Emerald Coast Events | August 2023

 

 

Welcome to our guide to the events and happenings in the Destin and 30A areas for the exciting month of August. As summer reaches its peak, these iconic Florida destinations come alive with a plethora of fun activities and experiences that cater to every taste. From sun-drenched beach days to festivals and events that benefit local charities, this region offers an enchanting blend of relaxation and adventure. Join us as we explore the top events and attractions that await you in August, ensuring an unforgettable summer along the beautiful Emerald Coast. Please note that event details may be subject to change, so be sure to check with local sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit. Enjoy!

FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:

 

AJ's Tin Cup Classic

When: August 5th

Where: Emerald Bay Golf Club

Description: This years Tin Cup Classic, hosted by AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, is being held on Saturday, August 5 at Emerald Bay Golf Club. Check in is at 9:30AM. 

Spend the day on the golf course with your friends enjoying drinks and food, and then head back to the 19th hole for awards, raffles, drinks, and food. 

For more details, email golf@ajs-destin.com, or stop by any AJ's to pick up a registration form. 

Learn more: AJ's Tin Cup Classic

 

 

  

Destin Splash Fest

When: August 6th

Where: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Village

Description: Come cool off for the day with us in August for the First Destin Splash Fest at Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Numerous water slide bounce houses, water obstacle courses, slip n slides, dunk tank( 3 balls for $5), corn hole, triple play sports games, misting tents, and more! "Fun for the Whole Family". Please do not bring your pets! 

Wristbands will be issued at entrance to enjoy all slides/bounce houses all day. Advanced tickets are sold online. 

Dunk tank tickets and foam party tickets sold separately. 

Admission $15 with wristband 

Adults $5 without wristband 

Children 17 and under with wristband $10 

5 and under are free!

 

 

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Performance Piece

When: August 6th

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

Description: Join Sinfonia Gulf Coast in the Seaside Amphitheater on Sunday, August 6th from 6PM - 7PM for an imaginative and innovative musical experience as the sun sets over the Gulf. This treasured event is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy. For more information about Sinfonia Gulf Coast, please visit: sinfoniagulfcoast.org

 

 

 

Autos In August

When: August 12th

Where: Baytowne Wharf

Description: Calling all Muscle Cars, Jeeps, Vettes, 4x4s, Exotics, and Imports! Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Emerald Coast Customs on Saturday, August 12th from 11AM - 3PM for Autos in August. Enjoy a day of fun, sun, and cars! Visitors are welcome to walk around The Village of Baytowne Wharf and look at the cars, plus enter raffles and win free prizes!

Black Creek Music Festival

When: August 18th-20th

Where: The Outpost on Black Creek

Description: Southern Sound Music Alliance presents Black Creek Music Festival on Friday, August 18th - Sunday, August 20th at The Outpost on Black Creek in Freeport, FL. Rock out with local and regional musicians at this three-day event while enjoying food trucks, craft vendors and more! Proceeds from the festival will benefit Habitat for Humanity and Alaqua Animal Rescue. 

Purchase Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/black-creek-music-festival-tickets 

Boat slips are also available, with a select few being offered as a weekend rental with a VIP ticket. Let’s Meet at the Creek! Event is rain or shine. 

Friday, August 18th, 6 - 10PM | Kickoff Party 

This event is open to the public. Artists Lineup: Tanglewood & Deltaphonic 

Saturday, August 19th, NOON - 10PM | Festival Day 

Ticketed event with general admission and VIP tickets available. Artist Lineup: Mike Whitty Trio, Josh Zook Duo, Dion Jones & The Neon Tears, Big Phun, 12Eleven, Cadillac Willy, Boukou Groove, and Tim Jackson's Storyteller's Tour 

Sunday, August 20th, 11AM - 4PM | Festival Day 

Family Day - Adult tickets are only $10 and all kids are free! Artist Lineup: Jeff Silvey Gospel Hour, Chris Alvarado, and the Southdown Souls

 

Cones, Cops & Cruisers

When: August 19th

Where: Walton Sports Complex

Description:  Walton County Sheriff's Office Presents Cones, Cops, and Cruisers Community Event! Come out to the South Walton Sports Complex and get to know your District 3 and 4 Walton County Sheriff's Office Deputies. We will have vendors, food trucks, games for kids, and more! Walton County Sheriff's Office will be featuring our specialty units such as the Beach Marine Unit and our Dive Team and a local car club will be bringing out some very special classic cruisers and show cars for display! For more info, please visit the Event Page.

