What’s Happening on 30A: June 15 – July 15, 2025
Summer is in full swing along the Emerald Coast, and 30A is buzzing with events for every kind of beachgoer—from nature lovers and fitness fans to music buffs and foodies. Whether you’re visiting for a week or a longtime local looking for something new, the stretch from mid-June to mid-July offers everything from guided hikes and sea turtle chats to block parties, fireworks, and a world-class marlin tournament. Scroll through the highlights below and mark your calendars—this is one 30A summer you won’t want to miss.
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Monday, June 16, 2025
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Guided Plant Walk
Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Master Gardener Bill Kuenstler on the third Monday each month from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00a.m for a Guided Plant Stroll. The stroll begins at Tram Stop #2 . This program is free with regular park admission.
Park programs are made possible by Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. For more information about the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, visit topsailparkfriends.org
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Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Coffee with a Ranger at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park invites you to join them for Coffee with a Ranger in the park clubhouse on the third Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. Enjoy a lively conversation with Park Rangers or an outside organization about wildlife, nature, conservation and all things Topsail. This program is ideal for the whole family to enjoy!
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Thursday, June 19, 2025
Watersound Sounds Like Summer Series: Neighborhood Fun Run with Fleet Feet
The Watersound community invites you to Sounds Like Summer, a series on Thursday night, June 5 - August 14, featuring live music, theater, outdoor movies and more under the shade of The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. Featuring ample parking, a covered pavilion, and ceiling fans, all family-friendly events are free and open to the public.
Start at the Fleet Feet storefront at Watersound Town Center and enjoy a neighborhood run around the Watersound Origins community! The first 25 runners will receive a Watersound Town Center running belt bag. At the end of the run, enjoy Marco's pizza and shop the store.
2025 Sounds Like Summer Schedule
June 5: The REP Children's Play – Snow White
June 12: 30A Songwriters Showcase – Abe Partridge Band
June 19: Neighborhood Fun Run with Fleet Feet
June 26: 30A Songwriters Showcase – Ruthie Foster
July 10: The REP Children's Play – The Complete History of America
July 17: 30A Songwriters Showcase – Gurufish
July 24th: Kids Fair & Music
July 31: The REP Children's Play – Rumpelstiltskin
August 7: 30A Songwriters Showcase – Livingston Taylor
August 14: Neighborhood Fun Run with Fleet Feet
Learn more: https://www.watersoundtowncenter.com/events/
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June 18-22, 2025
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
The 23rd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) returns to Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort from June 18–22, 2025, offering a thrilling blend of high-stakes sportfishing and vibrant coastal festivities. Recognized as one of the premier billfish tournaments in the Gulf, ECBC attracts top anglers and fishing enthusiasts from across the country, competing for over $2 million in cash awards.
The tournament kicks off with registration and a golf scramble on Wednesday, June 18, followed by the start of fishing at noon on Thursday, June 19. The excitement peaks during the nightly weigh-ins at Baytowne Marina on Friday and Saturday evenings, featuring live music, vendor exhibitions, and a spectacular fireworks display on Friday night. The event concludes with an awards brunch on Sunday, celebrating the top catches and standout teams.
Whether you're an avid angler or a spectator seeking summer excitement, the ECBC offers an unforgettable experience filled with competitive fishing action and family-friendly entertainment. For more details, visit fishecbc.com.
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Saturday, June 21, 2025
Hemingway Day at The Pearl Hotel
Join The Pearl in Rosemary Beach for a journey inspired by the life and travels of the legendary Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway Day begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 21 in Havana Beach Bar & Grill, The Pearl's signature restaurant.
Savor a diverse selection of menu items representing destinations around the world. Each dish will be expertly paired with its own unique wine or spirit, creating a sensory experience that mirrors the rich tapestry of Hemingway's life. Their à la carte menu will also be available for those seeking a more personalized journey.
Reservations Recommended. For more information, call (850) 460-9041.
Website: www.thepearlrb.com
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Saturday, June 21, 2025
Alaqua Animal Refuge FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament
Support Alaqua Animal Refuge at the 4th Annual "FORE! The Love of Animals" golf tournament fundraiser on Saturday, June 21 at the Links Golf Club Sandestin. Register today: https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/fore-the-love-of-animals-2025
Join for the tournament and stay for the "Yappy Hour", where you can enjoy food and beverage, raffles, auctions, entertainment, the awards ceremony, and of course, making some new furry friends.
