Kick Off Summer this Memorial Day Weekend

For many, Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick off to summer. And the best way to start summer is by heading to the beach. The white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast offer a variety of events to celebrate Memorial Day and start the summer off with a bang!

Start the weekend at the Baytowne Memorial Day Celebration being held from May 26 to May 28 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. There will be live music and children’s activities every evening at the Events Plaza stage. At 9:15 pm on Sunday there will be a patriotic fireworks show. The celebration concludes on Monday at sunset with a performance by local veterans.

The Memorial Day Kickoff Celebration is a two day event at HarborWalk Village. On May 26 the local band Flash Flood will be performing from 7:00-9:00 pm. On May 27 you’ll be entertained by Departure: Journey Tribute Band starting at 7:00 pm. At 9:00 pm there will be fireworks over the Destin Harbor followed by fire spinning by Just Add Fire. 

For a more laid-back event, make your way to the Alys Beach Amphitheater to enjoy the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast on May 27. Sinfonia Goes Pops is a combination of your favorite patriotic movie soundtracks and light classics. Seating begins at 6:00pm, and remember to bring blankets or low back chairs.  

On Monday, May 28 you can join the 33rd Annual Eglin Memorial Day Gate-to-Gate Run. The 4.4-mile competitive race is open to the public, but does require pre-registration to receive the permit to enter Egllin AFB. Flowers will be provided for each runner to drop at the Veteran’s Memorial along the route. A post-race party will be held at the finish line featuring live entertainment and free refreshments.

Reserve your spot along the Emerald Coast beaches to make sure you have a great seat to kick off this summer season.  

Published on Tuesday, April 3, 2018