 

 

  

5th Annual Operation Outdoor Freedom Run

When: August 19th

Where: Eastern Lake Trail

Description: Spend your morning in the Point Washington State Forest! The 5th annual Freedom Run, benefitting Operation Outdoor Freedom, will take place Saturday, August 19th. The event begins at the Eastern Lake Trail located in Santa Rosa Beach off of 395 South. 

Learn more and register at: outdoorfreedomrun.redpodium.com/operation-outdoor-freedom-runwalk 

5th Annual Freedom Run 

Saturday, August 19th (Rain or Shine) 

11 Mile Start Time || 7:30AM 

6 Mile Start Time || 7:45AM 

3.5 Mile Start Time || 8AM 

All proceeds benefit Operation Outdoor Freedom to help fund efforts with providing hunts, fishing trips, and special family trips to our area for Florida Wounded Veterans who have a rating of service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater from the U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs or a Purple Heart recipient.

 

 

10th Annual Stock the Pantry Party

When: August 24th

Where: Food For Thought Outreach Warehouse

Description: It's that time of year again, time to Stock the Pantry at Food for Thought Outreach! This year we'll be stocking the warehouse at our new Santa Rosa Beach warehouse location. Check in at 132 Market St and stroll to our new warehouse. 

Event entry is $7 or 7 pantry items. 

Food Trucks | Beer & Wine | Music | Silent Auction | Raffle Prizes 

Beer Sponsor: Odd Pelican Beer Company 

Wine Sponsor: Cava and Cakes 30A

Music: Chasing Gypsy 

Food Trucks Onsite: Che Buona Pizza | Plant-Based Wellness Con Sabor 

Registration for Food Drive teams and Stock the Pantry Sponsorships are open through August 11th. Contact us at support@fftfl.org to get started. For more info, please visit the event page here.

 

 

 

My Hero Convention

When: August 25th-27th

Where: Destin FWB Convention Center

Description: My Hero Convention: Florida Smash is a three-day event being held to celebrate anime and manga, focusing on the My Hero Academia fandom, as well as general pop culture and animation, while bringing together a diverse list of guests, vendors, artists, and fan groups, in an affordable, family-friendly environment. To purchase tickets, please visit: tixr.com/groups/humbl3ent/events/my-hero-convention-florida-48842

37th Annual Take A Kid Fishing Day Auction

When: August 26th

Where: Harbor Docks

Description: Harbor Docks Charities invites you to the 37th Annual Take a Kid Fishing Day Auction to be held downstairs at Harbor Docks in Destin, FL. 

Harbor Docks Annual Charity Auction 

Saturday, August 26th 

Doors @ 6 PM | Auction Begins @ 7:30 PM 

$20 Cover Charge | Includes Food & Bidder Number 

World famous auctioneer Ted Corcoran will be hosting the festivities. Incredible packages will be available during the silent and live auctions. Packages include a week vacation in Livingston, Montana, overnight fishing trips, restaurant packages, and, as always, Yoshie’s catered Christmas or office party for up to 30 people. 

If you are interested in donating an item for the auction or would like more information, call Jackie at Harbor Docks. 850.837.2506. 

Harbor Docks Charities helps fund the annual Take-A-Kid Fishing Day. 

Take-A-Kid Fishing Day Sunday, November 5th 

harbordocks.com/take-a-kid-fishing-day 

Some 300 children will be treated to a day of fishing on the Gulf of Mexico or Choctawhatchee Bay. Each child - and their chaperones - are served breakfast before boarding one of Destin's finest charter boats for a morning of fishing. Upon return, the day is celebrated with a fish fry lunch, and every child is sent home with a t-shirt and their own rod and reel. 

Follow Harbor Docks on Facebook for more information or visit, harbordocks.com/.

Dog Day Pawty

When: August 26th

Where: Baytowne Marina

Description: Celebrate International Dog Day with us at the beach at Baytowne Marina on August 26th from 6:30 - 8:30PM! Enjoy this FREE event with live music, a doggy kissing booth, a special dog menu at Marina Bar and Grill, photo booth, and more! Bring along your furry friend for an unfurgettable event! 

