Destin Events

Destin Area Events

There's a celebration going on just about all the time in Destin, making it a fun place to be year-round. Several festivals, including October's Destin Seafood Festival and the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo, celebrate the Gulf's edible gifts from the sea. There's also the annual Emerald Coast Poker Run, which takes place at the end of Boat Week. Participating boats pay an entrance fee, then travel to designated spots to pick up cards. The boat with the best poker hand at the end of the run is the winner. Proceeds from the poker run go to local children's charities. And every month sees plenty of live concerts, theater and dance performances, wine tastings, food festivals, and arts and crafts shows. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what's going on while you're in town.

November 2026

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Eggs on the Beach

Eggs on the Beach features a fun and unique culinary competition where all teams must cook on a Big Green Egg to compete for cash and prizes. Attendees can buy taster tickets for access to fantastic treats and unlimited bites, live music and a chance to win a Mini-Max Big Green Egg.

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Nov 07 - Nov 27, 2026

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Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with Santa's Arrival parade and the Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. Enjoy holiday music, warm treats and photos with Santa before he settles into his winter home at the Commons. 

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Nov 20 - Nov 20, 2026

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13th Annual Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights

Stroll down the beautiful streets of Baytowne Wharf and take in the holiday decorations and cheer.  The event will feature more than 30 champagnes alongside delicious appetizers, carolers and a choreographed light show to finish off the night.

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Nov 21 - Nov 21, 2026

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Santa's Arrival at Harborwalk Village

Bring the entire family for a day of festive fun at the Harborwalk Village. Watch as Santa arrives by boat, welcomed by the Village Brass Band and a parade of exciting performers, and stay for an afternoon of holiday activities. Entry is free and all families can get a complimentary 4x6 photo with Santa Claus. 

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Nov 28, 2026

December 2026

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Destin Christmas Parade

Kick off the holiday season with the 42nd annual Destin Christmas Parade! This year's theme will be "Merry Christmas America" and spectators can hang out along the north side of Harbor Boulevard to to check out the festive floats as they travel along the route. 

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Dec 12 - Dec 12, 2026

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Baytowne NYE Countdown

Ring in the new year with an exciting night at the Village of Baytowne Wharf! Enjoy family-friendly events from 6-8 p.m. with face painting, kid's activities and the first epic fireworks show of the night. Then, adults can stay and enjoy live music until 1 a.m. on the Events Plaza Stage and another amazing display at midnight. The Countdown is 21+ after 10 p.m. 

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Dec 31, 2026 - Jan 01, 2027

January 2027

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Lion King with Live Orchestra

This January, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra preforms the entire score to Disney's Lion King as it comes to life on the big screen. 

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Jan 23, 2027

May 2027

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Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament

Watch or participate in the largest lionfish tournament in world this May. Sign up with a team of up to 4 members and get out on the water for two days to compete for huge cash prizes. Compete against some of the best lionfish hunters in the world to find the most, the largest, and even the smallest lionfish in the sea. 

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May 14 - May 15, 2027