Your Northwest Florida Fall and Winter Event Guide

September 14, 2023

Destin and 30A are famous for the warm spring and summer seasons. But as summer fades and coastal breezes start to carry a hint of crispness, we know one of the very best seasons to visit Northwest Florida is just around the corner. Fall brings a different kind of activity to the Emerald Coast as locals and visitors alike get outside to enjoy the refreshing weather and seasonal activities. Winter follows close behind, with festive events sure to get you in the spirit of the holiday season!

We hope you have an opportunity to visit our vibrant coastal communities and experience the changing seasons along the Emerald Coast. Be sure to reference this handy guide for all the fun Destin and 30A events on the horizon!

Fall Destin and 30A Events

The Sounds of Seaside Concert Series – September

The Seaside Amphitheater hosts The Sounds of Seaside Concert Series, a celebration of family and music on the lawn each Saturday in September. Free and open to all ages, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Browse the shops and grab a bite at an award-winning Seaside restaurant, then relax in a lawn chair and take in the show!

Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer Festival – September

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Destin Harborwalk at the Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer Festival. Live music, local craft beers, delicious eats, and smooth bourbon are just a few reasons this Destin event is so special. Come for the ice-cold beer, but stay for the tasty gastronomic flavor explosions, including our favorite, the bourbon-glazed pork belly, cheddar cheese, and pickled red onion sammy.

Destin Fishing Rodeo – October

The Destin Fishing Rodeo is such a big event they’ve dedicated the entire month of October to contain all the family-friendly fun. The Destin 5K Rodeo Run, the Annual Destin Seafood Festival, and Halloween on the Harbor are just a few of the events drawing visitors and locals back each year. You’ll also find many activities just for the kids, and don’t miss the daily weigh-ins on the docks at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily.

Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest – October

Beer lovers rejoice! Explore a variety of lagers and ales at the Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest, featuring more than 200 domestic and international craft beers. Chat with brewery representatives, chill to the live music, and attend one of the featured events, including Beer from Around Here and the Grand Craft Beer Tasting, both promising an intimate look at the craft beer culture.

The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival – October

Sip and stroll at The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival in Sandestin, one of our coziest Destin fall events. Sample hand-crafted bloody marys; all interpreted a little differently by local restaurants. Swing by the cigar bar, catch live football streaming on the big screen, and take a commemorative pic at the photo booth before browsing the boutiques: local cuisine, craft brews, champagne, and more round out this beloved Destin event.

Toast on the Coast – October

Dress to impress for Toast on the Coast, held at the beautiful Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. Indulge in some of the finest coastal cuisines and sip refreshing drinks before the silent auction begins. Even better, your participation supports a noble cause. Sponsored by the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, the event raises money for the Child Clothing Project, clothing hundreds of children in local communities.

Fore Her – October

Tee up and have a ball at Fore Her, an annual women’s golf outing at Sandestin Resort, a signature event raising funds for patients battling breast cancer on the Emerald Coast. The fun-filled day includes a round of golf, prizes, food, and drinks on the beautiful Links course, showcasing spectacular views and challenging play for all levels. Don’t worry if your game’s not up to par; the after-party and silent auction will surely make up for it!

Rosemary Beach Uncorked – November

The cobblestone streets of Rosemary Beach provide the perfect setting for Rosemary Beach Uncorked, a highly anticipated annual event. Culinary delights pair with endless bottles of chardonnay, Pinot Noir, merlot, and more. Sample your favorite wines from vintners around the globe, purchase by bottle or case, and enjoy live music and the gorgeous autumn backdrop!

Seeing Red Wine Festival – November

Named “One of the Top 10 Can’t-Miss Fall Wine Festivals” by Fodor’s Travel, the Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside is always an affair to remember. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of Grand and reserve tastings, a themed brunch, a vintner’s dinner, and more. Curate your package and see as much or as little as you like at this nationally recognized wine event.

Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights – November

Get into the spirit of the season at Baytowne Wharf, stroll the beautifully decorated streets adorned with glimmering lights, enjoy the choreographed light show, and count down the days to Christmas! Sample delicious appetizers, sip on dozens of champagnes, and take jolly selfies celebrating the first tree lighting of the season.

Winter Destin and 30A Events

12 Nights of Lights – December

Bring the kids out and watch festive light shows on the lawn every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout December at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Hit the shops for those last-minute stocking stuffers, grab a bite at one of the restaurants, and take your pick from three shows nightly during this joyous occasion you won’t want to miss.

The 30A Songwriter’s Festival – January

Celebrate the art of songwriting with over a hundred artists at the 30A Songwriter’s Festival, a unique must-see 30A event. Join fellow music lovers at beachside bars, cheerful cafes, celebrated restaurants, and popular resorts for intimate sessions with some of your favorite musicians and a few new to the industry. From country and blues to folk and jazz, there’s something for everyone at this highly anticipated event.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival – February

As the temperatures drop, a little gumbo is all you need to heat things back up again, and the Sandestin Gumbo Festival’s got all the goods. As restaurants compete for “Best Gumbo on the Emerald Coast” title rights, enjoy unlimited samplings of gumbo and bloody marys served alongside live music and kid’s activities at this two-day Destin event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.

The 30A Wine Festival – February

The sublime community of Alys Beach hosts the 30A Wine Festival each year, and tickets typically sell out months in advance, for good reason. With events like Rose’ and Croquet, Gospel Brunch, and Bourbon, Beer, and Butts, it’s easy to see why this 30A event has such a loyal following. Reserve a spot at the wine dinner, enjoy an evening on the plaza with oysters and Champagne, or take in a mixology seminar, but get your tickets early because they go fast!

Mark your calendars with these 30A and Destin events, gather your loved ones, and let the spirit of the season guide you as you explore the activities that make our communities so magical!

Your Northwest Florida Fall and Winter Event Guide

Fall Destin and 30A Events

The Sounds of Seaside Concert Series – September