7 Must-Attend Summer Events in Destin, FL

Witness the shores of Destin, FL come alive as the excitement of summer buzzes throughout the city. Picture yourself casting a line along with fellow anglers or preparing your taste buds for a burst of unforgettable flavors at various food festivals. As the sun sets, you grab a beach chair and head to the harbor to watch fireworks and listen to live music.

From Fourth of July celebrations to beachside hangouts, Destin’s summer calendar is bursting with events. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a family looking for fun activities, these summer events promise to make your vacation a blast! Check out the list of Destin summer events below–which adventure will you choose next?

Summer Slam Fishing Tournament

The 6th annual Summer Slam fishing tournament returns to Destin, inviting you to register and become a member of the leaderboard! For eight weeks, you’ll be able to submit your catches of Red Snapper and Wahoo with bonus points for Black Snapper, Red Grouper, and King Mackerel species. Head over to the Boathouse Oyster Bar where the scales are open daily to get your name on the board. Register for this fun tournament online while spots are still available!

• When: June 1 - July 31
• Where: Boathouse Oyster Bar,  288 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

4th of July Celebration in Fort Walton Beach & Okaloosa Boardwalk Fireworks

Head over to Fort Walton Beach Landing to experience fireworks, live music, and food vendors. Celebrate a day early at the boardwalk of Okaloosa Island for fireworks at 9pm. Enjoy the show as the fireworks light up the night sky!

• When: Okaloosa Fireworks: July 3rd @ 9 pm | Fort Walton Beach Landing: July 4th from 5pm - 9pm
• Where: Fort Walton Beach Landing, 131 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32547

 4th of July Concert & Celebration in Destin, FL

Enjoy a series of concerts during the Fourth of July celebration at HarborWalk Village. This year’s lineup includes performances from Vintage Fly Over and Manly Hero Band. After the exciting concert, stick around for fireworks and fire spinning by Autumn Lyfe. Check out the full lineup below: 

- Reid Soria with Autism Sings LLC | 6:30 PM
- Vintage Fly Over I 6:45 PM
- Manly Hero Band | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- FIREWORKS & Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe | 9:00PM

• When: July 4 | 6pm
• Where: HarborWalk Village, 34 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Beat the Heat Concert Series

Enjoy live music and drink samples during the Beat the Heat Concert series. Each Saturday from June 1 to August 10, you’ll enjoy the live music from different bands, so grab a beach chair, a blanket, and join the community for the show! See the full lineup below:

- June 1: The Aces
- June 8: Saint Social
- June 15: Shane Curl Trip
- June 22: Funky Lamp Shades
- June 29: BRBs
- July 6: Almost Famous
- July 13: Paris Avenue (New Orleans Band)
- July 20: Boukou Groove

More Dates TBA!

• When: Saturdays from June 1 - Aug 10, 2024 | 7pm - 9pm
• Where: HarborWalk Village 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541

All American Thursday

Every Thursday during the summer in Destin, you can watch a one-of-a-kind airshow, a hero salute, live shows, and a fireworks show! Celebrate the US and show your support for our troops during All American Thursdays. Head over to the HarborWalk Village to enjoy music from Band of Revival; the Hero Salute and air show start at 6:30pm and fireworks will light up the sky around 9pm! Check out the dates below:

• When: Every Thursday from May 30 - August 8, 2024 @ 6pm
• Where: HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin, Florida 32541

Summer of Seltzer Fest

The inaugural Summer of Seltzer Fest makes its way to Fort Walton Beach this August! This 21+ event promises an unforgettable celebration of fizzy beverages with live music and fun on the  beach. Sample both locally and nationally known brands like Palm Folly, Good Boy Vodka, and more! Expand your palette by sampling hard teas, mocktail, and other delicious drinks under the Florida sun. Get tickets online to secure your spot to experience this event for the first time.

• When: Aug 24, 2024 | 1pm - 4pm
• Where: The Beach Patio @ The Island Resort

Burgers, Bourbon, & Beer Festival

Come to the Destin Harbor for the mouthwatering Burgers, Bourbon, & Beer Festival to dive into flavorful burgers and sip delicious brews. Find the perfect pairing and vote on the best burger! Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast with over $60,000 raised in the last three years. Purchase festival tickets online or sign up to compete in this exciting competition.

• When: Sept 21, 2024 | 12pm - 3pm
• Where: 210 Harbor Blvd. Destin, FL 32541

Where to Stay During Your Destin Summer Vacation

As you plan your summer getaway to Destin, FL, consider making Sterling Sands your home away from home. Our prime beachfront location puts you minutes away from top attractions, local restaurants, and more importantly, these Destin summer events! When you book with Sterling Sands Vacation Rentals, you’ll relax in a spacious Destin condo with stunning Gulf views and resort-style amenities. Relax at the pool or break a sweat at the fitness center to ensure you’re comfortable during your stay. Don’t miss out on these Destin summer events–book the perfect vacation condo rental at Sterling Sands!