This summer, Florida’s Space Coast marks the end of an era as the shuttle program comes to a close with the final launch of Atlantis, but there are also plenty of new beginnings as the Brevard Zoo, Cocoa Beach Surf Museum and Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum all open new exhibits.

COCOA BEACH SURF MUSEUM HOSTS NEW KELLY SLATER EXHIBIT
Cocoa Beach , Fla.
The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum ’s newly opened KS10 exhibit centers on 10-time world surfing champion and Cocoa Beach native Kelly Slater. The exhibit includes studies of the evolution of Slater’s surfing, installations by artist Bruce Reynolds and authentic memorabilia donated by Slater, his family and his friends.

The Cocoa Beach Surf Museum is located inside the Cocoa Beach Surf Company at 2210 S Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach , Fla. 32931

(321) 258- 8217; http://www.cocoabeachsurfmuseum.org/


VALIANT AIR COMMAND DISPLAYS NEW VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL
Titusville , Fla. - June 2011
Starting in June, guests can explore a new memorial at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum , honoring those who served in the Vietnam War. The memorial is located in a new 28,000 sq. ft. hangar and features an F-8 Crusader, the first military aircraft to travel 1,000 mph. Other aircrafts from the Vietnam-era warbird collection on display include the Huey helicopter and the F-4 Phantom.

 The Valiant Air Command Warbird museum in Titusville showcases a range of historic airplanes and aircraft that the U.S. military used prior to World War I to current day. Valiant Air Command is a group of people who assembled the War Museum as a tribute to the valiant pilots who flew over the years.

Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors or military and $5 for children. Group rates are also available. (321) 268-1941; www.vacwarbirds.org


SUMMER SATURDAY NIGHTS AT BREVARD ZOO
Viera, Fla. – June 11 - July 30, 2011
Brevard Zoo will kick off its annual Summer Saturday Nights starting June 11. To beat the summertime heat, the zoo is extending hours of operation to 9 p.m. on Saturdays in June and July. For only a $5 admission fee after 5 p.m., guests can enjoy live music while exploring the numerous animals and exhibits the Brevard Zoo has to offer, including kayaking and feeding the giraffes.

(321) 254- 9453; http://www.brevardzoo.org/


2011 TITUSVILLE SEA TURTLE FESTIVAL
Titusville, Fla. – June 23-25, 2011
The 2011 Sea Turtle Festival is a three-day family-friendly event that will center around one of the Space Coast 's most valued creatures - sea turtles. The event kicks off with an artist welcome and culminates June 25 with a festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests of all ages can enjoy turtle hunts, an old-fashioned family fish fry and beachside activities.

The event will be held in Historic Downtown Titusville, 2000 South Washington Ave , Titusville Fla. 32780 . (321) 267-3036; For more information contact Gina Stanford at downtown@titusville.org.


STS-135: FINAL LAUNCH OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM 
Cape Canaveral, Fla. – July 8, 2011
Space shuttle Atlantis takes off to complete the last mission of the shuttle program on July 8. The mission marks the final chance for space enthusiasts to experience a shuttle launch. More than 1 million visitors are expected in the area to witness history, as the 30-year old program comes to a close.

Many viewing areas are free, but guests are encouraged to arrive at their locations early due to the large crowds. Visitors can find more details on the launch and viewing tips at http://www.spacecoastlaunches.com/.

Following the launch, Atlantis will remain in Florida ’s Space Coast in a display at Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex set to open in 2012. It will be the only place in the country where one can view a shuttle up close as it appeared during its space missions.


EAU GALLIE ARTS DISTRICT’S FIRST FRIDAY ART
Melbourne, Fla. – July 1, 2011
The Eau Gallie Arts District will hold its monthly First Friday Art Walk event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Eau Gallie. During the event, studios, galleries, shops, boutiques and restaurants will remain open late for a free art walk. Activities happening in Eau Gallie Square will include artists' booths and music in the band shell by the TrebleHook band.
http://www.eaugalliearts.com/


TREETOP TREK, AERIAL ADVENTURES OPENS AT THE BREVARD ZOO 
 Viera, Fla. – July 2, 2011
 Treetop Trek, Aerial Adventures is a new outdoor attraction opening at Brevard Zoo this July. Guests will be able to explore the world high up in the trees, moving from tree to tree and challenging themselves with varying degrees of thrilling elements such as tightropes, crab walks, jungle bridges, nets and, best of all, zip lines. There are three courses available, two of which offer guests the opportunity to look down upon some of the zoo’s animal exhibits.

Course prices range from $15 to $40 and exclude zoo admission. Guests will not have to purchase zoo admission to experience Treetop Trek. (321) 254-9453; http://www.brevardzoo.com/


THE CITY OF COCOA’S RIVERFRONT INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION
 Cocoa, Fla. – July 4, 2011
The City of Cocoa 's Riverfront Celebration will feature tons of kid's activities, a special outdoor performance by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and, of course, fireworks.

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will be held in Cocoa Riverfront Park . The concert starts at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

www.artsbrevard.org/events/events_list.html