Looking for the best annual festivals on The Emerald Coast? Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, transforms into a food and drink lover’s paradise through its annual festivals. Each event offers a unique taste of the region, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of the South while featuring local seafood delicacies, regional wines, craft beers, and spirited drinks. These festivals not only celebrate the area’s rich and savory flavors but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere filled with live music, art, and community spirit.
For those who love to plan a few rounds of golf while at one of these Annual Festivals, we have a guide to the Best Golf Resorts on the Emerald Coast to round out the trip with great accomodations.
Many of these annual events have such a draw, that people build vacations around them. Conisider Staying and Playing here while at these festivals that truly represent the best things in life, family, friends, food and fun!
The Sandestin Gumbo Festival – February 20-21, 2025
Dive into the taste of the South with a steamy bowl of delicious gumbo at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival. From spicy to sweet, this event serves up a medley of flavors to please every palette.
Stay and Play : Enjoy a round of golf at the acclaimed Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, followed by an afternoon lounging on pristine beaches.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
PCB Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival – February 8-9, 2025
Feast on a cornucopia of culinary delights, courtesy of the best food trucks in Panama City Beach, while sipping on locally crafted brews.
Stay and Play : Discover the sunny shores of PCB, indulge in shopping at Pier Park, or go on a dolphin sunset tour. For those who love golf find Golf Courses to Stay and Play.
Location: Aaron Bessant Park, 600 S Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Fat Tuesday Seville Quarter – Pensacola – March 4, 2025
A longtime Pensacola Mardi Gras tradition, begins at 11:00 a.m. with a Jazz Royalty Brunch featuring a Mardi Gras menu, Skyy Vodka Bloody Mary Specials, and low country boil. The Grand Parade begins a 2pm and continues all day. Events can peak at 100,000.
Stay and Play Golf in Pensacola: A Day long celebration with the Krewe will evolve over the day from parades, food trucks, live music, parade of sinners peaks at 7ish in a Fat Tuesday historical representation of glutny.
Location: Downtown Pensacola Seville Quarter – Parade Route Parking.
UNwineD Panama City Beach – March 28-29, 2025
Let yourself unwind at UNwineD with premium wine, spirits, and beer paired with legendary Southern cuisine.
Stay and Play : Visit Shell Island or experience an entertaining evening at The Grand Theatre with your loved ones. For golfers consider staying at WaterSound Club, beach access or local beach home rentals.
Location: Aaron Bessant Park, 600 S Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Sandestin Wine Festival – April 10-13, 2025
Revel in the sophistication of carefully curated wines, cheese pairings, and charming company at this delightful beach resort.
Stay and Play: Spend your day shopping in the sun or grab a bite to eat on Grand Boulevard. Sandestin Golf and Beach Reosrt is the #1 Resort in the Destin area. Miramar Beach Vacation Ideas.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Pensacola Crawfish Festival – APRIL 25, 26 & 27, 2025
Our festival features thousands of pounds of boiled crawfish, fresh from Louisiana, brought to you by Pensacola locals, Cordova Crawfish Company. Cajun fare features include: boudin, jambalaya, etouffee, fresh and fried seafood, gumbo, and much more!
Stay and Play : Tour the historic Naval Aviation Museum or spend a day golfing at one of Pensacola’s beautiful courses. Pensacola Beach is just down the road and the Perdido Key.
Location: Seville Square 311 E Government St, Pensacola, FL 32502 (Various Private Lots on corner businesses)
South Walton Beach Wine & Food Festival – April 24-27, 2025
Indulge your senses with a heavenly combination of extraordinary wines and remarkable culinary creations.
Stay and Play : Bask in the beauty of South Walton’s beaches or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding in the Gulf waters. Beach home rentals on Miramar Beach and pristine shores of Scenic 30A.
Location: Grand Boulevard, 495 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Tacos & Tequila Fest – May 9-11, 2025
Prepare for a fiesta filled with flavorful tacos and exhilarating tequila tastings at this lively locale.
