2023 Destin Events from October to December
Get ready to embrace the magic of the Emerald Coast as we dive into the exciting events and happenings in Destin, Florida, and its enchanting surroundings from October to December/2023. This vibrant stretch of the Gulf Coast comes alive with a plethora of activities and festivities during the fall and holiday season. Here's a sneak peek into the unforgettable experiences awaiting you:
October 2023
Destin Fishing Rodeo
October 1-31/23
The Destin Fishing Rodeo began in May of 1948 to bring people to Destin. It worked! Destin shortly became known as a summer tourist destination and “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for salt water anglers of all ages.Free to anglers fishing on registered boats including charter boats, private boats, pier anglers, kayaks and paddleboards. Every Junior Angler that brings a fish to the weighmaster gets a rod and reel and certificate. In the words of our weighmaster, Bruce Cheves, “we’re weighing everything from guppies to Godzilla, being caught on bathtubs to battleships”!
Time: 10 am - 7 pm | Location: At the Marina behind AJ’s seafood and Oyster Bar
Register & get event info here
Baytowne on Ice
October 1/23 - February 5/24
Ice skating at the Village of Baytowne Wharf - Daily, times vary.
Get skating schedule here
Festival of Fears
September 15 - November 4/23
The Festival of Fears features 3 all new haunted houses, an expanded Halloween themed midway and gift shop, two 15-minute haunted escape rooms, a bar serving beer, seltzers, and non-alcoholic drinks, several local food trucks, and special events throughout the season!
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: The Santa Rosa Mall, Fort Walton Beach
Get tickets & event info here
Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf
October 4-25/2023
Weekly free concerts at the Events Plaza Stage in the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Music starts at 7:00 pm
View October concert list
The Farmers Market at Baytowne Wharf
Saturday & Sunday in October/2023
Local small business bring a lovely brand-new farmers market to Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf every Saturday & Sunday from 10am-2pm. Come shop with local farmers, bakers, local fresh seafood and gourmet, beef, local honey, fresh pressed juices, and much more!
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Market Info
The Village of BOOtowne Wharf
Sunday, October 1st - Tuesday, October 31st/2023
Stroll through the haunted streets of Baytowne Wharf the whole month of October! Visit the Haunted Courtyard if you dare or swing by Baytowne Adventure Zone's graveyard for a freaky good time.
BOOtowne Info
16th Annual Helping Heroes Gala
October 5/23
Annual fundraising event in support of Fisher House, keeping military families together. Celebrity guest Sean Dietrich.
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Get tickets for this important cause here
Destin Seafood Festival
October 6 - 8/23
One of Destin’s most celebrated traditions, the Destin Seafood Festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo. A new, smaller local seafood festival will be taking place inside the larger Destin Seafood Festival on Saturday October 7 and Sunday October 8. This will be a ticketed event where attendees can sample items from local chefs and restaurants, drink local beers, and enjoy a day of fun.
Time: Times vary per day | Location: Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Get tickets & event info here
15th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
Friday, October 6th - Saturday, October 7th/2023
Samplings of local brews and merchants, and live music on the lawn! The event will feature over 200 domestic and international craft beers available at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles.
Time: Friday:6:00-8:00pm & Saturday:2:00-5:00pm
Event & Ticket Info
Saltwater Music Fest
Thursday, October 12-14/2023
Salt Water Music Fest presented by Salt Water Vacations and Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.Day 1 features world-renowned pop songstress Macy Gray and her band California Jet Club.
Day 2 features five top singer/songwriters from Nashville, along with the band LOCASH.
Day 3, enjoy a coastal brunch experience curated by Executive Chef Leroy Worthen and bottomless mimosas as you are serenaded by two of the top Nashville singer/songwriters on the beach front terrace of Soleil in Destin.
