Every fall, locals and visitors alike gather along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk for one of the Emerald Coast’s most anticipated events—the Destin Seafood Festival. This beloved tradition has been celebrating the area’s rich fishing heritage and vibrant coastal culture for over four decades. And as locals, we’ll let you in on a little secret: while the seafood is the star of the show, it’s the energy of the harbor, the music in the air, and the sense of community that truly make this festival unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a seasoned attendee looking to level up your experience, here’s everything you need to know about the Destin Seafood Festival.

A Celebration of Destin’s Fishing Roots

Destin isn’t called The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village for nothing. The festival originally began in 1978 as a way to honor the local commercial fishing fleet and kick off the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo (which runs the entire month of October). Today, the Destin Seafood Festival stretches over three days bringing together a blend of incredible food, local vendors, art, and live music.

Dates & Details

The 2025 Destin Seafood Festival will take place:

September 26 – 28, 2025
Destin Harbor Boardwalk
Admission: Free (but bring money for food, drinks, and shopping)

The festival is a mile long, spanning from Harborwalk Village to Heron Harbor, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a stroller for little ones! Check the official festival site or social media pages closer to the event for updates on music lineups, vendor maps, and shuttle schedules.

Elevate Your Experience with VIP Tickets

While the event is free to attend, there is the option to purchase VIP tickets. This exclusive area will feature over 25 food samples from local restaurants and chefs on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm). You’ll also have access to a cash bar, Bacardi Blender Bikes, private bathrooms, separate music stage, seating area, and TVs playing football (because, duh, it’s a fall weekend in the South!). The smaller setting offers more of a “local” vibe and the opportunity to taste many dishes, including appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Plus social media star and Cajun Two Step founder, Stalekracker will be on stage inside the VIP area on Sunday at 1:30pm. I personally recommend this route if you’re looking to experience dishes from multiple restaurants rather than having to pay for a full dish at each vendor you want to try.

What to Expect

Food, Glorious Food

Pop-up vendors and local restaurants will be serving up fresh-caught Gulf seafood in just about every form imaginable—grilled, blackened, fried, on a stick, in tacos, over pasta, you name it. Vegetarian and non-seafood options are also available. You can savor your seafood as you continue to walk around the festival or grab a seat in the dining tent by Bortula’s.

Music & Entertainment

You’ll find five stages scattered along the harbor with live music playing all day and night. From local cover bands to regional rock, country, and blues artists, there’s always a great beat to walk to as you browse. The VIP area has an exclusive stage, plus Boathouse Oyster Bar and SkyBar at The Edge host live music as well.

Arts, Crafts & Local Vendors

In between food stops, browse through rows of local artisans selling handmade jewelry, coastal-themed art, woodwork, photography, and unique souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind piece to remember your trip or support a small business.

Family-Friendly Vibes

The Destin Seafood Festival is fun for the whole family. There is a Kids Zone with games, face painting, treats, crafts, and other activities for little ones. Previous years have included sand art, painting rocks, decorating cookies, and more. Plus, there is just so much to see and explore—from boats and birds to food and performers (like clowns and balloon artists). I highly recommend bringing a stroller because the festival is one mile long, so those little legs will get tired quickly. Let’s just say my kids slept really well after attending last year!

Parking & Local Tips

While there is public parking nearby, finding a spot during the festival can be tricky. Thankfully there is a free shuttle service from the Morgan Sports Complex to the Harbor that makes it really easy! There are multiple shuttles, so the wait is never too long and it’ll drop you off right in the action. Here are some more tips:

• Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag parking.
• Consider rideshare or shuttle services—especially during peak hours.
• Park and walk: If you’re staying near the Harbor, walking or biking in is your best bet.
• Cash is king: While many vendors accept cards, it’s smart to have cash on hand for smaller booths or faster transactions.
• Don’t miss the fireworks at 9pm on Saturday
• The festival is also dog-friendly (must be on a leash, and not permitted in VIP area)

The Destin Seafood Festival is more than just a food event—it’s a celebration of who we are as a community. It’s where we gather to honor our fishing roots, reconnect with friends, and share our local flavors with the world. So come hungry, wear comfy shoes, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

See you on the Harbor!

Photos by Jamie Kamber Photography. If you need photos for an upcoming event or branding photos for your business, contact me here!