Memorial Day weekend is more than the unofficial start of summer—it's a time to honor, celebrate, and make memories with family and friends. Here along Scenic 30A, the long weekend brings a full lineup of outdoor concerts, local markets, beachside brunches, and patriotic tributes—all set against the stunning backdrop of Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast.

As the area's most established vacation rental company, Ocean Reef Resorts has helped families make the most of long weekends like this for over 40 years. Our local team lives and works along the very stretch of coastline we serve, giving us a front-row seat to everything happening from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach Vacation Rentals. Whether you're staying with us or simply exploring for the day, we're here to help you uncover the best ways to experience 30A this Memorial Day weekend. Below, you'll find our curated list of top events happening each day—from Friday evening fun to Monday's meaningful moments.

🎉 Friday – Kickoff to the Weekend

🌿 Grand Boulevard Summer Lawn Games

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM 

Where: Grand Park at Grand Boulevard 

What to Expect: Bring the whole crew out for some classic fun on the lawn! From corn hole to giant chess and oversized checkers, Grand Boulevard transforms into a playground for all ages. Grab dinner or drinks from nearby restaurants and make it an evening of casual fun under the setting sun. This free event runs nightly through August 9.

🔭 Star Gaze at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Time: 6:30 PM

Where: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

What to Expect: Stargazers unite! Join the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association for a night under the stars. Starting around 6:30 PM, solar telescopes will be set up to safely view the sun before shifting to deep space as night falls. Expect galaxies, nebulae, planets, and more. Entry is free with standard park admission. Be sure to arrive before sundown—gates close at sunset!

🎶 Live Music at AJ’s Grayton Beach

Time: 4:00 PM – Late

Where: AJ’s Grayton Beach

What to Expect: Kick off your weekend with a lineup of live entertainment across multiple stages:
4:00 PM: Bryan Bludworth on the Courtyard Stage
8:00 PM: DJ Charles on the Main Stage
9:00 PM: Jo Jo Bee on the Main Stage
9:00 PM: DJ Kru5h in the Round Room
It’s a night of dancing, drinks, and beach vibes at this local favorite.

🎸 Late Night: Boukou Groove at Down Island

Time: 10:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Where: Down Island Gulf Seafood Restaurant, Santa Rosa Beach

What to Expect: Wrap up your night with some soulful funk and groove from Boukou Groove. This high-energy live performance runs late, with food available until midnight and no cover charge. Bonus tip: Don’t leave without trying their signature Janca Juice cocktail!

🎉 Saturday – Sunshine, Shopping & Sounds

🥕 Seaside Farmers Market

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

What to Expect: Start your Saturday in classic 30A style at the beloved Seaside Farmers Market. Located in the heart of town and open rain or shine, this vibrant market features fresh produce, artisan goods, cooking demos, handmade breads and cheeses, and more. Browse Airstream Row and relax at nearby cafes as the town hums to life.

🖼️ Saturday Socials at the Backyard of Love

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Where: Hibiscus Guesthouse, Grayton Beach

What to Expect: Hosted by Raw & Juicy and Mignot & Co, this afternoon gathering blends live music, local art, and a brunch-style menu in the shaded garden of the Backyard of Love. Enjoy the soulful sounds of Deon Jones, brunch by Raw & Juicy, and a curated vendor lineup featuring pottery, swimwear, and visual art. Perfect for a relaxed, artsy escape under the oaks.

🎶 Stinky’s Backyard Sessions

Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Stinky’s Fish Camp, Dune Allen Beach

What to Expect: Settle in lakeside for a laid-back outdoor concert at this new weekly music series. With the Gulf breeze at your back and cold drinks in hand, enjoy free live music by Harrison Prentice in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. No cover charge—just the authentic Stinky’s charm you know and love.

🎤 Dion Jones & The Neon Tears at North Beach Social

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: North Beach Social, Santa Rosa Beach

What to Expect: Soak in a bayside sunset with the country-soul vibes of Dion Jones & The Neon Tears. Located at the foot of the 331 bridge, North Beach Social offers great eats, open-air seating, and festive drink specials. Arrive early for the Sunshine Wranglers (1–4 PM), stay for the evening headliner.

😂 Comedy on the Boulevard at ECTC

Time: 7:00 PM

Where: Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard

What to Expect: Ready to laugh? Head to the Cabaret Stage for Comedy on the Boulevard, hosted by Ethan Dayo. This ticketed event promises a night of fast-paced stand-up and sharp-witted storytelling in an intimate theater setting. Located on the second floor of 560 Grand Boulevard.

