Swing into the vibrant life of The Emerald Coast, where the greens are as lively as the calendar! No matter when you choose to tee off in our golfing paradise, there’s a symphony of events awaiting you off the fairways. From the melodic strums of the 30A Songwriters Festival to the sizzle of fresh seafood at the Destin Seafood Festival, every season is an invitation to revel in the coast’s charm.
Don’t miss a beat or a bogey – check our Events Calendar and follow the links to each festival for complete and up-to-date information. Come for the golf, stay for the celebration. On The Emerald Coast, the fun never sets from Pensacola Beach to Panama City Beach.
January
- Pensacola Winterfest (Pensacola): A celebration that brings the holiday spirit with performances and activities.
- 30A Songwriters Festival (30A): Musicians and songwriters perform at various venues along the coast.
February
- Sandestin Gumbo Festival (Destin): Gumbo or Bloody Marys? Live Music or Kids Activities? Whatever your preference, the one of the most beloved winter food events on the Emerald Coast
- Pensacola Mardi Gras (Pensacola): Festive parades and parties mark the carnival season in historic downtown.
March
- UNwineD (Panama City Beach): Two-day festival with craft beer, wine, and culinary treats.
- Emerald Coast Spring Break (Destin): Popular beachside festivities tailored to spring break visitors.
April
- South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (30A): Features a vast selection of wines complemented by local food specialties.
- Pensacola Interstate Fair (Pensacola): Offers thrilling rides, games, and fair food for all ages.
- Kitty Hawk Kite Festival (Fort Walton Beach): What does a 100-octopus, 80-foot panda, and a 50-foot gator have in common? They’ll all be flying high over the Fort Walton Beach Boardwalk.
- Mullet Toss (Pensacola Beach): The renowned The Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party has evolved.
- Sandestin Wine Festival (Destin): A four day wine festival is a Emerald Coast favorite at Sandestin Wine Festival is set for April at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
May
- Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach (30A): Artists project their digital artwork onto the iconic white walls of Alys Beach.
- Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival (Fort Walton Beach): A pirate-themed festival with a boat parade and fireworks.
June
- Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (Destin): A prestigious fishing tournament attracting anglers worldwide.
July
- Independence Day Celebrations (Various): Fireworks and festivities light up the coast in celebration of the Fourth of July.
August
- Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam (Panama City Beach): Country music festival featuring big-name artists and bands.
September
- Pirates of the High Seas Fest (Panama City Beach): Pirate-themed festival with parades, scavenger hunts, and live music.
- Taste of the Beach (Pensacola Beach): Wine and food event showcasing the culinary diversity of Pensacola Beach.
October
- Destin Seafood Festival (Destin): Offers fresh local seafood, live music, and arts and crafts.
- Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival (Destin): Known as the “Best Beer Fest on the Emerald Coast” with craft beer samplings.
- Pensacola Seafood Festival (Pensacola): Culinary event presenting the finest seafood along with live entertainment.
- The Destin Fishing Rodeo (Destin-Fort Walton Beach): A month long October 1-31 “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for salt water anglers of all ages.
- Pensaclola Interstate Fair (Pensacola): is the largest and most exciting event held on the Gulf Coast! With over 60 rides, top-name entertainers, loads of entertaining and educational exhibits, and food galore.
November
- Seeing Red Wine Festival (30A): Four-day event celebrating fine wine and cuisine among the scenic backdrop of 30A.
- Greek Festival (Fort Walton Beach): Brings a taste of Greek culture with authentic food, dance, and music.
- Take a Kid Fishing Day (Destin): Every year, on the first Sunday of November that brings together the local community to introduce children aged 7 to 13 to the joys of fishing.
December
- New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop (Panama City Beach): Ring in the New Year with live entertainment and beachside festivities.
- Pensacola Christmas Parade (Pensacola): A festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself.
