Updated October 26, 2026. The upcoming list automatically uses today's Destin date (2026-11-04) and each event's end date. Dates came from organizer or venue listings checked for this edition. Times are local Central Time. A blank time or price does not mean admission is free. Check the event link before setting off; weather and schedules can change.
Start with the month you are visiting, pick one outing to build around, then check live Pelican Beach Resort condo availability and complete prices for your dates. Our condos are in Destin; Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach and Seaside are separate drives.
For a full holiday weekend rather than a calendar scan, use our Halloween family guide or Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's guide.
November 2026
22 events- Nov 5
78th Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards
Celebrate the month’s winning anglers, captains and mates at a casual awards gathering downstairs at AJ’s. This is the Rodeo’s prize presentation, not another day of public weigh-ins.
- Nov 6
30A BBQ Festival
Sample barbecue from competing cooks and vote for a favorite while enjoying music and local vendors on Grand Boulevard’s North Lawn. General admission includes unlimited barbecue samples and beer and wine; a separate VIP ticket provides earlier entry.
- Nov 6–Nov 7
Baytowne Tribute Weekend
Enjoy two free tribute shows on the lawn: Pandora’s Box celebrates Aerosmith on Friday, followed by The 77 Experience’s 1977-inspired set on Saturday. Bring your own chair or blanket.
- Nov 7
12th Annual Eggs on the Beach EggFest
Taste dishes from more than 20 Big Green Egg cook teams and use your votes to help choose the crowd favorites. This outdoor, rain-or-shine food festival also has live music; children 10 and under enter free with a paid adult.
- Nov 7
City of Destin 28th Annual Pinfish Classic
Young anglers can try catch-and-release fishing from the dock, with awards for the biggest and smallest pinfish and the most fish caught. Entry is free for children 14 and under, but advance registration is required; bring a fishing pole and the city supplies bait.
- Nov 7
Pirate Brew Fest
Browse makers, enjoy live music and let younger pirates try the games at this free-admission festival at Fudpucker’s. Food and merchandise cost extra, and alcohol-related drink tickets require guests to be 21 or older with photo ID.
- Nov 13–Nov 14
City of Destin 20th Annual Holiday Craft Show
Browse handmade jewelry, wreaths, books and other gift ideas at the community center’s two-day holiday craft sale. Admission is free, making it a flexible stop for visitors who want to shop rather than commit to a ticketed outing.
- Nov 14
Blues, Brews & BBQ
Taste barbecue, local brews and cocktails along the harbor while live blues plays on the main stage. Ticket holders help choose the competition winners, whose awards benefit local charities; the official ticket page also advertises free on-site parking.
- Nov 19
Destin Chamber 60th Anniversary Bourbon Gala / Bourbon at the Bay
Bourbon and champagne tastings, food stations and a silent auction make this a tasting-focused evening rather than a family festival. The Chamber is combining its anniversary celebration with Bourbon at the Bay; visitors should confirm nonmember eligibility before buying.
- Nov 20
Destin Commons Santa’s Arrival & Holiday Tree Lighting
Families can enjoy holiday music, complimentary face painting and photos with Rudolph and Frosty before Santa’s 7 p.m. parade. The evening also includes lighting the 50-foot tree and a fireworks finale, though the fireworks launch time is not published.
- Nov 20
Grand Boulevard Hometown Holiday Parade
See local school bands, dance and sports teams and Emerald Coast Theatre Company help welcome the holidays along Grand Boulevard. This is a community parade outing that can be paired with dinner or shopping; the venue recommends arriving early for parking.
- Nov 21
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
Stroll between Village tasting stops for sparkling wines and appetizers, then enjoy the holiday lights. This is a ticketed wine-focused evening, not the free Santa celebration the following weekend.
- Nov 22
5th Annual Sandestin Turkey Trot
Choose a one-mile fun walk or a 5K through Sandestin, with proceeds supporting Sandestin Foundation for Kids. The resort also schedules a post-race tailgate at 11 a.m., so it can work for families or active visitors starting Thanksgiving week.
