As the days grow longer and the sun casts its golden glow upon our sandy shores, our community comes alive in May with an array of exciting local events. Join us as we explore the myriad of fun-filled events that make May a time of celebration, connection, and unforgettable memories in the captivating beach communities that dot the Emerald Coast.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Tedeschi Trucks Band Sun, Sand & Soul Music Festival
When: Thursday, May 2nd
Where: Seascape Golf & Beach Resort
Description: Tedeschi Trucks Band presents Sun Sand and Soul held at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, Florida, May 2nd – May 4th. The Topeka Music Vacations experience features Tedeschi Trucks Band performing 2 special sets with appearances from JJ Grey & Mofro, Blackberry Smoke, The Teskey Brothers, St. Paul and The Broken Bones and more.
Visit sunsandsoul.topeka.live for ticketing info, parking passes and tips on places to stay.
Paddle for Peace
When: Saturday, May 4th
Where: Grayton Beach Dune Access
Description: Join local charity Gulf Therapy for the Annual Paddle For Peace on Saturday, May 4 in Grayton Beach. Paddle For Peace welcomes all community members with the focus on love and peace. Follow Paddle For Peace on Facebook for event updates.
Pre-registration is encouraged as boards sell out fast. Register here!
Parking is tricky in Grayton so be sure to drop off your board early then park at the county lot by Hurricane Oyster Bar located at 1427 County Highway 283 S, Santa Rosa Beach. The Grayton Beach shuttles will start earlier for paddlers this day and have all hands on deck. Once you arrive at Hotz Ave head down to the main beach access on Garfield Street and we will be setup just east of the boardwalk bordering Western Lake.
Schedule:
8:30AM - 9AM | Arrive with your board
8:30AM | Optional sound healing
9AM | Opening ceremony
9:30AM | Intentional paddle
10AM - 1PM | Live music on the dock
12PM | Lunch provided on the beach
2PM - 5PM | “Party for Peace” with live music and merch & raffle at Hotz Coffee
Paddle for Peace and Gulf Therapy merchandise will be available for sale. Raffle items will be featured electronically to raise more funds for the cause. Bid on big ticket items like a chance to win a custom Gulf Therapy YOLOBoard, condo comp stay, surf lessons, wellness packages and more! ONLINE RAFFLE: gulftherapy.betterworld.org/
36th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
When: Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5th
Where: Grand Boulevard
Description: The 36th annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival takes place May 4 & 5, 2024 at Grand Boulevard in South Walton, Florida. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 200 artists from around the country while also experiencing live musical entertainment, ImagiNation (where kids rule), student exhibits and great food & beverage options in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. A $5 donation will be accepted at the entrance gate.
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival at Grand Boulevard
Saturday, May 4: 10AM - 7PM
Sunday, May 5: 10AM - 5PM
ArtsQuest is a juried show that includes artists in the categories of Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oils & Acrylics, Original Digital Art, Photography, Sculpture, Wood and Works on Paper (Watercolor, Printmaking, Pastels, Pencils, Ink). ArtsQuest awards $10,000 in cash prizes.
Join the CAA and support the arts in South Walton, Florida: culturalartsalliance.com
Gulf Coast Salute Air Show
When: Saturday-Sunday, May 4-5th
Where: Russell-Fields City Pier at Pier Park
Description: Witness the skies come alive in Panama City Beach on May 4-5, 2024 at the Russell-Fields City Pier, at the inaugural Gulf Coast Salute Air Show, presented by Tyndall Air Force base and Visit PCB. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a memorable weekend with your loved ones, the Gulf Coast Salute Airshow promises excitement and entertainment like no other. Schedule TBA!
C.A.R.E. on the Coast: A Sea Turtle Spectacle
When: Saturday, May 4th
Where: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Description: Join the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center at the inaugural sea turtle fundraiser, C.A.R.E. on the Coast! Set for Saturday, May 4th from 3:30 - 7pm, this family-friendly event will include a after-hours access to the Gulfarium, food and beverage vendors, a dolphin presentation, live music, a silent auction, raffles, and more!
