Event	Date	Type	Cost	Location
Shrimp & Grits Festival	Feb 28	Food & Music	Free	Destin Commons
Sandestin Gumbo Festival	Feb 21	Food Festival	Entry fee	Sandestin
Mac & Cheese Festival	Mar 15	Food Festival	~$10	Destin Commons
Kite Festival	Apr 4-5	Family Fun	Free	Fort Walton Beach
CARE TurtleFest	Apr 18	Family/Wildlife	Free	Various locations
Food Truck Festival	Apr 17-19	Food Festival	Varies	Destin area
Fudpucker's GatorFest	May 2	Family/Food	Entry fee	Fudpucker's
Bourbon at the Bay	Nov 19	Adults Only	Premium	HarborWalk
Farmers Markets	Every Sat	Food & Crafts	Free entry	Grand Blvd/Baytowne
Concerts in the Village	Weekly Apr-May	Live Music	Free	Baytowne Wharf

Why Book Your Destin Vacation Around These Events

Destin isn't just about pristine beaches and emerald waters (though we definitely have those!). The Gulf Coast explodes with festivals celebrating everything from Southern cuisine to sea turtles. Whether you're a foodie, music lover, or family seeking adventure, there's an event that'll make your vacation unforgettable.

Pro tip: Popular festival weekends fill up 2-3 months in advance! Book your Pelican Beach Resort condo early and use code DESTINY to save 10% on direct bookings.

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🍤 February 2026: Festival Season Heats Up

37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival – February 21 🔥

The Gulf Coast's premier culinary competition! Local restaurants battle for the best gumbo crown while you sample dozens of variations – seafood, chicken & sausage, vegetarian, and creative fusion styles.

Why attend: It's not just gumbo – live music, kids' activities, and perfect weather make this a must-do February event.

7th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival – February 28 ⭐ BIGGEST EVENT

The crown jewel of Destin's food scene returns with:

• Live performance by Erin Kinsey
• 20+ restaurants competing for best shrimp & grits
• Family-friendly games and activities
• Beachfront atmosphere at Destin Commons

Insider tip: Our Pelican Beach Resort condos are just minutes from the festival – walk or take a short drive!

Event website: Visit Destin Chamber Events

Valentine's Weekend Romance

• Lu-Lu's Tropical Vow Renewal – Feb 14 (Free! Perfect for couples)
• Emerald Coast Theatre: "For the Love of Songwriting" – Feb 13-14

Sports & Competition:

• 2026 Emerald Coast Gymnastics Classic – Feb 14-15
• United States Team Roping Championship – Feb 21-22

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🎭 March 2026: Spring Arts & Food

8th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival – March 15

Think you know mac & cheese? Local chefs will blow your mind with:

• Lobster mac
• Truffle mac
• BBQ pulled pork mac
• Dessert mac (yes, really!)

Family-friendly: Kids eat for less, and there are activities beyond food tasting.

Mattie Kelly Arts Center: Dirty Dancing – March 10

The iconic love story comes to life on stage. Perfect date night! This touring production sells out fast.

Tickets: Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Northwest Florida Ballet: Alice in Wonderland – March 7-8

Enchanting performance perfect for families introducing kids to ballet.

Food & Entertainment:

• FoodCentric Expo – Mar 11 (Food industry showcase)
• Crescendo! Vintner Dinners – Mar 27 (Wine lovers' paradise)
• The Alice at Grand Boulevard concert series – Ongoing weekends

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🪁 April 2026: Perfect Weather, Perfect Events

Fly Into Spring Kite Festival – April 4-5

One of the most Instagram-worthy events of the year! Giant kites soar over Fort Walton Beach:

• Professional kite flyers from around the country
• Kids' kite-making workshops
• Free admission
• Beachfront location = perfect photo ops

Pro tip: Arrive early for parking. Bring chairs and make a day of it!

CARE on the Coast TurtleFest – April 18

Educational and fun! Learn about sea turtle conservation with:

• Live turtle encounters
• Beach clean-up activities
• Kids' educational programs
• Conservation booths

Great for: Families who want entertainment with purpose.

