6 of the Most Anticipated Annual Events in Destin and Beyond

Annual events on Florida's Emerald Coast bring sunshine, seafood, wine, music, and local charm to Destin and nearby beaches all year long.

Are you itching to mark your calendar with events that promise sunshine, beautiful beaches, and plenty of good times? Then set your sights on the Emerald Coast for your next getaway.

Destin, Miramar Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach host festivals and gatherings that blend local culture, great food, live music, and a fun coastal vibe that keeps the energy high all season long.


Here's a little something to spark your curiosity:

1. Destin Seafood Festival (April): Fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and waterfront views along Destin Harbor.
2. Destin Fishing Rodeo (October): A month-long fishing tradition with daily weigh-ins, prizes, and family fun.
3. Sandestin Wine Festival (April): Wine tastings, gourmet pairings, and live entertainment at Baytowne Wharf.
4. South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (April): Global wines, chef-led tastings, and live music in a relaxed coastal setting.
5. Rosemary Beach Uncorked (November): World-class wines, creative cuisine, and local charm along 30A.
6. Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival (October): Over 200 craft beers, live bands, and a festive atmosphere in Sandestin.

At Travel Life Vacations, we specialize in providing premium, boutique-style management services, offering guests private, resort-style luxury homes. We take pride in creating an oasis where you can truly escape from everyday life.

We know "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" like the back of our hands. Traveling here with pets? First-time visitor? Looking for a family fun itinerary? It's all covered in our blog. We have many more tips to help you have a trip of a lifetime and enjoy the perfect Destin getaway.

In this blog post, I've rounded up some of the most popular and anticipated annual events in and around Destin that you won't want to miss.

Ready? Let's jump into the details!

1. Destin Seafood Festival

Celebrate the Gulf's freshest catches with live music, ocean views, and plenty of good food.

When spring rolls in, Destin Harbor comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Destin Seafood Festival. This local favorite celebrates the Gulf's freshest catches with live music, ocean views, and plenty of good food. Stroll the boardwalk, sample everything from shrimp and oysters to crab cakes and chowders, and soak up the upbeat coastal atmosphere. It's the perfect way to taste Destin's flavor and spirit all in one weekend.

Highlights

• Seafood Galore: Fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters, and local specialties prepared by Destin's top chefs.
• Live Music: Bands and performers set the soundtrack for the weekend with upbeat coastal tunes.
• Waterfront Setting: The festival stretches along Destin Harbor, offering picture-perfect views of the boats and the Gulf.
• Local Vendors: Browse handmade crafts, coastal art, and unique souvenirs while you snack your way through the stalls.
• VIP Experience: Upgrade to VIP access for private seating, exclusive tastings, and samples straight from local chefs' kitchens.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Enjoy activities for kids, delicious treats for all ages, and a welcoming community vibe.

2. DESTIN FISHING RODEO

Family-friendly tradition that celebrates Destin's fishing heritage and the town's deep love for the sea.

October in Destin means one thing: the Destin Fishing Rodeo. What started back in 1948 as a small local event to keep the fishing spirit alive has turned into one of the Gulf Coast's biggest celebrations. For the entire month, the harbor comes alive with friendly competition, cheering crowds, and plenty of fresh catches. It's a family-friendly tradition that celebrates Destin's fishing heritage and the town's deep love for the sea.

Highlights

• Month-Long Fun: The Rodeo runs every day in October, offering daily weigh-ins and lively waterfront action.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: From seasoned anglers on charter boats to kids casting from the pier, everyone can join.
• Big Prizes: Fishermen compete for cash, trophies, and bragging rights in dozens of categories.
• Festival Atmosphere: Live music, food stalls, and harbor parties keep the energy high day and night.
• Spectator-Friendly: Not fishing? Watch the weigh-ins at the Destin Harbor Boardwalk — it's one of the most exciting scenes in town.
• A Local Legacy: Started in 1948, the Rodeo honors Destin's roots as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and its enduring connection to the Gulf.
  
  

3. Sandestin Wine Festival

Fine wines, great food, and coastal elegance. 

Set in the charming Village of Baytowne Wharf, the Sandestin Wine Festival is a spring celebration of fine wines, great food, and coastal elegance. Guests sip their way through top vintages from around the world while soaking in waterfront views and lively music. It's a weekend of flavor and fun where the Emerald Coast's easy charm meets world-class wine culture.

Highlights

• Global Wine Tastings: Sample hundreds of wines from Italy, France, Australia, Argentina, and beyond.
• Gourmet Pairings: Enjoy chef-crafted bites that complement each pour, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses.
• Scenic Setting: Wander the cobblestone streets of Baytowne Wharf surrounded by coastal views and vibrant energy.
• Live Entertainment: Music, art, and a festive crowd keep the atmosphere lively all weekend.
• Exclusive Events: Attend special dinners, wine dinners, and VIP tastings for an elevated experience.
• Perfect Timing: Held each spring, it's one of Sandestin's most beloved and flavorful annual traditions.