Located in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Marina Bar & Grill overlooks the Baytowne Marina and Choctawhatchee Bay. This is the spot to relax with family and friends to enjoy a hearty breakfast or maybe trade fish stories with friends over an ice cold beer after the tackle has been put away.

 

 

 

Wine & Song @ NEAT

Tuesdays | 5-7PM

Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays @ The Big Chill

Wednesdays | 9-11AM

Wednesday Night Concert Series @ Baytowne

Wednesdays | 9-11AM

The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar

Nightly | 5:30-9PM

All American Thursday @ HarborWalk Village

Thursdays | 6:30PM

Sounds Like Summer Series @ Watersound

Thursdays | 6PM

PCB Summer Concert Series @ Aaron Bessant Park

Thursdays | 7-9PM

Yoga In the Backyard of Love @ Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

Fridays | 8AM

Shrimp Boil @ Shunk Gulley

Every Saturday | 4-8PM

Rock the Docks Concert Series @ Harborwalk Village

Every Saturday | 7PM

Sounds of Seaside Concert Series @ Seaside Amphitheater

Every Saturday | 3-6PM

Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A

Every Sunday | 8AM

Brunch & Live Music @ Stinky's Fish Camp

Every Sunday | 10AM-3:30PM

Farmer's Markets

Every Tuesday @ Seaside

Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A

Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf

Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay

Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons

 

 

 

 

Planning to be in town? 
Let's Chat!

 

 

Emerald Coast Events | July 2023

 

 

Get ready to soak up the summer vibes along the stunning Emerald Coast because July is about to hit the scene with a bang! From fireworks displays and air shows to live music performances and movie nights, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Make the most of summer and plan to enjoy pure joy and endless fun as you embrace the laid-back vibes of July along the Emerald Coast!

FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:

 

26th Annual Rags to Riches Regatta

When: July 1st

Where: Grayton Beach

Description: The 26th edition of the annual Rags To Riches Regatta returns to Grayton Beach on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in celebration of American Independence Day. The small catamaran race is a tradition among SoWal sailors, families, friends, and Grayton Beach lovers. Come out to watch the regatta take off from the shores of Grayton Beach as they race to Seagrove Beach and back to Grayton. 

For more information and to register your vessel, please visit: 30a.com/rags-to-riches-regatta/ 

Schedule of Events: 

7AM – 9AM : Boats Transported onto the Beach 

8AM : On-site Race Registration 

9:30AM : Captain’s Meeting 

10:55AM : First Warning "On Your Marks" 

1PM : Awards Presentation 

2PM : Captain & Crew After-Party 

The timing of race-day events will be determined based on the weather conditions. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Race Start and Finish, visit the Rags to Riches Registration tent on July 1st on Grayton Beach.

 

 

  

The Pearl Hotel July 4th Bash

When: July 1st-4th

Where: The Pearl

Description: The Pearl hotel in Rosemary Beach is celebrating Independence Day with a multi-day bash! From July 1st - July 4th, the doors to their Hemingway Room will open to Main Street from 12PM - 3PM for family-friendly festivities including live music, burgers and dogs, and bar offerings. Open to the public! No reservations or tickets required. 

Live Music | 12PM - 3PM 

July 1st & 2nd: Jared Herzog (Season 17 of NBC's "The Voice") 

July 3rd: David Lynn 

July 4th: Joey Shalling 

The Pearl, a Forbes 4-Star hotel, where Main Street meets the Gulf of Mexico features luxury accommodations, uninterrupted views of white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, on-site dining options and an alluring spa just steps from a private beach entrance.

 

 

Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival & Fireworks

When: July 3rd

Where: Destin Commons

Description: Destin Commons is celebrating Independence Day with a new event, the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival! On Monday, July 3, the streets of Destin Commons will be home to 25+ different food trucks, giving guests endless access to an assortment of creative cuisine from Thai, to tacos, sweet treats and more. Attendees will also have access to a QR code that once scanned will enter them into a 2-night stay giveaway with The Island. That evening, guests will also enjoy live music from rock bands Duchess and Tobacco Road, with a vibrant fireworks show to top off the night. The event is FREE to attend and guests will be able to purchase from each individual food truck at their will. 

Destin Commons’ former Independence Day event, Smoke on the Coast, will still be held, but will transition to become a fall tradition. So stay tuned for updates!

