July is the official start to the Summer Olympics and we are proud to have one of our local surfers competing this year! Caroline Marks, a 17-year-old Melbourne Beach native, grew up surfing the waves at Sebastian Inlet and will be one of two women representing the U.S. at the inaugural surfing competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in Japan. Go team USA!

Looking for a place to listen to live music? Stroll down Indian River Drive in Sebastian on any Friday or Saturday and chances are you’ll hear it coming from the many waterfront bars and restaurants. Need to escape the heat, shop at our unique and charming stores in the Village Square. Discover treasure and learn about our rich history at our local museums such as Mel Fisher's Treasures. Read more about Mel Fisher and the museum below in our Tourism Partner Spotlight.

It may be hot outside but while most places are feeling the scorching heat, we are enjoying our coastal breezes and shady palm trees. Our visitors are cooling off in the crystal-clear ocean and sailing along the Indian River Lagoon. Come join us, we’re expecting you!

Sebastian Freedom Festival

Want to celebrate America’s independence in a BIG way? Sebastian’s Freedom Festival should do it. Festivities begin with a flag ceremony and our national anthem followed by a lively patriotic parade including creative floats showcasing our local businesses and organizations. The day continues with live music performances, food trucks, beer concessions and fun contests such as hula hooping, watermelon eating, water balloon throwing, and karaoke. End the day at sunset with a spectacular fireworks display over the Indian River Lagoon. Bring the family and plan to stay for the day!

Grab the kiddos and head over to LaPorte Farms for one last hoorah before school starts. You'll be a rock star parent and they'll have plenty to talk about on their first day back!

MORE HAPPENINGS...

Location: Burger King

Location: Vero Beach Theatre Guild

Location: Environmental Learning Center

CHRISTO DOCUMENTARY: THE GATES (2007)

Location: Vero Beach Museum of Art

Location: American Legion Post #189

Location: Indian River County Fairgrounds

RECURRING EVENTS

Archie Carr Refuge Register Here

Barrier Island Center Register Here

Sebastian Inlet State Park Register Here

Location: Capt. Hiram's Resort

1580 US HWY 1, Sebastian, FL 32958

Details: Every Sunday from 2-6 pm

Check out the scheduled lineup here

Location: The Crab Stop of Sebastian

1550 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958

Details: Every first Friday from 6 PM - 10 PM

Location: Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Details: Morning tours on Thursdays

from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM / Sunset tours on Fridays

from 6:15 - 8:15 PM

Location: Mash Monkeys Brewing Co.

Details: Bingo 1st & 3rd Wed, Trivia 2nd & 4th Wed.

Live music Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays

Location: Pareidolia Brewing Co.

Details: Check website for schedule

Location: Sebastian River Art Club

Details: Gallery open every Tues. & Thur. from 11 AM - 3 PM

Check website for art class schedule

OPEN JAM NIGHTS ~ DJ BIG B ~ KARAOKE

Location: Tiki Bar & Grill

Details: Every Mon., Wed., & Thur., 6 PM - 10 PM

This July marks the 36th Anniversary of Mel Fisher and his crew discovering the “motherload” of Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1985 in the waters off the Florida Keys. It was and is the largest underwater treasure find in history! Join us this "Mel Fisher Days" for our virtual silent auction, which will benefit Wesley House Family Services of Monroe County and Michael Abt Jr. Have A Heart Foundation of Indian River County. melfisherdays.com

July also marks the anniversary of the shipwreck of the 1715 Spanish Fleet. On July 31, 1715, after departing from Havana, Cuba, eleven of the twelve ships of this fleet were lost in a hurricane off our coastline, aptly named The Treasure Coast. Artifacts and coins still wash up on Florida beaches. If there was ever a better time to visit Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum and Gift Shop in Sebastian, it's now!

A visit to the Sebastian museum will uncover many exciting and educational discoveries. Watch a film about Mel Fisher’s long journey towards his discovery. See for yourself how heavy one of the actual gold bars really is. Let the kids have fun with an in-store treasure hunt with bootie to take home and all! Own a piece of treasure history with one-of-a-kind jewelry. You can even rent a metal detector from the museum and try treasure hunting first-hand.

“Today’s the Day!” – Mel Fisher

Emerald Cross, found at the site of the 1715 Spanish Fleet