Event & Ticket Info
Let the Good Times Boil
Saturday, October 14/2023
Join the Taylor Haugen Foundation at 3rd Planet Brewing Co. Saturday, October 14th for a Low Country Shrimp Boil and Fundraising Event. Enjoy live music by Duchess, and $25 Shrimp Boil Plates
Event Info
Bubbly Baytowne
Thursday, October 19th/2023
Who's ready to sip and shop through The Village streets?! Enjoy an evening full of FREE champagne and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne. Check in by the fountain to receive your complimentary Baytowne Wharf glass and a map outlining specific merchants to visit starting at 5pm. * This event is free and for 21 and up only. The village will be open to the public during this event.
Bubbly Event Details
7th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
October 19 - October 22/2023
Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest Wine & Food Festival returns to WaterColor for four days of epicurean excellence that is sure to delight both wine and culinary enthusiasts alike. This year’s festival will feature wine dinners, our famous Grand Tasting, cocktail-inspired events, the newly reimagined Harvest After Dark, and more while raising money for a good cause.
The proceeds of Harvest Wine & Food Festival benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission of helping children in need in Northwest Florida.
Location: Cerulean Park, 45 Watercolor Blvd. West, Santa Rosa Beach
Wine Event Info
Eleventh Annual Fore Her Golf Outing
October 20/23
Each Fall, Fore Her hosts their signature event, the Fore Her Golf Outing. The day includes a 18 hole game of golf a silent auction, prizes, food & drinks on holes, our infamous Dress Like A Girl Hole and a fun time at the 19th Hole! With an after party featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, prizes and more, everyone has a blast at the Golf Outing!
Time: Check-in 8:30 | Location: Links Golf Club
Get tickets here
Sip & Science: Mystery at the Museum
October 21th/2023
Bring your friends, grab a drink and crack the case. You’ll get to explore the field of forensic science, play with fun technology, and compete for some awesome prizes while you figure out whodunit.
Buy online now and save with our Early Bird pricing! $20 for Science Center members and $25 for nonmembers.
Tickets purchased day-of will be $25 for Science Center members and $30 for nonmembers. Ticket price includes admission, access to regular and special museum exhibits, drink tickets for adult beverages (beer and a specialty cocktail), and food.
Location: Emerald Coast Science Center | Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
8th Annual Barktoberfest
October 26/2023
Join Dog-Harmony at the 8th Annual Barktoberfest, a canine-only trick-or-treating event, at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Complete with Oktoberfest libations, gourmet appetizers from JC’s Gourmet, music, a spooky silent auction and incredible raffle prizes, this event will feature a superhero-themed canine Halloween costume contest.
Location: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin | Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Festival of the Arts
Friday, October 27 - Sunday, October 29/2023
This year’s 28th annual celebration of art, food, music and family fun begins on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. with the Arty Kick Off Party on the Piazza Plaza at Henderson Beach Resort.
On Saturday, head to the Cultural Arts Village in Destin Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to browse original artwork by more than 100 premier artists from across the United States (and Europe!). Watch live artist demos, hear live music, enter the art drawing, purchase souvenir Festival merchandise, enjoy hands-on creative children’s activities, street performers, snap a keepsake “masterpiece” photo, savor food truck fare, sip beer & wine garden beverages and more. Join in the festivities by casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award (Saturday).
Event & Ticket Info
Trick or Treat Street
Tuesday, October 31st/2023
Trick or Treat through the Village streets and visit merchants for your favorite treat. Steve Hall will play frighteningly good tunes on the main stage. Be sure to stop by Coconut Kidz to enter the costume contest and compete to win the grand prize! End the night with a spooky fireworks display at 8:00pm.
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Trick or Treat details
Witches of South Walton Charity Ride
Tuesday, October 31st/2023
The Witches of South Walton are set to ride in the 20th Annual Witch Ride this October! Every year, the Witches decorate bikes and fly throughout their communities to support the mission of Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN).
Time: 7:00 am | Location: Gulf Place
Event Registration
November 2023
The Farmers Market at Baytowne Wharf
Saturday & Sunday in November/2023
Local small business bring a lovely brand-new farmers market to Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf every Saturday & Sunday from 10am-2pm. Come shop with local farmers, bakers, local fresh seafood and gourmet, beef, local honey, fresh pressed juices, and much more!
