CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT May 1 – Walton Sun
Please send your events, meetings, etc., to pgriffin@thedestinlog.com at least 2 weeks in advance.
Sinfonia’s Crescendo!
Sinfonia Gulf Coast hosts its annual fundraiser Crescendo! A Cultural and Culinary extravaganza,May 1 and May 2. This year’s main event, “Moulin {vin} Rouge” and is set for May 2 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach. Tickets to Crescendo! 2021 are $150/person. To purchase tickets, visit www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call 460-8800.
Derby Bourbon Tasting
The Courtyard at Pescado will hold a Derby Bourbon Tasting from 4:3-6:30 p.m. May 1. Watch the Derby while enjoying a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep accompanied by Chef Ken’s Signature Kentucky Dishes. Dress in your finest Derby hat. Tickets are $85 + tax and gratuity. Book at events@thelcrg.com.
Derby Party on the Waterfront
Dust off your bowties and big hats because the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner and North Beach Social is the place to watch May 1. Relax at the water’s edge, as you sip mint juleps and devour hot brown sandwiches. Will and Linda Pleasants will be playing from 12-3 p.m. that day and the race is at 5:50 p.m. sharp. And they’re off!
Live at The REP
With their polar-opposite musical backgrounds, Kassie and Benjamin, My One And Only, meld old-school country, singer-songwriter and alternative folk-rock into a sound that can only be described as “Southern-Soul and Curious-Grit.” They take the stage at 7:30 p.m. May 1 at The REP Theatre, 216 Quincy Circle in Seaside. Tickets are $40 and $32 for REP members. Purchase tickets at https://lovetherep.com.
Tequila & Taco Fest
Hosted at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach, local restaurants and food trucks will be competing for the Best Taco on The Emerald Coast with a first-place prize of $2,500, from 6-9 p.m. April 30, 1-5 p.m. May 1 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2. Sample many types of Tequilas and Margaritas from Blancos, Resposados, Anjieos, and even Mezcals while indulging on some of the area’s best tacos. Purchase tickets at bigtickets.com.
A Family Night Out
North Beach Social will welcome friends and families for a community event benefiting 30A Trails from 5-8 p.m. May 2. The event, sponsored by Citadel Roofing and Restoration, will feature live music by Wildlife Specials from 5-8 p.m Bring the whole family to dine, enjoy drinks and play on the beach while giving back to a great cause.
Cinco de Mayo Rooftop Fiesta
Head south of the border with a themed food and drink specials at the Havana Beach Rooftop from 12 p.m. to close May 5. Open to the public (must be 21+ to consume alcoholic beverages). This event is weather-permitting.
Cinco de Mayo
Toast to El Cinco de Mayo with half-priced tacos and half-priced house margaritas from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 5 at FOOW 34 Goldenrod Circle in Santa Rosa Beach.
Wednesday Night Concert Series
Sit back, relax, and enjoy free live entertainment with Sainte Jane from 7-9 p.m. May 5 on the Events Plaza stage at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
• May 12: Shenanigans
• May 19: Chris Alvarado
• May 26: The Shakedown
• June 2: Cadillac Willy
• June 9: Biscuit Miller and The Mix
• June 16: Will Thompson Band
• June 23: Luke Langford
• June 30: Dion Jones & The Neon Tears
• July 7: Boukou Groove
• July 14: Forrest Williams Band
• July 21: Six Piece Suits
• July 28: Rust & Gold
Concerts in the Village
Shania Twin, a Shania Twain Tribute, brings music to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Dugas Stage at 7 p.m. May 6. Admission is $15/adults, $10/active-duty military, and children (12 and under) and MKAF members are free.Purchase tickets online at Eventbrite. Gates open 6 p.m.
• May 13: M80s
• May 20: A Brother’ Revival, an Allman Brother Tribute
• May 27: Deana Carter
• June 3: The Tams
• June 10: Kara Grainger
• June 17: Petty Hearts, Tom Petty Tribute
• June 24: Air National Guard Band of the South
Tequila Tasting
Pescado has partnered with BreakThru Beverage Group to host a tasting led by Marc Engel from 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 6 at The Courtyard at Pescado.. Chef Ken Duenas will be preparing Cinco de Mayo style appetizers and guests will also receive a welcome cocktail in addition to the food and tasting. Tickets are $90 plus tax and gratuity. Email events@thelcrg.com to book your place. Limited spaces available.
