Baytowne Memorial Day Celebration Returns
May 23–24 | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer during the Baytowne Memorial Day Celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The weekend will feature live music, family activities and fireworks. Sunday festivities include children’s activities throughout the day followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Sinfonia Salutes: A Memorial Day Concert & Drone Show
May 24 | Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Sinfonia Gulf Coast will present “Sinfonia Salutes” at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. The free Memorial Day concert and drone show begins at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs for the patriotic evening under the palms.
Grand Boulevard Launches Summer Entertainment Series
May 21–July 2 | Grand Park at Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Grand Boulevard is turning up the summer fun with two free weekly entertainment series in Grand Park.
Bands on the BLVD returns Thursdays from 6–8 p.m. with live outdoor performances from local and regional artists. The summer lineup includes Dion Jones & The Neon Tears on May 21, The Salty Strays on May 28, Casey Kearney on June 4, Xcetrics on June 11, The Wildlife Specials on June 18, Cadillac Willy on June 25 and “America Salutes | A Musical Celebration of 250 Years of Freedom,” presented by Emerald Coast Theatre Company, on July 2.
The all-new Big BLVD Bash debuts Tuesdays from May 26 through June 30 from 6–8 p.m. Hosted by Emerald Coast Theatre Company, the open-air DJ dance party series offers family-friendly music and entertainment in Grand Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy dinner from Grand Boulevard restaurants before the festivities. Free.
Biophilia Center Hosts Summer Kickoff Celebration
May 30 | E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, Freeport
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center will celebrate the start of summer from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. with live music, local food trucks, bounce houses, raffles, wildlife ambassador chats and visits from The Reptile Room. Families can enjoy a day of outdoor exploration and educational fun.
Event details: eowilsoncenter.org/events
Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert Series
Wednesdays | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Wednesday Night Concert Series continues weekly from 7–9 p.m. on the Events Plaza Stage at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for free performances featuring regional talent.
May 27 — Modern Eldorados
June 3 — Cadillac Willy
30 Years of Concerts in the Village
Through June 11 | Dugas Pavilion, Destin
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation continues its 30th Anniversary Concerts in the Village season through June 11 at the Dugas Pavilion in Destin. Concerts are held Thursday evenings and feature tribute acts and crowd-favorite performers.
May 28 — The Molly Ringwalds
June 4 — The Return: A Beatles Tribute
June 11 — A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
Alaqua Sunday Sessions
Sundays Through May 31 | Alaqua Arena, Freeport
Alaqua Animal Refuge continues its Sunday Sessions series every Sunday from 1–4 p.m. at the Alaqua Arena. The free weekly gathering features live music by Rescue Me — Tim Jackson, Holly Winter and John Link — along with rotating food trucks and the peaceful atmosphere of the refuge.
“The Paper Bear” Screening
June 7 | Seaside
“The Paper Bear” will be screened at 7:30 p.m. in Seaside. Blending live-action storytelling with hand-drawn animation, the film follows a father and son documenting Florida black bears while sharing campfire stories and local history. More info: thepaperbear.org
Magic & Comedy Returns
Ongoing Shows | The Palms Resort, Destin
The Magic & Comedy Destin is an upgraded, high-energy production featuring illusions, comedy and audience interaction.
Headliner Bart Rockett, an internationally known entertainer who has performed in more than 90 countries and starred in his own nationally syndicated television show, blends magic, comedy and ventriloquism into an interactive performance designed for all ages. Special guest appearances by Rockett’s children, Kadan and Brooklyn, add to the family-friendly fun.
Guests can enjoy all-table seating with food and drinks delivered directly to their seats, plus dining options at the adjacent Blue Lagoon restaurant. Showtimes include 7 p.m. evening performances and select 4 p.m. Sunday matinees. Seating is limited and advance reservations are recommended. Free parking is available. Tickets & info: MagicDestin.com
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
June 17–21 | Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The 24th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic returns June 17–21 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Timed with the Gulf Coast’s peak blue marlin season, the tournament attracts anglers from across the region for world-class sportfishing competition and nightly weigh-ins open to the public at Baytowne Marina. Visitors can enjoy tournament festivities while taking advantage of the resort’s dining, shopping and recreational activities.
Peach Festival Brings Sweet Summer Fun to Freeport
June 19–21 | Props Brewery at The Windmills, Freeport
Props Brewery at The Windmills will host its Peach Festival June 19–21 at 1799 Great Hammock Bend in Freeport. Festival hours are 3–9 p.m. June 19 and 12–6 p.m. June 20–21. The family-friendly event will feature local vendors, food trucks, a petting zoo and craft brews from the brewery. Vendor applications: forms.gle/fB37dY1QPWXhud937