SCHEDULE:
The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
8:30am Check-In | Breakfast and Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar
10am Shotgun Start | Scramble Format
Post-Tournament "Yappy Hour" Awards Ceremony. Hors d'oeuvres, Beer & Wine, Raffle. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams & Most Spirited | Closest to the Hole (ladies and men's) | Closest to the Snake
Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need. Learn more: alaqua.org
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Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday
Join South Walton Turtle Watch on Wednesday mornings for Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday at The Big Chill 30A from 9AM - 11AM. Learn about sea turtles and take the Jr. Ocean Ranger pledge to help keep our beaches clean, dark and flat for nesting sea turtles and baby hatchlings. The event is free and open to the public. Visit the fundraising table to paint, adopt a hatchling or purchase merch.
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday
May 28 - July 30 | 9AM - 11AM
Short educational chat at 9AM and again at 10AM
website: https://thebigchill.com/
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Thursday, June 26, 2025
Draper James ‘The Decade Tour’ at The Pearl Hotel
From Thursday, June 26th thru Sunday, June 29th, The Pearl Hotel will serve as the perfect backdrop as a stop on The Decade Tour, a Draper James 10-city celebration marking its milestone 10th anniversary. RSVP: EventBrite
Guests will have the opportunity to preview the latest Draper James collections, enjoy founder Reese Witherspoon's signature sweet tea complimentary of Tea Forté, and experience VIP events – each curated with meticulous attention to detail and personalized touches to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, authentic to the heart of Southern heritage, hospitality and traditions.
Thurs., June 26, 4-7PM | PJ Party Kickoff Event & Onsite PJ Monogramming
Fri., June 27, 10AM-7PM | Pop-Up Shop & Hawley Trucker Hat Bar 30A
Sat., June 28, 10AM-7PM | Pop-Up Shop & Spark Jewelry Co.
Sun., June 29, 10AM-7PM | Pop-Up Shop
Whether it’s Rosemary Beach, Charleston or Nashville, each tour city promises to be a truly memorable experience – one that embodies Draper James’ contemporary, yet timeless Southern style and welcomes guests with the charm and grace that’s signature to the American South. draperjames.com
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.
Website: www.thepearlrb.com
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Sunday, June 29, 2025
The Artisan Market at The Stalls on 30A
The Stalls on 30A & Cowgirl Hospitality Group invite you to shop The Artisan Market on Sunday, June 29th from 10AM to 6PM. Featuring regional artisans and makers presenting fine crafts, art, clothing, jewelry and more!
While shopping be sure to swing through Boxcar Annie and Cowgirl Kitchen, located in the same space, for food, football and cocktail specials.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit stallsof30a.com.
The Artisan Market is an outdoor market located in Blue Mountain Beach, FL in the parking lot of the Cowgirl Collective development which includes: a restaurant (Cowgirl Kitchen), outdoor cocktail bar (Boxcar Annie), a catering company (Southern Belle Catering), a monthly vintage market (The Round Up), a monthly event menu (Saddle Supper Club).
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Friday, July 4, 2025
Rosemary Beach 4th of July Bike Parade & Celebration
The Rosemary Beach July 4th Celebration features fun for the whole family! The morning festivities begin at 7:30am with the annual Breakfast & Bike Decorating Contest in North Barrett Square followed by the Bike Parade & Block Party. Enjoy sweet treats from Kona Ice as well as face painting, airbrush tattoos, balloons, colored hair spray and more!
Website: rosemarybeach.com
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Friday, July 4, 2025
Seaside Independence Day Celebration
Seaside's Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular will take place 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 family fun, a REP performance, ECTC Musical performance, bike decorating contest, and hot dog eating contest. Come back at night to enjoy the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert at 7PM followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Gulf.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular
9AM - 12PM: Block Party (Central Square)
9AM: National Anthem
9AM: The REP Performance (Seaside Post Office)
10AM: Emerald Coast Theatre Company Musical Performance
11AM: Bike Decorating Contest
11:30AM: Hot Dog Eating Contest (Amphitheater Stage)
7PM: 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: seasidefl.com
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Friday, July 4, 2025
Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest
Kick-off your favorite star-spangled holiday with a good, old-fashioned Donut Eating Contest in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Friday, 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: TBA
Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest Event Schedule TBA
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
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Saturday, July 5, 2025
Battle of the Bands at Grayton Beer Company
Get ready for Battle of the Bands at Grayton Beer Company Taproom on Saturday, July 5. The incredible Will Thompson Band and The Pickled Pickers will battle it out with songs from multiple genres selected by a panel of Grammy studded judges. Doors open at 5PM, Battle begins at 6PM.
General Admission & VIP tix available: dwightfest.com
Two lucky ticket holders will be randomly selected to join these Grammy clouted judges. Food Trucks will be onsite and of course delicious Grayton Beer will also be available for purchase.
The Battle of the Bands is a kick-off, pre-party for the 2nd DwightFest Music Festival scheduled for September 21, 2025. DwightFest is a nonprofit organization "Giving Back to Those Who Make Our Paradise Possible".
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