Plan now for the 45th Annual Destin Seafood Festival!
A long-time Emerald Coast tradition, the Destin Seafood Festival returns to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk this fall for three days jam-packed with food, artwork, fireworks, kids’ activities, and live entertainment. More than 60,000 locals and visitors are expected to attend. And admission is free! Dates and hours for the 2023 festival are Friday, October 6, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday October 7, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, October 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As the official kickoff for the Destin Fishing Rodeo, the seafood festival offers plenty of fun for visitors of all ages in the world’s luckiest fishing village!
Food, Food, and More Food . . . and Great Beverages
Sample the bounty of the Gulf in the festival food tents. Ready to sit a spell? Then visit any of the restaurants located along the harbor for a great meal and a nice cool beverage. From casual come-as-you-are spots to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. There are V.I.P. Call to Chef tickets available for a special section of the festival where on Saturday and Sunday attendees will be able to sample a plethora of scrumptious food from an excellent pool of local chefs. Samples will include entrees, salads, soups, appetizers and desserts. There will also be private bathrooms, a cash bar, and live music.
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Dinner and a Show: Live Music on the Boardwalk
In a listening mood? Then pull up a chair. From rock and reggae to country and tropical sounds, the music scene will keep your toes tapping. There'll be 5 music stages featuring great local and coastal musicians. Or visit the harbor’s and HarborWalk Village’s restaurants and bars, many of which offer live music and dancing as well as food and drink.
Destin Seafood Festival is Kid-Friendly, Too!
Destin Seafood Festival offers separate KidZones for youngsters of all ages. In past years, the Heron Harbor Fun Zone, for older children and preteens, has offered a skimboard and skateboard painting workshop, as well as free face painting and pirate tattoos at Captain Davies’ Pirate Village. At the East Pass Marina Kids Fun Zone, the festival has offered a petting zoo, pony rides, and games for younger children and toddlers. The festival celebrates Destin’s community, as well as the seafood that has made it famous, so there’s sure to be plenty of fun for the youngsters.
Benefiting a Great Cause
The Destin Seafood Festival is the primary fundraiser for the non-profit Destin Charter Boat Association which advocates for fisheries management.
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This article was originally written by Celeste in 2015 and updated annually by BeachGuide editors.
Published on Tuesday, August 9, 2022