Association of Okaloosa-Walton Counties Home Showwill be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday this week. The show will feature over 100 indoor exhibits of products and services for the home and the homeowner. Popular seminars by experts will be conducted throughout the show at no extra charge to attendees. Hours: Saturday, March 24 – 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, March 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

www.biaow.org

The 10^th Annual Emerald Coast Metaphysical Festival featuring Tricia McCannon will be held at the Navarre Conference Center this weekend, March 25-26. This two day event will feature more than 50 vendors, psychics, readers, healers, guest speakers and more. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to check out the largest gathering of mystics and metaphysical vendors on the Emerald Coast.

                                              www.unlimited-horizons.org

Friday, March 23

The opening reception for the Art and Design Society’s Masque exhibit will be from 5-7 p.m. This annual show showcases masques created using recycled items. This event is free and open to the public. Can’t make the reception? Not to worry, the exhibit will continue to be displayed at the Art Center Gallery through April 14^th.

www.artsdesignsociety.org

Saturday, March 24

Have a great time and help a great cause at the same time when you participate in the Destin Relay for Life Texas Hold ‘em Shoot Out Poker Tournament. This event will take place at the Elks Lodge on Okaloosa Island beginning at 6 p.m. Suggested donation $50.

www.relayforlife.org/destinfl

Starbucks at HarborWalk Village will be hosting a Walter Richardson Book Signing from 2-4 p.m. The retired Tuskeegee Airman and Congressional National Award Winner will be signing his book How Great Though Art, which he authored based on his journal entries and experiences throughout his life.

The 11^th Annual Route 30A Car Show will take place in Rosemary Beach from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy music, demonstrations, plus the exciting People's Choice Award!

Sunday, March 25

If you’re not enjoying the Home Show or the Metaphysical Festival on this day, hit the beach, take in a good movie, or take Fido out to the new Destin Dog Park. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day, enjoy it!

Wishing you a fun-filled beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 16-18

Kick off the Weekend! March 16-18, 2012

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

Top o’ the morning to ya laddies! What fun-filled events are in store for you this St. Patrick’s Day weekend? The gorgeous weather makes it hard to stay away from the beach, but there are some great events happening this weekend that you may not want to miss. If you haven’t made any weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve highlighted a few of the area happenings for this coming weekend below – check it out!

Friday, March 16

The 6^th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefiting Children in Crisis will be held at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. and shotgun will start at noon. Entry fee is $75 per player and $300 for a team. Drinks, prizes, raffle items, ditty bags, golf shirts and an awards party with hors d’oeuvres are included! For more information, contact Natalie Rodriguez at natalierodriguez@childrenincrisisfl.org, or call 850.864.4242.

Start your break with Spring Praise 2012 and join us for an evening of celebration and worship. The Spring Praise 2012 Concert with BarlowGirl, Jonny Diaz and Todd Agnew will take place at the Emerald Coast Convention Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sponsorships for this concert will benefit the Special Olympics of Okaloosa County.

www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com

Micky Mouth, Mixture, and 4 Beachcomber award nominee Homemadesoul will rock Destin Hard Rock with a little bit of soul during the Hip Hop Meets Rock II at Hard Rock Cafe Destin event. Doors open at 10:30 p.m.

http://www.facebook.com/events/235715503189405/

Saturday, March 17

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s  St. Paddy's Day Delight. Henri's Notions will provide traditional Celtic music in the Events Plaza from 6-9pm.

The 4th Annual HarborWalk Village Grogg Games & Irish Street Festival will take place from 12-11 p.m. Fun for the whole family! Enjoy live Irish music by authentic bag pipers Irish dancers, classic Irish fare and authentic Irish beers. Crafts and activities for children too! www.emeraldgrande.com

Don’t miss the Annual HarborWalk Village Grogg March taking place from 8-11 p.m. Each venue will entertain with music and games. Get your Pub Passport stamped at all the participating venues throughout the Harbor and you’ll be entered for a Grande giveaway.

 www.emeraldgrande.com

The 5^th Annual St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl will be taking place in downtown Fort Walton Beach from 6-10 p.m. Participating locations include Fokkers, Coasters, Salty Duck, Staff's, Golden Dragon and KC's Sandbar. Free entry! Food and drink specials, and lots of PRIZES! Must visit each location to be eligible for Grand Prizes!