Food Truck Festival 2026 – April 17-19

Three days of mobile culinary excellence! Sample everything from:

• Gourmet tacos
• Artisan pizza
• Asian fusion
• Creative desserts and ice cream

Spring Activities:

• Big Kahuna's Water Park Opens – Apr 4 (Season opener!)
• Earth Day Beach Cleanup – Apr 11 (Free, feel-good activity)
• Northwest Florida Spring Home Show – Apr 11-12

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🎵 Weekly & Recurring Events (Don't Miss These!)

Grand Boulevard & Baytowne Wharf Farmers Markets

Every Saturday morning | Year-round
Fresh produce, local honey, artisan crafts, and breakfast vendors. Start your beach day right!

MKAF Concerts in the Village

Thursday evenings, April-May | Free admission

• Apr 9: Smash Mouth (Yes, "All Star" live!)
• Apr 16: Black Jacket Symphony
• Apr 23: Yacht Rock Revue
• Apr 30: Rumours (Fleetwood Mac tribute)
• May 7: Brass Transit (Chicago tribute)

Bring chairs/blankets, grab dinner from nearby restaurants, enjoy world-class music under the stars.

Location: Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin

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🦀 May 2026: Summer Season Kicks Off

Fudpucker's GatorFest 2026 – May 2

Uniquely Florida! Family fun featuring:

• Live gator demonstrations
• Kids' activities
• Food specials
• Entertainment

Perfect for: Families wanting that authentic Florida experience.

Big Events:

• 40th Anniversary Gate to Gate Memorial Weekend – May 16 (Memorial Day celebration)
• 23rd Annual Bob Hope Memorial Charity Golf – May 14-16

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🏖️ Summer Through Fall Highlights

July:

• Destin Chamber's Great American Picnic – July 14 (4th of July celebration continues!)

November:

• 14th Annual Bourbon at the Bay – Nov 19 (Premium bourbon tasting event, adults only, tickets required)
• Walk to End Alzheimer's – Nov 7 (Community charity event)

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🏖️ Planning Your Event-Centered Destin Vacation

Best Times to Visit Based on Interests:

For Foodies: February 21 (Gumbo) or Feb 28 (Shrimp & Grits) or March 15 (Mac & Cheese)

For Families: March 7-8 (Ballet), April 4-5 (Kite Festival), April 18 (TurtleFest), May 2 (GatorFest)

For Couples: February 14 (Valentine's events), March 10 (Dirty Dancing), November 19 (Bourbon at the Bay)

For Live Music Fans: Any Thursday in April-May (free concerts!)

For Budget Travelers: Come for FREE events like farmers markets, kite festival, beach cleanups, and Thursday night concerts!

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📍 Where to Stay for Easy Event Access

Our Pelican Beach Resort condos offer unbeatable location:

✅ 5 minutes to Destin Commons (Shrimp & Grits, Mac & Cheese festivals)
✅ 10 minutes to Fort Walton Beach (Kite Festival)
✅ 12 minutes to Sandestin/Baytowne Wharf (Gumbo Festival, concerts, farmers market)
✅ 15 minutes to Mattie Kelly Arts Center
✅ Direct beach access for post-event relaxation

Why Book Direct:

🏷️ Save 10% with code DESTINY (skip Airbnb/VRBO fees!)
🏖️ Beachfront location – events + beach = perfect combo
🏠 Full kitchens – save money, cook breakfast, pack picnic lunches
🚗 Free parking – no resort fees, no surprise charges

👉 Check Availability & Book Now

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💡 Event Planning Pro Tips

1. Book Accommodation Early
Major festivals (especially Shrimp & Grits, Mac & Cheese, Gumbo) fill hotels 2-3 months ahead. Book your condo now.

2. Check Event Websites
Most events have:

• Early bird ticket discounts
• VIP experiences
• Updated schedules

3. Plan Around Weather

• Feb-April: 60-75°F, low humidity = PERFECT outdoor festival weather
• May-June: Warming up (75-85°F) but still comfortable
• July-Aug: Hot & humid, but great for water parks!