4. South Walton Wine Festival

Long weekend of great wine, gourmet food, and coastal charm in the heart of the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is a long weekend of great wine, gourmet food, and coastal charm in the heart of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Sip your way through world-class vintages, sample delicious bites from acclaimed chefs, and enjoy live music surrounded by beautiful harbor views. It's the perfect mix of fine flavors, good company, and relaxed beachside elegance.

Highlights

• Global Wine Selection: Taste more than 800 wines from top producers across California, France, Spain, Italy, and beyond.
• Culinary Creations: Savor dishes crafted by celebrated chefs, each designed to pair perfectly with featured wines.
• Meet the Makers: Chat with winemakers, distillers, and industry experts during tastings and seminars.
• Scenic Setting: Held at Baytowne Wharf, a waterfront village known for its charming boardwalks and lush surroundings.
• Live Entertainment: Enjoy live bands and local musicians that set the tone for a lively, social weekend.
• VIP Experiences: Upgrade to exclusive tastings, reserve wine selections, and chef-led dinners for an elevated festival experience.

5. Rosemary Beach Uncorked

World-class wines, inventive cuisine, and the charming setting of Rosemary Beach's Main Street. 

Rosemary Beach Uncorked is one of 30A's most anticipated food and wine events, bringing together world-class wines, inventive cuisine, and the charming setting of Rosemary Beach's Main Street. Since 2010, it's been a celebration of fine flavors, live music, and coastal sophistication. Guests can sip, sample, and savor their way through an afternoon filled with local energy, culinary creativity, and good company.

Highlights

• Global Wines: Taste a curated selection of vintages from celebrated winemakers around the world.
• Culinary Pairings: Enjoy dishes crafted by top Rosemary Beach chefs, each thoughtfully matched to a featured wine.
• Lively Atmosphere: Walk the brick-lined streets to the sound of live music and the buzz of happy food lovers.
• Local Charm: Explore pop-up tasting stations and photo spots that make the experience as visual as it is flavorful.
• Shop & Sip: Visit the retail section to pick up your favorite bottles and take a little Uncorked magic home.
• Perfect for Foodies: A must for anyone who loves great wine, creative cuisine, and the laid-back elegance of 30A.

6. Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

Great music, good vibes, and more than 200 craft beers from around the country.

Raise a glass to one of the Emerald Coast's most exciting events, the Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. This fall favorite fills the Village of Baytowne Wharf with great music, good vibes, and more than 200 craft beers from around the country. It's the ultimate weekend for beer lovers, where you can sip, sample, and chat with the brewers behind your favorite pours. With live entertainment and delicious food pairings, it's a celebration that keeps spirits high all weekend long.

Highlights

• Huge Selection: Sample over 200 craft beers, ales, and lagers from top breweries across the U.S. and beyond.
• Beer From Around Here: A special night highlighting local breweries and their standout creations.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy light bites and small plates from Baytowne Wharf's best restaurants.
• Meet the Brewers: Learn about the brewing process and get insider tips straight from the experts.
• Live Music: Local bands set the soundtrack with laid-back tunes and festival energy.
• Scenic Setting: All the fun unfolds in the charming, waterfront atmosphere of the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin.
• Ticket Tip: The local brews and bites event sells out fast. Grab your tickets early!

Quick FAQ: Can't-Miss Annual Events in Destin and Beyond

1. What are the best annual events to attend in Destin and the Emerald Coast?

Some of the most popular include the Destin Seafood Festival, Destin Fishing Rodeo, Sandestin Wine Festival, South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, Rosemary Beach Uncorked, and Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. Each brings its own flavor of food, music, and coastal fun.

2. When is the Destin Seafood Festival held?

It typically takes place in spring, filling Destin Harbor with local seafood, live music, and waterfront festivities.

3. When does the Destin Fishing Rodeo happen?

This event runs throughout October, offering daily weigh-ins, prizes, and lively crowds along Destin Harbor.

4. What makes the Sandestin and South Walton Wine Festivals different?

The Sandestin Wine Festival (held in spring) offers tastings and coastal elegance at Baytowne Wharf, while the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (also in spring) highlights global wines, gourmet food, and exclusive VIP events.

5. When is Rosemary Beach Uncorked?

This elegant wine and food event is typically held in the fall, bringing top chefs and winemakers together along Rosemary Beach's charming Main Street.

6. What can I expect at the Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival?

Usually held in October, this festival offers over 200 craft beers, live music, local brewery showcases, and food pairings in a lively waterfront setting.

7. Are these events family-friendly?

Most events welcome families, but some, like the wine and beer festivals, are geared more toward adults. The Destin Seafood Festival and Destin Fishing Rodeo are perfect for all ages.

8. Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, especially for the wine and beer festivals. VIP passes and tasting events often sell out weeks ahead.

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