 

 

 

AJ's Grayton Beach 4th of July

When: July 4th

Where: AJ's Grayton Beach

Description: Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. Park at AJ's and walk down to parade, starting point of parade is in front The Red Bar. Stop by AJ's Grayton Beach for a FREE flag, bottle water, or ice pop before heading to the parade. The bar will open early, so stop in for a drink before or after the parade. 

AJ's will be open at 9AM serving their Star Spangled Brunch featuring bottomless mimosas! Early morning entertainment features music duo Christon Birge and Katie Spillman. 

Tuesday, July 4th LIVE MUSIC 

9AM, Courtyard: Christon Birge Duo 

4PM, Main Stage: Vanessa Dawn Rogers 

8PM, Main Stage: DJ Boom 

9PM, Main Stage: High Aces 

AJ's is known for great food and good times. With live music and an eclectic atmosphere, this hot spot in Grayton is a beloved spot for families, music lovers, locals and visitors. Learn more at: ajsgrayton.com

Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade

When: July 4th

Where: The Red Bar

Description: Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. Line up on Holtz Ave next to The Red Bar starts at 8:00AM with the parade starting at 8:30AM. Decorate your cars, jeeps, boats, bikes, scooters, etc. No registration needed and everyone is welcome! 

Parking available at AJ’s. Stop by for a FREE flag, bottle water, or ice pop before heading to the parade. The bar will open early for a drink before or after the parade. AJ's will be open at 9AM serving their Star Spangled Brunch featuring bottomless mimosas. Early morning entertainment with music duo Christon Birge and Katie Spillman.

See you in line at The Red Bar location. Swimsuits, pajamas and bloody marys optional. The Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association asks that you leave your water shooters at home and not engage in the usual battles from the back of the truck onto "innocent" bystanders along the parade route.

 

 

 

Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest

When: July 4th

Where: Alys Beach

Description:  Kick-off your favorite star-spangled holiday with a good, old-fashioned donut eating contest in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Tuesday, July 4th from 9AM - 11AM. Proudly sponsored by Charlie’s Delights, whose donuts have long been an Alys Beach tradition, this contest is sure to be one for the record books. 

Register, view contest rules and learn more at: 2023 Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest 

Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest Event Schedule

9:00 AM: Contestant Registration (Check-in/Waiver/Release) 

9:30 AM: Children’s Contest (6 and under) – 8 donut holes- $5 entry fee 

10:00 AM: Youth contest age (7-12) – 4 donuts- $10 entry fee 

10:30 AM: Youth contest age (13-17) – 6 donuts- $10 entry fee 

11:00 AM: Adult contest age (18 and over) – 8 donuts- $15 entry fee 

Whether you participate as a contestant or come to cheer on the eating, Alys Beach and Charlie’s Delights invite you to join for a sweet and festive start to the Fourth of July celebrations. Learn More AlysBeach.com

 

 

  

Seaside Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular

When: July 4th

Where: Seaside Amphitheater

Description: Seaside's Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular will take place Tuesday, July 4th in the Seaside Amphitheater. A favorite among locals and visitors alike – the day is filled with patriotic spirit, music, and fun! 

The Block Party begins at 9AM featuring face painters, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, caricaturists, balloon twisters, a juggler & ventriloquist. Enjoy live music by a roaming brass band throughout the day followed by a Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert at 6:30PM. At 8:30PM, a spectacular fireworks show takes place over the Gulf. 

Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular 

9AM - 12PM: Block Party (Central Square) 

9AM: Performance by The REP (In Front of Sundog Books) 

10AM: Huck & Lilly Kids Music Concert (Amphitheater Stage) 

11AM - 1PM: Roaming Brass Band 

11:30AM: Wild Bill's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Amphitheater Stage) 

6:30PM: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pop Concert (Amphitheater Stage) 

8:30PM: Fireworks On The Gulf 

Seaside's Amphitheater is a beautiful green space in the heart of Central Square where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events. Learn more at: seasidefl.com

 

 

Red, White and Baytowne Fireworks Celebration

When: July 4th

Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf

Description: Join Sandestin for its spectacular 4th of July Celebration. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun, then move the family over to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for an evening that lights up the sky and family activities at Red, White and Baytowne from 7PM - 9:15PM. 

Admission is free and open to the public. 

The Village of Baytowne Wharf will have a host of kids activities, including kids' crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Live music will be performed on the Events Plaza Stage from 7PM - 9:15PM featuring TBA. Keep your eyes to the sky over the lagoon for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at 9:15PM.