🎧 DJ Vladi at The Red Bar

Time: 9:00 PM

Where: The Red Bar, Grayton Beach

What to Expect: Close out your Saturday with late-night energy and a signature Red Bar vibe. DJ Vladi hits the decks at 9 PM, following the Red Bar Jazz Band’s evening set (5:30–9:00 PM). Known for its funky flair, creative cocktails, and lively crowd, The Red Bar is a local legend for a reason.

🇺🇸 Sunday – Memorial Day Weekend in Full Swing

🍳 Brunch & Live Music at Fish Out of Water

Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Live Music 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Where: Fish Out of Water, WaterColor

What to Expect: Wake up to Gulf views, bottomless mimosas, and live tunes at Fish Out of Water. This upscale brunch spot offers a dreamy morning menu paired with coastal ambiance and live music by Matt McCarthy from 11 AM to 2 PM. It’s the perfect start to a relaxing Sunday on the shore.

🎉 3rd Annual Memorial Day Party at North Beach Social

Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Where: North Beach Social, Santa Rosa Beach

What to Expect: Celebrate Memorial Day weekend in true 30A style with this all-day bayside bash. Enjoy live music, cold cocktails, beer specials, a hot dog cookout, and face painting for the kids.

Live Music:
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: The Wildlife Specials
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Rubiks Groove

🎶 Sunday Pickin’ with Mike Whitty & Friends

Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: The Bay, South Walton

What to Expect: Wind down your afternoon with The Sand Ole' Opry, a weekly jam session led by Mike Whitty & Friends. Held outdoors at The Bay’s waterfront deck, this laid-back event brings together local musicians and Southern Gulf Coast vibes. Arrive early for Sunday brunch (11 AM – 2 PM) and stay for sunset music on the bay.

🎆 Memorial Day Celebration at Baytowne Wharf

Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Fireworks at 9:00 PM)

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin

What to Expect: Cap off the weekend with one of the area’s biggest Memorial Day celebrations. Family-friendly activities begin at 6 PM, live music by Saltwater Revival sets the mood, and a dazzling fireworks show lights up the sky at 9 PM. This festive evening is a can’t-miss highlight of the holiday weekend.

🎵 Seaside Memorial Day Concert

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

What to Expect: Close out your beach day with a heartfelt concert in the heart of Seaside. Ken & Andi will perform a special Memorial Day set in the town’s iconic amphitheater. Bring a chair or blanket, pack your favorite snacks, and enjoy this free, family-friendly event under the stars.

🎻 Sinfonia Salutes at Alys Beach

Time: 7:30 PM

Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre

What to Expect: Elevate your Sunday evening with an unforgettable orchestral performance from Sinfonia Gulf Coast, followed by a dazzling drone show lighting up the night sky. This elegant, open-air concert at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre is free to attend—just bring a blanket or low-back chair and settle in under the palms for a night of music, lights, and magic.

🇺🇸 Monday – Honoring and Celebrating

🎖️ Memorial Day Service at Gulf Cemetery

Time: 10:00 AM

Where: Gulf Cemetery, Santa Rosa Beach

What to Expect: Begin your Memorial Day with meaning at the annual ceremony at historic Gulf Cemetery, a designated Florida Heritage Site. The event honors approximately 150 veterans interred on the grounds, with a keynote address by Colonel Ed Hubbard. Folding chairs are available, but guests are encouraged to bring their own seating or umbrellas. A solemn, reflective experience for all ages.

🎭 The REP Theatre: Rumpelstiltskin in Seaside

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

What to Expect: Add a little magic to your Monday evening with this live fairy tale production from The REP Theatre. Rumpelstiltskin is a whimsical, family-friendly performance filled with laughs, riddles, and adventure. This complimentary show is part of Seaside’s beloved outdoor theater tradition and perfect for all ages. Bring a blanket and enjoy the performance under the stars.

🎶 Rosemary Beach Memorial Day Concert featuring Rubiks Groove

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: St. Augustine Green, Rosemary Beach

What to Expect: End your Memorial Day weekend on a high note with a free, high-energy concert from Rubiks Groove, the ultimate 80s/90s/00s tribute band. Costumes, characters, and crowd participation make this a can’t-miss event for families and music lovers alike. Pack your blanket, picnic basket, and dancing shoes for a night of retro fun in the beautiful town of Rosemary Beach.

🌴 Stay Close to the Fun with Ocean Reef

This Memorial Day weekend is fully booked—but it's never too early to plan your next escape. Ocean Reef Resorts has been a trusted provider of 30A vacation rentals for over 40 years, offering Gulf-front condos, private homes with pools, and unbeatable access to the area's best events. Book early to secure your spot for next year's celebration!