2019 is right around the corner, and 30A knows how to ring it in. Whether you’re living on the Miramar Beach end or the Inlet Beach end – or somewhere in between – we have a great list of New Year’s Eve celebrations you’ll love.
Alys Beach
Swing by NEAT in Alys Beach to immerse yourself in local tradition on New Year’s Eve Day, where residents get together annually to say goodbye to the past year. You’ll enjoy light foods, cocktails and live music with Dannica Lowery from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 31. You can get more information here if you’re joining the party.
Destin
Bring your whole family to LuLu’s Annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. This kid-friendly event features a sandcastle-building contest, arts and crafts, and bouncy inflatables. Kids can have their faces painted, dance to live music and play in the middle of a huge beach ball drop right at noon.
Adults can stick around longer – the 11th annual HarborWalk Village New Year’s Eve Street Party in Destin is going to be huge this year. You’ll see live music by Flash Flood and Departure – A Journey Tribute Band, watch the ball drop over Destin Harbor and enjoy two fireworks shows. Check out the event’s Facebook page to get more information here.
Panama City Beach
This year marks the 11th annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Bring your whole family for plenty of fun – there are two fireworks shows, four musical acts and 10,000 beach balls on the schedule. This free event is great for all ages; there’s a NYE countdown at 8 p.m. for those with bedtimes and a midnight countdown for those without. They’re expecting over 40,000 people to attend this year, making it one of the largest New Year’s Eve events in this part of Florida. You can get more information here.
Rosemary Beach
Pescado, one of Rosemary Beach’s favorite seafood grills and rooftop bars, is hosting its first-ever New Year’s Bash for 2019. The event kicks off at 5 p.m., when you can enjoy a four-course, pre-fixed menu with champagne (reservations are recommended) before heading to the roof to enjoy live music by Anne Cline from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. You can make your reservations here.
Sandestin
The Baytowne Countdown at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is one of the year’s most-anticipated events. Between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., kids can get face-painting and join in dozens of kid-friendly activities while jamming to live music on the Baytowne LIVE Stage. At 8 p.m., the whole family will enjoy a beautiful fireworks display over the bay. After the fireworks, live music resumes – and you’re welcome to sing, dance or sit back and enjoy. There’s another huge fireworks show at midnight, and the party continues until 1 a.m. Get more information about the Baytowne Countdown here.
If you’d rather be indoors, head to Rum Runners in The Village of Baytowne Wharf for Cocktails & Confetti. Reservations are required for this event, where you’ll have dinner between 7 and 9 p.m. and hear live music from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Rum Runners is a great vantage point for watching both fireworks displays, too. You can make reservations by sending an email here.
Seaside
Countdown Seaside: A New Year’s Eve Celebration is an annual event under the stars in spectacular Seaside. This free family-friendly event features plenty of kids’ activities, street performers, live music and fireworks over the Gulf to ring in the new year. The concert, performed by Wild Adriatic and Alvarez Kings, starts at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or chairs to the amphitheater – and arrive early, because the area fills up quickly.
Bud & Alley’s New Year’s Eve Bash, where the party starts early for dinner – seating times are at 5, 6:30, 8 and 9:30 p.m. – and live music by Lucky Town starts at 9:30 p.m. You can see the fireworks from the outdoor stage, too.
There’s always something fun going on on 30A. Want the fun year-round? 30A Local Properties can help you find your dream home near the beach and the local events.