Beaches will reopen May 1st

The beaches will reopen May 1st in the Destin-30A-Fort Walton-Navarre area. The pristine white sands can once again be enjoyed as things head back to normal. While it has been difficult times for everyone, Salt Water Vacations wants to remind you that better days are ahead and your beach destination is waiting for you to Vacay Your Way! Here is a list of some of the events in the area that are still scheduled, however you may want to check as the dates get closer so you can book Sandestin vacation rentals.

May 6th – Aug 26th
Wednesday Night Concert Series –
This summer sit back and relax, as you take in the cool crisp air, and enjoy live entertainment at Baytowne Wharf. The concert series will feature both local and regional talent from a variety of genres. Concert begins at 7pm on the Events Plaza Stage and the cost is free.

May 14th
Bubbly Baytowne –
An evening full of FREE champagne and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne. Sip and Shop through the village streets from 5pm – 7pm! Stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. Event is free and for 21 and older only. The Village will be open to the public during this event.

May 21st – Jun 25th
Concerts in the Village –
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation hosts one of the most popular summer events in Destin for over 20 years. Set aside Thursday nights for their outdoor concert series at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Kids have plenty of room to run on the expansive green and village playground at this family friendly event. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy music under the night sky – or opt for fresh food-truck fare prepared onsite by local restaurants.

May 26th – Aug 11th
Fat Tuesday Parade –
Who wants some beads?! Enjoy Fat Tuesday, every Tuesday during the summer as HarborWalk Village transforms into “The Big Easy”. Enjoy dazzling floats, colorful costumes, street performers, and float riders tossing handfuls of beads and swag. Enjoy live music from Fais Do Do on the main stage before the parade 6:30-8:30pm. Parade Rolls at 8:30pm followed by fire-spinning from Just Add Fire on the Main Stage! Event runs weekly from May 26th - August 11th.

Jun 5th, 6th & 8th
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival -
Avast! Set sail for the Fort Walton Beach Landing this June to pillage and plunder. Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival has been celebrated for over 60 years, and it always starts with a skirmish and ends with a torchlight parade. Wander the Pirates Village, enjoying all sorts of grub and grog. Food vendors are on deck with everything from ice cream to seafood. Vendors showcase glass art, clothing, jewelry, trinkets, and the like. The festival has plenty for the little scallywags to get up to. With carnival style games and the Kid’s Discovery Zone featuring rock climbing walls and bouncy houses, Billy Bowlegs is a blast for the whole family. The festivities take to the high seas with hundreds of boats lining the mile-long sandbar next to the Okaloosa Island bridge, where a melting pot of people have made their way to the Emerald Coast on a mission: pillage, plunder, and drink rum.

Jun 17th – 21st
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic –
Held at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the 18th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic is a premier sport-fishing tournament which draws record crowds. Big fish and big money prizes have made the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic an event you don’t want to miss. Baytowne Marina is the place to be for two days of exciting weigh-ins as anglers vie for nearly $2 million in prizes. There will be nightly entertainment and activities, as well as a live cooking demonstration, fireworks, and live music. Admission is free and open to the public. To a full schedule and to learn more about the event, visit https://www.fishecbc.com.

Jul 4th
Red, White & Baytowne –
Kick off the Fourth of July holiday at the Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival at Destin Commons. Local restaurants and BBQ enthusiasts will light up their grills to prepare their best dishes all for a great cause. Sample mouth-watering BBQ dishes hot off the grill. Kids activities, street performers, and live music keep the party going. End the night with a patriotic firework display. Each year, Smoke on the Coast raises tens of thousands of dollars to benefit local charities.

Aug 8th
Emerald Coast Poker Run - The Original. The Big One. The Emerald Coast Poker Run is the crown jewel of Boat Week on the Emerald Coast. Powerboats, fishing boats, and pleasure boats fill the waterways each August for one of the largest charity poker runs in the country. This summer event in Destin has been held along our beautiful waters for over 25 years. All proceeds from Emerald Coast Boat Week and Poker Run go directly to the Emerald Coast Foundation, benefiting local children’s charities.

Aug 15th
Paddle at the Porch -
Paddle at the Porch showcases the beautiful emerald green water and white sandy shores of Destin, Florida, behind one of its most beloved restaurants, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster Bar. It features a Kids' Fun Paddle, 1-Mile Beginner Ride, 3-Mile Recreational Race, and 6-Mile Elite Race. Races will be followed by awards. Visit PaddleAtThePorch.com for details. 


August 20th
Bubbly Baytowne –
An evening full of FREE champagne and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne. Sip and Shop through the village streets from 5pm – 7pm! Stop in various retail merchants as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. Event is free and for 21 and older only. The Village will be open to the public during this event.

Published on Thursday, April 23, 2020