The US Constitution Freedom Rally II - Fundraiser for the Navy SEALs and Veterans Families will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from noon until 7 p.m. You won’t want to miss the special guest, Governor Scott.

www.theroguepatriot.org/Events_Page.html

Bring the kids out to this week’s HarborWalk Village Starbucks book signing, featuring Diane Box. This event will take place from 2-4 p.m. and will feature Diane’s children’s book Fred Visits the Emerald Coast.

www.emeraldgrande.com

Sunday, March 18

Not much going on in the way of events this Sunday, so maybe just enjoy the beautiful weather. Head to an area park, or beach access and soak up some sun! Or maybe just sleep away the lingering effects of St. Patty’s day festivities.

Have a GREEN and beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew

What Are You Doing This Weekend? March 2-4

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

It’s going to be a HUGE and eventful Emerald Coast weekend this week. Wooooo! Who’s excited? No matter what your fancy, you will find some great events and entertainment to banish any and all boredom. If you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve taken the liberty of highlighting a few of the area happenings for the upcoming weekend for your convenience. Take your pick!

Multi-Day Events

Calling all dog lovers! Head out the Okaloosa County Fairgrounds this Thursday and Friday, March 1^st and 2^nd for the Okaloosa AKC Dog Show. Show starts at 9:00 a.m.

If you love all things sewing and quilting you won’t want to miss the Flying Needles Quilt Retreat & Show at the Emerald Coast Conference Center from 9-5 March 1^st – 3^rd. Take in the beautifully crafted quilts, learn a thing or two with classes from national and local instructors, or peruse the show and rub elbows with vendors.

www.flyingneedlesquiltguild.org, 850.729.7772

It’s that time of year again, folks, that’s right it’s COBIA TIME! The HarborWalk Marina 16^th Annual Destin Cobia Tournament starts this Friday, March 2^nd with a kick-off party at the Emerald Grande Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.  This month-long event attracts hundreds of anglers from Northwest Florida. The tournament provides anglers with a great fishing experience and excellent payout.

www.destincobiatournament.com, 850.837.2343

The 4th Annual WSRE Wine, Women, and Shoes Dinner & Live Auction, the fastest-growing charity event series created by women for women in the U.S. is coming to the Emerald Coast from March 2^nd-4^th.The annual event will include a wine tasting, gourmet dinner, and live auction to benefit WSRE’s ongoing efforts to provide educational programming for over 77,000 viewers nationwide.

www.winewomenandshoes.com, 850.585.7294

The 30A Wine Fest at Alys Beach is a two-day event (March 3^rd-4^th) featuring seminars, a wine symposium, tastings, and food pairings from local restaurants, live music and dancing - all in the elegant surroundings of Alys Beach.

www.30awinefestival.com, 850.622.3200

Friday, March 2

Head out to Destin’s Hard Rock Café this Friday as they host the final event in their Hard Rock Rising series. Bands performing include FADED SAINTS, SKINCRAWL, 13th Shade, FOR SHAME, Hotel Oscar, Heritage, The Ayers, SKYVIEW and Vantage Point. Local winners will then be pitted against eighty-six other Hard Rock Cafe local winners from across the globe. Prizes are awesome!

www.hardrock.com/destin   

Saturday, March 3

For those with a love of the music of the 60’s and 70’s, Hotel California – a tribute to The Eagles – will fill the bill. Hotel California will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Mattie Keller Arts Center in Niceville. www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com, 850.362.9356

Brides-to- be will love the 2^nd Annual Navarre Area Bridal Show, which will take place from 12-3 p.m. at Hampton Inn and Suites in Navarre. Many recognized and popular wedding vendors will be available. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a free getaway! This event is free and open to the public, so grab your girls and check it out!

www.NavarreChamber.com, 850.939.4848

The Green Earth Living Craft Show will be featuring Yarn Weaving with Phyllis Hunt – Learn this simple weaving technique to make coasters, bowls, baskets and more using extra yarn. Neat!

850.833.9595

Sunday March 4

"Republicans are a party with bad ideas and Democrats are a party with no ideas." Enjoy the comedic insights, of Lewis Black, one of the most prolific and popular performers working today, at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville.

www.mattiekellyartscenter.org

The 10^th Annual Seaside Half Marathon and 5k Run starts at 7:00 a.m. Entries for runners are unfortunately sold out, however, feel free to come down and cheer the runners on, or come out for the Friday Night Party.

www.seasidehalfmarathon.com

Wishing everyone a warm and beachy weekend!

            -The Life’s A Beach crew