Spring Showcase – A Night to Remember
Alissa Steffens Vocal Academy/Studios presents its Spring Showcase – A Night to Remember from 6-8 p.m. May 6 on the Events Plaza Stage at Baytowne Wharf. Singer/songwriter students age 12 to adult will present an evening filled with various solos and duets in a variety of music styles.
Book signing
Gail Pallotta, award winning author and longtime visitor to Destin, will hold a book signing for her latest book, “Cooking Up a Mystery,” at Sundog Books, 89 Central Square in Santa Rosa Beach in Seaside, at 11 a.m. May 7.
Music on Main
The Anthony Peebles Trio performs from 7-9 p.m. May 7 at “Music on Main” concert series in DeFuniak Springs. Guests are invited to enjoy a listening room experience at the historic Florida Chautauqua Theatre, 840 Baldwin Avenue. Doors open at 6 p.m. for cocktail hour. Guests can grab a bite to eat before the concert at one of the downtown restaurants or from the food truck setup in front of the theatre. Tickets purchased in advance are $15/adults and $5/children and are available at fcweb.org/musiconmain. Ticket prices increase $5 on the day of the show.
May 14: West Hine
May 21: Longleaf Drive
May 28: The Wortheys
Sip N’ Stroll Gallery Night
Enjoy an evening of art from 5-7 p.m. May 7 at J.Leon Gallery and Studio, 13370 U.S. Highway 98 in Miramar Beach, with wine, champagne, and eats.
Lionfish Restaurant Week
Emerald Coast Open’s Lionfish Restaurant Week is back from 12-10 p.m. May 9-15 in Destin. Local chefs will highlight lionfish with unique dishes to bring awareness to the lionfish invasion in the Gulf of Mexico. Restaurants include Crab Trap Destin, May 9; Marina Cafe, May 10; Dewey Destin’s Harborside, May 11; La Paz, May 12; Harbor Docks, May 13; and AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, May 15.
Embroiderers’ Guild
The Sand Dunes Chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America will meet for a stitch-in from 12-3 p.m. May 8 in the Religious Education building, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 1200 Valparaiso Blvd. in Niceville. Call 496-3466.
Toast to the Coast: A Cocktail & Culinary Celebration
Join in at HarborWalk Village for Toast to the Coast: A Cocktail and Culinary Celebration featuring local cuisine, signature beverages, and live entertainment at 2 p.m. May 8. Area restaurants will showcase matched samplings — a light bite with a complimentary cocktail. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventliveus.com/purchase/event/2204688.
Mother’s Day Mimosa Brunch
Celebrate all things Mom at FOOW with bottomless bubbles and muffins from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at 34 Goldenrod Circle in Santa Rosa Beach. All Moms will receive one complimentary mimosa and a muffin, with a keepsake recipe card as a gift. A la carte pricing on food with regular menu available for purchase. Reservations are preferred at 850-534-5050.
Havana Beach Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
Celebrate Mom with a visit to Havana Beach Bar & Grill, 63 Main St. in Rosemary Beach, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9. Buffet will feature a multitude of dishes that are sure to delight Mom and all of her guests. Open to the public; $75+ per adult, $40++ per child (ages 4-12)). Reservations preferred at 588-2882.
Grief Class
Beginning at 1 p.m. May 13, Destin United Methodist Church will have grief classes discussing different stages of grief and how they apply to loss. Loss which include life, relationships, health, careers and self worth. For more information and registration, contact Ken Gay at 582 2548 or email kengay.kg@ gmail.com.
Bubbly Baytowne
Enjoy an evening full of free champagne (21+) and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne from 5-7 p.m. May 13 at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Blessing of the Fleet
Destin’s 64th Annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held May 13 at the docks behind Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer Restaurant on the Destin harbor. The event begins at 4 p.m. with a Captains’ Worship and Prayer Service to be held under a large tent. The public is encouraged to attend. Then local clergy will process to the dock to begin blessing vessels. A community fish fry will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a suggested meal donation.