 

 

 

Panama City Beach Star Spangled Spectacular

When: July 4th

Where: Pier Park

Description: The City of Panama City Beach will host a fireworks display on July 4th at 9 p.m. The the Star Spangled Spectacular – a red, white and blue extravaganza will feature dueling fireworks from the City (Russell-Fields) and County (M.B. Miller) Piers. Guests are invited to set up their beach chairs and encouraged to arrive early to get the best views. 

Be sure to tune in to Kickin 103.5 app for a choreographed music simulcast. Learn more at: visitpanamacitybeach.com/event/star-spangled-spectacular/27112/

Red, White & Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show

When: July 5th-8th

Where: Pensacola Beach/NAS Pensacola

Description: The Red White & Blues Pensacola Beach Air Show 2023 featuring the Blue Angels will be held on Saturday, July 8. Locals and visitors from all over look forward to the annual Pensacola Beach Air Show held in the summer. The show highlights Pensacola hometown heroes — the Blue Angels — the U. S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron stationed at Forrest Sherman Field aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. The Blues hold several practice sessions along the beach in the days leading up to the big event on show day. 

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Since 1946, the Blue Angels have flown for more than 260 million spectators. The Blue Angels are an American air show favorite and delight audiences across the country with their precision, speed and aerobatics. During their aerobatic demonstration, the Blues fly six F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, split into the Diamond Formation (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). Most of the show alternates between maneuvers performed by the Diamond Formation and those performed by the Solos. 

The world-famous Blue Angels are based at NAS Pensacola, and can be seen practicing over the Museum at NAS Pensacola most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from March to November. Practices typically begin at 11:30 a.m.(Central Time), and last about 55 minutes. Admission to practice is FREE and open to the public.

Bark & Brew

When: July 8th

Where: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company

Description: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company invites you to Bark & Brew on Saturday, July 8 from 2 - 6PM featuring live music, great food and fun for you and your pups! Hot Dog - All Natural Dog Treats will be in the house serving up frozen pup cups and cookies while you enjoy a cold Idyll Hounds beverage. Cousins Maine Lobster will also be onsite serving their infamous Lobster Rolls from noon - 7PM! 

Saturday, July 8 || BARK & BREW 

Food Truck | 12 - 7PM: Cousins Maine Lobster 

Live Music | 1 - 4PM: Cosmic Rascals

Art-O-Logy

When: July 8th

Where: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company

Description: Idyll Hounds Brewing Company invites you to Bark & Brew on Saturday, July 8 from 2 - 6PM featuring live music, great food and fun for you and your pups! Hot Dog - All Natural Dog Treats will be in the house serving up frozen pup cups and cookies while you enjoy a cold Idyll Hounds beverage. Cousins Maine Lobster will also be onsite serving their infamous Lobster Rolls from noon - 7PM! 

Saturday, July 8 || BARK & BREW 

Food Truck | 12 - 7PM: Cousins Maine Lobster 

Live Music | 1 - 4PM: Cosmic Rascals

 

 

 

 

Concert Series @ Rosemary Beach

Mondays | 6:00-8PM

Stories By the Sea @ Seaside Post Office

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10AM

Wine & Song @ NEAT

Tuesdays | 5-7PM

Wild Sea Turtle Wednesdays @ The Big Chill

Wednesdays | 9-11AM

Awkward Oxen Improv @ Alys Beach

Wednesdays | 10AM

The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar

Nightly | 5:30-9PM

Concert Series @ 30Avenue

Nightly | 6:00-9PM

All American Thursday @ HarborWalk Village

Thursdays | 6:30PM

Sounds Like Summer Series @ Watersound

Thursdays | 6PM

MKAF Concerts in The Village @ Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village

Thursdays | 7PM

Reels in the Amphitheatre @ Alys Beach

Every Thursday | 7:30PM

Yoga In the Backyard of Love @ Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

Fridays | 8AM

Rock the Docks Concert Series @ Harborwalk Village

Every Saturday | 7PM

Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A

Every Sunday | 8AM

Brunch & Live Music @ Stinky's Fish Camp

Every Sunday | 10AM

AJ's Grayton Brunch: Crawfish & Live Music

Every Sunday | 11AM

Farmer's Markets

Every Tuesday @ Seaside

Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A

Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf

Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay

Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons

 

 

 

 

Planning to be in town? 
Let's Chat!