Things to Do in Destin & the Emerald Coast
Nestled along the stunning shores of the Emerald Coast, Destin, Florida, is a vibrant hub of activity and adventure. Known for its sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, this coastal paradise offers a year-round lineup of exciting events and activities for all ages. From bustling local festivals and outdoor concerts to thrilling fishing tournaments and family-friendly gatherings, there's always something happening in Destin, the 30A and the surrounding Emerald Coast. Discover the latest happenings, or just find something to do this weekend with the kids with our comprehensive calendar of events.
If you're organizing an upcoming event, feel free to let us know in the Comments section and we'll be happy to add it to the list.
June 2024
Bal Harbour Shops Pop-Up High Tea - Tuesday, June 18 from 4 pm - 6 pm
Experience an afternoon of elegance at the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up and enjoy our traditional style tea service which features exquisite teas and delectable finger sandwiches and pastries. The event is at The Whitman. Along with delicious bites and drinks, there will also be a violinist playing Taylor Swift covers to serenade you! Make reservations here
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic - Wednesday, June 19 - 23
This million-dollar sportfishing tournament returns for the 22nd year. Get all you need for Registration and Event Schedule here
Family Sunset Social - Friday, June 28 from 5pm - 9 pm
A family-oriented evening of live music, pirate magician, fly boarder and more. Face painting and balloon sculpting and adorable animal encounters. Admission is free, but any proceeds go to supporting Habitat for Humanity Walton County. Location: Baytowne Wharf of Sandestin
July 2024
Annual Family Independence Day Celebration & Bike Parade - Tuesday, July 2
Head over to the track at Destin Elementary School at 630 Kelly Street at 4 pm. Fun activities, food trucks from 4-7 pm. Then at 6 pm watch or participate in the Bike Parade. Decorate your bikes, strollers, wagons and celebrate. Pre-registration for the Bike Parade is required and can be completed online here
Red, White & Baytowne - Thursday, July 4 - 7 pm - 9:15 pm
4th of July for a spectacular Red, White, and Baytowne celebration! Enjoy LIVE music from Below Alabama on the Events Plaza Stage from 7:00-9:15pm, followed by a fireworks display that will light up the night sky at 9:15pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will also host kids activities including kids crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting.
All American Thursday, July 18 from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Join us at HarborWalk Village for our Thursday salute to America as we honor our local heroes with a heartfelt ceremony featuring a performance from Reid Soria with Autism Sings, LLC, the honor guard, a vintage flyover, and more! Live Music from 7-9 pm. Want to nominate a hero? Fill out the form here.
August 2024
The City of Destin's 40th Birthday Bash - August 10 from 5:30pm - 8:30 pm
HarborWalk Village will be transformed into a vibrant party zone filled with fun, nostalgia, and entertainment for all ages. There will be live music, entertainment for all ages, and the city's first drone show. FREE Parking at HarborWalk Village and all City-owned parking lots.
Dog Day Pawty - August 26 - Baytowne Wharf Marina
Celebrate International Dog Day with us at the Baytowne Marina Beach! Bring along the family for an unfurgettable event including Bonfire show, magic show, pet grooming bus, live DJ and a dog kissing booth! Humans will receive a free beer with a donation to Alaqua Animal Refuge and every furry friend gets a tennis ball and treats!
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
August 31, 2024 at HarborWalk Village
Celebrate with live music, beer and samplings.
Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art & Food Fest
Free from 4 pm - 9 pm Saturday, August 31st - Sunday, September 1st
This Labor Day Weekend join us for Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest. Each evening from 4-9pm stroll The Village streets as you browse a variety of artwork from local and regional artists. Enjoy LIVE music throughout the festival and a spectacular fireworks show over the lagoon on Sunday at 9pm. ALSO on Sunday night, be sure to check in by the breezeway to enjoy a sip & shop through The Village.
September 2024
11th Annual Soldiers on the Water - September 21 - 7 am - 4 pm
Presented by ECAR - The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors - Our mission is simple – to get combat-wounded service members and veterans out on the water for a day of fishing, followed by dinner at Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer. This is a huge annual event. Get info here, or email meagan@ecaor.com for details.
Destin Seafood Festival- September 27: 4pm-10pm, September 28-29: 10am-10pm
A celebrated Destin event, the Seafood Festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo in October . Get tickets early and sample items from local chefs and restaurants, drink local beers, and enjoy a day of fun, music and arts. Get tickets here
Festival of Fears
September 27 - November 7/24
The full season of The Festival of Fears begins September 27th and runs through November 7th on select nights. Featuring 5 haunted attractions and unlimited entry all night long, this is our biggest event to date!
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: The Santa Rosa Mall, Fort Walton Beach
Get tickets & event info here
October 2024
Destin Fishing Rodeo - October 1-31, 2024
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.
Time: 10 am - 7 pm | Location: At the Marina behind AJ’s seafood and Oyster Bar
Register & get event info here
The Village of BOOtowne Wharf
Tuesday, October 1st - Thursday, October 31st/2024
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
Bubbly Baytowne - Thursday, August 15 - October 17 - 5 pm - 9:15 pm
Bubbly Baytowne is BACK! Who's ready to sip and shop through The Village streets?! Join us for 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.
Festival of Fears
September 27 - November 7/24
The full season of The Festival of Fears begins September 27th and runs through November 7th on select nights. Featuring 5 haunted attractions and unlimited entry all night long, this is our biggest event to date!
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: The Santa Rosa Mall, Fort Walton Beach
Get tickets & event info here
Baytowne Beer Festival - October 11-12, 2024
The main event on Saturday, October 12th will feature more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives will be available at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. Live music will be also featured during the festival. Get times and ticket info here.
