By Christopher Manson
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15, and you are kindly reminded that the celebration happens all day long, regardless of whether the old guy is awake or not.
Warm up—or rather, cool off—Friday, June 6, by treating Dad to a cold one at “Free Beer Friday: Locals on the Harbor” at Destin’s Boathouse Oyster Bar “while the keg lasts.” The event is a fundraiser for Road Dogg Rescue, a local volunteer-driven foster-based rescue that saves dogs from kill shelters and is responsible for many happy doggie daddies. It’s scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m.
On Saturday, June 7, radio station 99 ROCK presents The Word Alive and The Funeral Project live in concert at Club L.A. in Destin. The band Melrose Avenue is also scheduled to perform. Ages 16 and older. More at rockdestin.com.
Kick off Father’s Day weekend early with the nostalgic Eighties rock stylings of Def Leppard tribute band Adrenalize at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Dugas Pavilion in Destin Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). And good news! You and Dad are not required to pose for a photograph or pour sugar on yourselves, but you can rocket on over for tasty bites from choice local restaurants and food trucks. Purchase your tickets at mkaf.org.
Guardians of the Jukebox hit the Club L.A. stage Friday, June 13. The event is presented by Coast 93.3 FM and is an age 16 and up show. On Saturday, June 14, HarborWalk Village hosts the Summer Sun-Sets Concert Series at 6 p.m. (band to be announced; check the HarborWalk Facebook page for updated information).
On Father’s Day proper, take the old man to AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in Destin for the Sunday Crawfish Boil, starting at 1 p.m. Since 1984, our friends at AJ’s have been serving up delicious crawfish with fresh new potatoes, sweet corn and tasty mushrooms. Meanwhile, Jones and Company serve up their award-winning fusion of pop, jazz and rhythm and blues from 4 to 8.
SunQuest Cruises hosts a Father’s Day dinner cruise aboard the luxurious Solaris yacht. Treat Dad to a family-friendly excursion departing from Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort’s Baytowne Marina at 6:30 p.m. Price, including three-course dinner and live entertainment, is $89.50 for ages 11 and up with discounted rates for children 10 and under. Call 850.650.2519 or visit SunQuestCruises.com.
If fishing is Dad’s passion, the Seventh Annual Summer Slam Fishing Tournament is in full swing through the end of July. Daily weigh-ins happen at Destin’s Boathouse Oyster Bar from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. And while you’re on the Destin Harbor, there are plenty of appealing options for charter fishing adventures (among other things).
For more Harbor fun, treat Dad to a one-of-a-kind adventure on the water with Tailfins Island Adventure! Tailfins offers two unforgettable experiences: climb aboard the Always Workin’, a spacious 45-foot cruiser perfect for sightseeing and relaxing, or opt for the Talk of Town Tikis, Tailfins’ newest and most unique tiki boats—complete with island vibes and panoramic Gulf views. Whether Dad’s in the mood for dolphin watching, a harbor cruise or just some laid-back fun on the water, it’s a perfect way to make Father’s Day memories.
Looking for a more laid-back way to treat Dad this Father’s Day? Head over to Bluewater Bay Marina in Niceville and kick back at LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant & Oyster Bar. On Sunday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy “Brunch on the Bay”—a delicious buffet with waterfront views and salty breezes. As a special toast to all the amazing dads out there, each dad gets a complimentary mimosa or draft beer. Brunch is $15.99 for adults, $5.99 for kids ages 7–12, and free for little ones under 6.
After brunch, spend some quality time together exploring the marina—rent a boat, try paddleboarding, or simply take in the beauty of the Bay. It’s a great way to slow down, connect and celebrate Dad. For more info, visit bluewaterbaymarina.com.
As far as Dad-friendly movies are concerned, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina hits the big screen June 6. A spin-off of (or shameless attempt to cash in on) Keanu Reeves’ action-packed franchise, the events of this film take place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4… in case you thought those two movies weren’t long enough. There’s also a new How to Train Your Dragon movie hitting theaters, in case you or your father happen to be nine years old.
Other ideas include enjoying quality time with Dad by exploring local parks, having a family barbecue or taking a scenic walk along the Bay. This is a very small roundup of fun Father’s Day happenings. So, please continue to explore the many fun activities the Emerald Coast has to offer. And remember to let Pop sleep in.
