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

“An Evening in Margaritaville” Presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation

What: “An Evening in Margaritaville,” a pop-up dining event

When: August 23^rd - 5:30-8:30pm

Where: Still a mystery at this time

Mystery, intrigue, food, entertainment and oh yeah, did I mention MYSTERY!? If you’ve been following the progress of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s pop-up dining event, “An Evening in Margaritaville,” you know what I’m talking about. If not, that’s ok, allow me to fill you in a little… as much as I can at least.

I first heard about this event a few weeks ago, and I have to admit, I was intrigued. The whole concept casts an air of mystery and excitement upon the occasion. This enigmatic event has followers and interested parties eagerly checking their email and Facebook accounts to see if the latest details have been released. I know I’m sucked in! I guess that’s the beauty of these pop-up dining experiences; you know that it could take place anywhere – a rooftop, and airport hangar, an old warehouse, a restaurant – who knows! Food and entertainment could include any wealth of options. Details of the event have been kept secret and are being revealed as the event grows near. So, let me tell you what I know so far.

Photo courtesy of SoWal.com

I know that a portion of the entertainment will be in an art demonstration by the talented mixed-media artist, Andy Saczynski. Andy’s usual “junk into funk” style typically uses reclaimed materials and found objects to create original (and not to mention sensational) pieces of art. The product of Saczynski’s live demonstration will be auctioned off at the event, along with a few other pieces that the artist will have on display.

Photo Courtesy of Legendary Inc.

Alright, so we know we can expect an amazing art demonstration by a gifted artist, what else? I’ll tell you what else! It has been announced that the meal will be prepared by none other than Legendary Inc.’s Executive Chef, Jimmy McManus. YUM! You KNOW that’s going to be one delicious meal! With his impeccable skills, and vast knowledge and experience, McManus has received much praise and many honors for his culinary genius. The menu will feature beef empanadas and coconut lobster tartlets during the cocktail hour. This will be followed by a sumptuous buffet with salads, grilled swordfish, roast pork tenderloin, rice, vegetables and a delectable selection of desserts.

Last, the most recent detail revealed that patrons can expect to be entertained by the musical stylings of the Trop Rock sensation Coconut Radio. This dynamic duo is comprised of award-winning violinist extraordinaire, Susan Kittredge and singer/songwriter Steve Reeths. The music of Coconut Radio is meant to share those feelings/emotions one feels when sharing a cold one with friends at the tiki bar or watching a beautiful sunset. I think our friends at The Beachcomber put it best when they said “(Coconut Radio's release 'Gone Bamboo') is the perfect soundtrack for your spring                                                                           and summer."

So far, that is pretty much the sum of everything I know about this event at this time. I know there’s more to come so I will continue to follow the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook, for the latest updates about this event’s details. If you’d like to do the same, follow this link to their page: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook

Also, if you haven’t got your ticket yet, call the Foundation today at 850-650-2226 to reserve your place at the table. I understand that seating is limited to 100 people and tickets are selling very quickly.

There's A Great Weekend Ahead! How Will You Spend It? August 3-5

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

We’re back! It’s been a couple of weeks since we were last able to get a post up. We have been so busy with tons of great projects (including starting on our fall/winter edition of Life’s A Beach) that we haven’t had a chance to come back here and share with everyone.

It looks like August is here! July wrapped with a rainy finish, but we are high and dry (and absolutely beautiful) as I write this today. It’s it definitely a great day for the beach… or really any outdoor activity. Luckily for you, there are tons of fantastic things going on this weekend (in addition to the regularly scheduled Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events) to make a good weekend a great 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

Multi-day Events

All weekend long (August 3-5) enjoy the tax-free benefits of the Sales Tax Holiday. During this period, no Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $75 or less per item, or on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item. Seems like a great time to check out some of the already amazing deals at Silver Sands Factory Oultets.

Florida Sales Tax Holiday Details

Have a blast at the USABMX Multi-Point Weekend Racing event at the Emerald Coast Dirt and Vert in Fort Walton Beach. This event will feature a full weekend of races, including double and triple point events for all USABMXers chasing year-end district points.

