July 4th Celebrations in South Walton

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.—June 21— South Walton’s 16 unique communities dotted along 26-miles of sugar-white beaches offer beach-going families a variety of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day this year. South Walton has become a hugely popular destination for families interested in capturing the classic 4^th of July experience, offering local parades, picnics, parties and, of course, fireworks.

“Each community offers guests a different experience. Some focus on the arts, a few on the outdoors and others are all about relaxation. Really, it’s the personality of each community and their unique events that makes South Walton so attractive to visitors,” says Jay Tusa, Executive Director for Visit South Walton.

Below are some of the opportunities to celebrate Independence Day (week) in South Walton.

July 1

The 21^st edition of the annual Rags to Riches Regatta kicks off at 11 a.m. in Grayton Beach in celebration of Independence Day. Sailors race catamarans, from Grayton Beach to Seagrove Beach as families and friends gather on the beach to watch. The regatta will begin and end on the beach behind the Red Bar.

Later, you’re invited to “sip, shop and shimmy” at the Pop & Shop Concert Series at The Market Shops located in Miramar Beach. Participating merchants will be offering specials, giveaways and refreshments. The event will begin at 5 p.m. at the shopping center and live music will be in the Gazebo Courtyard.

July 3

Plan a relaxing evening listening to music at Marina Park in WaterColor at the Easy on 30A Concert featuring a mix of Nashville and local artists. The show starts at 5 p.m., and guests can also take part in raffles, a silent auction and a craft market, with proceeds benefitting several local charities.

For a truly patriotic performance, don’t miss the Seaside Stars & Stripes concert in the Seaside Amphitheater. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

July 4

Parades on 30A

Grab your bike or rent one and attend the Bike Decoration Contest & Breakfast at North Barrett Square in Rosemary Beach at 7:30 a.m. The bike decorating and breakfast party is free and you can ride along the annual Bike parade through the Town Center at 8:30 a.m. Then, enjoy an old-fashioned field day on Western Green with sack races, a balloon toss and more at 9 a.m. Later, at 6 p.m., the band “Like Totally” Hep Cats will begin playing.

Those who’d rather decorate their cars in patriotic fashion can cruise over to Grayton Beach for the annual Old Fashioned 4^th of July Parade at 8:30 a.m. No registration is needed. The lineup will begin at 8 a.m. at the Red Bar. Make sure to enjoy watermelon and lemonade at Grayton Coast Properties afterwards!

The annual South Walton 4th of July Parade begins at 8 a.m. down Scenic Highway 30A in Seagrove and will end in downtown Seaside. Please note that a portion of Scenic Highway 30A will be closed for a few hours.

Celebrations and Concerts

Watch as the kid’s jaws’ drop at Red, White and Baytowne  where you will find inflatables, crafts, face painting, live music and more. The event, hosted in The Village of Baytowne Wharf, begins at 6 p.m. followed by Fireworks over the Choctawhatchee Bay at 9:15 p.m. Additionally, you can get 15 percent off your stay at Sandestin between July 2 and July 7.

Sandestin is also hosting a Fourth of July BBQ at Baytowne Marina with music, food and other activities for the whole family. The event is in front of Baytowne Marina.

If you are looking for great food, live entertainment, crafts and fireworks in a picnic setting, look no further than the Fourth of July Celebration Picnic in WaterColor Beach. The event starts at 7 p.m. but sells out quickly, so make sure to call and reserve your space. This event is open only to WaterColor homeowners and guests.

Beginning at 7 p.m., you can catch a performance that will take you on a journey through WWII era music at the Victory Belles Concert in Seaside. Performances include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Don’t sit under the Apple Tree,” and many more.

Relax poolside in the cabanas, enjoy drink specials and complimentary chips and dip at the AAA four diamond-ranked Havana Beach Bar & Grill for the Quarto de Julio – Independence Day Celebration beginning at 3 p.m.

For a funk-meets-Motown soul kind of evening, visit Alys Beach for the 4^th of July concert featuring Bucktown Allstars starting at 6 p.m. There will be food and drinks, with fireworks following the concert.

Fireworks

Below is a list of other locations to watch fireworks in South Walton.

Sandestin

• Looking for a cruise into the sunset with dinner and fireworks? Check out the 4th of July Fireworks Dinner Cruise by SOLARIS Yachts in Sandestin. Reservations are required and the price is $35-$95 per person.
• Head over to Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin at 9:15 p.m. to watch Fireworks over the Choctawhatchee Bay.

WaterColor

• WaterColor homeowners and guests attending the Fourth of July Celebration Picnic from 7-10 p.m. can catch the fireworks show over the Gulf from WaterColor Beach following an evening of live music and kid’s activities (reservations required).

Seaside

• Guests can attend the Seaside Fireworks Spectacular at 8:30 p.m., viewing should be ideal from the Seaside Amphitheater.

Alys Beach

• Following the Fourth of July Concert in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre which ends at 9 p.m., you can watch the sky illuminate with a fireworks show.

Rosemary Beach

• Pull up a seat on the beach and enjoy a star spangled fireworks display at 8:45 p.m. at Rosemary Beach. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.

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About South Walton:

Located along a 26-mile stretch of white sandy beaches in Northwest Florida, South Walton encompasses 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own visual style, amenities and charm. South Walton is home to four state parks, one state forest, and more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches, South Walton was named one of the “Secret Florida Beaches” by Travel + Leisure, but is easily accessible as a drive to destination or by flying to nearby airports Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or the Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to recharge and build lasting memories. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton.com or follow Visit South Walton on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

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