Get ready to soak up the summer vibes along the stunning Emerald Coast because July is about to hit the scene with a bang! From fireworks displays and air shows to live music performances and movie nights, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of summer and plan to enjoy pure joy and endless fun as you embrace the laid-back vibes of July along the Emerald Coast!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
26th Annual Rags to Riches Regatta
When: July 1st
Where: Grayton Beach
Description: The 26th edition of the annual Rags To Riches Regatta returns to Grayton Beach on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in celebration of American Independence Day. The small catamaran race is a tradition among SoWal sailors, families, friends, and Grayton Beach lovers. Come out to watch the regatta take off from the shores of Grayton Beach as they race to Seagrove Beach and back to Grayton.
For more information and to register your vessel, please visit: 30a.com/rags-to-riches-regatta/
Schedule of Events:
7AM – 9AM : Boats Transported onto the Beach
8AM : On-site Race Registration
9:30AM : Captain’s Meeting
10:55AM : First Warning "On Your Marks"
1PM : Awards Presentation
2PM : Captain & Crew After-Party
The timing of race-day events will be determined based on the weather conditions. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Race Start and Finish, visit the Rags to Riches Registration tent on July 1st on Grayton Beach.
When: July 1st-4th
Where: The Pearl
Description: The Pearl hotel in Rosemary Beach is celebrating Independence Day with a multi-day bash! From July 1st - July 4th, the doors to their Hemingway Room will open to Main Street from 12PM - 3PM for family-friendly festivities including live music, burgers and dogs, and bar offerings. Open to the public! No reservations or tickets required.
Live Music | 12PM - 3PM
July 1st & 2nd: Jared Herzog (Season 17 of NBC's "The Voice")
July 3rd: David Lynn
July 4th: Joey Shalling
The Pearl, a Forbes 4-Star hotel, where Main Street meets the Gulf of Mexico features luxury accommodations, uninterrupted views of white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, on-site dining options and an alluring spa just steps from a private beach entrance.
When: July 3rd
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Destin Commons is celebrating Independence Day with a new event, the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival! On Monday, July 3, the streets of Destin Commons will be home to 25+ different food trucks, giving guests endless access to an assortment of creative cuisine from Thai, to tacos, sweet treats and more. Attendees will also have access to a QR code that once scanned will enter them into a 2-night stay giveaway with The Island. That evening, guests will also enjoy live music from rock bands Duchess and Tobacco Road, with a vibrant fireworks show to top off the night. The event is FREE to attend and guests will be able to purchase from each individual food truck at their will.
Destin Commons’ former Independence Day event, Smoke on the Coast, will still be held, but will transition to become a fall tradition. So stay tuned for updates!
When: July 4th
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. Park at AJ's and walk down to parade, starting point of parade is in front The Red Bar. Stop by AJ's Grayton Beach for a FREE flag, bottle water, or ice pop before heading to the parade. The bar will open early, so stop in for a drink before or after the parade.
AJ's will be open at 9AM serving their Star Spangled Brunch featuring bottomless mimosas! Early morning entertainment features music duo Christon Birge and Katie Spillman.
Tuesday, July 4th LIVE MUSIC
9AM, Courtyard: Christon Birge Duo
4PM, Main Stage: Vanessa Dawn Rogers
8PM, Main Stage: DJ Boom
9PM, Main Stage: High Aces
AJ's is known for great food and good times. With live music and an eclectic atmosphere, this hot spot in Grayton is a beloved spot for families, music lovers, locals and visitors. Learn more at: ajsgrayton.com
When: July 4th
Where: The Red Bar
Description: Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. Line up on Holtz Ave next to The Red Bar starts at 8:00AM with the parade starting at 8:30AM. Decorate your cars, jeeps, boats, bikes, scooters, etc. No registration needed and everyone is welcome!
Parking available at AJ’s. Stop by for a FREE flag, bottle water, or ice pop before heading to the parade. The bar will open early for a drink before or after the parade. AJ's will be open at 9AM serving their Star Spangled Brunch featuring bottomless mimosas. Early morning entertainment with music duo Christon Birge and Katie Spillman.
See you in line at The Red Bar location. Swimsuits, pajamas and bloody marys optional. The Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association asks that you leave your water shooters at home and not engage in the usual battles from the back of the truck onto "innocent" bystanders along the parade route.
When: July 4th
Where: Alys Beach
Description: Kick-off your favorite star-spangled holiday with a good, old-fashioned donut eating contest in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 4th from 9AM - 11AM. Proudly sponsored by Charlie’s Delights, whose donuts have long been an Alys Beach tradition, this contest is sure to be one for the record books.
Register, view contest rules and learn more at: 2023 Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest
Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest Event Schedule
9:00 AM: Contestant Registration (Check-in/Waiver/Release)
9:30 AM: Children’s Contest (6 and under) – 8 donut holes- $5 entry fee
10:00 AM: Youth contest age (7-12) – 4 donuts- $10 entry fee
10:30 AM: Youth contest age (13-17) – 6 donuts- $10 entry fee
11:00 AM: Adult contest age (18 and over) – 8 donuts- $15 entry fee
Whether you participate as a contestant or come to cheer on the eating, Alys Beach and Charlie’s Delights invite you to join for a sweet and festive start to the Fourth of July celebrations. Learn More AlysBeach.com
When: July 4th
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Seaside's Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular will take place Tuesday, July 4th in the Seaside Amphitheater. A favorite among locals and visitors alike – the day is filled with patriotic spirit, music, and fun!
