Destin, FL and 30A have much more to offer than just beautiful beaches. Throughout the year there are numerous festivals along the Emerald Coast. Whether you want to sample the area’s best cuisine, sip on some wine as you stroll through the picturesque towns of 30A, or check out the work of our talented local artists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! The festival schedule slows down during the hot summer months, but picks back up when the weather cools down in the fall. Below is a general festival guide, but be sure to check the event’s website or Facebook page for exact dates!
January
30A Songwriters Festival. With 30+ venues located along 30A, this festival features more than 200 singers and songwriters from different genres. The venues range from coffee shops and restaurants to the large outdoor stage at Grand Boulevard. It’s fun to check out the different venues and hear amazing music from artists you may or may not have discovered yet.
February
30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach. Benefitting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, this festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites. The five-day celebration boasts a series of events, workshops and the Grand Tasting, which is the centerpiece of this festival. It boasts more than 80 wines, small bites from local and regional eateries, and of course stunning scenery.
Sandestin Gumbo Festival. Sample gumbo from the area’s best chefs as you stroll around The Village of Baytowne Wharf. There will also be live music, family-friendly activities and a competition for the “Best Bloody Mary at the Beach.” Vote for your favorite gumbo and Bloody Mary to help crown the winner!
March
Mac & Cheese Festival. This family-friendly event is located at Destin Commons and features gourmet, chef-inspired twists on this classic comfort food. Sample mac & cheese from local restaurants and vote for your favorite. All proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.
April
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. With Grand Tastings on Saturday and Sunday, this wine festival features more than 600 wines presented by knowledgeable wine industry insiders. You’ll also enjoy delectable small bites, live music, plenty of photo ops, and the beautiful setting of Grand Boulevard.
Sandestin Wine Festival. Whether you’re a wine novice or a wine aficionado, you’ll enjoy sampling wines from a comprehensive selection in all varieties, styles and price ranges. Located at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, this festival also features live music and culinary tents.
May
Tequila & Taco Fest at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Local restaurants compete for the Best Taco and Best Margarita on The Emerald Coast! This is one of my favorite events! I had the honor of judging it one year and we sampled almost 30 different tacos. I was so full! It’s a fun atmosphere and you get a lot of food/drinks for the ticket price.
Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach. The beautiful white buildings and homes of Alys Beach make the perfect canvas for these art installations. Stroll the charming streets at night as the walls are lit up with digital masterpieces. It’s a really unique experience!
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival. This annual event at Grand Boulevard provides the opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 100 artists from around the country. The juried art show includes artists in the categories of ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography, sculpture, mixed media, metal, and more.
September
Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival. Benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, this tasty event features burgers from your favorite local restaurants, delicious bourbon, refreshing beer, live music, a kid zone, VIP area and more!
October
Destin Seafood Festival. This annual festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which lasts the month of October. The three-day event features local and regional seafood, live music, a variety of art and other vendors. It’s fun to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy views of the harbor!
Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest features more than 200 domestic and international craft beers. Sample the brews, listen to live music and enjoy the lively atmosphere!
Bloody Mary Festival at The Market Shops. Tickets to this event usually sell out – that’s how popular it is! It features unlimited tastes of unique, hand-crafted bloody marys prepared and served by the area’s best restaurants and bars. You’ll also enjoy local fare, cigar bar, interactive photo booth, live music and SEC football live streaming on the big screen.
Best of the Emerald Coast. Each year, Emerald Coast Magazine readers vote for their favorite businesses and this festival celebrates the winners. It is held at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin and features restaurants, bars, and other businesses/service providers. I’ve been several times and always enjoy it!
Festival of the Arts. A celebration of art, food and family fun, this fall festival is held in the MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin. Stroll outdoor tents to browse original artwork by more than 100 premier artists from across the United States. There will also be artist demos, live music, creative children’s activities, street performers, food truck fare, beer & wine garden and more.
Food Truck Fest. The city’s finest food trucks convene at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village for a family-friendly culinary experience! You’ll also find face painting, a bounce house, live music, and vendors exhibiting and selling gifts, crafts, jewelry and more.
November
Harvest Wine & Food Festival. This is one of my favorite festivals and tickets always sell out in advance! The Grand Tasting is held at Cerulean Park in WaterColor and features wines from around the world and plenty of food stations manned by celebrity chefs from the best restaurants along the Emerald Coast. You can’t beat the setting, culinary options and wine selection!
Mountainfilm on Tour. Each year Mountainfilm on Tour travels around the world showing a collection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and enlightening documentary short films selected from the best-loved films from the annual festival in Telluride. It makes a stop along 30A at WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater, which offers a gorgeous outdoor setting for watching films under the starry sky.
Rosemary Beach Uncorked (pictured below). I also love this festival because it has such a picturesque setting, amazing food and lots of wine! Taste the very best of food and wine Rosemary Beach has to offer with featured restaurants, countless bottles ready for the pour and live music to entertain and delight.
Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival. The Grand Tasting is held in Seaside’s Central Square and features over 130 wines poured by winemakers and vintners from around the world paired with cuisine curated by Seaside’s chefs. Live music fills the air as you sip and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts.
Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights. Kick off the holiday season with this Sandestin Wine Festival event. It takes place on the beautifully decorated streets of Baytowne Wharf and features more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers from featured Village restaurants. The evening culminates with the first tree lighting of the season and a choreographed light show.
