Memorial Day is your chance to honor people who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Don’t do alone. Join the community as it honors those who died and celebrate the safety and freedoms for which they fought.
Kick off the unofficial first day of summer with these events:
Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village
What: Memorial Day Concert Celebration
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 10 Harbor Boulevard, Destin
Cost: Free admission
Info: emeraldgrande.com/events
Celebrate Memorial Day with live music and fireworks on the Destin Harbor. The Good Lookings will perform 7-9 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, Flash Flood will perform 4:30-6:30 p.m., Departure: The Journey Tribute Band will perform 7-9 p.m. and Just Add Fire, a fire-spinning group, will perform at 9 p.m.
Gulf Cemetery
What: Memorial Day ceremony
When: 10 a.m. Monday
Where: 1466 S. County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach
Info: gulfcemetery.org
Gulf Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony, in which it will honor the 125 veterans interred in the cemetery with a service that will include a keynote speech by Major Scott C. Willis, a Special Operations officer on active duty with the United States Air Force. The Girl Scouts of South Walton will post the colors for the event. Cloud 9 Orchestra, a local big band, will play music during the ceremony. The Destin Warbirds will perform a “missing man” flyover formation with a World War II aircraft. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the children present will be provided American flags to place on each of the veterans’ grave sites.
Hunter Amphitheater Pensacola
What: Memorial Day Concert
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Monday
Where: S. Devilliers St., Pensacola
Cost: Free admission
Info: pensacolacivicband.org
The 2nd annual Pensacola Memorial Day Concert features uplifting musical performances from the Pensacola Civic Band, guest appearances and dramatic readings that honor the military service of all men and women in uniform, their families at home and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Several Pearl Harbor survivors will join in this event. In addition, MANNA will be on-site to collect any canned food donations. These donations go to help support the mission of MANNA. To learn more, visit mannahelps.org.
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
What: Concert Under the Stars
When: 6 p.m. gates open, 7 p.m starts Saturday
Where: Northwest Florida State College amphitheater, 100 College Boulevard, Niceville
Cost: $15 tickets
Info: mattiekellyartscenter.org
The Cornell Gunter Coasters will bring its mix of comedy, Doo Wop and blues to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center outdoor amphitheater for a concert under the stars. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site. Seating is available in fixed seats at the amphitheater or guests can bring lawn chairs or blankets to set up on the lawn. Coolers are permitted. Free parking is available in the Mattie Kelly Arts Center main parking lot.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
What: Memorial Day Celebration
When: Saturday-Monday
Where: 9100 Baytowne Boulevard, Miramar Beach
Cost: Free admission
Info: baytownewharf.com
Start your summer with a Memorial Day weekend celebration at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. It features live music from 3HG from 7-9 p.m. Saturday. Sunday will featuring a variety of events such as face-painting, balloon animals, a stilt walker and lawn games 6-9 p.m.; live music 7-9 p.m.; and a patriotic fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. At 7 p.m. Monday, Sandestin veterans will present a Memorial Day program in honor of the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
The Henderson
What: Memorial Day Seafood Boil, Poolside BBQ
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday Seafood Boil, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday Poolside BBQ.
Where: 200 Henderson Resort Way, Destin
Cost: $35 adults, $15 children
Info: hendersonbeachresort.com
Bring your family for a poolside seafood boil with sides on Saturday and a traditional poolside barbecue Sunday.
Unity Park, Eglin Air Force Base
What: Gate to Gate Memorial Run
When: 6:30 a.m. in place, 7 a.m. race starts Saturday
Where: Unity Park, 188-312 Chinquapin Drive, Eglin Air Force Base
Cost: $40
Info: runsignup.com
Run or walk in the 32nd annual Gate to Gate Run, a 4.4-mile race at Eglin Air Force Base. The event is open to the public. It includes a free children’s run at 9 a.m., free food, free massages, live music and an awards presentation.