2004 Event/Dates for Local Events

March

Spring Splash
Celebrate the spring with a collection of frivolous festivities for families, couples and beach-bound spring splashes.

World Championship Cobia Tournament
As thousands of cobia from the Caribbean travel to upper Gulf waters to spawn, they come closest to shore in the shallow emerald waters. Over a two-month span, 15,000 fishing fanatics enjoy the best sport fishing in the country while spectators watch weigh-ins in amazement.

April

Destin Underwater Easter Egg Hunt
Holiday hidings require certified SCUBA searching for multi-colored golf balls or Easter eggs in the crystal-clear emerald waters, creating a fantastic coastal competition for skilled divers and seaside onlookers alike.

Fort Walton Beach Seafood Festival
A time capsule of the first beach daze, seafaring is celebrated oldies-style with a vintage car show, '60's rock 'n roll and arts and crafts antics'. Savory seafood specialties span the spectrum from shrimp-on-a-stick to buckets of steamed crab claws.

4-Player Volleyball Tournament
Get "set" for one of the largest four-player beach volleyball tournaments in the United States-more than 1,200 players bump and spike on the sugar white shores as sunglass-donned supporters scatter the beach for sun bronzing and big scores.

May

Destin Mayfest May
The spirit of the bayou drifts down the Gulf as trumpets, saxophones and clarinets "smoke" along the harbor with Louisiana lust. Cajun concoctions of soft-shelled crawfish on eggplant, Creole jambalaya and spicy gumbo are devoured among art-deco designs.

Summer Beach Ball Blast 2000
A bounty of beach options for adventurers seeking a world of surf, sand and summer fun for kids of all ages.

June

Billy Bowlegs Festival
Ruffian pirates aboard 300 flag-flying fleets invade the harbor to "capture" the Emerald Coast in honor of local pirate legend Billy Bowlegs. The week-long buccaneer bash features the largest fireworks display in Northwest Florida, Moonlit Iron man Triathlon, Sundown Kiddies Triathlon, coastal treasure hunts, torchlight parades and more.

July

Twin Cities Salute of America
From dusk to dawn the day is full of patriotic activities starting with the annual 500 meter/5K biathlon. Fourth of July in the sun follows at Lincoln Park with lakeside picnics, children's games and a fireworks extravaganza over the Boggy Bayou.

August

Dog Days Open Billfish Tournament
Sights are set on intense competition as game fish buffs gather in the "Billfish Capital of the World." Boatloads of big blues, white marlin, sailfish and festivities are reeled in daily.

Indian Summer 2000
Land and sea lovers alike discover the special fall colors of the Emerald Coast, while tempting temperatures and gentle autumn breezes bring seashore solitude.

September

Race Around The Island
Smooth sailing as top notch competitors set course for a head-to-head marathon around beautiful Okaloosa Island. More than 100 participants race a multitude of gloriously colored sailboats during the 20th annual event. Spectators gather in watchful suspense on local bridges and gulf side piers to view the 100 mile endurance event.

October

Destin Fishing Rodeo
The 51 year tradition of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" attracts thousands of eager anglers around the world to comb inshore, offshore, bays and bayous for a month-long fishing frenzy. the tourney offers more than 450 awards and giant dock parties with thrills for first-time fishermen as well as seasoned "old salts."

Destin Seafood Festival
To kick off the world-renowned Fishing Rodeo, more than 50,000 seafood aficionados savor every deep-water dish imaginable, from shark kabobs and barbecued shrimp to fried alligator and crawfish cheese bread. Overlooking the harbor and gulf in Destin, toe-tapping entertainment, crafts and curiosities fill the playful weekend.

Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival
The local's favorite, thousands flock to this event each year in search of food, fun, entertainment, arts and crafts and delicious mullet.

International Golf Tournament Mid
The famed links of Bluewater Bay entice a select 190 invitees from 35 nations from England to Egypt. Although more entrants sport handicaps above 20 than below, the unusual invitational boasts a prestigious roster with world renowned sports stars like German super golfer Willi Hofman.

Okaloosa County Fair
The 34th annual boot-scootin' boogie festival features live country and western favorites, livestock judging, antique car displays and art exhibits. Rip-roaring rides and whimsical attractions amuse all ages.

December

Christmas Boat Parade
Starring the largest charter fleet in Florida, a sparkling procession of festively bedecked boats parade through Destin harbor as mesmerized celebrants observe merrily from beaches, harbors, bridges, decks and docks.

Holiday Lights
Holiday cheer and celebration abound at the gulf Breeze Zoo with merry visits from Santa Claus, a revelry of twinkling Christmas lights and a New Year's Eve winter wonderland with fantasy snow.

Area Attractions

Beaches
The Emerald Coast is home to some of the worlds most beautiful beaches.

Fishing
Destin is the world's luckiest fishing village.

Golfing
The Emerald Coast has some of the Nations best Golf Courses.

Shopping
There are exceptional shopping opportunities in Seaside, Gulf Place, Sandestin and Silver Sands.

Dinning
On the more serious dining side, you'll find some of Florida's finest restaurants.

Recreation
Enjoy all the recreational activities the Emerald Coast has to offer.

Diving
Exceptional exploring close inshore as the 100 Fathom curve draws closer to Destin than to any other spot on the Gulf.

Events
The Emerald Cost is known for the many events and festivals it hosts - learn about them here.