Annual Bloody Mary Festival
Saturday, October 12/24: 11 am - 2 pm pm
The Market Shops at Sandestin will host its Ninth Annual Bloody Mary Festival, benefiting Habitat for Humanity - Walton County, on Saturday, October 12. The annual event, powered by Step One Automotive Group, will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative Bloody Marys.Purchase tickets here
Halloween Spooktacular Family Concert
Saturday, October 12/24: 2 pm-4 pm
Halloween Spooktacular is a traditional hour-long family concert featuring Halloween classics alongside some great contemporary music.
Creep on over to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center and listen to our premier Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra conducted by our own, Todd Craven, perform Halloween Classics. As in past seasons, there will be some great-curated visual imagery to accompany the music.
Bring your children and grandchildren in costume for our on-stage costume parade.
Event Info & Tickets
Halloween Spooktacular Evening Concert
Saturday, October 12/24: 7 pm-9 pm
The evening performance of Halloween Spooktacular opens with the incredible local soprano, Laura Hernandez accompanied by the orchestra in the performance of Wild Swans Suite. The orchestra performs Symphonie fantastique the second half of the evening performance.
Creep on over to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center and listen to our premier Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra conducted by our own, Todd Craven, perform Halloween Classics. As in past seasons, there will be some great-curated visual imagery to accompany the music.
Dress in costume as there will be a contest that evening.
Event Info & Tickets
7th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
October 17 - October 20/2024
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, a cocktail brunch, and much more. Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest provides patrons the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections.
The proceeds of Harvest Wine & Food Festival benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s mission of helping children in need in Northwest Florida.
Multiple Locations depending on event, the Grand Tasting is at: Cerulean Park, 45 Watercolor Blvd. West, Santa Rosa Beach
Wine Event Info
Sip & Science
October 19th/2024: 6 pm-9 pm
This one's for the "big kids," a.k.a, adults, age 21 and up. Like playing with robots? Competing in trivia while playing on a room-sized iPad? Taking a peak at crazy cool animals? Sip & Science gives adults the chance to play after hours in the museum while enjoying beer, a specialty cocktail, and food. Fun knows no age limit!
Buy online now and save with our Early Bird pricing!
Location: Emerald Coast Science Center | Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
8th Annual Barktoberfest
October 25/2024
Join our spooky costume doggie social, benefiting Dog-Harmony, for music, beer and light bites. The best costumes will be announced at 6:15 PM. Please, no prong, shock, or choke collars. This event is free and open to the public.
Location: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin | Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Witches of South Walton Charity Ride
Friday, October 25/2024
The Witches of South Walton are set to ride in the 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
Festival of the Arts
Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27/24
The Festival of the Arts, produced by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, is a celebration of art, music, food and family fun. 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, Bloody Marys and more. Join in the festivities by casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award (Saturday).
Event Info - Free Admission
12Th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing
Friday, October 25, 2024
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
Trick or Treat Street
Thursday, October 31st/2024
Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a spooktacular extravaganza! This Halloween, 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. End the night with a spooky fireworks display at 8pm.
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Trick or Treat details
November 2024
Festival of Fears
September 27 - November 7/24
The full season of The Festival of Fears begins September 27th and runs through November 7th on select nights. Featuring 5 haunted attractions and unlimited entry all night long, this is our biggest event to date!
Time: 6:30 pm | Location: The Santa Rosa Mall, Fort Walton Beach
Get tickets & event info here
Annual Take a Kid Fishing Day
November 3/24 | 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
30A BBQ Festival
November 8, 2024
The 30A BBQ Festival at Grand Boulevard, benefiting The Sonder Project, features all-you-can-eat local BBQ, beer/wine, live music and more!
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Location: North Lawn at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
Get tickets & event info here
Tribute Weekend
Friday, November 8th - Sunday, November 10th/2024: From 7:00-9:00 pm each night
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.
Tribute Weekend Info
Sandestin Turkey Trot
Sunday, November 24/24
3rd Annual Sandestin® Turkey Trot 5K run and 1-mile fun run/walk at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Start your Thanksgiving week with an invigorating run through the beautiful landscapes of Sandestin, made possible by our presenting sponsor, Visit South Walton. After the race, stick around for a festive post-run tailgate party at 11am featuring beer, food, prizes, and NFL football on the big screen—it's the perfect family-friendly event!
Registration is $45 for adults and $25 for participants 17 and under, with the first 30 registrants receiving a free t-shirt. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.
Get details here
Popular Ongoing Events
Grand Boulevard Farmers Market - Every Saturday | 9am-1pm
This outdoor market in Sandestin's Town Center features dozens of vendors offering food items, produce, gift items, bread and more.
Baytowne Wharf Farmers Market - Every Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month from 10am-2pm
Local small business bring a lovely brand-new farmers market to Sandestin's Village of Baytowne Wharf every Saturday from 10am-2pm and the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month from 10am-2pm.
Destin Spring Farmers Market - Every Saturday | 10am-3pm
Come to HarborWalk Village and browse a variety of fresh produce, local & handcrafted art pieces, and more!
Wednesday Night Concert Series
Free live concert from 7 pm - 9 pm on the Events Plaza Stage at Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Beat the Heat Concert Series at HarborWalk Village | Saturday, June 1 - August 10 from 7 pm - 9 pm
Dive into a sea of sounds and join us for a sun-soaked summer celebration of good vibes! Featuring live music & beverage samplings from local sponsors.
Posted by Tim Shepard - Broker on
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