Emerald Coast in Bloom: Top Spring Festivals & Activities
Spring brings energy and events to Florida’s Emerald Coast, from beachside festivals to live music in Destin and Panama City Beach.
Spring on Florida’s Emerald Coast is a season full of vibrant energy, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate the beauty of this coastal paradise and enjoy the season’s refreshing breezes.
With a lively calendar of events catering to every interest, cities like Destin, Panama City Beach, Miramar Beach, and Fort Walton Beach become the stage for unique celebrations filled with music, gourmet food, wine, colorful kites, and more. Best of all, everything happens outdoors — giving you the perfect chance to soak up the Florida sunshine in style.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the top spring events on the Emerald Coast to help you and your loved ones make the most of your vacation in this slice of paradise.
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Time to trade coats for coastlines — hello, spring!
HarborWalk Village Spring Events, Destin
HarborWalk Village in Destin is a hub of activity year-round, but spring brings an extra layer of vibrancy with weekly themed events for everyone to enjoy.
Silent Disco Wednesdays invite attendees to dance under the stars with headphones tuned to live DJs, creating a one-of-a-kind musical experience. On Thursdays, families can dive into Under the Sea adventures, complete with pirate performances and mermaid encounters along the harbor.
Fridays feature Coastal Country Nights, with live country music followed by dazzling fireworks over the water. Recent additions include Harbor in Bloom, a floral-filled celebration kicking off the HarborWalk Village Farmers Market Series, and the can’t-miss Golden Hour Movie Series, held every Saturday at sunset with open-air screenings on the HarborWalk lawn. For full details and exact dates, check their official event schedule.
St. Patrick’s Day Family Street Fair, Destin
The St. Patrick’s Day Family Street Fair is another lively event taking place at HarborWalk Village.
The celebration kicks off with a high-energy performance by the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and continues with live Celtic music, kids’ crafts, and a leprechaun scavenger hunt—filling HarborWalk Village with festive Irish charm.
For more grown-up fun, the event also features a DJ dance party on the main stage, while harbor-side restaurants and shops serve up exclusive St. Paddy’s specials, including festive food, creative cocktails, and, of course, plenty of beer!
Mac & Cheese Festival, Destin
Spring’s fresh breeze and mac & cheese—who can resist? Every March, local restaurants in Destin compete to craft the most mouthwatering mac-and-cheese dishes, and the lucky tasters are none other than you! The Mac & Cheese Festival is a family-friendly event where visitors can sample everything from timeless classics to inventive twists, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Destin Commons, the backdrop for this cheesy celebration.
The event features competitions judged by both attendees and a panel of experts, with honors like People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice, and Judges’ Choice up for grabs. This fun, flavorful festival also gives back, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast to support programs benefiting more than 5,000 local youth annually.
Sandestin Wine Festival, Miramar Beach
Known as the “Kentucky Derby of Wine Festivals,” this standout event in Miramar Beach takes place at the beautiful Village of Baytowne Wharf and is a must-visit for wine lovers—or anyone who enjoys great music, food, and vibrant Florida vibes.
Featuring Grand Tastings with over 500 wines from around the world, paired with gourmet appetizers crafted by top chefs, the festival is a full sensory experience. Beyond sampling incredible wines, guests can meet vineyard owners and winemakers, all while enjoying live music throughout the four-day celebration.
👍 Extra tip: For the full experience, consider purchasing VIP tickets for exclusive access to the VIP Lounge during the Grand Tasting, premium wine samples, priority entry, gourmet bites, a VIP glass, and a swag bag.
South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, Miramar Beach
Every April at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach, South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is a must for wine and food enthusiasts vacationing in the region.
This highly anticipated event offers you a chance to sample over 800 wines from around the world while enjoying great live performances and culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs. If you attend the event, make sure to check the Savor South Walton tents, where you can pair delicious wine with gourmet appetizers. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to explore both international flavors and local culinary talent.
An extra encouragement to attend this beloved wine and culinary feast is that proceeds from the festival support the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida.
Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival, Fort Walton Beach
For those seeking cultural enrichment, Fort Walton Beach hosts the captivating Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival every April.
This long-running event celebrates Native American traditions through music, dance, and art. Enjoy enchanting flute performances, explore handcrafted goods by skilled artisans, and sample traditional foods like fried bread. Set against the serene backdrop of Choctawhatchee Bay, the festival offers a meaningful and immersive way to connect with Native American heritage.
Fly into Spring Kite Festival, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach
Every April, the annual Fly Into Spring Kite Festival at Okaloosa Island’s Boardwalk transforms the sky into a colorful playground for all ages.
This vibrant (and free) event features giant kites soaring over the Gulf—look out for a 100-foot octopus, an 80-foot panda, and even a 50-foot alligator dancing in the breeze. Visitors can enjoy professional stunt kite demonstrations set to music, while kids can join free kite-making workshops and take part in stunt kite lessons designed for all ages.
The Fly into Spring Kite Festival is a lively, one-of-a-kind way to welcome the season with your family, so be sure to check the dates and catch this high-flying celebration.
Emerald Coast Cruizin’, Panama City Beach
A celebration for car lovers, Emerald Coast Cruizin—held every March at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach — is a dream come true for fans of classic cars and hot rods.
The event draws thousands of visitors each year with its impressive lineup of vintage automobiles, muscle cars, and custom builds. Participants proudly showcase their prized vehicles while swapping stories and tips with fellow enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors serving local favorites, and a bustling marketplace filled with automotive parts, accessories, and memorabilia.
Families are welcome too, with kid-friendly activities offered alongside the displays. It’s a perfect way to soak up the spring sunshine while admiring some of the finest automotive craftsmanship on the Gulf Coast.
Bonus: Make the Best of Spring Adventure on the Emerald Coast
Add these activities and attractions to your spring bucket list — along with seasonal events on the Emerald Coast—and make the most of your time in this Florida treasure.
Destin
- Henderson Beach State Park: Enjoy pristine white sands, emerald waters, and mild spring temperatures — perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking amid some of Florida’s most beautiful natural surroundings.
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk: Stroll along the harbor, indulge in fresh seafood, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park: Experience water slides, wave pools, and mini-golf, making it ideal for family fun.
Fort Walton Beach
- Okaloosa Island: Renowned for its pristine beaches, Okaloosa Island provides the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing all year round. The nearby Okaloosa Island Pier is ideal for fishing and offers panoramic views of the Gulf.
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Engage with marine life through interactive exhibits and daily shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, making it a family-friendly destination.
- John C. Beasley Park: This beachfront park offers picnic areas, pavilions, and dune walkovers, providing a serene spot for relaxation and nature appreciation.
Panama City Beach
- St. Andrews State Park: With over 1,200 acres, this park features sugar-white sands, clear emerald waters, and diverse ecosystems. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife observation.
- Shell Island Excursions: Accessible by boat, Shell Island is an undeveloped barrier island offering secluded beaches, excellent shelling opportunities, and a chance to spot local wildlife like dolphins and shorebirds.
- Camp Helen State Park: Located on the western edge of Panama City Beach, this park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of Florida’s largest coastal dune lakes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and birdwatching in a tranquil setting.
Miramar Beach
- Beach Activities: Miramar Beach boasts expansive stretches of soft, white sand and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. The gentle waves make it suitable for families with children.
- Water Sports: The area offers various water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing. Rentals and lessons are available for those looking to try something new.
- Scenic Gulf Drive: Take a leisurely bike ride or walk along this picturesque route, offering stunning views of the coastline and access to local shops and eateries.
Experience Spring on Florida’s Emerald Coast Like Never Before
Book your stay with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals. We offer an unmatched selection of vacation rental properties to suit every traveler’s taste. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condominium, pet-friendly rentals, or a charming beachside cottage, we’ve got it.
Our properties are strategically located, which means you’ll be steps away from idyllic beaches, great dining options, exquisite golf courses, and an array of outdoor pursuits like deep-sea fishing, dolphin tours, and more.
That’s the secret to a perfect Emerald Coast getaway! ☀️