Spring along the Emerald Coast always brings a fresh sense of energy, and this year there’s a brand-new way to enjoy Thursday evenings near Destin and Scenic 30A. Bands on the Boulevard is debuting at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, introducing a lively outdoor concert series that will fill the Town Center lawn with music every Thursday evening from 6–8 PM.

This new spring music series invites locals and visitors alike to gather beneath the palms for an easygoing evening of live entertainment in the heart of Miramar Beach. Arrive early to browse the shops, grab dinner and drinks, or bring a beach chair or blanket and relax on the lawn while the music plays. With warm Gulf breezes and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend a little early.

A Perfect Spring Evening at Grand Boulevard

The Bands on the Boulevard concert series offers more than just live music—it’s an opportunity to enjoy one of the Emerald Coast’s most vibrant gathering spots. Before the music begins, take time to explore everything that Grand Boulevard has to offer.

Start the evening with incredible happy hour cocktails and island-inspired bites at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, where the patio atmosphere pairs perfectly with a warm spring sunset. If you're in the mood for elevated local dining, Vintij Food & Wine is a longtime favorite known for creative dishes and excellent wine pairings that showcase fresh regional ingredients. Just a short walk away, food lovers are also discovering the refined comfort cuisine at BrickTop's, quickly becoming a new culinary favorite along the boulevard.

Between dinner and the concert, browsing the shops is part of the fun. Art lovers often stop into Zoo Gallery, a colorful boutique filled with whimsical art, jewelry, and gifts. For elevated coastal fashion, Stallworth offers a wide selection of stylish resort wear perfect for beach living. If you’re feeling sporty, Lululemon has performance apparel ready for everything from beach yoga to sunset walks. Planning a gourmet dinner back at your vacation home? Stop into Williams Sonoma for kitchen inspiration—or grab a new swimsuit at Ophelia Swimwear if you realize you forgot one.

With great restaurants, unique boutiques, and live music filling the air, Thursday evenings at Grand Boulevard capture the relaxed yet vibrant spirit of spring along the Emerald Coast.

2026 Bands on the Boulevard Concert Lineup

Concerts take place on Thursdays from 6–8 PM, and guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets to relax on the lawn while enjoying the music.

March 12 — The Captain Midnight Band

Kicking off the series, The Captain Midnight Band delivers what they proudly call “Waterbed Rock & Roll,” a lively blend of jam, rock, and R&B packed with groove and personality. Formed in New Orleans and now based in Nashville, the band mixes crunchy guitar riffs, thick rhythms, and soaring harmonies into an energetic live show that leans heavily on showmanship and humor. Expect jammy anthems, infectious grooves, and a fun start to the spring concert season.

March 19 — 12 Eleven

Now based in Atlanta but frequent performers along the Emerald Coast, 12 Eleven brings a versatile mix of modern rock, pop, soulful R&B, and hip-hop influences to the stage. Formed by four college students in Troy, Alabama, the band quickly built a following across the Southeast with their tight musicianship, engaging stage presence, and crowd-pleasing sound.

March 26 — Boukou Groove

A regional favorite with deep New Orleans roots, Boukou Groove  blends soul, funk, and jam-band energy into a sound that’s both relaxed and electrifying. Formed in 2010, the band is led by vocalist/keyboardist Donnie Sundal and guitarist Derwin “Big D” Perkins, whose funky guitar riffs and soulful vocals create a signature groove-driven style. Known for smooth rhythms, improvisational jams, and lively performances, Boukou Groove delivers the perfect laid-back vibe for a warm spring evening outdoors.

April 4 — River Dan

Singer-songwriter River Dan brings heartfelt storytelling to the stage with a style rooted in folk, Americana, and classic country. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, his acoustic-driven sound blends smooth vocals, banjo picking, and harmonica into a warm, down-home performance style. With songs inspired by life on the road and classic influences like Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, River Dan creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere perfect for a sunset concert on the lawn.

April 9 — Will Thompson Band

Panama City-based musician Will Thompson leads this high-energy band known for polished musicianship and dynamic live performances. A fifth-generation musician, Thompson blends rock, blues, and modern influences into a powerful sound shaped by years of songwriting, producing, and collaboration. Having shared the stage with artists like Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, and Death Cab for Cutie, the band delivers an engaging show filled with talent and infectious energy.

April 11 — Josh Drake Band

Rounding out the lineup, the Josh Drake Band brings a soulful blend of beach funk, blues, and reggae inspired by a Kentuckiana riverman who found his groove along the Gulf Coast. Backed by a talented group of musicians, Drake’s laid-back coastal sound and upbeat rhythms create the perfect atmosphere for a spring evening of live music under the palms.

Stay Close to the Music with Ocean Reef Resorts

When you stay with Ocean Reef Resorts, you’re never far from the Emerald Coast’s most enjoyable events—from outdoor concerts and seasonal festivals to world-class dining and the sugar-white beaches that make this area famous.

For more than four decades, Ocean Reef Resorts has helped guests experience the best of Destin , Miramar Beach, and Scenic 30A. Our headquarters, located at 1022 Emerald Coast Parkway, just minutes from Grand Boulevard, reflects our deep local roots, and we offer a wide selection of vacation homes and Gulf-view condos throughout the area so guests can enjoy nearby events while staying close to the beach.

Start planning your stay today and experience the best of spring along the Gulf.