MKAF Fall Concerts Are a Festive Way to Support MKAF’s Mission

Four fabulous al fresco concerts remain 

Fall is more festive when it’s enjoyed out of doors, under the stars, with family and friends listening to live music. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) 2021 Fall Concerts in the Village series are underway.

The 26th annual Fall concert season showcases a range of artists. This week, the Rust & Gold Desolation Road: The Ultimate Neil Young/Bob Dylan Tribute takes the stage on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Save the date for the final three concerts in the series:

September 23 – Kickstand Jenny 
September 30  – Chasin’ Jaymie
October 7 – The Heather Hayes Experience

The MKAF CIV concerts date back to 1995 and stand as the first and longest-running concert series in Destin, perhaps Northwest Florida. As with any longtime tradition, locals are bound to have opinions about it. 

“We try to have something for everyone, we book all sorts of genres from rock and pop to funk and soul,” MKAF concert committee chair Todd Wilkinson says. “We don’t repeat too much, but we do bring back some bands simply because they are audience favorites.”

What makes for a great music concert? 

“A combination of the right atmosphere, the right audience that creates a high level of energy,” says Wilkinson. “When enthusiasm is there between an audience and performer, they feed off each other and it inevitably turns into amazing event.”

Concerts are held in the MKAF Cultural Arts Village located at 4323 Commons Drive West in Destin. Enjoy free on-site parking. Gates open at 6 p.m. and concerts begin at 7 p.m. 

If you do not already have a VIP table reserved, to fully enjoy this al fresco family-friendly outdoor concert series, bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic supper (beer or wine are welcome) or purchase food and beverages on-site prepared by featured restaurants and food trucks.

Admission for all concerts is $15 for adults, children (12 and under). MKAF members are free. Purchase tickets online at Eventbrite. 

A limited number of VIP tables (provides a reserved table and seating with admission for up to eight guests) are available. Contact MKAF at (850) 650-2226 for details.

Before the concert and during intermission, don’t forget to enter the weekly raffle drawing. 

Proceeds from the Concerts in the Village support MKAF’s mission and ArtsReach — which leverages the talents of artists to provide hands-on art, theater and music education programs designed especially for K-12 students, children and adults with special needs, as well as veteran and active-duty military service members. 

There are many benefits to becoming an MKAF member, including free admission to all MKAF Concerts in the Village. Now, that is music to your ears, yes? 

There are several benefit levels and options, so go to the website to find the one that is best fits you and your family.

For more information on the many MKAF Membership levels and all the concert details, visit MKAF.org.