2025 Best Events & Live Music In Destin, Florida Area

January

January 16-20 - 30A Songwriters Festival

Kick off the year with one of the area’s most beloved events that benefits the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County. This year’s headliner Melissa Etheridge along with 100+ other singer/songwriters including Emerson Hart (Tonic), John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band), Shawn Mullins, Mary Gauthier and many more will take stages large and small as they tell stories and perform at venues throughout Miramar Beach and Scenic Highway 30A. More info at www.30asongwritersfestival.com/artists

February

Feb. 21-22 - Sandestin Gumbo Festival

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Feb. 21-22. One of the most beloved winter food events on the Emerald Coast, this lively two-day festival in The Village of Baytowne Wharf will leave you full, happy, and wanting more. Enjoy live music, family-friendly fun, and the greatest gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast. More info at www.sandestingumbofestival.com/

 Feb. 8-9 - Valentine Day Tour of Homes

Valentine’s weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but for Walton County residents and visitors alike, it also signals the highly anticipated annual Tour of Homes. The event is known for showcasing stunning interiors, architecturally acclaimed homes and picturesque settings bringing inspiration to tour goers’ winter weekend at the beach. Fall in love with some of Walton County’s most interesting homes while raising funds for the CAA’s Art For All program. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.culturalartsalliance.com/valentine-tour-of-homes

March

March 2 - CRESCENDO! 

Crescendo! is South Walton’s cultural event extravaganza. This energy-infused experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a live musical performance by Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Enjoy reserved table seating, hors d'oeuvres, a seated lunch and an all-inclusive afternoon of incredible fun. Proceeds from Crescendo! benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. The event kicks off at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin. Tickets $225 per person (includes reception, lunch, gratuity, wine, and entertainment). More information and tickets at https://sinfoniagulfcoast.org/

 March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Family Street Fair

With performances by the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance, the luck of the Irish will be at HarborWalk Village on March 17. Enjoy an Irish Dance Performances, the sounds of authentic strolling Bagpipes, kids’ crafts, a leprechaun treasure hunt, fun surprises for lucky adults and more.

April

April  24-27 – South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival presents the perfect blend of 600+ world-class wines, dozens of premier spirits, industry experts, culinary icons, Nashville singer/songwriters, educational seminars and a sprinkle of fun and funky activations throughout keep things interesting. Held in conjunction with the Destin Charity Wine Auction, it's the ultimate wine weekend! Learn more at www.sowalwine.com/

 April 25-26 - 20^th Annual Destin Charity Wine Auction

The sell-out weekend kicks off with Patron Dinners hosted in private homes and restaurants along the Emerald Coast. Each of the dinners supports one of DCWAF's benefiting charities. The Destin Charity Wine Auction is the main event of the weekend and includes The Reserve Tasting and Live Auction held under an air conditioned tent at Grand Boulevard Sandestin Town Center. The event will feature distinctive wines from internationally acclaimed vintners, poured and paired with cuisine created by a selection of the area’s top local restaurants. Founded in 2005, Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF) has donated $35 Million to Northwest Florida charities through hosting world-class wine and culinary events. Learn more at www.DCWAF.org.

May

May 1-3, 2025 –Moon Crush Sun, Sand and Soul Beach Weekend '25

Enjoy mornings on the sand and nights watching two live performances by Tedeschi Trucks Band and sets from Bonnie Raitt, Cory Wong, Los Lobos, The Wood Brothers, North Mississippi Allstars, Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge and more. Visit the Facebook Page here for more information. 

May 17 – Sinfonia presents Tchaikovsky X Drake

Experience the electrifying fusion of Drake and Tchaikovsky in an unforgettable performance that will “redefine” the symphony experience. Conceived and arranged by Steven Hackman, known for his imaginative and unexpected pairings, this piece masterfully blends the timeless compositions of Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the contemporary sounds of hip hop rapper Aubrey (Drake) Graham, redefining the boundaries of music in the 21st century. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://sinfoniagulfcoast.org/ under the events tab.

 May 29-June 1 – Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City Beach

Experience the ultimate country music event at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. The event features unforgettable days filled with electrifying performances from today’s top country and southern rock stars. This year’s headliners include Sam Hunt, Laney Wilson, Tyler Childers, Blake Shelton, among others. Set just moments away from the stunning Panama City Beach, Gulf Coast Jam combines incredible music, breathtaking scenery, and an atmosphere that defines summer fun. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/event/gulf-coast-jam/27287/

June

June 18- 22 – 23^rd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin

The 23rd Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin is the Gulf Coast’s favorite fishing tournaments. Featuring a $2 million and exciting weekend of events, it’s an annual favorite. More information at www.fishecbc.com

July

July 4 - Fourth of July Celebration at Harbor Walk Village

HarborWalk Village at the foot of the Destin Marler Bridge will host its annual Fourth of July Concert and Celebration. The celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. with live music on the main stage and a Vintage flyover. Live music continues from 7-9 p.m. followed by Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe and fireworks over Destin at 9 p.m. The on-site parking fee is $20, and is valid all day.  

