Celebrate spring on Florida's Emerald Coast with classic car shows, jazz festivals, wine tastings, kite displays, and more. Here's your guide to the best annual events in Destin and beyond.
From the Colorado Rockies and the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to the Emerald Coast, spring is a magical time wherever you choose to go on vacation, especially if you plan your visit around local events.
Is Destin on your itinerary for a spring getaway? The "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" isn't just a summer paradise. As the breeze picks up and the palm trees start to sway, spring rolls in with a lively mix of events for locals and visitors.
Want a quick glimpse of the fun? Here you go:
- Burning Up the Beaches: Classic car show meets beach bash with cruises, music, and retro flair.
- Paradise Music Festival: Weekend music fest with a genre-spanning lineup at the Destin-FWB Convention Center.
- Sandestin Wine Festival: Four days of global wine tastings and food events in Baytowne Wharf.
- Sea Breeze Jazz Festival: Smooth jazz under the stars in Panama City Beach with concerts and after-parties.
- Fly into Spring Kite Festival: Two-day kite fest on Okaloosa Island with massive kites and family fun.
- SoWal Wine Festival: South Walton's wine fest with boutique tastings and a community vibe.
- Memorial Day Weekend at HarborWalk Village: Live music, fireworks, and air shows kick off summer at the harbor.
- Digital Graffiti Festival: 21+ nighttime art event with digital projections, food, and drinks in Alys Beach.
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. If you're looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we offer a wide range of options to suit every preference.
As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast; from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides, it's all there.
Below, I've rounded up a list of some of the best spring events in Destin so you can enjoy this delightful season at its best in the Sunshine State.
Let's dive in!
1. BURNING UP THE BEACHES (March)
Burning Up the Beaches is Destin's ultimate throwback weekend for car lovers and beachgoers alike. Picture classic rides, good vibes, beachfront parties, and a whole lot of chrome. It's part road trip, part party, and all about the community. Whether you're into vintage wheels or just here for the music and sunshine, it's a blast from start to finish.
Highlights
- Kickoff vibes: Early packet pickup and on-site registration get the weekend rolling.
- Cruise stops: Explore cool local spots at your own pace with your driver's handbook in hand.
- Beach Bash: Themed dinner party with live music, shared stories, and laid-back fun.
- Car Show Central: Destin Commons fills with classic cars, colorful paint jobs, and retro flair.
- Final lap: Valve cover races, award ceremonies, and a DJ spinning tunes to wrap it all up.
2. Paradise Music Festival (March)
Set your calendar for a melodious rendezvous at the Paradise Music Festival, a captivating musical event hosted in the heart of Florida's Emerald Coast. Hosted at the sprawling Destin-Ft. Walton Beach Convention Center, the festival offers an enticing roster of auditory delights, curated from a myriad of genres and artistic styles. It's a gathering that brings the musical virtuosos and fans together, painting a vibrant sonic landscape spanning across a full weekend.
Highlights
- Weekend lineup: Runs Friday to Sunday with nonstop performances from rising stars and seasoned pros.
- All styles welcome: Rock, pop, blues, and more—there's something for every musical taste.
- Top-notch venue: Hosted at the Destin-FWB Convention Center with room to roam and great acoustics.
- Food on-site: No outside snacks allowed, but tasty eats and drinks are available thanks to Aramark.
- Hosted by a pro: Organized by Rik Wolfe, the voice behind 100.3 KROCK.
3. SANDESTIN WINE FESTIVAL (April)
Uncork the magic at the iconic Sandestin Wine Festival, where sun-kissed shores and opulent bouquets of fine wine converge in a symphony of taste and celebration. This prestigious event, hosted at the scenic Village of Baytowne Wharf within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, is a time-honored tradition that boasts four days of exquisite wining and dining. Bringing together wine enthusiasts, foodies, and sunshine lovers, the festival offers an unrivaled opportunity to indulge in the rich diversity of wines from around the globe, all in the lap of coastal luxury.
