Celebrate three decades of music under the stars as Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents the 30th Anniversary season of Concerts in the Village. From chart-topping legends to the nation’s best tribute acts, this year’s concert series stages a lineup that offers something for every music lover.The area’s first live concert series is held each spring on Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s family-friendly series will run from April 9 to June 11, 2026. The 10-concert live music series will feature premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, rhythm & blues, and disco to modern pop.
The series kicks off Thursday, April 9, with Smash Mouth, the iconic pop-rock band behind All Star and Walkin’ on the Sun. The stellar lineup continues with Black Jacket Symphony, which recreates Van Halen’s 1984 album in stunning fidelity. Yacht Rock Schooner sails through the smooth sounds of the ’70s, while Rumours ATL invites audiences to Go Your Own Way in a tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Brass Transit: The Music of Chicago celebrates the legendary horn-driven sound of Chicago, and The Turnstiles: The Ultimate Tribute to the Music of Billy Joel delivers all the hits of the piano man. Get on your feet for Boogie Wonder Band, then enjoy a nostalgic trip back to the magic of the ’80s with The Molly Ringwalds. The Return: A Beatles Tribute will perform the beloved Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, and the season finale welcomes Parrot Heads to the Dugas Pavilion for A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band.
“We are thrilled to celebrate 30 years of Concerts in the Village with one of our most dynamic and diverse lineups yet,” says MKAF CEO Demetrius Fuller. “When you purchase a concert ticket, you are supporting our mission to bring arts education and engagement programs to thousands across Northwest Florida. We invite everyone to join us this season for unforgettable nights of music and community.”
Gates open at 6 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are family-friendly outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair, picnic, wine, or purchase food and beverages on-site prepared by featured restaurants and food trucks.
The 2026 Concerts in the Village schedule is as follows:
• Thursday, April 9 | Smash Mouth
• Thursday, April 16 | Black Jacket Symphony: The Music of Van Halen
• Thursday, April 23 | Yacht Rock Schooner
• Thursday, April 30 | Rumours ATL
• Thursday, May 7 | Brass Transit: The Musical Legacy of Chicago
• Thursday, May 14 | Turnstile: The Music of Billy Joel
• Thursday, May 21 | Boogie Wonder Band
• Thursday, May 28 | The Molly Ringwalds
• Thursday, June 4 | The Return: A Beatles Tribute
• Thursday, June 11 | A1A: The Official Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band
General admission is $40 per adult ticket (including processing fee). Discounts are offered for active-duty military (must show ID). Children (12 and under) are free. Purchase tickets online at MKAF.org/events.
A limited number of VIP tables (reserved table for eight guests for the entire season) are available. To inquire about availability, call Deb Nissley at (850) 650-2226.
MKAF members enjoy early entry and free admission to every concert as well as discounted pricing to other MKAF events. For more information on MKAF membership, visit MKAF.org.
Concert lineup is subject to change. All sales are final; sorry, no refunds. Pets, tables larger than two feet, and drones are not permitted. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To learn more about sponsoring the 2026 MKAF season, call (850) 650-2226 or email info@mkaf.org.