Stay and Play : Savor shopping in Baytowne Wharf or take a thrilling ride on the Baytowne Adventure Zone zip line.
Location: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Pensacola Art & Wine Festival – May 10, 2025
Engage with Southern culture by browsing eclectic artworks while sipping on refined wines and savoring artisan foods.
Stay and Play : Attend a show at Saenger Theatre or meander through Pensacola’s vibrant gallery scene.
Florida Scallop & Music Festival – August 30-31, 2025
Revel in the harmonious blend of succulent scallops and vibrant tunes, making for a delightful coastal retreat.
Stay and Play : Explore Apalachicola National Forest or unwind with a golf outing at one of the area’s beautiful courses.
Emerald Coast Beer Festival – September , 2025
Raise your pint glasses at this beloved festival, which promises a diverse range of bubbling brews from near and far. Over 200+ Beers and 50 Local Breweries.
Stay and Play : Nothing complements a good beer like a relaxing day on the beach or perhaps even a cozy campfire evening.
Pensacola Seafood Festival – September 26, 27 & 28, 2025
Celebrate the incredible bounty of the ocean with a variety of seafood dishes, local music, and arts and crafts.
Stay and Play : Visit the beautiful Pensacola Beach or play a round at the Pensacola Country Club.
Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival – September 2025
Dive into supreme beefy goodness paired expertly with smooth bourbon and bright, crisp beers.
Stay and Play : Between bites, stroll the historic streets of Panama City or enjoy the views from a sunset boat cruise.
Destin Seafood Festival – September 26-28, 2025
Experience the rich maritime heritage of Destin while savoring the freshest seafood and exhilarating live entertainment along the Emerald Coast.
Stay and Play : Discover Henderson Beach State Park or charter a deep-sea fishing trip for an exciting ocean adventure.
Panama City Oktoberfest – October 18th-20th, 2025
With classic bratwurst, luscious pretzels, and of course, frothy beer, explore German culture at its finest.
Stay and Play : Discover the arts at the Visual Arts Center or spend your day golfing along the stunning Emerald Coast.
Destin Harvest Food & Wine Festival – October 2025
Celebrate delicious pairings and community spirit with local wines and delectable foods at this feast of flavors.
Stay and Play : After indulging, enjoy the calm of Crystal Beach or try a paddleboard yoga class in the Gulf.
Smokin’ in the Square BBQ Cook-off – October 4, 2025
Savor the smoky goodness of expertly crafted barbecue served with a side of competitive spirit at this community event.
Stay and Play : Visit historic Downtown Pensacola or enjoy a relaxing day at one of Pensacola’s renowned golf courses.
Location: St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563
Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest – October, 2025
Join beer enthusiasts at this bubbling festival featuring a wide array of brews to sample amidst the charming bay village atmosphere.
Stay and Play : While in Baytowne, visit the Village’s boutiques or take a scenic harbor cruise.
Location: Baytowne Wharf – 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival – November 6 – 9, 2025
Toast to an afternoon of wine-tasting elegance on the beautiful beaches of Seaside, with ocean views as your backdrop. Meet the makers of wines, now a nationally celebrated event!
Stay and Play : While in Seaside, stroll the quaint coastal town or sunset paddle along the serene waters.
With legendary food, wine, and spirits festivals coupled with the alluring charms of the Emerald Coast, your stay is sure to offer a perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration. So pack your bags and prepare for both a feast and fun under the Southern sun!
Location: 121 Central Sq, Seaside, FL 32459
Pensacola Food Truck Festival – November, 15, 2025
Sample an eclectic mix of gourmet street food as you enjoy the sights and flavors of Pensacola’s vibrant food scene.
Stay and Play : Visit Pensacola’s sandy beaches or delve into history at Fort Barrancas.
Location: Community Maritime Park Downtown Pensacola, 301 West Main Street Pensacola, Florida 32501