The Block Party begins at 9AM featuring face painters, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, caricaturists, balloon twisters, a juggler & ventriloquist. Enjoy live music by a roaming brass band throughout the day followed by a Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert at 6:30PM. At 8:30PM, a spectacular fireworks show takes place over the Gulf.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular
9AM - 12PM: Block Party (Central Square)
9AM: Performance by The REP (In Front of Sundog Books)
10AM: Huck & Lilly Kids Music Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
11AM - 1PM: Roaming Brass Band
11:30AM: Wild Bill's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Amphitheater Stage)
6:30PM: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pop Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
8:30PM: Fireworks On The Gulf
Seaside's Amphitheater is a beautiful green space in the heart of Central Square where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events. Learn more at: seasidefl.com
When: July 4th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Join Sandestin for its spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, then move the family over to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an evening that lights up the sky and family activities at Red, White and Baytowne from 7PM - 9:15PM.
Admission is free and open to the public.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf will have a host of kids activities, including kids' crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Live music will be performed on the Events Plaza Stage from 7PM - 9:15PM featuring TBA. Keep your eyes to the sky over the lagoon for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at 9:15PM.
When: July 4th
Where: Pier Park
Description: The City of Panama City Beach will host a fireworks display on July 4th at 9 p.m. The the Star Spangled Spectacular – a red, white and blue extravaganza will feature dueling fireworks from the City (Russell-Fields) and County (M.B. Miller) Piers. Guests are invited to set up their beach chairs and encouraged to arrive early to get the best views.
Be sure to tune in to Kickin 103.5 app for a choreographed music simulcast. Learn more at: visitpanamacitybeach.com/event/star-spangled-spectacular/27112/
Red, White & Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show
When: July 5th-8th
Where: Pensacola Beach/NAS Pensacola
Description: The Red White & Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show 2023 featuring the Blue Angels will be held on Saturday, July 8. Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights Pensacola hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day.
Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 260 million spectators. The Blue Angels are an American air show favorite and delight audiences across the country with their precision, speed and aerobatics. During their aerobatic demonstration, the Blues fly six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, split into the Diamond Formation (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos.
The world-famous Blue Angels are based at NAS Pensacola, and can be seen practicing over the Museum at NAS Pensacola most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March to November. Practices typically begin at 11:30 a.m.(Central Time), and last about 55 minutes. Admission to practice is FREE and open to the public.
When: July 8th
Where: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company
Description: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company invites you to Bark & Brew on Saturday, July 8 from 2 - 6PM featuring live music, great food and fun for you and your pups! Hot Dog - All Natural Dog Treats will be in the house serving up frozen pup cups and cookies while you enjoy a cold Idyll Hounds beverage. Cousins Maine Lobster will also be onsite serving their infamous Lobster Rolls from noon - 7PM!
Saturday, July 8 || BARK & BREW
Food Truck | 12 - 7PM: Cousins Maine Lobster
Live Music | 1 - 4PM: Cosmic Rascals
When: July 8th
Where: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company
Description: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company invites you to Bark & Brew on Saturday, July 8 from 2 - 6PM featuring live music, great food and fun for you and your pups! Hot Dog - All Natural Dog Treats will be in the house serving up frozen pup cups and cookies while you enjoy a cold Idyll Hounds beverage. Cousins Maine Lobster will also be onsite serving their infamous Lobster Rolls from noon - 7PM!
Saturday, July 8 || BARK & BREW
Food Truck | 12 - 7PM: Cousins Maine Lobster
Live Music | 1 - 4PM: Cosmic Rascals
Concert Series @ Rosemary Beach
Mondays | 6:00-8PM
Stories By the Sea @ Seaside Post Office
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10AM
Wine & Song @ NEAT
Tuesdays | 5-7PM
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays @ The Big Chill
Wednesdays | 9-11AM
Awkward Oxen Improv @ Alys Beach
Wednesdays | 10AM
The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Concert Series @ 30Avenue
Nightly | 6:00-9PM
All American Thursday @ HarborWalk Village
Thursdays | 6:30PM
Sounds Like Summer Series @ Watersound
Thursdays | 6PM
MKAF Concerts in The Village @ Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
Thursdays | 7PM
Reels in the Amphitheatre @ Alys Beach
Every Thursday | 7:30PM
Yoga In the Backyard of Love @ Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Fridays | 8AM
Rock the Docks Concert Series @ Harborwalk Village
Every Saturday | 7PM
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ Stinky's Fish Camp
Every Sunday | 10AM
AJ's Grayton Brunch: Crawfish & Live Music
Every Sunday | 11AM
Farmer's Markets
Every Tuesday @ Seaside
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
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