More information and purchase tickets: gulfarium.com
The event will also include a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing a stranded or injured sea turtle, with tours of the C.A.R.E. Center and hands-on activities with the C.A.R.E. Center team.
All proceeds for this event will directly benefit the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center and their sea turtle conservation efforts.
Cinco de Mayo Brunch, Live Music & Crawfish Boil
When: Sunday, May 5th
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: AJ's is the place to be to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Grayton Beach! Come for a festive Cinco de Mayo Brunch Fiesta, stay for the music and dancing! Indulge in a delicious Sunday brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and specialty menu items, margaritas, tequila, crawfish, and amazing music.
Sunday afternoon essentials include crawfish and cold beers -- starting at 12pm! Indulge in fresh, flavorful crawfish served with traditional sides of corn, new potatoes, andouille sausage & mushrooms. Savor the taste of the South and enjoy a fun-filled gathering with friends and family.
Cinco de Mayo Brunch & Music
11AM - 3PM | Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas
11AM | LIVE MUSIC: Will & Linda in the Outdoor Courtyard
12PM | Crawfish Boil
5PM | Pickled Pickers on the Main Stage
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
When: Sunday, May 5th
Where: Red Fish Taco
Description: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Red Fish Taco! The festivities begin at 5pm with margarita specials, tequila and live music featuring JMT & Friends in the Garden Room.
Live music is a central component of Red Fish Taco's festive atmosphere. Rock out to local and visiting musicians almost every day of the week in their outdoor covered Garden Room.
Red Fish Taco sizzles with a gourmet take on the traditional taco joint with a full bar featuring margaritas, cold beer, happy hour and more! Set in a casual yet eclectic atmosphere, indoor and outdoor seating is available. RFT is located in the heart of Blue Mountain Beach with plenty of parking. Learn more: redfishtaco.com
Tequila & Taco Fest
When: Friday-Sunday, May 10-12th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf proudly hosts the Tequila & Taco Fest on Saturday, May 11th. Enjoy three days of culinary & music events, May 10th - 12th, featuring a Black Sheep Tequila Kick Off Party, 11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest, and Bye Bye Brunch. Tickets on Sale Now!
Local restaurants and food trucks will be competing for the Best Taco and Best Margarita on The Emerald Coast with a first-place prize of $2,500 for Best Taco and $500 for the Best Margarita, and you, will have a say in the People’s choice Award for Best Taco. Sample many types of Tequilas and Margaritas from Blancos, Resposados, Anjieos, and even Mezcals while indulging on some of the area’s best tacos. Live music, kid friendly and don’t miss the Chihuahua Beauty Pageant!
Event Schedule:
Friday , May 10: Black Sheep Tequila Kick Off Party | 6pm-9pm
Saturday, May 11: Main Event | 1pm-4pm
Sunday, May 12: Bye Bye Brunch | 11am-2pm
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation, Sandestin Foundation for Kids, and Boys & Girls Club. This is a rain or shine event and no refunds will be given.
30A Foam Fest
When: Saturday, May 11th
Where: 30Avenue
Description: 30A Foam Fest is BACK! This two-day beer festival will kick off on May 10 with a VIP Night & culminate on May 11 at the 2nd annual 30A Foam Fest throughout 30Avenue. Enjoy hours of unlimited tastes of craft brews poured by an array of regional and local breweries, along with a plethora of food options for purchase from 30Avenue merchants and restaurants, live music, a photo booth, shopping, and more!
