Guide to Destin Seafood Festival

A tradition that has served the Emerald Coast for more than 40 years, the Destin Seafood Festival is one of the most well-loved events by visitors and locals alike.  

In addition to being a celebratory weekend of food, family-fun, and live entertainment, this annual event is a tribute to the city’s rich history. Gulf seafood and the Destin Harbor have been essential to Destin’s growth and sustainability throughout decades.  

Hosted on the Destin Harbor, this free event draws thousands to the city year after year.  

Getting there:  
This year the event will be October 4-6, open from 4-10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Prepare for heavy traffic around the Harbor, and parking will be scarce so we suggest you head to the festival early. There are multiple locations in the area that will have available parking. View the list of sites here. Be warned - some of them will charge a few dollars to park. A local shuttle will also run from popular locations in Destin for a $2 fee per person. View the shuttle stop locations at destinseafoodfestival.com.  

Where to stay:  
In search of accommodations for this particular weekend festival? We have a few properties still available! Click here to view our units. 

Festival Details:  
Listen to live music all weekend long at multiple locations along the Harbor. Bring the kids along! The festival will have tons of activities for children including pony rides, inflatables, a rock-climbing wall, a zip line and so much more! Stroll down the Harbor and stop at the dozens of art vendors that will have some of their pieces available for purchase at the event.  

Last but not least, don’t forget about the best part of the festival… the food! Local restaurants will serve their well-loved Gulf seafood dishes, featuring Gulf shrimp, snapper and so much more!  

If you are looking for other activities, restaurants, places to go or things to do while you are in Destin for the festival, check out the Salt Water Vacations blog at saltwatervacay.com/blog.  

Do you still have questions about the event? Check out the Destin Seafood Festival website for additional information. 

Photo: Destin Seafood Festival

Published on Tuesday, September 10, 2019