Attractions Page

Annual Events:

From peg-legged, patch-eyed pirate parties to scrumptious, seaside seafood-fests -- Destin · Fort Walton Beach · Okaloosa Island feature a continuous calendar of festival fun. Whether it's tantalizing taste buds with deep-water delectables, taming the winds with a multi-colored medley of sails or reeling in the really big ones from the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," beach town bashes are a Northern Gulf coast specialty.

SPRING SPLASH .... MARCH - MAY
Celebrate the spring with a collection of frivolous festivities for families, couples and beach-bound spring splashers.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COBIA TOURNAMENT .... MARCH - APRIL
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.

FORT WALTON BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL .... APRIL
A time capsule of the first beach daze, seafaring is celebrated oldies-style with a vintage car show, '60s 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.

FOUR-PLAYER VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENTS .... APRIL
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.

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..... JUNE - AUGUST
A bounty of beach options for adventurers seeking a world of surf, sand and summer fun for kids of all ages.

BILLY BOWLEGS FESTIVAL .... JUNE
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 Ironman Triathlon, Sundown Kiddie Triathlon, coastal treasure hunts, torchlight parades and more!

TWIN CITIES SALUTE OF AMERICA .... JULY
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.

DOG DAYS OPEN BILLFISH TOURNAMENT .... AUGUST
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 2002 .... SEPT. - DEC.
Land and sea lovers alike discover the special fall colors of the Emerald Coast, while tempting temperatures and gentle autumn breezes bring seashore solitude.

RACE AROUND THE ISLAND .... SEPTEMBER
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 21st annual event. Spectators gather in watchful suspense on local bridges and gulf side piers to view the 100 mile endurance event.

DESTIN FISHING RODEO .... OCTOBER
The 52-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 .... OCTOBER
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.

THE INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT .... OCTOBER
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.

NORTHWEST FLORIDA FAIR .... OCTOBER
The 35th 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.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS .... DECEMBER
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.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE .... DECEMBER
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.