Tickets Now on Sale for Taste of the Race, Headlined by The Velcro Pygmies
SEASIDE, Fla. – October 1, 2026 – One of the most anticipated culinary and entertainment events along 30A and the Emerald Coast is back. Tickets are now on sale for Taste of the Race, returning Friday, February 12, 2027, to the SEASIDE® Lyceum. The official kickoff party for the 25th Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend will bring together the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants, a night of live music headlined by The Velcro Pygmies, and a community ready to celebrate in support of the SEASIDE SCHOOL™.
The Velcro Pygmies don’t just perform for an audience. They bring the audience into the show. Known for rock anthems, comedy, and an electric connection with the crowd, the band turns every performance into a night that feels impossible to sit out. Their arrival at the Lyceum promises a Race Weekend kickoff with everyone on their feet and singing along under the stars.
Taste of the Race gives guests unlimited tastings from more than a dozen of the Gulf Coast’s top chefs and restaurants, with each vying for People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice, Chef’s Choice, and Kids’ Choice awards. Guests can discover new favorites, return for another bite, enjoy the open bar, and browse the silent auction all in the heart of SEASIDE®.
The VIP Experience begins at 6 PM with early entry to Taste of the Race and the silent auction, a private acoustic performance by Jared Herzog from The Voice, an exclusive VIP gift, complimentary wine and craft beverages, and side-stage access during The Velcro Pygmies’ performance. General Admission opens at 7 PM, when The Velcro Pygmies take the stage.
“Taste of the Race is the night people look forward to all year, and the perfect way to begin our 25th Race Weekend,” said Callie Cox, Director of Advancement & Donor Relations for SEASIDE SCHOOL™. “The food, the music, and the people make it unforgettable. Knowing that the celebration also supports opportunities for our students makes it even more meaningful.”
Proceeds from Taste of the Race benefit the SEASIDE SCHOOL™, supporting programs and opportunities for students at SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ and Seacoast Collegiate High School.
Tickets are limited, and Early Bird pricing is available through December 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. A discounted Couples Ticket Package is also available. Taste of the Race is a 21+ event and will be held rain or shine. Purchase tickets and learn more at RunSeasideFL.com.
Restaurants interested in participating may contact Bobby Parker at bobby@parkergenecreative.com.
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ABOUT THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ HALF MARATHON + 5K
The SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend is the annual charity race fundraiser that supports the SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION™ and encompasses an entire weekend of activities from the Taste of the Race culinary event as the official Race Weekend kick-off party to Race Day that welcomes thousands of runners from around the globe. Participation and support of the annual fundraiser provides middle school and high school students in Walton County, Florida the opportunity to participate in unique learning experiences not typically found in public education. For more information on the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend, visit RunSeasideFL.com.
ABOUT THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™
THE SEASIDE SCHOOL™ - one of the oldest operating public charter school in Florida and comprised of SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ in Seaside, Florida and Seacoast Collegiate High School located on the nearby campus of Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center - was founded in 1996 with the simple goal of creating a school to address the need for a better middle school education in Walton County. Today, SEASIDE SCHOOL™ serves more than 600 students across the two school campuses serving grades 5th through 12th and ranks in the top 1% of all public schools academically based on the Florida Department of Education School Grade Program. For more information, visit SeasideSchools.net.
Media Contact
Bobby Parker
Parker Gene Creative
bobby@parkergenecreative.com
850.797.1987
