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 Mary’s and much more.
This post will cover the best food and drink festivals in Destin and Miramar Beach ordered by time of year, since it would be impossible to rank them in order of favorites. Most of these festivals sell out in advance so be sure to get your tickets early.
I have provided links to the ticket website for each event even though they don’t usually go on sale until a few months prior to the festival. But at least you will be ready when they do.
So mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss these!
1. Brunch Fest at Harborwalk Village
The annual Harborwalk Village Brunch Fest takes place every February on Destin Harbor.
It is one of the newer food and drink festivals in Destin, but the inaugural event was so popular last year that Harborwalk has confirmed it will be a regular annual event going forward.
An assortment of creative food and drink concoctions await participants at Brunch fest. Participants are welcomed with a Mimosa in their tasting glass as they begin to make their way through the Village to taste all of the yummiest foods from the area’s favorite brunch spots. There’s a punch card to check off each stop as you go.
I went to Brunch Fest last year and had a great time. There’s nothing else like it in Destin. There was a variety of unique drink samples to try and the food ranged from specialty donuts to gourmet french toast along with so many other delicious offerings. This is definitely one of my favorite festivals in Destin now.
Participants can vote for their favorite dish to be awarded the “People’s Choice” Award winner. Judges will select winners in other categories and present awards on stage immediately following the event.
The 2023 Brunch Fest dates have not been officially announced yet but the most likely date based on last year is Friday, February 10th. I will update here when it is confirmed.
Website for Harborwalk Brunch Fest tickets
For other February events in Destin, check out this post: February in Destin: Weather, Crowds, Activities, and Events
2. Sandestin Gumbo and Bloody Mary Festival
The Sandestin Gumbo Festival takes place every February at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
The 2023 Sandestin Gumbo Festival event will take place February 17th – February 18th with the kick-off crawfish boil on Friday and the main tasting event on Saturday.
The Sandestin Gumbo festival has been one of the largest and most popular winter food events along the Emerald Coast for over 30 years. Local Gulf Coast restaurants showcase their best Gumbo and/or Bloody Mary’s for the judges and festival participants to rate and cast votes for their favorites.
Awards are given to the areas best Gumbo in several categories as voted on by the judges. The People’s Choice award will be voted on by the festival attendees who spend the day sampling the various offerings. There will also be a chance for participating bars and restaurants to take home the title of “Best Bloody Mary at the Beach”.
Slick Lips, Harry Ts, Boathouse Oyster Bar, Marina Bar and Grill, The Beach House, Cabana Cafe, The Gulf, Drunken Goat, Oar House, Old Florida Fish House, Café Nola, Sunset Bay Café, and Royal Palm Grill are some of the many regularly participating restaurants in the annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival.
There is a Gumbo only option for non-drinkers.
Website for Sandestin Gumbo Festival Tickets
3. Shrimp and Grits Festival on Destin Harbor
The Shrimp and Grits festival takes place every February on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk in front of Brotulas Restaurant.
The event features creative variations of Shrimp and Grits by local restaurateurs and chefs from Fort Walton Beach to 30A, all competing to be crowned the best on the Emerald Coast. There will also be craft beer and creative cocktail tastings at the event.
The 2023 Shrimp and Grits Festival dates have not yet been announced but the most likely date based on prior years is Saturday, February 18th. I will update here when the 2023 date is confirmed.
There is a food-only option for non-drinkers.
Website for Destin Shrimp and Grits Festival Tickets
4. Sandestin Wine Festival
The Sandestin Wine Festival takes place every April at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
The 2023 Sandestin Wine Festival event will take place April 13th – April 16th with a kick-off party on Thursday, tasting events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and various other events throughout the weekend.
The Sandestin Wine Festival is the Emerald Coast’s premiere wine tasting event where participants are able to sample hundreds of domestic and international wines available for tasting.
Representatives from the vineyards are onsite to answer questions and offer information on the different varieties. Live music, interactive culinary events, and several other activities take place over the course of this multi-day tasting event.
Website for Sandestin Wine Festival Tickets
For other April events in Destin, check out this post: April in Destin: Weather, Crowds, Activities, and Events
5. South Walton Beaches Food and Wine Festival
The South Walton Wine Festival takes place every April at Grande Boulevard Shopping Center in Miramar Beach.
The 2023 South Walton Food and Wine Festival event will take place April 27th – April 30th with various events and tastings throughout the weekend.
This annual festival features more than 600 quality wines to taste over the course of four days as well as small bites presented by some of the finest restaurants in the area.
There will be a variety of events taking place at the events featuring celebrity winemakers, distillers, chefs and brewmasters onsite to wine, dine, educate and entertain guests. There is also a full lineup of musical performances to enjoy.
Sometimes the South Walton wine Festival gets confused with the Sandestin Wine Festival which takes place right next door during the same month (see #4 above) but they are two different festivals.
