March arrives in the beach community of Destin and 30A with a wave of anticipation, as the promise of warmer days and sun-kissed adventures begins to stir. March is not just a month—it's a celebration of coastal living, marked by an array of vibrant local events that showcase the unique charm and culture of our beloved community. Take a look at some of the festivals and events happening this coming month!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Penta Tequila Tasting & Dinner at The Bay
When: March 1st | 11am-3pm
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: Let the Good Times Roll this Mardi Gras season at AJ's Grayton Beach. Join fellow revelers on Sunday, February 4th for the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Brunch & party. The festivities run all day into the night. AJ's Mardi Gras Brunch kicks off at 11am, and Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe will be taking the stage at Noon!
Enjoy Beignets, Jambalaya, Crawfish Boil, Mardi Gras Omelets, Étouffée, and many more of your Louisiana favorites all in a festive Mardi Gras environment.
Come early & stay late. Enjoy hurricanes and food specials all day in a festive atmosphere! New Orleans favorite funk band, Flow Tribe taking the stage at 6:00pm for a free show.
Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show
When: March 1st-3rd
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
Description: The Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show takes place March 1-3, 2024 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. This land based show will feature boat displays from all major manufacturers and the top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Boats ranging from entry level bow riders and center consoles all the way up to the next generation 42' center consoles with quad outboards that have become so popular. Buyers will find everything in-between. REAL. FUN. BOATS.
Visit emeraldcoastboatshow.com to purchase tickets, check out the venue and registered exhibitors.
Making it much more than a boat show, this event features everything for the kind of active, outdoor beach living so popular along the Emerald Coast. From stand up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles. In short, all the great things residents and visiting tourists enjoy on and around the water along the beaches is available at this event.
Show Dates & Time:
March 1, Friday | 10AM to Sunset "Red Carpet Opening Day"
March 2, Saturday | 10AM to Sunset "Ladies Day"
March 3, Sunday | 10AM to 5PM "Military Appreciation Day"
​Follow Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show on Facebook for event updates.
Sinfonia Crescendo!
When: March 1st & 3rd
Where: Crescendo!: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. Taking place March 1 & March 3, 2024, this energy-infused experience will showcase world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a special appearance by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi who will perform his entertaining New York-style cabaret show. This year’s theme is Crescendo!: the New Noir. Channel your individual take on black, be it classic, vintage, edgy or embellished with a wisp of white or a pop of color.”
Vintner Dinners | Friday, March 1 at 6PM
Crescendo! weekend will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes and venues throughout the Emerald Coast. Go to sinfoniagulfcoast.org for a list of the Vintner Dinner venues.
CRESCENDO! Main Event | Sunday, March 3rd at 11AM
Crescendo!: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza benefits Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives. This energy-infused experience will showcase world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a special appearance by fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi who will perform his entertaining New York-style cabaret show. This year’s theme is Crescendo!: the New Noir. Channel your individual take on black, be it classic, vintage, edgy or embellished with a wisp of white or a pop of color.”
Tickets to Crescendo! 2024 are $195 per person and include all food, wine, reserved table seating, performance and valet parking.
Purchase Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=sgc
Proceeds from Crescendo! will benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs. SinfoniaGulfCoast.org
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
When: March 2nd
Where: Frank Brown Park
Description: The annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival will take place at Frank Brown Park’s festival site on Saturday, March 2nd. This family-friendly festival features Highland dancers, axe throwing, Premium Single Malt Scotch tastings, kid’s highland games, and of course, the ever-popular Highland Athletic competition.
Online ticket sales open now until Feb 28, 2024.
panama-city-beach-scottish-festival.ticketleap.com/pcbscottishfestival/
Tickets are non-refundable. Festival happens rain or shine.
The 2024 festival entertainment includes the award-winning band Celtica Nova. Co-headlining is the American Celtic Folk sound of Celtic Conundrum. Check out one of the many vendor booths for Celtic-inspired merchandise and food, or head over to the Clan Village to show off your Celtic pride.
For more information, visit visitpanamacitybeach.com
Soiree On The Bay: Act III
When: March 8th
Where: The Dugas Family Estate
Description: Soiree On The Bay: Act III, benefiting Children’s Volunteer Health Network, will take place Friday, March 8th from 5-9pm & Saturday, March 9th from 2-7pm. Enjoy a lavish gathering with fine wine, food and spirits. This weekend is presented by the Dugas family and will take place on their stunning family estate overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach.
TICKETS: cvhnkids.org/soiree-on-the-bay
Festivities begin Friday with an intimate evening under the stars where guests can walk the beautiful grounds while enjoying wine tastings, incredible cuisine, a live DJ, and an exciting live auction where attendees can bid on incredible prize packages like over-the-top wine experiences and unique travel. Saturday is a spirited daytime affair, kicking off at 2:00 p.m. with bocce ball, bubbly, wine samples, and light bites. Back for the third year in a row, musical guest, The Tip Tops, will have guests on their feet, dancing to their favorite Motown hits.
The mission of CVHN is to eliminate the barriers to accessible and affordable healthcare for children in need through mobile solutions and community partnerships. cvhnkids.org
ECCAC Gala & Golf Weekend
When: March 8th
Where: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Description: The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center (ECCAC) is hosting their signature Golf & Gala weekend on March 8 & 10. Purchase your tickets today to reserve your spot at eccac.org/about/gala-golf/.