ECDandV.com

Friday, August 3

Get a birds-eye view of this stunning area...

Saturday, August 4

Photo: IslandDanceParty.com

This Saturday, the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island will be THE place to dance the night away. The Island Dance Party – Dirty Bird Reunion will be featuring a live performance from the local favorite, Emerald Gold. Performances will include some of your favorite old school Classic Rock from the 70s and 80s. Dance Party proceeds will be aiding the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Party starts at 7pm. Get your tickets now!

EmeraldCoastConvetionCenter.com | IslandDanceParty.com

Photo: Chautauqua Wine Vineyards

Wine AND art. It doesn’t get much better than that. Join Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery in Defuniak Springs this Saturday starting at 10am for the Chautauqua Paint Party. No experience needed! Rachel with Southern Strokes Art says 90% of people who attend her parties have never picked up a paint brush before. Call the winery at 850.892.5887 if you’re interested in painting!

Sunday, August 5

Want to really make the most of your time on the Emerald Coast? Pick up the latest issue of Life’s A Beach for information on shopping, dining, attractions, and more! Don’t miss the COUPONS section in the back!

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

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

Back by popular demand! The Life's A Beach Cover Art Competition returns to the Emerald Coast!

A Call to Artists:

Life’s A Beach Publications invites area artists to participate in their upcoming cover art show and competition hosted by The Arts and Design Society of Fort Walton Beach. The grand prize winner earns the opportunity to display their masterpiece on the front cover of an upcoming issue of Life’s a Beach, the #1 visitor’s guide to the Emerald Coast, which distributes more than 500,000 copies annually. The selected artist will also receive a featured editorial and quarter page ad within the issue. In exchange for artist exposure, Life’s A Beach Publications will take ownership of the selected art piece, this includes reproduction in print, electronic, and/or computer readable formats.

The artwork should capture the playful and whimsical flair of the Emerald Coast, and exhibit vibrant, eye catching colors. The piece should also incorporate at least one palm tree. Brilliant contrasting colors in a vertical 2’ by 3’ format work best. All art must be ready to hang when submitted. All art entries of no more than two pieces must be delivered to The Arts and Design Society in Fort Walton Beach on October 27 between the hours of 1-4 p.m. or October 29 from 9 a.m. until noon. All entries will be displayed at the ADSO gallery, and the winner will be announced at a November 7^th reception. Please contact Sarah Hockett at 850.650.2780 ext. 1 with any questions. 

Celebrate Independence Day on the Emerald Coast

Boom, Boom, Boom! The celebration of America’s Freedom has already begun with a bang here on the Emerald Coast. If you’re just arriving to spend the 4^th of July weekend at this lively locale, allow us to outline a few of the events you won’t want to miss. Fun-filled and patriotic events will be occurring throughout the area all week long. Some events are regularly scheduled Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events, but for the sake of those who are here to celebrate the holiday this week only we’re going to touch on a few of those things as well.

Monday, July 2

Join Magician Rick Moore from 7-9pm at the Events Plaza Stage at the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Magical Mondays, an evening of laughs and illusions.

BaytowneWharf.com

                             Tuesday July 3

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is host to the weekly celebration, Boomin’ Tuesdays. This celebration provides an evening of fun and merriment, complete with face painting, kid’s crafts, and live music by Coconut Radio from 7-9pm. Stick around for the fireworks show beginning at 9:15pm!

BaytowneWharf.com

Head down to HarborWalk Village, where every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, with their Pardi Gras celebration from 7-10pm! Enjoy dazzling floats, beads, and loads of swag during the parade through the village, and relish the cocktails, red beans and rice, and live entertainment!

EmeraldGrande.com

Enjoy a coastal fireworks display beginning at 9pm in Seaside. Be sure to tune your radio to 30A Radio (107.1) to hear the simulcast soundtrack as you watch the magnificent display.

