Some events are so spectacular we keep them on the books each and every year. Below, find the lists of annual events you can always count on coming back.
Destin’s Bayou, Bay & Beach 5K Run/Walk, 10K & 15K – January
Mardi Gras Parade and Pub Crawl – February
Destin Cobia Tournament – March
Destin is home to the best in-shore and deep-sea fishing to found in the Gulf. One of the favorite times to enjoy fishing is during cobia season. These fish are found in abundance in nearshore areas and are caught by trolling. The Destin Cobia Tournament takes place at Harbor Walk Marina on the Destin Harbor.
Blessing of the Fleet – May
Emerald Coast Boat Week – August
Kitty Hawk Kite Festival – September
Destin Fishing Rodeo – October
The Destin Fishing Rodeo began in May of 1948 to bring people to Destin. It worked! Destin shortly became known as a summer tourist destination and “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages.
The Rodeo founders, people such as Howard Marler, Jewel Melvin, and Willie Marler, decided that moving the Rodeo to October would lengthen the tourist season another month. Today the Rodeo is held October 1- 31.
Annual Destin Seafood Festival – October
The Destin Seafood Festival is hosted along the Destin Harbor and is free to the public! This local festival icon hosts close to almost 70,000 guests in three days! Great fun for fishermen and the entire family with loads of fun and activities.
Annual Chili Cook-Off –
Join Harbor Walk Village for a day of spiced, spirited competition as Chili experts from near and far don their aprons to prove they have the best chili around. The Emerald Coast Parrot Heads host a fun and exciting Chili Cook-off on the Destin Harbor. Over 20 different restaurants and Chili Master’s compete in this spirited cook-off.