The Gala features a cocktail hour starting at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, March 8, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Guests will enjoy great food, signature cocktails and get the chance to bid on lots of fabulous experiences during the live auction, which all goes to benefit every child who visits our center.
The Golf Tournament, also to benefit ECCAC, will take place on Sunday, March 10, at Kelly Plantation Golf Club with registration and a cookout meal from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. for a tournament tee off start at 12 p.m. Players will experience a fun day out on the beautiful golf course while enjoying food, drinks, each other's company and playing for tons of amazing prizes.
Motors in March at Baytowne Wharf
When: March 9th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Motors in March returns to the Village of Baytowne Wharf! Emerald Coast Customs & 3M Window Tinting presents the 5th Annual Auto Show on the Events Plaza from 10AM - 4PM on Saturday, March 9th. Join for a day of fun, sun, cars, and chance to win car stereos & electronics, 3M Window Tinting, and more in the raffle.
Mac & Cheese Festival
When: March 10th
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Join us at the Mac & Cheese Festival on Sunday, March 10 from Noon - 3PM ​benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. This family-friendly event will feature gourmet, chef-inspired twists on the South’s favorite comfort food. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 6th Annual Mac & Cheese Festival
All proceeds from this event will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, which works in our community to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
Blues, Tacos & Tequila Fest
When: March 16-17th
Where: Red Fish Taco
Description: Red Fish Taco and Blues Musicians Society present Blues, Tacos & Tequila March 16th-17th from 3-9 PM. This St. Paddy's Day Weekend, let the music take you on a journey with electrifying blues performances from multiple bands each day that will resonate in your soul. NO COVER!
Indulge your taste buds on everything from Multiple Specialty Tacos and Street Tacos to Blackened Redfish tacos. Sip and savor expertly crafted tequila drinks that are sure to impress even the connoisseurs.
St. Paddy's Family Street Fair
When: March 17th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the Destin Harbor! The HarborWalk Village Paddy's Family Street Fair begins at 1pm on Saturday, March 17. Enjoy an Irish Dance Performance, the sounds of an authentic strolling Bagpipes, kids’ crafts, live music, a leprechaun treasure hunt, and fun surprises for lucky adults. On-site parking fee $20, valid all day, including same day return.
HarborWalk St. Paddy's Family St. Fair
Saturday, Feb. 20th || 1pm - 3pm
1pm - 2pm: Performance by the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance
4pm - 6pm: Live Music
St Paddy's Day Paint the Village Green
When: March 17th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: Celebrate the Luck of the Irish at The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Sunday, March 17th from 6 - 9PM. The festive event features the Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and live music! Free and open to the public.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Featuring an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events, it's easy to see why The Village is the gathering place for many locals and visitors along the Emerald Coast.
Doggie Eggstravaganza
When: March 29th
Where: Grand Boulevard Grand Park
Description: Dog Harmony is hosting Doggie Eggstravaganza, the annual canine social where dogs hunt for eggs filled with yummy treats in Grand Boulevard on Friday, March 29 from 5:30 - 7:30PM.
People prizes and puppy treats will be hidden in colorful holiday eggs and scattered throughout the lawn to sniff out. A $15 donation per dog provides each participant with a souvenir bag for the canine egg hunt and access to professional photos sponsored by Mills Photo Design.
This event is presented as part of the Coastal Culture Series made possible by the Grand Boulevard Arts & Entertainment Program. Please no prong or shock collars.
Visit dog-harmony.org to learn more, volunteer, donate, adopt.
Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt
When: March 31st
Where: Rosemary Beach
Description: Easter Celebration & Annual Egg Hunt takes place on Sunday, March 31 in Rosemary Beach. The annual egg hunt kicks off at 9:45am. Enjoy a complimentary mimosa from Summer Kitchen Café and get your photos taken with the Easter Bunny at Gigi’s immediately following the egg hunt. Remember to BYOB…Bring Your Own Basket!
Rosemary Beach is a unique and picturesque beach town that brings island charm and style to the eastern end of South Walton. One of a handful of New Urban towns on Scenic 30A, it’s a place with shopping, dining and residential buildings that’s meant to be experienced on foot or by bike.
Seaside Easter Celebration
When: March 31st
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Come out to Seaside for the annual Easter Celebration on Sunday, March 31st from 11AM til 2PM. Visit with the Easter Bunny and enjoy the egg hunt in the Amphitheater. Plus: fun activities for guests of all ages. Free and open to all.
Seaside's Amphitheater is a beautiful green space in the heart of Central Square where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events.

Concert Series @ 30Avenue
Nightly | 6:00-9PM
The Red Bar Jazz Band @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Wine & Song @ NEAT
Tuesdays | 5-7PM
TUNESDAY @ Farm & Fire
Tuesdays | 5-8PM
Alys Shoppe Pop-Up @ Seascape Resort
Thursday: 3pm - 7pm | Friday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm
SeaLight Festival @ Seascape Resort
Thursday-Sunday | 5-10PM
Brunch & Beats @ Farm & Fire
Every Saturday & Sunday | 11AM-3PM
Yoga in the Backyard of Love @ Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ Stinky's Fish Camp
Every Sunday | 10AM-3:30PM
Farmer's Markets
Every Tuesday @ Seaside
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
