Fall is just around the corner and that means lots of fun fall festivals in Destin, Florida. If you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Coast this fall, plan to enjoy fish and fashion, gaming and golf.
Here are Some of the Fun Events Taking Place in Destin this Fall:
Destin’s Famous Fish Rodeo
The seasonal celebrations kick off with Destin’s Fishing Rodeo. This event takes place daily for the entire month of October. The main event is the daily fishing weigh-ins. Participants in the fish rodeo will be bringing their best catches to be tallied every day from 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Spectators are admitted free to watch the daily weigh-ins behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar at Destin Harbor.
Saturdays during the fishing rodeo include the shark catch challenge and live music. On “Shark Saturdays” the largest shark caught earns the victorious angler a cash prize. Following the contest each Saturday night, everyone can enjoy live music and fireworks at HarborWalk Village.
A Seafood Feast
The first week of October is also the date for Destin’s Seafood Festival. This fun outdoor event is free of charge and open to the public. Vendors and activities will be placed along the length Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Shuttle services from several locations will be provided for the nearly 70,000 guests who are expected to attend this amazing event.
Destin’s Seafood Festival will take place Friday through Sunday, beginning September 30, 2016. In addition to the great food, the festival includes live music on several stages. Three separate kids’ zones will also be set up for family fun. Your children can enjoy everything from pony rides to rock climbing. They can even participate in the Mingo Toss on Sunday. (That’s a fish throwing contest!)
Fashion Week Comes to the Emerald Coast
Shortly after the seafood festival is the South Walton Beach Fashion Week (SWFW). This year’s fashion week runs October 5th through 9th at several locations in South Walton Beach, Florida. The week begins with a launch party on Wednesday, followed by three days of runway shows. Christian Siriano is this year’s featured designer and competition judge. Christian Siriano’s designs will be on display at a special trunk show at Alys Shoppe on October 7, 2016 and on the runway October 8th.
Other guest judges for South Walton Beach Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Competition include celebrity Becca Tilley and industry leaders Ashley Longshore, Carlo Pieroni, Carol Wilson, and Jenni Lubo. Costs to attend vary by event.
Golf on the Gulf Coast is in Full Swing
Don’t worry if fashion isn’t your thing. There’s always golf. Destin and Fort Walton Beach have plenty of golf courses to choose from. Several charity golf tournaments are scheduled for the fall. The Century 21 Blue Marlin 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place on October 7, 2016 at the Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club. The 9th Annual Sugar Stands Charity Golf Classic is slated for October 10, 2016 at the Kelly Plantation Golf Club.
Get Your Costumes Out Early
October 8, 2016 is the date for this year’s Emerald Coast Con all generation gaming convention! This event will take place at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on October 8th and 9th. Adults and children are welcome to join in retro and current gaming tournaments and cosplay contests. Exhibits at the Emerald Coast Con will celebrate pop culture favorites including sci-fi, anime, and comics.
Fall Festival Fun
While the City of Destin’s Fall Festival technically doesn’t start until Monday, October 17, 2016, the fun begins Sunday. On Sunday, October 16, from noon to 5 p.m. is the Destin Charity Cornhole Tournament. If you haven’t seen a cornhole tournament before, you’ll want to check this out. Cheer on your favorite team while enjoying an array of food and beverages in World of Beer’s Destin Beer Garden.
On Monday, it’s time for the real fall festival. Taking place at the Destin Community Center, this old-fashioned fall festival includes a cakewalk, games, and activities – including a costume contest! You can even enter a carved jack-o-lantern for judging. Just make sure to drop off your entry before 3 p.m.
Destin’s Beautiful Beaches – Always Here for You
With all the fun activities to do in Destin, it’s hard to believe you get to play on the beach too. So pack your bags and plan your trip. We’ll be here for you and we guarantee you’ll find plenty to do!