July 4 – Red White & Baytowne

Each year the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin hosts its 4th of July at Red, White, and Baytowne. The star-spangled celebration takes place from 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm with a FREE concert on the Events Plaza Stage, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the night sky at 9:15 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf has something for everyone with kids’ activities, including crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting.  

August

August 31 – Sept. 1 – Perfect Hues: Baytowne Art Fest

Each evening from 4-9 p.m., attendees are invited to stroll through the Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin browsing a variety of artwork from local and regional artists, and savoring bites from some of the area’s best restaurants and food trucks. With live music on the events stage throughout the festival and a spectacular fireworks show over the lagoon on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. Also on Sunday night, be sure to check in by the breezeway to enjoy a sip & shop through The Village. Admission is free and open to the public.  

September

September 23 – Sandestin Triathalon

The Annual Sandestin Triathalon is the most rigorous athletic event held in South Walton testing both endurance and strength. More than 800 athletes will compete in a half-mile Gulf of Mexico swim, a 20-mile bike ride along Scenic Highway 30-A, and a four-mile run through Sandestin's beach and bayside community. Learn more and register here.

Sept. 26-28 – Destin Seafood Festival

One of Destin’s most celebrated traditions, the Destin Seafood Festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo that extends the entire month of October. The event was started in 1978 by the Destin Charter Boat Association Women’s Auxiliary. While the festival has grown into its new home on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the Destin Seafood Festival remains one of the most popular annual events celebrating the area’s abundant fishing and fresh seafood. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.destinseafoodfest.com/

October

October 9-11 – Moon Crush Rockin' in Paradise with Styx & Friends

Iconic American rock band, Styx, known for blending melodic hard rock guitar with acoustic guitar, synthesizers mixed with acoustic piano to create upbeat tracks will be joined by musician friends and bands to create an incredible 3-day weekend of live performances.  Learn more or purchase tickets at https://topeka.live/

October 11 – Bloody Mary Festival

Hosted at The Market Shops, this fall fest features unlimited tastes of unique, hand-crafted bloody marys prepared and served by a variety of the Emerald Coast’s best local restaurants and bars. From grilled cheese sandwiches to sushi, the toppings are always over the top while the bloody mix ranges from spicy to smokey. In addition to unlimited brunch beverages, attendees will be treated to local fare, craft brews, champagne, and (boozy) popsicles. The grand lawn and courtyard host shopping opportunities, a cigar bar, photo booth, live music, and SEC football live streaming on the big screen so you can cheer on your favorite team. Attendees must be (21+ older). Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Walton County. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival/

October 16-19 – Harvest Wine & Food Festival

Held in WaterColor on 30A, Harvest Wine & Food Festival features four days of epicurean excellence that is sure to delight both wine and culinary enthusiasts alike. The weekend festivities include wine dinners, the Grand Tasting, a cocktail brunch, and much more. Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest provides patrons the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections. Proceeds benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.dcwaf.org/harvest-festival/

November

November 1 – Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition

The annual cooking competition features a mix of cook teams, ranging from backyard grillers to local restaurants to non-profit organizations, presenting a variety of dishes from meats and seafood to veggies and desserts cooked on the Big Green Egg.  The event features all you can eat bites, Angel’s Envy craft cocktail samples, Abita Beer Samples, live music, a chance to win a Mini-Max Big Green Egg and more. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.eggsonthebeach.com/

November 7-9 –Moon Crush "Whiskey Moon" with Whiskey Myers & Friends

Experience two distinct performances by Whiskey Myers including a Covers Set on Friday night, an unforgettable evening with Charley Crockett, and a stellar lineup featuring St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Josh Meloy, Shane Smith & the Saints, Kashus Culpepper, The Record Company, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Droptines, Noeline Hofmann, and Angel White. Visit the Facebook Page here for more information. 

November 13-15 – Moon Crush Odies Beach Vacation with Old Dominion, Michael Franti & Friends

Experience the sounds of Old Dominion, the 6-time Academy of Country Music Award-Winner and 5-time Country Music Association Vocal Group, as they join friends including Michael Franti for the Moon Crush Odies Beach Vacation. Visit the Facebook Page here for more information. 

December

December 13– Destin Boat Parade

The Destin Boat Parade is a beloved Destin tradition that has been spreading holiday joy for over 38 years! Starting at 6 p.m., the parade of boats adorned with festive lights and decorations glide gracefully down the harbor, bringing smiles to everyone along the way. The evening culminates with a dazzling fireworks display over the harbor, followed by an energetic fire spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe on the Main Stage. It’s a night of holiday magic and community celebration!

Plan Your 30A or Destin Vacation

Now is the time to start planning your Destin vacation around one of these beloved signature events or simply plan your annual spring, summer or fall beach vacation so you have something on the calendar to look forward to in the future. View Newman-Dailey’s collection of 30A and Destin vacation rentals online, including homes and condominiums, to find your perfect home away from home. Call one of our local, friendly vacation specialists at 850-837-1071 to help narrow your search or select a rental near your preferred event. Remember to book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach!