9 Can’t-Miss Summer Events in Destin FL
Destin, FL is the ultimate summer vacation destination! Located on the Emerald Coast, our charming city boasts lovely weather, breathtaking beaches, and a variety of fun seasonal events. The majority of Destin’s summertime festivities are free to attend and many of them are held on a weekly basis. To help you make the most of your next getaway, the Henderson Park Inn has put together a guide to nine summer events in Destin FL that you don’t want to miss.
1. Memorial Day Celebrations
Destin starts off the summer season with a bang! Over Memorial Day Weekend, the HarborWalk Village will host free concerts from 7 – 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday night, the celebration will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is another popular Memorial Day destination. This fantastic shopping and dining venue will also have live music from 7 – 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a patriotic fireworks finale on Sunday evening.
2. Concerts in the Village
In May and June, the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village hosts a great selection of concerts from touring musical groups. Many of the bands are tribute acts that capture the spirit of iconic artists like the Beatles, Tom Petty, and Prince. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.
3. Fat Tuesday Parades
From the end of May through mid-August, the HarborWalk Village features Mardi Gras-style parades every Tuesday evening. Spectators will enjoy fanciful floats, free live music, talented street performers, inventive costumes, and plenty of bead throwing. The entertainment starts at 6:30 and the parade kicks off at 8:30 p.m.
4. Let Freedom Ring: Airshow and Fireworks
Let Freedom Ring is another one of the best summer events in Destin FL. Running from 7:00 – 9:15 p.m. every Thursday from the end of May through mid-August, this unique celebration at the HarborWalk Village features vintage WWII airshows, live music, and fireworks over Destin Harbor. All of this amazing entertainment is completely free to enjoy!
5. Rock the Docks Concert Series
The HarborWalk Village offers even more fun on Saturday nights with the Rock the Docks Concert Series. Running from 7 – 9 p.m. every Saturday from early June through mid-August, these free concerts showcase some of the best musicians from the Emerald Coast and beyond.
6. Boomin’ Tuesdays
From mid-May through early August, the Village of Baytowne Wharf celebrates the summer season with weekly fireworks shows on Tuesday nights. In addition to the incredible pyrotechnics, Boomin’ Tuesdays also include free lawn games and a fun atmosphere. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show starts at 9:15 p.m.
7. Wednesday Night Concert Series
The day after Boomin’ Tuesday, vacationers can head back to The Village of Baytowne Wharf for the Wednesday Night Concert Series. Running from 7 – 9 p.m. from May through August, this beloved tradition features free live music from the region’s most talented bands. Concerts take place on the Events Plaza Lawn and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
8. Smoke on the Coast BBQ Festival
The Smoke on the Coast BBQ Festival features everything we love about summer! Guests will enjoy live music, $1 samples of mouthwatering barbeque prepared by 16 local restaurants, and an impressive fireworks display. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on July 3rd at Destin Commons.
9. Independence Day Celebrations
Vacationers in Destin have two great options for celebrating the 4th of July! The HarborWalk Village will host its annual Independence Day party on the evening of the 4th, complete with live music starting at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. The Village of Baytowne Wharf will also have live entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and a great fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. Both events are completely free to attend.
Where to Stay in Destin
When you stay at the Henderson Park Inn, you will be near all of these amazing summer events in Destin FL. Located adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park, our adults only hotel has been voted the most romantic hotel in America by the users of About.com and TripAdvisor.com. We are also proud to hold the Conde Nast Johansens Award for Excellence. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of Destin hotel rooms!