One of the most striking locations in Florida, the Emerald Coast is known for its striking scenery, white sandy beaches, and clear blue-green water. It has rightly earned its name and shining reputation for being a paradise of natural beauty. The coast is made up of 100 miles and encompasses places such as Destin, Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton, and more.
With a plethora of beautiful nature trails, exquisite views, and exciting things to do, Emerald Coast is the perfect spot to discover the house of your dreams. It is the perfect place to enjoy the day swimming, exploring the local community, and sampling the mouthwatering cuisine from local eateries.
Another fantastic feature is the diverse array of food festivals in the area. These thrilling events attract visitors from all across the country and offer delicious selections of food. The prime spot for foodies, Emerald Coast is an ideal destination! So gather your family and friends and come to one of these amazing coastal events.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Nothing quite says celebrating the arrival of autumn like enjoying a harvest festival with your family and friends. Located at the neighboring Miramar Beach, this four-day festival includes wine dinners, food samplings, and much more. This is the perfect event for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and anyone who likes an amazing meal.
Attendees are invited to enjoy a variety of exciting events. Beginning on Thursday, there is a wonderful wine dinner as well as intriguing workshops facilitated by top-notch chefs. Friday features the Black Sheep Tequila Dinner, the Celebrity Wine Dinner, and more. On Saturday, you can enjoy the famous Grand Tasting which consists of various wine and food stations. There are dishes of barbeque, seafood, appetizers, and more.
On Sunday, there is the Better Together Brunch. This fun-loving cocktail brunch features absolutely delicious food and exquisite drinks. If guests are unable to attend in person, they are cordially invited to sign up and join the silent auction online. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a good cause and support the spirit of this acclaimed harvest festival.
30A Wine
One of the most sought-after events in the area, this wine and food festival is one you simply won’t want to miss! Taking place over a five-day period, it features the best selection of drinks and favorite dishes made by incredibly talented local chefs. Proceeds go to the top-notch charity called Children’s Volunteer Health Network which provides healthcare to children in need in the community.
30A Wine starts on Wednesday with an elegant dinner consisting of four courses. On Thursday, guests have the opportunity to attend either a Rum Dinner or Oyster and Champagne gathering. Whichever meal you choose, you and your crew are certain to be delighted. Both meals offer amazing food with the freshest ingredients and the perfect amount of seasoning.
Friday features a mixology workshop followed by live music, delicious barbecue, and good old-fashioned fun. You can experience some seriously good drinks at the classic bourbon tasting. On Saturday, you and your friends can enjoy food tastings and a silent auction filled with fascinating treasures. Last but not least, Sunday finishes off the event perfectly with a lively music sing-along, more amazing food, and the renowned croquet tournament which takes place every year.
This warm and friendly setting is the perfect way to make memories with your loved ones and sample fantastic culinary achievements, as well. The festival is from Wednesday, February 23rd through Sunday, February 27th. Tickets go on sale to the public on November 1st.
Eggs on the Beach
The exciting 7th annual Eggs on the Beach festival returns for another season of delicious fare. Taking place during the month of October, this celebratory gathering attracts people from all across the country who are passionate about cooking on the Big Green Egg. This special smoker and grill combination makes everything taste better, and that is exactly what this special festival is all about: cooking and eating amazing food. Both cooks and tasters are welcome to join in the fun.
The festival features live music, sizzling dishes of cuisine, and exciting and competitive contests. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Eggs on the Beach is hosted at the beautiful Seascape Resort in nearby Miramar Beach.
Additionally, attending this festival is a great way to support a good cause and give back to the community. Proceeds from the event will go to two fantastic nonprofits, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought. Tickets are available to purchase on the website.
The Sandestin Gumbo Festival
Known for being one of the biggest and most popular food events on the Emerald Coast, this beloved gumbo festival is an absolute must-attend. This terrific two-day festival starts with the classic Seafood Boil and ends with live music and cook-off contests. You can vote for your favorite gumbo and find out who the legendary winner is!
Going on its 32nd year, this acclaimed event offers scrumptious fare. There is seafood, boiled potatoes, corn on the cob, sausage, and much more. You can also enjoy amazing drinks, live music, and fun activities for the kids.
This is a great way to create special memories with your family and have some quality bonding time together. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for this fun festival!
Seeing Red Wine
There is nothing quite like kicking back and sipping on a fine glass of wine. Taking place in November, SRWF is the perfect opportunity to make cherished memories with friends and enjoy great drinks at the same time. This event encourages guests to experience the delicious pop-up food spots and daily wine tastings.
Here you and your crew can also enjoy live music performances from local bands, special dinners put on by restaurants, intriguing vendors, and much more. This is a fun way to try new drinks and make friends along the way. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this classy and exciting festival!
Food Truck & Craft Beer
Located at Panama City Beach, this delicious event takes place 60 minutes away from Emerald Coast. With its diverse variety of food trucks and amazing drinks, there is plenty to love about this fantastic two-day festival. It features spectacular cuisine such as chicken wings, sizzling BBQ, mouthwatering desserts, delicious pizzas, and more. Here you will discover brews from local favorites such as Fundamental Beverage, Gulf Coast Brewery, and much more.
This family-friendly event offers outdoor games, exciting contests, a bouncy house for the kids, competitive ax throwing, and some classic face painting. You can dance and sing along to the music provided by the DJ. Gather your family and friends together and mark this festival on your calendar.
Trust us, you won’t want to miss this scrumptious food and friendly fun. Whether it is rain or shine, there is no stopping this fun-loving extravaganza! Guests are invited to reserve their tickets online.
Baytowne Beer Fest
The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin puts on this marvelous October beer fest. It features over 200 craft beers and a diverse array of food from local restaurants and vendors. Guests can try delicious drinks, experience tasty cuisine, and enjoy live music performances.
This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. Together you can bask in the sights, visit the different vendors, and eat to your heart’s content. This classic beer fest takes place annually and specializes in drinks from a plethora of excellent breweries. Oh, and don’t forget to snap some fun photos and bring your jacket! Tickets are limited so make sure you purchase yours today.
Tequila & Tacos
Located at the luxurious Sandestin resort, the 8th annual taco festival is a beloved tradition among locals and tourists alike. Originally started in 2014, this festival has become largely popular and attracts guests from all over the state.
Here, there is a plethora of fun and entertaining activities for the whole family. You and your crew can enjoy delicious food from a variety of vendors and eateries, face painting, live music performances, riveting games, and the legendary nacho-eating contests. Oh and don’t forget, the unlimited tacos and great drinks!
Whether you are coming for a day visit or a weekend vacation, you won’t want to miss this thrilling experience. The T&T Fest takes place in the spring. A portion of the proceeds goes to stellar organizations such as Fisher House, Sandestin Foundation for Kids, and the Boys & Girls Club.
Are you interested in exploring Emerald Coast real estate? If so, contact Melissa Clements today. As an expert in homes for sale in the Emerald Coast area, she and her professional team will walk you through the house-buying process to help you find your perfect dream home.