11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest | May 10-12 | Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fiesta experience as the 11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest returns for another unforgettable celebration of Tequila Love! Established as the second longest running Tequila & Taco Fest in the U.S., Tequila & Taco Fest promises an unparalleled culinary adventure coupled with live music, family-friendly activities and thrilling competitions.
Kick-off Party: The festivities commence with the electrifying Brews, Blues & BBQ Kick-off Party on Friday, May 10th, hosted by Sandestin® Beer, Buffalo Chip Bourbon and Black Sheep Tequila (voted the best tequila in the world) at the popular Marina Bar in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® at the Baytowne Marina overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Main Event: Taco Extravaganza unfolds on Saturday, May 11th, at the iconic Village of Baytowne Wharf, transforming the picturesque locale into a taco lover’s paradise. With an impressive lineup on Saturday, May 11th from 1 to 4 p.m., the main event takes center stage. With 25 plus taco vendors competing for the esteemed title of “Best Taco in Northwest Florida” and a grand prize of $2,500 for first place, attendees are in for a culinary delight. The festival will also host Best Margarita Competition, vying for the coveted title and bragging rights. Aficionados of Mexico’s famed spirit can rejoice as they explore the 25 tequila tents and an assortment of imported beers from South America. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities including face painting, live music and even a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant. For those seeking a VIP experience, the exclusive VIP area at Landshark Bar and Grill will feature the finest tequila, courtesy of Black Sheep Tequila, and exotic tacos that are unavailable in the main festival area.
Farewell Brunch: Wrap up the festivities on Sunday, May 12th, with the Bye Bye Brunch at the Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Purchase tickets online at www.efestevents.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit two worthy causes: Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the Sandestin® Foundation for Kids.
Paddle at the Park Stand Up Paddleboard Race Offers Races for All Age & Skill Levels
The 12th Annual Paddle at the Park Sponsored by HCA Florida Destin Emergency will take place in the Gulf of Mexico behind The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island on Saturday, May 11. This standup paddleboard race features 1- and 3-mile recreational races, a 6-mile elite race and a kids’ fun out-and-back paddle. Racers and spectators alike will enjoy the festive atmosphere with displays and booths set up along the beach. The races have staggered start times, beginning at 9 a.m. The event will conclude with awards.
Registration is now open at https://paddleguru.com/races/12thAnnualPaddleatthePark. Find all race details at PaddleAtThePark.com or follow Facebook.com/PaddleAtThePark.
Thank you to our race partners BOTE and The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island; title sponsor HCA Florida Destin Emergency; platinum sponsors Destin – Fort Walton Beach and Shibumi Shade; silver sponsors Eglin Federal Credit Union, T-Mobile, and VivanaMD; bronze sponsors Florida CFY, Harmony Beach Vacations, and The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach; and media sponsor Destin Life!
Opportunity Place to Host Luau and Shrimp Boil Fundraiser
Treat yourself and join Opportunity Place for an island-style, family friendly night out for an amazing cause! On Saturday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., it’s Opportunity Knocks! at Rick’s on the Island. (1318 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Okaloosa Island) Savor a homemade low country shrimp boil and luau buffet, courtesy of Rick’s on the Island, or try your hand at a game of cornhole or play in the arcade. Boukou Groove will be there with live musical entertainment along with fun props and party favors you’ll need for a relaxing tropical night out! Best of all, all proceeds benefit shelter, rehousing and financial education programs for families experiencing homelessness in Okaloosa and Walton counties. Nearly 4,000 clients and community members served…and counting! Help us continue our fight against homelessness!
Adults: $50 per ticket; Children 11 and up: $15; Children 10 and under: Free with purchase of adult ticket; Cash bar plus (1) complimentary signature cocktail available for attendees 21 and up. To purchase tickets, visit https://opifwb.org/ For more information or sponsorship details, contact 850-865-1950 or fiona@opifwb.org.