- Nov 24–Nov 25
City of Destin Holiday Baking Class
Destin’s community center has a holiday baking class scheduled just before Thanksgiving. Check with Parks & Recreation for session times, age eligibility, fees and registration before planning around it.
- Nov 26
Harbor Docks 32nd Annual Thanksgiving Feast
Share a traditional Thanksgiving meal at Harbor Docks’ community feast, which welcomes everyone without an admission charge. Guests who are able can donate, with proceeds supporting Destin Harvest and Food for Thought.
- Nov 26
Henderson Beach Resort Thanksgiving Feast To Go
Keep Thanksgiving dinner in your condo with a prepared feast sized for six to eight people, including turkey, ham, sides and pie. Orders must be placed by 4 p.m. on November 24 for hot pickup on Thanksgiving morning; substitutions are not offered.
- Nov 26
SOLARIS Thanksgiving Lunch & Dinner Cruises
Combine a Thanksgiving buffet with a two-and-a-half-hour cruise on Choctawhatchee Bay aboard SOLARIS. Choose lunch or dinner, reserve ahead and arrive at the stated check-in time; drinks are purchased separately unless an upgrade is selected.
- Nov 26
Thanksgiving at Ovide
Ovide offers a seated Thanksgiving meal with a special à la carte menu rather than a buffet. Reserve a table for turkey and traditional sides or selected Ovide dishes; the regular dinner menu is not available during this holiday service.
- Nov 27
The Polar Express at Baytowne
Settle on the Events Plaza Lawn for a free outdoor showing of The Polar Express, a low-key family evening after Thanksgiving.
- Nov 28
Downtown Fort Walton Beach Holiday Market & Light Up the Night
Browse local gifts at the waterfront Holiday Market, then stay for the tree-lighting celebration at the Landing. The extended holiday market hours make this a separate outing from the usual Saturday morning market.
- Nov 28
Here Comes Santa Claus
Cheer Santa’s arrival for the Village tree lighting, with face painting, balloons, a brass band and fireworks for a family holiday evening.
- Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, Dec 19
Ovide Holiday Afternoon Tea Series
Choose a themed family tea with sandwiches, sweet bites and a hot-chocolate bar, beginning with a Polar Express-inspired performance on November 28. Reservations are required; confirm the Nutcracker date before booking because its page still contains conflicting dates.
December 2026
18 events- Dec 1–Dec 31
Baytowne Nights of Lights
Catch a free seasonal light display on the Events Plaza Lawn.
- Dec 2, Dec 9, Dec 16
Baytowne Visits with Santa / Holiday Concerts
Pair Santa visits with holiday music, but reconfirm the disputed middle concert.
- Dec 3
City of Destin 40th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The city’s outdoor tree lighting combines entertainment with a visit from Santa. Bring a nonperishable food donation for local families if you can.
- Dec 3, Dec 4, Dec 5, Dec 6, Dec 9, Dec 10, Dec 11, Dec 12, Dec 13, Dec 16, Dec 17, Dec 18, Dec 19, Dec 20
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas — Emerald Coast Theatre Company
This stage musical imagines a holiday jam session with the music of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Choose an individual performance rather than treating the run as continuous.
- Dec 5
Baytowne Lantern Parade
Bring a lantern to participate, or watch the illuminated parade around the village.
- Dec 6, Dec 13
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Ovide
Reserve a festive brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ovide. Children receive a holiday gift.
- Dec 11, Dec 18
Baytowne Grinchmas
Meet the Grinch for a free photo opportunity on either advertised Friday.
- Dec 12
Baytowne Tuba Christmas & Santa
Hear holiday tunes played by tubas and include a visit with Santa.
- Dec 12
City of Destin 42nd Annual Christmas Parade
Watch festive floats travel from Beach Drive toward Stahlman Avenue under the 2026 theme Merry Christmas America. The city directs spectators to the north side of Harbor Boulevard.
- Dec 13
40th Annual Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade
Decorated boats turn the harbor into a floating holiday procession. The museum identifies viewing along the waterfront between Harry T’s and Harbor Docks.
- Dec 13
Holly Jolly Holiday Market on the Harbor
The city lists a holiday market at Captain Royal Melvin Heritage Park. Keep the outing flexible until vendors, hours and admission details are published.
- Dec 25
Christmas Dinner at Ovide
Reserve an à la carte Christmas meal at Ovide. Check the restaurant’s holiday menu and available table times before committing.
- Dec 31–Jan 1
Baytowne NYE Countdown
Baytowne’s resort page lists an overnight New Year’s Eve celebration, but its activity text still references the wrong year. Confirm the entertainment and fireworks plan before arranging the evening.
- Dec 31–Jan 1
HarborWalk New Year’s Eve
HarborWalk advertises an early fireworks display and a midnight ball drop over Destin Harbor. Live entertainment is promised, but the performers and set times remain unspecified.
- Dec 31–Jan 1
Hotel Effie New Year’s Eve with Surf Mesa
DJ and producer Surf Mesa headlines Hotel Effie’s Grand Ballroom countdown. The announced price excludes tax and gratuity, and ticket sales are not yet linked.
- Dec 31
Noon Year’s Eve at HarborWalk
Families can count down at midday with crafts, a DJ dance party and a smoke-fireworks show over the harbor. The listing also advertises complimentary face painting.
- Dec 31
Okaloosa Island Boardwalk NYE fireworks
Watch a New Year’s Eve fireworks display launch from the Okaloosa Island pier. The Boardwalk and nearby beach are the venue’s suggested viewing areas.
- Dec 31
SEASIDE New Year’s Eve Celebration
Seaside plans music, family activities and fireworks for its New Year’s Eve gathering in Central Square. The event window is published, but specific performance and fireworks times are still to come.
January 2027
1 event- Jan 15–Jan 18
18th Annual 30A Songwriters Festival
Build a long weekend around original songwriting across South Walton rather than a single Destin stage. The organizer has announced headliners, with venue-specific performance times still to be confirmed.
February 2027
2 events- Feb 11–Feb 14
25th Annual SEASIDE SCHOOL Half Marathon + 5K
The four-day race weekend ends with a Sunday half marathon and 5K supporting the SEASIDE SCHOOL Foundation. Race expo and packet-pickup arrangements are separate from the race start.
- Feb 19–Feb 20
38th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival
The organizer has announced the next Gumbo Festival weekend at Baytowne Wharf. Wait for the 2027 tasting schedule and ticket release before planning around a specific session.
March 2027
1 event- Mar 13
Sinfonia Classical Connections: Coleman Itzkoff, Cello
Cellist Coleman Itzkoff joins Sinfonia for Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1, with Haydn symphonies framing the program. Check the ticket categories before choosing seats.
Traditions with 2027 dates still pending
These are worth watching, but we have not placed them on a particular 2027 day without an organizer-confirmed schedule.
- 8th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival: Date to be announced.
- Baytowne January–March 2027 live-concert lineup: Date to be announced.
- Baytowne NYE live-music program: Date to be announced.
- Baytowne on Ice: Date to be announced.
- Boshamps and LuLu’s later winter schedules: Date to be announced.
- Destin High School Band — disputed Dec 9 / Dec 10 holiday concert: Date to be announced.
- Destin Mac & Cheese Festival: Date to be announced.
- HarborWalk / Baytowne Mardi Gras: Date to be announced.
- HarborWalk New Year’s Eve — live entertainment: Date to be announced.
- HarborWalk Veterans Day live music — date/time conflict: Date to be announced.
- Hops & Harmonies — November 2026 series: Date to be announced.