Purchase Tickets: foam-fest.webflow.io
Moms, Muffins, Mimosa & Live Music
When: Sunday, May 12th
Where: FOOW30a
Description: Treat mom to a Mother’s Day Brunch at Fish Out of Water on Sunday, May 12 from 8am - 2pm. Enjoy a complimentary Mimosa and muffin to celebrate her special day. Enhance the experience with bottomless mimosas available for purchase, ensuring a truly enjoyable Mother’s Day celebration.
Sunday Brunch at Fish Out of Water in WaterColor, FL means live music and bottomless mimosas. The Gulf front restaurant invites you to dine on brunch favorites from 8AM - 2PM paired with live music from 11AM - 1PM.
Mother's Day Brunch, Live Music & Crawfish Boil
When: Sunday, May 12th
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: Treat Mom to the Ultimate Mother's Day celebration at AJ's Grayton Beach! Come for brunch, stay for the music and dancing. Every Sunday from 11AM - 3PM, AJ's brunch is not to be missed. Complete your meal with a mimosa or go all in with their famous Build Your Own Bloody Mary bar.
Sunday afternoon essentials include crawfish and cold beers -- starting at 12pm! Indulge in fresh, flavorful crawfish served with traditional sides of corn, new potatoes, andouille sausage & mushrooms. Savor the taste of the South and enjoy a fun-filled gathering with friends and family.
Mother's Day Brunch | May 12
11AM - 3PM | Mother's Day Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas
12PM | LIVE MUSIC: Will & Linda in the Outdoor Courtyard
12PM | Crawfish Boil
5PM | Pickled Pickers on the Main Stage
Jazz on the Lawn
When: Sunday, May 12th
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Join SEASIDE for an unforgettable day of smooth tunes on Sunday, May 12 at the annual Jazz on the Lawn concert. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Jazz on the Lawn offers a fantastic lineup that will keep you grooving all day long into the evening. The first band will perform at 1pm, with the final band beginning at 9pm. Cabana Man will provide umbrellas, so bring lawn chairs and towels for a day filled with fun.
2024 Jazz on the Lawn Lineup
1pm: North West Florida State College Jazz Ensemble
2pm: Hashtag Swing
3pm: Caravan Gypsy Jazz
4pm: Tony Viviano Trio
5pm: David Spencer Quintet
6pm: Jim Roebuck Trio
7pm: Clark Barrios Little Big Band
8pm: Spinnaker Band
Destin Rotary Club Cajun Crawfish Bash
When: Friday, May 17th
Where: Mezcal Mexican Grill
Description: The Rotary Club of Destin will host its annual Cajun Crawfish Bash on Friday, May 17th from 5:30 pm until 9 pm at Mezcal Mexican Grill inside The Towne Centre at Seascape. The Rotary Club of Destin is known for serving up the best Cajun crawfish, libations and live music. This event is suitable for families of all ages and open to the public.
Back by popular demand is Fais Do-Do Band performing their unique genre of zydeco music. Integrating a blend of R&B, soul, brass band, reggae, hip hop, ska, rock and Afro-Caribbean, you are guaranteed to be dancing!
Tickets on sale NOW
Regular Crawfish Meal - $40
All You Can Eat Crawfish - $50
Kids and Non-Crawfish Meal - $15
Fresh crawfish from Louisiana will be dished up with the traditional potatoes, sausage and corn on the cob. For those who don’t crave crawfish, there will also be grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and rotisserie chicken prepared fresh on-site.
Event proceeds benefit young families in need and The Rotary Club of Destin Scholarship Fund.
17th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival
When: Friday, May 17-18th
Where: Alys Beach
Description: Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is an innovative and dynamic event that celebrates the intersection of projection art and architecture. During the event, international artists display their original digital art upon the white walls of Alys Beach, transforming the SoWal town into a vibrant canvas of motion, color, light, and fun! The draws digital artists from across the globe to explore how their fluid forms connect with people and architecture to create spontaneous and wondrous experiences.