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Market Info
Tribute Weekend
Friday, November 3rd - Sunday, November 5th/2023
FREE! Rock out the weekend and enjoy live music from great tribute bands. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and meet on the events plaza lawn for a jam-packed weekend of incredible talent.
Friday, November 3rd | 7:00-9:00pm
Saturday, November 4th | 7:00-9:00pm
Sunday, November 5th | 4:00-6:00pm
Tribute Weekend Info
30A BBQ Festival
November 3/23
Join us at the North Lawn at Grand Boulevard (behind Cantina Laredo) on Friday, November 3rd from 5:30PM - 9 PM for some of the best BBQ on the coast! Enjoy Live Music by Certainly So from Nashville! All you can eat BBQ & Beer/Wine! Bring your own chairs/blankets to lay out in the grass. Rain or Shine. We have a large tent on reserve just in case! All proceeds benefit The Sonder Project and their mission to empower impoverished communities through high-impact, sustainable development.
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm | Location: North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
Get tickets & event info here
278th Annual Take a Kid Fishing Day
November 4/23 | 7 am to 1 pm
Take A Kid Fishing Day is a free event for children 7 to 13 years old. Every year, on the first Sunday of November, some 300 children will be treated to a day of fishing on the Gulf of Mexico or Choctawhatchee Bay. Each child - and their chaperones - are served breakfast before boarding one of Destin's finest charter boats for a morning of fishing. Upon return, the day is celebrated with a fish fry lunch, and every child is sent home with a t-shirt and their own rod and reel.
Location: Harbor Docks
Get tickets & event info here
Destin Food Truck Fest
November 4/23
Destin Food Truck Fest returns to the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin, FL on November 4. Starting at 11AM, the family-friendly event will feature several of the city’s finest food trucks, live entertainment, vendors exhibiting and selling gifts, crafts, jewelry, personal care products and much more.
Time: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm | Location: Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
Get tickets & event info here
11th Annual Wine Walkabout
November 9: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Enjoy tasting stations, visit with vintners from exclusive wineries, live music, wall of wine pull, silent auction, raffle, hors d'oeuvres by Ruth's Chris, + more. An all-vintner dinner will follow the walkabout (for an additional cost). Proceeds benefit MKAF and its ArtsReach education initiatives throughout the community.Purchase tickets here
Seeing Red Wine Festival: Grand Tasting
November 9-12/23
Grand and reserve tastings, live music, local cuisines, a themed brunch, vintners dinner, and more! Seeing Red offers a fun-filled weekend, whether you choose to experience every event or just one. Customize your weekend experience by purchasing curated packages or individual tickets and reservations.
Nov. 9th @ 6:30PM - 9:30PM - Bud & Alley's Restaurant Vintners Dinner
Nov. 10th @ 6PM - 8:30PM - Al Fresco Wine Tasting
Nov. 11 @ 1PM - 4PM - Grand Tasting
Nov. 12 @ 10AM - 1PM - Sunday Tiki Social
Get tickets & event info here
Emerald Coast PCA Rodeo
November 10-11/23
This heart-pounding, thrill-seeking event promises to deliver an ultimate rodeo experience for rodeo enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With heart-stopping bull riding, daredevil barrel racing, breathtaking roping, and specialty acts, attendees can expect a showcase of top-notch rodeo talent.
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: Northwest Florida State College, 100 E College Blvd.,Niceville, FL 32578
Get tickets & event info here
Veteran's Day Celebration on the Harbor
November 11/23 | 4 pm
Ceremony on the Main Stage | 4:00PM to 5:00PM followed by the live music! Entertainment by Band of Revival.
Destin Vets Day 5K 2023
November 11/23
The Annual Veteran's Day Race in Destin is back! Saturday, November 11 (8AM)! This is a great way to show your appreciation for our Veterans. There will be a new course this year! We will start on Main Street at The Legion as always. Great after party at the Legion with food provided!! Walkers, strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.