4. Combine Multiple Events
Staying a week? Catch 2-3 events! Many festivals happen on consecutive weekends.

5. Use Our Discount Code
Skip the platform fees. Book directly and save 10% with code DESTINY.

6. Saturday Mornings = Farmers Markets
Every Saturday, hit the farmers market for fresh local produce, honey, crafts, and breakfast!

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📱 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the biggest event in Destin 2026?
A: The 7th Annual Shrimp & Grits Festival on February 28, 2026 is the largest food festival, featuring live music by Erin Kinsey and 20+ competing restaurants. The Sandestin Gumbo Festival (Feb 21) is also huge!

Q: Are Destin festivals free?
A: Many are! Free events include:

• Shrimp & Grits Festival (free entry)
• Kite Festival (April 4-5)
• CARE TurtleFest (April 18)
• Thursday night concerts in the Village (April-May)
• Farmers markets (every Saturday)
• Beach cleanups

Food/drink purchases are extra, but admission is free!

Q: When should I book my Destin vacation for festivals?
A: Book 2-3 months in advance for popular festival weekends. For the Shrimp & Grits Festival (Feb 28), book by early January. Use code DESTINY for 10% off direct bookings.

Q: What festivals are best for families with kids?
A: Top family events:

• Kite Festival (April 4-5) – kids love it!
• TurtleFest (April 18) – educational and fun
• Alice in Wonderland ballet (March 7-8)
• Fudpucker's GatorFest (May 2) – uniquely Florida
• Farmers markets (every Saturday) – kid-friendly

Q: Can I walk to events from Pelican Beach Resort?
A: Some events are walkable, most are a short 5-15 minute drive. You're perfectly located! Destin Commons (Shrimp & Grits, Mac & Cheese) is 5 minutes. Fort Walton Beach (Kite Festival) is 10 minutes. Sandestin (Gumbo Festival, concerts) is 12 minutes.

Q: Do I need tickets in advance?
A: Most festivals are free entry or pay-at-door. However:

• Mattie Kelly Arts Center shows – Buy tickets early (they sell out!)
• Bourbon at the Bay – Premium event, advance tickets required
• Thursday night concerts – Free, no tickets needed
• Always check event websites for updates

Q: What's the weather like during festival season?
A: February-April is PERFECT! 60-75°F, low humidity, sunny. Ideal for outdoor festivals. Pack layers for cooler evenings.

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🗓️ Quick Reference Guide: Events by Month

FEBRUARY:
Feb 21: Sandestin Gumbo Festival
Feb 28: Shrimp & Grits Festival ⭐

MARCH:
Mar 10: Dirty Dancing (Mattie Kelly Arts)
Mar 15: Mac & Cheese Festival ⭐

APRIL:
Apr 4-5: Kite Festival ⭐
Apr 17-19: Food Truck Festival
Apr 18: CARE TurtleFest

MAY:
May 2: Fudpucker's GatorFest

EVERY SATURDAY: Farmers Markets (Grand Blvd & Baytowne Wharf)

THURSDAYS (APR-MAY): Free Concerts in the Village

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Ready to Book Your 2026 Festival Vacation?

Don't miss Destin's incredible events! Whether you're coming for Southern food, live music, sea turtles, or soaring kites, our beachfront condos are your perfect home base.

👉 View Available Dates & Book Now
🎁 Use Code DESTINY for 10% Off Direct Bookings
📞 Questions? Contact us – we'd love to help plan your perfect event-filled getaway!

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Related Guides You'll Love:

• Destin Weather & Water Temperatures: Month-by-Month Guide
• Best Restaurants in Destin Florida: Complete Dining Guide 2026
• Which Airport to Fly Into for Destin, Florida? Complete Guide
• Best Family-Friendly Activities in Destin with Kids

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Official Event Sources:

• Destin Chamber Events Calendar
• Visit Destin-Fort Walton Beach
• Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation