Special Events and Holidays

People on the benches of the Fishing Rodeo Leaderboard

Destin Fishing Rodeo: Everything you Need to Know

The Destin Fishing Rodeo is an annual fishing tournament held throughout the entire month of October in Destin, Florida. Known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a deep-rooted fishing heritage, and the Destin Fishing Rodeo celebrates that history while showcasing the area’s abundant marine life. The Rodeo has been a longtime...

Lighted Boats on the Harbor at the Destin Lighted Boat Parade

Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade 2026: Event Details and Best Places to Watch

The Destin Harbor Lighted Christmas Boat Parade is an annual holiday tradition held each December on Destin Harbor. This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 Destin Harbor Lighted Boat Parade, including the date, parade route, fireworks, and the best places to watch. Participating boats typically include area tour boats, dolphin...

Santa watching Fireworks at Baytowne Wharf

Christmas in Destin: 2026 Ultimate Guide to the Holiday Season

Thinking about visiting Destin, Florida, Miramar Beach, or somewhere along the Emerald Coast during the holiday season? This 2026 Christmas in Destin guide covers the main events and seasonal things to do from mid-November through the end of December, plus a few practical tips for visiting in November and December. In this post, you’ll find: The...

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Destin: Ring in 2027 with a bang

Looking for New Year’s Eve fireworks in the Destin area? You’re in luck, because there are plenty of great options in Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island, and nearby spots along the coast. For 2026, New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, December 31st, and it’s hard to believe we’ll be ringing in 2027. Whether you’re planning a laid-back evening by...

Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor: 2026 Event Information

Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor is one of the oldest traditions along the Emerald Coast. The 69th annual Blessing of the Fleet in Destin, Florida will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This post covers a little history behind the event, plus when and where to watch it. The Reel Legend boat at the Blessing of the Fleet on Destin Harbor...

Sparkling Wine Festival Glass

Baytowne Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival Ultimate Guide

The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival takes place every year at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The 2025 event is still TBA but it usually takes place on the 2nd or 3rd weekend in November. The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is an evening full of holiday spirit...

October in Destin: Best Events to Welcome Fall

October is often cited as the best month in Destin by both locals and visitors thanks to the perfect combination of cooler temperatures, lower crowds, amazing sunsets and an abundance of fall events and festivals. In fact, I ranked it #1 in my article “The Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida” for all these reasons and more. In this...

July 4th Fireworks in Destin, Miramar Beach, 30a, and More

If your summer vacation in ​​Florida includes 4th of July in Destin then you’re in luck because the Emerald Coast is home to some of the most breathtaking fireworks shows in Florida and there is certainly no shortage of them to help you celebrate Independence Day with a bang. July 4th Fireworks shows in the Destin area will take place on...

Bubbly Baytowne at the Village of Baytowne Wharf

Bubbly Baytowne – A Sip and Shop through the Village of Baytowne Wharf

Bubbly Baytowne is a fun event in Miramar Beach offering free sparkling wine to enjoy while you sip and shop your way through the merchants of Baytowne Wharf. Bubbly Baytowne takes place on select Thursday nights several times throughout the year.  Bubbly Baytowne is the perfect way to spend an evening out with friends or to enjoy as a happy...

Food vendors at Harborwalk Festival

11 Amazing Destin Food & Drink Festivals not to Miss

Destin and Miramar Beach have some of the best food and drink festivals on the Emerald Coast taking place throughout the year and offering a diverse selection of favorite dishes and a variety of drinks. The annual food and drink festivals in Destin outlined here include celebrations of oysters, gumbo, seafood, brunch, craft beer, wine, Bloody...

Shark Movie at Crab Island at Sunset

Shark Movie Night at Crab Island in Destin

Shark Movie Night at Crab Island is an annual event hosted by Emerald Coast Marine featuring a boat-in Shark movie at Crab Island. Updated 2025 note: This event has not taken place in the last 2 years so I’m not sure if it will continue. There is still no event scheduled for 2025 but I will update here when they announce it. Shark Movie...