6 Destin Fall Events: Find Fun, Entertainment and Food

Destin fall events welcome guests of all ages to celebrate the best of beach life, food and local talent. From month-long fishing tournaments to one of the most famous seafood festivals in the U.S., families won’t want to miss all the fun these Destin fall events offer. Get ready to plan a Destin vacation and attend these events.

Top Destin Fall Events for Family-friendly Fun

destin fall events food activities

August Destin Fall Events

Paddle the Waters

The whole family can participate in Paddle at the Porch. The event features stand-up paddleboarding on the emerald green waters for which Destin is known. Participants can race their family and fellow paddleboarders to win awards and bragging rights.

Races include a kids fun race, 1-mile routes for beginners, and 3- and 6-mile races for experts. The event takes place behind one of Destin’s most popular restaurants, Back Porch Seafood and Oyster Bar.

September Destin Fall Events

Try the Fresh Catches

One of the biggest Destin fall events is the highly acclaimed Destin Seafood Festival. The event has run for more than 35 years and brings the best in seafood, local vendors and entertainment. Destin Seafood Festival runs for three days, drawing as many as 70,000 attendees. Families also enjoy activities for all ages, live entertainment, art and the freshest seafood imaginable. If this isn’t enough reason to attend, Destin Seafood Festival is also free!

Attend a Concert

Celebrate Labor Day with live concerts and music. Harborwalk Village hosts local bands and performers for all over who love a good crowd. Listen to music, eat lots of seafood and make new friends. The village serves as a gathering spot and also welcomes guests to enjoy movies, parades, shows and fun entertainment.

Don’t Miss Eggs on the Beach

Eggs on the Beach in Miramar Beach – located east of Destin – features grill enthusiasts. This eggfest brings together people who love the Big Green Egg, an all-in-one smoker and grill. While visiting, see the top EggHeads, from all over the U.S. compete for the best-tasting dishes. Cooks test their special recipes on tasters, all while helping raise money for local charities. Festival-goers also enjoy family-friendly activities and live music.

October Destin Fall Events

See a Different Rodeo

For more than 65 years, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has delighted guests and anglers of all ages. The 31-day-long October event is packed full of friendly competitions between charter boat captains, crews, private boat owners, and shore and pier anglers. Contest divisions welcome competitors in snapper, grouper, gamefish and sharks, to name a few.

Those just interested in catches and winners should visit AJ’s, where weigh-ins occur every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Families may also attend the Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade, a family-friendly event where kid’s can design their own boat and participate in fun activities.

Meet Talented Artists

See more than 100 artists from the U.S. and Europe at one of the top art festivals in northwest Florida. The Annual Festival of the Arts has showcased talented artists and entertained guests for more than 20 years.

The two-day festival in October brings talented artists together as they compete to win $10,000 in cash prizes. Guests see a variety of mediums, such as prints, paintings and handmade creations. Other things to do at the art festival include DIY projects, enjoying live music and trying new foods from local vendors.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Browse Destin vacation rentals.

Need more activities? Check out the best places for Destin family fun.