- Pelican Plunge: Date to be announced.
- Rocktober Nights — remaining October Saturdays: Date to be announced.
Turn an event into a Destin getaway
The event is one part of the trip. Keep a beach or pool window flexible around the forecast, and choose a dinner area close to your evening venue. Use our Destin weather guide, restaurant guide and fireworks guide for the next decisions.
At Pelican Beach Resort, Unit 707 and Unit 1006 both put the Gulf outside your door. Enter your dates and guest count in our live availability search to compare the complete stay prices. A Gulf-facing balcony is not a viewing spot for events on Destin Harbor.
Destin events questions
Where can I find upcoming Destin events?
The dated calendar above shows events that have not ended in Destin's local time. The linked organizer provides the latest schedule; completed listings move to the past-events archive.
When are the Destin Christmas parades in 2026?
The City of Destin Christmas Parade is December 12. The Holiday on the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade is December 13. They use different routes and viewing areas.
Where can families celebrate New Year's Eve before midnight?
HarborWalk lists a noon countdown and an 8 p.m. fireworks display on December 31, 2026. Check the event links for any schedule changes before going.
Are all the events on this page in Destin?
No. The calendar also includes worthwhile outings in Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach and Seaside. Each listing names its area so you can plan the drive.
Past Events / Archive
Browse past Destin events, Emerald Coast festivals, holiday celebrations and family activities by date. Explore earlier seasons and follow saved organizer links where available, then use the upcoming calendar above to plan your next trip. These dates have passed; venue calendars may now show a newer schedule.
Show all 25 past events
- 78th Destin Fishing Rodeo public weigh-insDocks behind AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, 116 Harbor Boulevard / DestinOriginal organizer/source link ↗
- Baytowne Haunted CourtyardVillage of Baytowne Wharf / Miramar Beach / SandestinOriginal venue calendar ↗
- Halloween in SeasideCentral Square / Seaside / 30A, Santa Rosa BeachOriginal organizer/source link ↗
- Halloween on the Harbor — Destin Fishing RodeoDestin Harbor / Rodeo gathering / DestinOriginal organizer/source link ↗
- Trick or Treat StreetVillage of Baytowne Wharf / Miramar Beach / SandestinOriginal venue calendar ↗
- Hocus Pocus — Movie on the LawnBaytowne Events Plaza / Miramar Beach / SandestinOriginal venue calendar ↗
- The Curious Garden: A Halloween Bash Inspired by WonderlandThe Lawn, Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Drive / DestinOriginal organizer/source link ↗
- Baytowne Wednesday Night Concert: Forrest WilliamsVillage of Baytowne Wharf / Miramar Beach / SandestinOriginal venue calendar ↗
- City of Destin 26th Annual Fall FestivalDestin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Avenue / DestinOriginal organizer/source link ↗
- 31st MKAF Festival of the ArtsMattie Kelly Dugas Pavilion Green / Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive W / Destin
The 31st Festival of the Arts brought more than 100 juried artists to Destin for a weekend of original artwork, demonstrations, live entertainment and children’s activities. Admission and parking were free at the Mattie Kelly Dugas Pavilion Green.
Original organizer/source link ↗ - GulfScariumGulfarium, 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE / Okaloosa Island / Fort Walton Beach postal address
Gulfarium’s Halloween weekend paired marine-life presentations with scheduled trick-or-treating and scavenger hunts. Costumed children ages 3–12 received free entry, limited to two children for each paying adult; it was not free admission for the whole family.
Original organizer/source link ↗ - HarborWalk Village Halloween SpooktacularHarborWalk Village, 34 Harbor Boulevard / Destin
HarborWalk Village’s October 24 Halloween celebration featured waterfront trick-or-treating, a DJ party and a silent disco. The destination’s event listing scheduled the program from 3–8 p.m., with harbor fireworks at 8 p.m. followed by fire spinning.
