There’s nothing like summer along the Emerald Coast. The heat of the salty day stretches into the buzz of the night, alive with music and fireworks. While we know you love the beautiful beaches, there are also a lot of exciting things to offer on land. Day or night, you’ll never be bored, and there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
Farmers Markets
Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House
Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Family Fun at The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne is for family fun this summer! Events include Scallywag Sundays 7-9 p.m., Movie Mondays at 8 p.m., Boomin’ Tuesdays with a DJ Dance Party followed by fireworks 7:15-9:15 p.m., Wednesday Night Concert Series 7-9 p.m., and a Thursdaze Lights Show 9 p.m.
Hemingway Day at The Pearl Hotel July 21
Enjoy global cuisine at Havana Beach Bar & Grill inspired by the life and travels of Ernest Hemingway 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Each dish will be paired with its own wine or spirit. Reservations are recommended.
Nature & Outdoors
Tackle Boxes Not Xboxes: Kids Fishing Day at Boathouse Oyster Bar July 15 & 22
Kids can enjoy a day of fishing aboard the American Spirit Party Boat. Includes event swag, lunch, water, and 6 hours of fishing starting at 8 a.m. Cost is $60. Kids ages 6-10 on July 15 and Kids 11-14 on July 22.
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays
Join South Walton Turtle Watch on Wednesday mornings for Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday at The Big Chill 30A from 9-11 a.m. Learn about sea turtles and take the Jr. Ocean Ranger pledge to help keep our beaches clean, dark and flat for nesting sea turtles and baby hatchlings. Free and open to the public.
Coffee with a Ranger at Topsail Hill Preserve July 16
Enjoy coffee and a conversation with Park Rangers at the park clubhouse at 9 a.m. All ages welcome.
Guided Plant Walk at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park July 21
Join Master Gardner Bill Kuenstler for a guided stroll beginning at Tram stop #2 from 9-11 a.m.. Free with admission to the park.
A Tea for All Occasions at E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center July 26
Enjoy a unique rustic tea party with refreshing cocktails, a selection of teas, tea sandwiches, and desserts. $70/$65 for Women of Nature members at 11:30 a.m.
Vacation Bible School
Motion Summer Vibes at Destiny Worship Center July 16, 23 & 30
Every Wednesday through the end of July, celebrate summer with games, special events, and sermons geared towards youth in 6th-12th grade from 6:30-8 p.m.
Wonder Junction-Marvel at Jesus, Live for His Glory at Destiny Worship Center July 21-25
Enjoy a week of learning about the wonders of Jesus. There’ll be snacks, games, worship, Bible teaching, and fun from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Performing Arts
Kids Improv Bootcamp at The REP Theatre July 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 & 31
Kids ages 5-12 will have fun learning improv the basics of improv comedy and performance through challenges, teamwork exercises, and theatre games 2-3:30 p.m. Advanced registration is required. Cost is $25 per session. Visit LoveTheRep.com.
Comedy on the Boulevard at Emerald Coast Theatre Company July 18
Hosted by Jason Hedden with headliner Clayburn Cox and feature act Emily Holden at 7 p.m. Tickets available at the theatre or visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.
The REP Rumpelstiltskin in Seaside Mondays
The Seaside REP Theatre presents Rumpelstiltskin Mondays at 6 p.m. through Aug. 4 at the Seaside Amphitheater. This complimentary event will entertain the entire family. This captivating twist on a beloved classic is packed with adventure and humor. Visit LoveTheRep.com.
The REP Snow White in Rosemary Beach Wednesdays
The Seaside REP Theatre presents Snow White, kids’ theatre every Wednesday at St. Augustine Green in Rosemary Beach at 6:30 p.m. through August 6. This enchanting version of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale features a heartwarming story, unforgettable characters, and many laughs, making it a delightful experience for the entire family! Visit LoveTheRep.com.
Huck & Lilly @ Seaside Amphitheater Tuesdays and Thursdays
Huck & Lilly will perform live in the Seaside Amphitheater Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show. Free and open to all ages. Singer/songwriters Ken Johnson and Andi Zack-Johnson as Huck and Lilly specialize in music for kids AND the grown-ups who love them!
Camps
Forge Summer Camps at Forge Martial Arts SoWal July 14-18
Kids 5+ can enjoy Nerf wars, Legos, martial arts, sports, music, art, movies, and more from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit forgesowal.com.
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center Wednesday Summer Day Camps
Designed for children aged 5-12, these camps focus on nature exploration, animal encounters and environmental education. Sessions are held on Wednesdays fthrough July 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $55 per camper. Register by calling (850) 835-1824.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park Sunset Camps
Sunset Camps for ages 6-14 include dolphin encounters, beach exploration and dinner. Select dates in June-August, 4-9 p.m., at $89 for the first child, with discounts for additional siblings. Visit gulfarium.com.
Games
Grand Boulevard Lawn Games
Bring the entire family out to Grand Boulevard to enjoy some fun! Summer Lawn Games will take over Grand Park from 5-8:30 p.m. nightly through August 9. Grab some food and drinks from one of the many restaurants in Grand Boulevard before you settle in to a fun round of corn hole, giant lawn chess, checkers and more.
Bingo at Stinky’s Bait Shack Sundays
Enjoy 5 free rounds of bingo 4-6 p.m. on Sundays.
Trivia Night at The Courtyard at Pescado July 15, 29 and Aug. 12
Call ahead to pre-book your table. 6 p.m.
