Come hungry—the Destin Seafood Festival returns Sept. 25–27 for its 48th year, bringing three days of Gulf flavors, live music and family fun to the Destin Harbor. More than 30,000 locals and visitors are expected to attend the free waterfront celebration.
Stretching nearly a mile from HarborWalk Village to Heron Harbor, the festival will feature more than 75 food and craft vendors, along with favorite harbor restaurants serving seafood specialties and cold drinks. Browse jewelry, clothing, sculpture, glasswork, paintings and other handmade creations—and be sure to pick up this year’s official festival T-shirt.
Five stages will showcase local and regional musicians playing rock, reggae, country, tropical tunes and more. Harbor restaurants and bars will add their own entertainment throughout the weekend, so bring a chair, find a spot along the docks and enjoy the soundtrack.
Young festivalgoers can get creative in the expanded Fudpucker’s Kids Zone with oyster shell painting, sand art and play areas. HarborWalk’s Kids Fun Zone adds hamster balls, a climbing wall, zip line and face painting, plus shaded seating for parents.
Admission remains free, but VIP passes offer unlimited tastings from participating restaurants and chefs, exclusive entertainment, private restrooms, TVs and access to a cash bar.
The festival began in 1978 as a one-day gathering honoring local fishermen. Today, it with the festive kickoff to October’s month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo.
Parking is available at several harbor-area lots, with free shuttles running from Morgan Sports Complex.
Hours: Friday 4–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
For maps, entertainment schedules, vendor details and VIP passes, visit DestinSeafoodFest.com or email info@destinseafoodfest.com.
Come hungry. Leave happy. See you on the Harbor!