Nothin’ Funner Than Summer
Spend a day exploring exhibits before hiking to Camp Longleaf at E.O Wilson Biophilia Center’s Nothin’ Funner Than Summer from 9 am. to 2 p.m. May 15 in Freeport. Free for members-use; code in email. Adults $8 and children 3-12 $5. Pre-registration required at eowilsoncenter.org or call 835-1824. Food will be available for purchase.
Lionfish Festival
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the seventh annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival is scheduled for May 15 and 16 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin. Come out and celebrate the fight against invasive lionfish with the FWC and Destin–Fort Walton Beach. Activities will include fillet demonstrations; family-friendly games and activities; art, diving and conservation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the participating locations of Lionfish Restaurant Week May 10-14 for your chance to try this delicious invasive.
Sunday Cinema
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and cozy up at 8 p.m. May 16 on the Events Plaza Lawn at Baytowne Wharf for the free movie “Coco,”:a featured film on the big screen.
May 23: Ralph Breaks the Internet
May 30: Incredibles 2
June 6: Maleficent
June 13: Croods A New Age
June 20: Secret Life of Pets 2
June 27: Moana
July 11: Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
July 18: Pete’s Dragon
July 25: Sing
Hydroflight Monday
Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon at The Village of Baytowne Wharf at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Mondays, May 17-Aug. 2.
Boomin’ Tuesday
Turn your eyes on the sky at Baytowne Wharf and watch as the sky lights up with a fireworks show over the Lagoon at 9:15 p.m. Tuesdays, May 18-Aug. 3. Also, a DJ Dance Party with DJ Mike Whitty begins at 7 p.m. in the Events Plaza.
Magical Thursday
Magic, music, and mayhem with Baytowne Wharf’s featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows at 7 and 8 p.m. Thursdays May 20-Aug. 5.
Memorial Day Celebration
Kick off your summer with a free Memorial Day Celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf from 7-9 p.m. May 29 and 6-9 p.m. May 30. Enjoy music with Forrest Williams Band on Saturday and TBD on Sunday. Kids activities and a patriotic fireworks show also on Sunday evening.
Memorial Day Program
The Village of Baytowne Wharf will hold a free Memorial Day Program at 5 p.m. May 31. The Sandestin Veterans present a program in honor of our veterans.
Smoke on the Coast
Destin Commons will host 15 local non-profit organizations at the 10th annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ & Fireworks Festival from 5-10 p. m. July 3. Each non-profit organization teams up with a restaurant or BBQ aficionado. Cast your vote for $1 for your favorite BBQ team, support their mission, and enjoy a day of family fun.
Bluegrass Wednesday @ Grayton Seafood Co.
Grayton Seafood Co. invites you to join them from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays for live music and outdoor dining under the stars featuring Longleaf Drive. The Santa Rosa Beach boys play acoustic folk, rock, and bluegrass.
Hump Day Market:
Hump Day Market @ Monet Monet, 100 E. County Hwy. 30A in Grayton Beach, will be held each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop with local vendors, everything from fresh local produce, fine art, funky art, handmade jewelry, coastal clothing, arts and craft for the kids, as well as, PoBoys and specialty foods by Grayton Beach Catering.
Redd’s Fueling Station
Redd The Singing Bartender is back on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with a live band Fridays at Redds Restaurant on 30-A. It is located in Blue Mountain Beach behind Sallys By The Sea Store gas station convenience store, 2320 W County Hwy. 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. Dinner table reservations suggested. Call or text 850-325-0252. Check out the menu at www.reddsbar.com.
Fitness Field Day
Get a workout for mind and body at WaterColor Inn’s Fitness Field Day at 8 a.m. first Friday of each month at Marina Park, 238 Watercolor Blvd. W. in Santa Rosa Beach. This one-hour program offers a High Intensity Training workout, followed by a cooldown with Yoga. Open to the public for ages 9 and up. $15++ per person. Register by emailing wc.workout@stjoeclub.com or call 534-5950.Grand Boulevard Farmers Market
Grand Boulevard Farmers Market takes place every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grand Park in the heart of Grand Boulevard in South Walton. Bring your shopping bag and load up on local produce, eggs, jams and pies. Homemade soap, good olive oil, and pickled things are all there for the taking.
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market
Come browse the 30A Farmers Market in Rosemary Beach on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The local farmers market takes place on Sundays year round, and Thursdays throughout the summer months, in North Barrett Square along Scenic 30A.