Highlights
- Four days of wine bliss: Tastings, vineyard stories, and laid-back elegance from start to finish
- Scenic setting: Walk the waterfront village with a wine glass in hand and sunshine on your shoulders
- Special events: Includes exclusive dinners like Roberto's Santa Margherita Dinner and a festive Farewell Brunch
- Global variety: Sample wines from around the world and meet the makers behind the bottles
- Perfect pairing: Great wine, coastal views, and a weekend that tastes as good as it feels
4. SEABREEZE JAZZ FESTIVAL (April)
If smooth jazz, sea breeze, and sunshine sound like your thing, the Sea Breeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach delivers. Set at the beautiful Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, this annual fest brings together jazz greats and fans from all over. With concerts under the open sky, after-parties, and even jazz cruises, it's a full-on celebration of the genre wrapped in coastal charm.
Highlights
- Big names, smooth sounds: A lineup packed with jazz legends and rising stars.
- Open-air venue: Held at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater with great sound, great views, and great vibes.
- More than music: After-parties, themed cruises, and exclusive artist appearances
- Flexible fun: Set times may shift, but the quality never misses a beat.
- Full weekend experience: Come for the music, stay for the community and good energy.
5. FLY INTO SPRING KITE FESTIVAL (April)
Every spring, the skies over Fort Walton Beach burst into color during the Fly into Spring Kite Festival. Hosted by Kitty Hawk Kites at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, this two-day event brings giant kites, ocean breezes, and family fun to the Emerald Coast. It's playful, free-spirited, and perfect for all ages. If you're into sky-sized pandas and octopuses, you're in for a treat.
Highlights
- Massive show kites: Think 100-foot octopus, 80-foot panda, 50-foot gator.
- Stunt kite demos: Watch the pros pull off gravity-defying tricks in the sky.
- Free flying lessons: Great for first-timers looking to launch their own kite.
- Family-friendly vibe: Join the community fun fly, snap some photos, and enjoy laid-back activities the whole crew will love.
- Bonus fun: Extra activities and surprises inside the Kitty Hawk Kites store.
6. SoWal Wine Festival (April)
The SoWal Wine Festival is a beloved South Walton tradition that blends great wine with good company and a big heart. Held across four days, this event brings the community together with boutique wine tastings, beachside vibes, and a mission to give back. Whether you're a seasoned sipper or just wine-curious, it's the perfect mix of flavor and feel-good fun.
Highlights
- Four-day celebration: A packed lineup of tastings, events, and curated wine experiences
- Philanthropy in every pour: Proceeds support local causes, so each glass gives back
- Scenic setting: Set in the charming communities of South Walton with a relaxed coastal vibe
- Boutique and bold: Sample unique selections from top vineyards and small-batch producers
- Community spirit: A chance to connect, unwind, and toast to something meaningful
7. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATIONS (May)
HarborWalk Village in Destin knows how to launch summer the right way, and Memorial Day Weekend is when it all begins. With live music, vintage air shows, fireworks, and a Silent Disco under the stars, this weekend-long celebration brings high energy and heartfelt moments together in one unforgettable spot. It's the ultimate kickoff to beach season on the Emerald Coast.
Highlights
- Live music by the water: Evening concerts with big energy and a stunning harbor backdrop.
- Air show and tribute: Vintage planes soar overhead during a moving remembrance ceremony.
- Fireworks and fire spinning: The night sky glows with color and coastal flair.
- Silent Disco: Dance under the stars with headsets and good vibes on Captain's Deck.
- All-day access: On-site parking fee includes same-day re-entry for flexible fun.
8. DIGITAL GRAFFITI FESTIVAL (May)
Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach isn't your typical art festival. It's where bold digital art meets stunning architecture in one of the most visually striking events on the Emerald Coast. Think glowing projections, immersive tech, and a touch of coastal elegance. With incredible food and drinks rounding out the night, this 21+ experience is pure magic for art lovers and design geeks alike.
Highlights
- Open-air digital art: Cutting-edge projections light up Alys Beach's iconic white walls.
- Immersive installations: Explore interactive pieces that blur the lines between art and tech.
- Adult-only affair: A curated 21+ event with a sophisticated, all-inclusive vibe.
- Culinary meets creative: Sip and savor offerings from top chefs, winemakers, and brewers.
- Alys Beach after dark: Walk the glowing streets in a one-of-a-kind art experience under the stars.
Experience the Best of the Emerald Coast
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