Fall is one of the best times to visit Destin and the surrounding Emerald Coast. Warm Gulf weather, a busy local calendar, and seasonal food, drink, and arts festivals give visitors plenty of reasons to plan an autumn getaway.
From waterfront food festivals to one of the area’s leading art celebrations, these Destin events offer something for couples, families, and groups of friends. Here are four fall events worth adding to your vacation plans.
Burgers, Bourbon, & Beer Festival
The Burgers, Bourbon, & Beer Festival combines great food with a good cause. The festival is scheduled in September at 210 Harbor Boulevard in Destin. Guests can sample burgers prepared by participating chefs while enjoying bourbon and cold beer. The chefs also compete to see who can serve up one of the Emerald Coast’s best burgers. Even better, the event supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. The festival reports raising more than $70,000 during its first five years.
If you want convenient access to Destin Harbor and other local attractions throughout your trip, consider staying in one of our Destin vacation rentals.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival
For a more refined fall outing, make plans for the Harvest Wine & Food Festival. The celebration usually takes place in October in WaterColor along Scenic Highway 30A. Hosted by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, this four-day event features wine dinners, tastings, cocktails, and special culinary experiences. The Grand Tasting is one of the signature attractions, giving attendees an opportunity to explore wines and food selections in a relaxed coastal setting.
Proceeds help support children in need throughout Northwest Florida, making this event both enjoyable and meaningful.
Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest
Beer fans should put the Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on their fall itinerary. The annual festival is typically planned for October at The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin. Experience the Baytowne Backyard Bash, with beer, bourbon, food, football, bonfires, and live music. Saturday’s Grand Craft Beer Tasting features a large selection of domestic and international beers, along with brewery representatives, food, and entertainment.
Guests must be at least 21 to enter the ticketed festival events. Staying nearby in Miramar Beach can make it easier to explore Sandestin, Destin, and the surrounding coast without a long drive back to your rental.
MKAF Festival of the Arts
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Festival of the Arts is a longtime Destin fall tradition. Held at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, the annual festival brings together original artwork, live entertainment, artist demonstrations, children’s activities, and local food. Past festivals have featured more than 100 artists working in mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, glass, mixed media, and jewelry. It is an especially good choice for families or travelers looking for an activity beyond the beach.
Plan Your Visit
Experience Fall in Destin and book directly today!
Final Thoughts
Destin’s fall calendar makes it easy to pair beach time with local food, art, and entertainment. You can sample burgers in September, explore wine and craft beer festivals in October, or spend a day discovering regional artists.
Visitors who want to explore Destin while staying close to Fort Walton Beach attractions can explore our Destin FL vacation rentals. With fewer peak-summer crowds and plenty happening along the coast, fall can be an excellent time for an Emerald Coast vacation.
Book Your Destin Rental with Beach Blue Properties
Make Beach Blue Properties your home base for a fall getaway to the Emerald Coast. Our vacation homes and condos offer comfortable accommodations near beaches, restaurants, shopping, and popular seasonal events. We specialize in personalized service and carefully managed vacation rentals throughout Destin, Miramar Beach, Okaloosa Island, Sandestin, and 30A. Browse our Destin rentals and start planning a fall trip filled with Gulf views, local experiences, and time to relax.