Website for South Walton Beaches Food and Wine Festival Tickets
6. Taco and Tequila Festival at Baytowne Wharf
The Taco and Tequila festival takes place every May at the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
Local restaurants and food trucks will be competing for “Best Taco on the Emerald Coast” during this 3-day event and participants will have a say in the People’s Choice Award. The main event is on Saturday with additional related events held on Friday and Sunday.
Sample many types of tequilas and margaritas from Blancos, Resposados, Anjieos, and Mezcals while indulging on some of the area’s best tacos. There is a tacos-only option for non-drinkers.
The 2023 date is not yet confirmed but the most likely date based on past years is May 6th-8th. I will update here when they announce it.
Website for Taco and Tequila Tickets when Available
For other May events in Destin, check out this post: May in Destin: Weather, Crowds, Activities, and Events
7. Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival at Destin Commons
The Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival takes place on July 3rd every year at the Destin Commons shopping mall.
The 2022 Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival will take place on Monday July 3rd, 2022.
Participants can sample $1 BBQ offerings from local restaurants and cast their vote for the people’s choice winner. The BBQ and Fireworks festival is also full of family fun activities including live music, entertainment, face painting, and a photo booth.
The evening ends with one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in Destin exploding from the rooftops of the Destin Commons shops and parking garage. The fireworks are 12 minutes long and synched to a patriotic music soundtrack. It’s really an impressive show!
Tickets for BBQ samples are sold individually at the event for $1.
Website for Festival Information
For other fireworks event information, check out this post: Fireworks in Destin, Okaloosa Island, and Miramar Beach
8. Destin Seafood Festival
Destin Seafood Festival is one of the most popular events on the Emerald Coast taking place every October on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk with around 70,000 in attendance each year.
The 2022 Destin Seafood Festival event will take place October 7th-9th.
There is an incredible selection of seafood available including fresh fish of all kinds, shrimp, lobster, crab, crawfish served up in a variety of Florida Panhandle signature dishes. There will also be live music, entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and kids activities.
The Destin Seafood festival welcomes vendors from all over the southeast and many local Destin restaurants also participate including Harry T’s, Jackacudas, AJ’s, Brotulas and more. The festival tents run all along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk docks from Harborwalk Village to Destin Yacht Club.
The Destin Seafood Festival does not sell tickets to the event but all food and drink items are purchased individually.
Website for Destin Seafood Festival Information and Schedule of Events
For other October events in Destin, check out this post: October in Destin: Best things to Do
9. Baytowne Beer Festival
The Baytowne Beer Festival takes place every October at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The 2022 Baytowne Beer Festival will take place on Friday, October 8th and Saturday October 9th.
Baytowne Beer Fest is the largest beer festival on the Emerald Coast and it attracts a fun crowd of locals and visitors who appreciate a good craft beer.
Saturday’s main event features more than 50 breweries offering close to 200 domestic and international craft beers for sampling.
A keepsake Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest tasting glass is provided to ticket holders for sampling. Brewery representatives and volunteers will be available to discuss the different types of lagers and ales available for tasting.
Website for Baytowne Beer Festival Tickets
10. Half Shells on the Harbor at Harborwalk Village
Half Shells on the Harbor takes place every November at Harborwalk Village on Destin Harbor. The 2022 event will take place on Saturday November 19th.
This Tide to Table event features fresh oyster tastings as local chefs come together to showcase their spin on this coastal classic. Sample a variety of oyster preparations and flavors while sipping on spirits, craft beers, and wines.
East Pass Seafood & Oyster House, Grande Vista, Harry T’s, Brotula’s, Grayson Bay Oyster Company, The Oar House, Auston’s on 98, and Oyster City Brewing were a few of the many restaurants and breweries who participated in last year’s event.
Website to Purchase Tickets when Available
11. Baytowne Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival
The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Festival takes place every November at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The 2022 event will take place on Saturday, November 19th from 4:00-6:00pm
The Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights event is an evening full of holiday spirit, delicious appetizers, and of course, sparkling wine. I have been to this event several times and wrote a more detailed post about it here: Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights at Baytowne Wharf
Participants can stroll the festive and beautifully decorated village streets while enjoying tastings of more than 30 champagnes and delicious appetizers from featured Baytowne Wharf Village restaurants.
The Sparkling Wine Festival will end with the first tree lighting of the season and a sneak peek at Baytowne Wharf’s choreographed light show, 12 Nights of Lights.
Website for Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights Tickets
For other Christmas season events in Destin, check out this post: Christmas in Destin: Ultimate Guide to the Holiday Season
I hope this post inspires you to get out and enjoy all the amazing festivals Destin and Miramar Beach have to offer. Have you been to any of these? Which do you like best or which ones are on your bucket list?
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
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