Original organizer/source link ↗ - Rodeo 5K
This 3.1-mile run and walk started at Clemente E. Taylor Park and followed a flat route through historic Destin. The 8 a.m. race supported the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund and local charities, with an awards gathering afterward at AJ’s.
Original organizer calendar ↗Historical research source ↗ - Destin Seafood Festival
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk hosted a three-day seafood festival with vendor shopping, live music and food from local businesses. General festival entry was free, while the smaller VIP seafood-tasting experience required a separate ticket.
Original organizer/source link ↗ - Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
The 2026 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic combined offshore sportfishing with dockside activity at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina. The organizer’s revised schedule ran through June 22, with the final weigh-in from 4–8:30 p.m. and awards at 9 p.m. that Monday.
Original source link is no longer reachableHistorical research source ↗ - Rock by the Sea
Rock by the Sea’s 2026 charity music gathering ran from April 29 through May 3 at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. AL’s Beach Club and Floyd’s Shrimp House hosted a lineup that included Sister Hazel, Welshly Arms and Emerson Hart of Tonic.
No event-specific link was savedHistorical research source ↗ - Fudpucker's GatorFest
GatorFest at Fudpucker’s mixed alligator shows, music, vendors and children’s activities with a gator-tail cooking competition. General admission was free for the May 2 event; optional tasting tickets cost $30 for adults 21+ or $15 for under 21 food-only admission.
Original venue calendar ↗Historical research source ↗ - Food Truck Festival
FoodeesFest brought a three-day food-and-culture festival to the Fort Walton Beach fairgrounds. The organizer advertised more than 40 food trucks and vendors alongside artisans and crafters, making this a food-focused outing outside Destin city.
No event-specific link was savedHistorical research source ↗ - CARE on the Coast TurtleFest
The 2026 CARE on the Coast TurtleFest brought music, food, art and animal encounters to the Gulfarium in support of sea-turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Its ticketed program included food and drinks, family activities and opportunities to meet Gulfarium animals.
No event-specific link was savedHistorical research source ↗ - Joe Bonamassa's Sound Wave Beach Weekend
Joe Bonamassa’s inaugural Sound Wave Beach Weekend brought three nights of blues-rock performances to Miramar Beach on April 10–12, 2026. The organizer’s recap names Bonamassa, Gov’t Mule, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Grace Potter and others, alongside daytime beach activities.
No event-specific link was savedHistorical research source ↗ - Fly Into Spring Kite Festival
Kitty Hawk Kites’ Fort Walton Beach Fly Into Spring festival filled the shoreline with large show kites and stunt-flying demonstrations. The free April 4–5, 2026 event ran from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and offered instruction for visitors who wanted to try flying a kite.
No event-specific link was savedHistorical research source ↗ - 7th Annual International Festival
The seventh International Festival at Fort Walton Beach’s Landing Park combined entertainment, food and vendors representing cultures from around the world. The free March 21, 2026 community event ran from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and supported local nonprofit United for a Good Cause.
No event-specific link was savedHistorical research source ↗ - 8th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival
The eighth Mac & Cheese Festival paired chef-created comfort-food tastings with a fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Held at Destin Commons on March 15, 2026, it offered separate general, children’s and Very Important Cheese ticket options.
Original venue calendar ↗Historical research source ↗ - Mattie Kelly Arts Center: Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing in Concert paired a screening of the remastered film with a live band and singers performing its soundtrack. The March 10, 2026 presentation at Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville was scheduled for 7–9 p.m. and included an encore party after the film.
Original source link is no longer reachableHistorical research source ↗ - Northwest Florida Ballet: Alice in Wonderland
Northwest Florida Ballet closed its 2025–26 season with its premiere of Jill Eathorne Bahr’s Alice in Wonderland. The full-length ballet combined company dancers and international guests with projected scenery, with performances March 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
Original source link is no longer reachableHistorical research source ↗