By Zandra Wolfgram
Looking for a beautiful backdrop to say I Do? Pining for a picturesque place to have a party or reception? Bored with holding your annual event in a stuffy ballroom?
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Cultural Arts Village is available for rental for groups of all sizes. The Dugas Pavilion — a 1,600 square-foot performance stage with a majestic-covered canopy — and the gorgeous Village Green offer a spectacular outdoor setting for hosting events.
Nestled on 6.7 scenic acres, it is a unique event facility alternative that offers 79,547 square feet of flexible space for seating, tents, and more.
Upon arrival, a gleaming 23-foot stainless sculpture designed by artist Frank Ledbetter is a welcoming beacon. The most significant public artwork on display in Destin hints at the creative opportunities the venue offers.
Additional amenities include a 1,924 square-foot restroom facility and 168 on-site grass-seeded parking spaces, and adjacent shared parking. The Cultural Arts Village is available for rental and can be easily transformed for special events to accommodate audiences from 10 to 3,500.
“People have come to us with wedding inquiries, dinner under the stars, family reunions, invitation-only private concerts, and large public concerts like Toby Mac,” says Todd Wilkinson, MKAF Concert Committee Chairman.
Booking MKAF as a venue is easy. Just download the Special Events Questionnaire and email it to info@mattiekellyartsfoundation.org. MKAF will follow up with you to put together a cost pro forma, and once your contract is signed, your event is place on the calendar.
Not sure if your event qualifies? Check out the Venue Guidelines posted on the Venue section of the website.
“The MKAF Cultural Arts Village is the best space in Destin by far,” says Wilkinson. “It is the home of MKAF’s Concerts in the Village which shows you it is the best place to listen to music. Plus, it is the beautifully maintained, spacious and has plenty of parking.”
Call (850) 650-2226 or email venue@mkaf.org for rates and information.