SoWal.com

Wednesday July 4 

Celebrate the holiday with at the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Red, White & Baytowne celebration. Bring the kids! Enjoy face painting, crafts and a stilt walker from 6-10pm and live music by The Shrimpboat Cowboys form 7-9pm. A special Independence Day fireworks show will light up the sky over the lagoon at 9:15pm.

BaytowneWharf.com

HarborWalk Village will be offering tons of fun and excitement from 6-10pm at their 4^th of July Extravaganza on the Harbor! Festivities will include family activities, a hotdog eating contest, giveaways, live music on the Main stage by Clinch 46, and of course FIREWORKS!

EmeraldGrande.com

Head to Main Street in Destin for the American Legion Cookout. American Legion post 296 will be hosting an old-fashioned cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs beginning at 2pm. Entertainment will be provided by Rock’n Robbin. This event is open to the public.

Legion.org

The City of Fort Walton Beach will be hosting its annual 4^th of July Celebration at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. The event is scheduled from 4-10pm and will include entertainment, vendors, a bicycle parade for children, a flyover, and kid’s activities and games. The evening will conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display over the sound beginning at 9:15pm.

FWB.org

The annual South Walton 4^th of July Parade will begin in front of Seagrove Plaza at 8am. Participants in patriotic costumes and on festive holiday floats will travel 1.5 miles down Scenic Hwy 30A to Seaside, where a winning parade entry will be selected. After the parade, enjoy music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio until 11am. Bring your blanket and settle in as the celebration continues with Stars & Stripes at Seaside at 7pm featuring a special performance by Dread Clampitt and Sam Bush. The festivities will come to a close with a spectacular fireworks show viewable from the Seaside Amphitheater or along the beach.

SoWal.com

Spend the holiday building ad sailing a pirate ship with the little ones in the reflection pond during a ranger-led activity from 10am-noon at Eden Gardens State Park’s Fourth of July Family Day.

FloridaStateParks.org/EdenGardens

Enjoy the all-day 4^th of July Celebration in Rosemary Beach. The festivities kick off with the annual Bike Parade through town beginning at 8:45am. A Family Field Day will be held from 9-11am on the Western green. Have a blast with sack races, 3-legged races, hula-hoop contests, a water balloon toss, music, airbrush tattoos, “go fish,” balloons and moonwalks. A barbeque will take place from 5-7 pm on the Eastern Green where an old-fashioned BBQ dinner will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars at Concert on the Green from 6:30-8:30pm on the Western Green. The evening will end with a fireworks show at 8:45.

RosemaryBeach.com

The DeFuniak Springs Business and Professional Association presents the 21^st annual Celebration around the Lakeyard, which includes a parade, entertainment with Crossroads, children’s activities, a flyover, a fireworks display and more!

WaltonOutdoors.com

The Walton County Heritage Museum celebrates the museum’s 10^th Anniversary on July 4^th. The museum will open at 10am and remain open until the conclusion of the fireworks over Lake DeFuniak. The caboose will be open for tours from 11am-2pm. Trolley tours of historic homes around Circle Drive will be offered at 11am, 11:45am, 12:30pm and 1:15pm. Tours will include a guided walk through the Heritage Garden and a reception at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. Hot dogs, sausage dogs, and drinks will be sold in front of the museum beginning at 11am.

WaltonCountyHeritage.org

Thursday, July 5

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Sunset Cinema, a fun-filled movie under the stars! This week’s feature film is The Smurfs, and showing begins at 8pm.

BaytowneWharf.com

Can’t get enough fireworks? Check out the Red, White and Blue Celebration at HarborWalk Village from 6-8pm. This weekly honoring of a local hero highlights the efforts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica flyover. The evening is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor.

EmeraldGrande.com

Friday, July 7

Rock the Docks with Andy Velo at HarborWalk Village from 8-10pm. The evening will include free kids activities and face painting.
EmeraldGrande.com

Saturday, July 8

Relive America’s favorites at Rock the Docks with Ron Adams and Friends at HarborWalk Village from 7-9pm.

EmeraldGrande.com