Time: Race start at 8:00 am | Location: Destin Legion at 311 Main Street
Register here
Half Shells on the Harbor
Sunday, November 12/2023 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
This Tide to Table event features fresh oyster tastings as local chefs come together to showcase their own unique spins on this coastal classic. Live music by the New Cahoots on the Main Stage and a live acoustic act on the West end. Back this year is the Farmer’s Market! Check out raw oysters from real oyster farmers & even purchase some to take home with you!
Location: HarborWalk Village
Learn More & Get Tickets
Flutterby Arts Festival
Sunday, November 12/23 | 10 AM - 4 PM
The Flutterby Festival, produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, celebrates its 31st year of the migration of the Monarch Butterfly through our area with art activities, live performances, art exhibits, and a butterfly parade!
Location: The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center | Cost: Free
Learn more about the arts festival
11th Annual Bourbon at the Bay
November 16/23
Sample bourbon, scotch, and champagne; bid on your choice of gifts, trips, and more in the silent auction; try your luck in the wine pull; and enjoy decadent treats. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Location: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
Get tickets & event info here
The Nutcracker
November 17-19/23
Location: Mattie Kelly Arts Center
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center hosts the Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) as the perform the 44th production of The Nutcracker, November 17th - 19th
For tickets and times
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
November 18/23 | 4 - 6 pm
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights will take place on the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf and feature more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers at featured Village restaurants. The event will end with the first tree lighting of the season and Baytowne Wharf's choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights.
Purchase Tickets Here
Here Comes Santa Claus
Saturday, November 25/23 | 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Cheer Santa on as he makes his way to Baytowne and watch as he lights the Village Christmas tree! Have a blast in The Village with face-painting, kids crafts, and a beautiful fireworks display over the water at 8pm!
"Holiday on the Harbor - Santa's Arrival
November 25/23 | 1 pm - 4 pm
Location: Harborwalk Village
Holiday on the Harbor kicks off with Santa’s Grande Entrance! Enjoy a Rudolph-themed treasure hunt, holiday activities, and pictures with Santa! Guests will receive a FREE 4x6 photo.
Rockin' Holiday Concert Series
Saturday, November 25/23 | 5 pm - 8 pm
Location: Main Stage at HarborWalk Village
The Main Stage will be Rockin' with your holiday favorites followed by FIREWORKS at 8PM! every Saturday through December 16! & a firespinning finale by Autumn Lyfe!
Polar Express
Sunday, November 26/23 | 6 pm - 8 pm
Watch the holiday classic The Polar Express at the Village of Baytowne Wharf on the Events Plaza lawn. Grab a lawn chair and enjoy a movie under the stars. Admission is free and open to the public.
December 2023
12 Nights of Lights
Friday, December 1st - Saturday, December 23rd/23 | 3 Shows at 6, 7, & 8 pm
Location: Events Lawn Village of Baytowne Wharf
This December, enjoy a festive light show every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday leading up to Christmas! This sparkling event will be featured during our special holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Watch three dazzling shows on the Village tree and Event Plaza Lawn at 6:00pm, 7:00pm, and 8:00pm on our NEW tree!
Rockin' Holiday Concert Series
Saturday, December 2/23 | 5 pm - 8 pm
Location: Main Stage at HarborWalk Village
The Main Stage will be Rockin' with your holiday favorites followed by FIREWORKS at 8PM! every Saturday through December 16! & a firespinning finale by Autumn Lyfe!
FREE! Holiday Concert Series & Santa Visits
Wednesdays in December from the 6th - 20th || 6 - 8 pm
Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf
Come find the holiday spirit with us and tap your feet to some of your favorite sing-a-long classics. Every Wednesday this December enjoy our Holiday edition of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Each concert will feature Visits with Santa.
