Blue Skies on the Gulf Coast for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend is here, and there’s nothing but blue skies on the Gulf Coast! The sun is shining, the waves are rolling, and we’re ready to get down to some Memorial Day fun! Wherever you are across the Gulf Coast, we hope you’re making the most out of this beautiful weather. Today we’re bringing you some local happenings across all our areas to make the most out of the sunshine and beautiful weather.
30A – Sinfonia Goes Pops at Alys Beach
Staying in 30A? Head out to the Alys Beach Amphitheatre for the sweet sounds of the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra. They will perform patriotic music at 7:30 PM Sunday, May 27. This free event is open to all members of the public and will last until about 9 PM. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. We recommend bringing a lawn chair or blanket so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!
Destin – Memorial Day Celebration at HarborWalk Village
For all you Destin vacationers, you won’t want to miss the Memorial Day Kickoff Celebration at HarborWalk Village! This is a free two-day event with fun for everyone. Saturday, May 26 will see John Hart Project perform from 7-9 PM. Then, on Sunday, May 27, enjoy music from Flash Flood at 4:30 PM followed by The Journey Tribute Band from 7-9 PM. Afterward, there will be a marvelous firework display followed by fire spinning from Just Add Fire!
Fort Walton Beach – 33rd Annual Memorial Day Eglin Gate-to-Gate Run
Those staying on Okaloosa Island on Fort Walton Beach should not miss this event! The 4.4-mile run/walk is one of Northwest Florida’s oldest Memorial Day traditions, open to runners (and walkers!) of all ages and skill levels. If you’ve traveled here with kids, there will be a free kids’ run after the start of the main race. Each participant is given a flower to drop at the Veterans’ Memorial along the route. The Gate-to-Gate run is truly a special way to honor our military. Those interested in participating can register here.
Gulf Shores – Memorial Day Tribute 2018
History buffs will enjoy experiencing living history at this Gulf Shores event during Memorial Day Weekend. Uniformed interpreters bring Fort Morgan to life through their demonstrations of period-style drills. Participants will explore the military history of Mobile Point from the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I and World War II. The site’s living history staff honor those who gave their lives to serve at Fort Morgan. Guaranteed to be a memorable experience for all!
Navarre Beach – Memorial Day Ceremony in Navarre Park
For those vacationing in Navarre Beach this weekend, the American Legion Post 382 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Specter Post host their annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Navarre Park. This fun event is open to all ages and is a great event for families too. The ceremony will begin at 11 AM and last until about noon. After the ceremony, the American Legion Post 382 will host a Flag Retirement Ceremony with free hamburgers and hot dogs for all.
Orange Beach – 2nd Annual Paradise Island 5K
When you stay in Orange Beach this Memorial Day, participating in the 2nd Annual Paradise Island 5K is a must! Held at the SportsPlex in Orange Beach, the certified 5K course takes place on a paved nature trail with no traffic to worry about. You’ll run (or walk!) through the multiple trails along the Backcountry Trail. All participants will receive a free t-shirt. After the race, enjoy the afterparty with an awards ceremony, free beer and refreshments, and music and entertainment. All finishers receive Hawaiian leis and custom age group award medals! Sounds like fun, right? Register for the event here.
Panama City Beach – Grand Slam Memorial Day Baseball Beach Blast
The game is ON for Panama City Beach! The 14th Annual Grand Slam Memorial Day Baseball Beach Blast takes place at Frank Brown Park from May 26-27. Baseball tournaments from all across the Southeast will compete for the title – Gulf Coast State College and area high schools will be there, too!
Pensacola Beach – Annual Memorial Day Ceremony
Take a quick trip to Downtown Pensacola from the beach for the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 27 at 1 PM. Held at the Veterans Memorial Park and Wall South. The Foundation will unveil a new memorial honoring the sacrifices made by our military, including an artifact from the World Trade Center. Also, several local students will also be recognized for their artwork, themed “Memorial Day: a special time to remember those who gave their lives to this country.” Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward will speak at the event.
Perdido Key – Memorial Weekend Beach Boogie 2018
Blue skies? Check. Sugar-white beaches? Check! Venture out of that Perdido Key condo you’re staying in and try skydiving at the beach! This event takes place all weekend, May 26-28, and is hosted by Skydive Panama City. Jumpers will begin at Ferguson Air Field and land in the soft sands of Perdido Key, right outside the famous Flora-Bama. Then, stick around for live entertainment and great food and drinks! Stick around for a game of volleyball or two with your friends. What better way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend than on the beach?
No matter where you’re staying, our Gulf Coast Guide can help you uncover all the fun, whether you’re looking for things to do in Panama City Beach or 30A. We hope to see you at the beach!
