Welcome to Burning Up the Beaches! We are planning a fantastic weekend of cruising, a Friday night party, live entertainment, and all the hospitality our Emerald Coast is famous for!
🏁🔥 Our 15th Annual “Burning Up the Beaches” car show is back and better than ever!
This event features a fun-filled weekend with gearheads from all over the USA Partyin’ & Showin’ off their prized possessions on the sugar-white beaches of Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
❤️ ALL proceeds support The Arc of the Emerald Coast’s efforts to provide services and programs to Children and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Okaloosa and Walton County.
🇺🇸 To celebrate freedom for our country’s 250th birthday, our event will be held at FREEDOM TECH CENTER field! 🤩🤩
Burning Up the Beaches 2026 Itinerary
Below is schedule of all the weekend fun!!!
Thursday, April 30th, 2026 – Early Packet Pickup Party
3pm-6pm – Early Packet Pickup Party with onsite registration, food, music and fun!
Site: The Arc of the Emerald Coast 123 Truxton Ave. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32546
Friday, May 1st, 2026 – Cruise Day
9am-3pm – Cruise stops *See Details Listed Below!
6pm-9 p.m. – America 250th Theme dinner party with entertainment a
Site: Freedom Tech Center 1900 Lewis Turner Blvd. Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Show Day 9am – 3pm
Site: Freedom Tech Center – 1900 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
8am – Gates open for drivers to park (first come/first serve)
9am – Gates open to public, live entertainment by DJ Salty!
(Optional Morning beach cruise) 8am starting at Freedom Tech Center – thru 10:30am
11am – All cars must be parked/placed for judging
11am – 2:30pm – Valve cover races, markets, food trucks & live music by Brennan Wilson!!
2:30pm – Awards / Closing
Home2 Suites and Holiday Inn Express (on property at Freedom Tech Center) are offering discount room rates for event attendees.
When making reservations be sure to mention Burning Up the Beaches.
Visit burningupthebeaches.com/accommodations/ for complete information.
Optional gated trailer storage with camera security at Freedom Storage for up to 4 days for $40. Mention Burning Up the Beaches
Address: 311 Lewis Street Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 Phone: (850) 598-6444
Register here for Cruise Day and Show Day! https://arcemeraldcoast.crowdchange.co/52543
At The Arc of the Emerald Coast, we have ONE MISSION…to provide a path from disability to capability and empower our clients with self-advocacy and independence. We offer life-changing programs that foster independence and promote community inclusion. Our biggest goal is to create enhanced opportunities for those with disabilities to LIVE THEIR VERY BEST LIVES! We provide a wide range of community-based services including:
Inclusive Day Care Center Group Homes Aquatic Center
Early Intervention Services Supported Living Behavioral Analysis
Adult Day Programs Transportation Residential Support
Daily Skills Instruction Social Activities Workplace Skills Development
Supported Living
“Burning up the Beaches” originated from our partnership with the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce as a fundraiser to benefit The Arc of the Emerald Coast, allowing us to continue guiding our clients on their journey from disability to capability.
The Arc’s vision has served as the standard bearer for other Arc agencies with the highest ethics and professionalism to guide us. And thanks to people like you, the future is bright for The Arc and all our clients!