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
Alaqua Sunday Session
Sunday, May 31 | Alaqua Arena, Freeport
Alaqua Animal Refuge continues its Sunday Sessions series from 1–4 p.m. The free 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.
Magic & Comedy in Full Swing!
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
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. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for free performances featuring regional talent.
June 3 – Cadillac Willy
June 10 – Clinch 46
June 17 – The Typos
June 24 – Sunshine Wranglers
Island Summer Concert Series Returns to Okaloosa Island
Wednesdays Through July 29 | 6:30–9:30 p.m. | The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
The Island Resort brings back its popular Island Summer Concert Series with free beachfront live music every Wednesday evening through July 29. The family-friendly series features live bands, food trucks, cocktails and a fireworks finale over the Gulf.
This year’s lineup includes Rockstar Fish on June 3, The Aces Band on June 10, Seven Ply on June 17, Boukou Groove on June 24, Shenanigans on July 1, Tribe Zion on July 8, Lex and the Luthors on July 15, Below Alabama on July 22 and Jones & Company on July 29. Enjoy food and drinks from The Frosty Palm, Sizzle & Smash and The Beach Bar while relaxing on the resort’s beachside patio.
Concerts are FREE to attend, with food and beverages available for purchase. For more information, visit www.theislandfl.com.
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.
June 4 — The Return: A Beatles Tribute
June 11 — A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
Grand Boulevard Launches Summer Entertainment Series
Thursdays through–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 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 (ECTC), on July 2.
The all-new Big BLVD Bash debuts Tuesdays from May 26 through June 30 from 6–8 p.m. Hosted by ECTC, the open-air DJ dance party series offers family-friendly music and entertainment in Grand Park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy dinner from Grand Boulevard restaurants before the festivities. Free.
History Sandwiched In Explores Railroad’s Impact on Northwest Florida
June 5 | Noon | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
Local historian Bert Moore will present a special “History Sandwiched In” program June 5 at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida in Valparaiso. The free lunchtime presentation will explore the significance of the railroad in Northwest Florida and its lasting economic, societal, political and cultural impact on the region and its residents.
The program begins at noon at the museum, located at 115 Westview Ave. Admission is free. For more information, call (850) 678-2615 or email assistant@heritage-museum.org.
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..
Peach Festival Brings Sweet Summer Fun to our Area
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