Café Thirty-A Christmas Charity Ball
December 2/23 | 6 pm to 10 pm
Location: Café Thirty-A, located at 3899 East County Hwy 30A
The restaurant will be transformed with festive holiday decor for this annual charity event benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton. Attendees will be greeted upon arrival with a glass of champagne and enjoy passed heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. There will be a DJ, a commemorative photo booth provided by Epic Photo Co., and a professional photographer. Guests are encouraged to dress in evening attire, black tie optional.The event will boast a large silent auction and raffle with all proceeds benefiting Caring and Sharing of South Walton’s efforts to provide food and financial assistance to local area families and individuals in need.
Charity Ball Event Info
Ice Skating Extravaganza
Friday, December 8/23 | 6:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Extravaganza featuring two performances by professional ice skaters on Friday, December 8th at 6:00pm & 7:30pm. Both shows are free. Before and in between the shows, lace up those skates and skate around the ice with The Pros!
Holiday Pops feat. Brian Stokes Mitchell
December 8/23
Dubbed "the last leading man" by The New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award winner with a versatile career spanning Broadway, television, film, and concerts.
Time: 7:30 pm | Location: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center
Get tickets here
"Holiday on the Harbor - Mistletoe Market
December 9-10/23 |
Location: Harborwalk Village
Mistletoe Market is your one-stop shop for Holiday gift-getting! Enjoy shopping at vendor tents, gift wrapping, festive drink samples, and the Destin Boat Parade all in ONE weekend!
Hours: Saturday, Dec. 9th, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday, Dec. 10th, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
"Holiday on the Harbor - Destin Boat Parade
December 10/23 | 6pm - 7 pm
Location: Harborwalk Village
The Harbor will be dancing with lights and cheer during the 37th Annual Destin Boat Parade followed by a FIREWORKS FINALE AND Fire Spinning! Make sure you start planning early, there are several prizes for the various boats, and it's great fun being involved. Get boater registration information here
"Tuba Christmas at Baytowne Wharf
December 9/23 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Come out to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for Tuba Christmas, a wonderful concert with some of your favorite holiday classics on the Event Plaza. It's a beautiful holiday tradition in Sandestin. Admission is free and open to the public. More than 30 brass instruments play some of your favorite holiday classics. Don't forget to stop by the Events Plaza and take your photo with Santa!
The Mean One
Friday, December 15/23 | 5 pm to 9 pm
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Have your photo taken with Grinch himself from 5pm to 7pm, and then watch a movie screening of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 7:00pm.
The Mean One
Friday, December 15/23 | 5 pm to 9 pm
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Have your photo taken with Grinch himself from 5pm to 7pm, and then watch a movie screening of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas starting at 7:00pm.
MERRY & BRIGHT: A SANDESTIN GOURMET HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
December 16/23
Get ready to indulge in an array of delectable wines and mouthwatering food options while your little ones enjoy craft activities and a visit with Santa himself! And the best part? You can take home your favorite wines at incredibly competitive prices. It's a holiday shopping experience like no other, open to both ticket holders and the public.
Location: Grand Lawn at The Grand Sandestin at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Get tickets here
FREE! Baytowne Countdown NYE
Sunday, December 31/23 | 6 pm to 1 am
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
You don't want to miss The Village of Baytowne Wharf's end-of-the-year celebration! Ring in 2024 with a night to remember featuring live music and two breathtaking fireworks displays at 8:00pm & midnight. Enjoy our family friendly evening from 6pm-8pm with face painting, kids activities, and LIVE music on the Baytowne LIVE stage. Finish off the family friendly evening with our first fireworks display at 8pm. The fun doesn't stop there! Dance the night away with LIVE music from 7pm until 1am, featured on the Events Plaza Stage! End the night with a spectacular midnight fireworks show.
New Year's Eve
Sunday, December 31/23 | 7 pm to 12 am
Location: HarborWalk Village
Ring in the New Year with all the enchantment of a Harbor Celebration! Dance away 2023 with LIVE entertainment happening on the main stage, beginning at 7:00PM with Strange Boy, followed by The New Royals at 9:30PM. Turn your eyes to the skies for a dazzling firework display over the Harbor and shout along as we countdown the Ball Drop, welcoming a New Year!
Posted by Tim Shepard - Broker on
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