Purchase Tickets: digitalgraffiti.com/
Digital Graffiti 2024
Friday, May 17 | 8 - 11PM
Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach opens with an adult-only (21+), all-inclusive food and beverage experience. Stroll the festival path, lined with art installations intermixed with festive food and beverage presentations from the best local and regional chefs, restaurants, winemakers, distilleries, and breweries. This evening will be a spectacle for the senses!
Saturday, May 18 | 8 – 11PM
For the finale of the 17th Annual Digital Graffiti event, we welcome families and guests of all ages to experience the projection art installed along the festival path. Engage and interact with the artwork in the immersive festival experience, with food trucks and beverage stands positioned throughout the path with fun eats and drinks for purchase.
Learn more:
alysbeach.com
digitalgraffiti.com
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
When: Saturday, May 25-27th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend on the Destin Harbor! Kick-off Summer at HarborWalk Village with live music on the Main Stage all weekend long. It’s time for flip-flops, suntans, and Summer! On-site parking fee $20, valid all day, including same day return.
Saturday, May 25th
7pm: Live Concert
Sunday, May 26th
5:30pm: Ceremony
5:40pmVintage Air Show
6pm: Live Concert | Alex Smith
9pm: FIREWORKS & Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe
Monday, May 27th
7 - 10pm: Silent Disco on Captains Deck
7 - 9pm: Live Music on Main Stage | FlashFloood
9pm: Fireworks & Fire Spinning
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
When: Saturday, May 25-26th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Description: The Village of Baytowne Wharf is gearing up for Memorial Day Weekend festivities with two nights of family friendly events! Admission is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 25: Concert 7-9 PM
Forrest Williams Band will take the stage from 7 PM until 9 PM. Guests are invited to dance the night away as they listen to South Walton's own Forrest Williams Band, an award-winning favorite on stage among locals and visitors to the area. Forrest and Pherrel Williams perform a variety of music from southern rock to country and blues.
Sunday, May 26: Live music, kids activities, fireworks 6-9 PM
Baytowne Wharf will host free children activities, including face painting, balloon animals, and lawn games from 6-9 PM. Live Music with The High Aces. After the show, Baytowne Wharf will light up the sky above the lagoon with a patriotic fireworks show at 9:00 PM.
SEASIDE Memorial Day Concert
When: Sunday, May 26th
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Celebrate Memorial Day with a performance by Ken & Andi on Sunday, May 26 in the Seaside Amphitheater from 7PM to 8PM. Bring a chair or blanket, snacks and drinks, and enjoy the show. Free and open to all ages.
Sinfonia Memorial Day Concert
When: Sunday, May 26th
Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Description: Enjoy the orchestral sounds of Sinfonia Gulf Coast under the palm trees in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre. The Sinfonia Memorial Day Concert is set for Sunday, May 26th at 7:30pm. Bring blankets or low back chairs and grab a spot on the amphitheater lawn at this FREE family-friendly music spectacular.
Out of reverence for the holiday, in remembrance of the fallen and those who’ve sacrificially served our country, Alys Beach will not include a fireworks display during the 2024 Sinfonia concert event. This year’s programming change is in response to feedback that they received from the community, respectfully taken to heart.
Gulf Coast Jam
When: Thursday, May 30th
Where: Frank Brown Park
Description: Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is a multi-day country music festival in Panama City Beach, Florida taking place May 30th - June 2nd at Frank Brown Park. Tickets and info at gulfcoastjam.com.
2024 Artist Lineup
Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum
Situated on the Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach offers the ideal festival location. In the morning, live it up at the beach, enjoying sublimely soft sand, crystal clear waters and the best in outdoor recreation. Spend the afternoon jamming your heart out to the best country music. Dance away the cool nights with sounds as fresh as a sweet Gulf breeze.
Learn More:
gulfcoastjam.com
Gulf Coast Jam on Facebook

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
Coastal Country Concert Series @ HarborWalk Village
Fridays: 7pm-9pm
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 Wednesday @ Peddlers Pavilion in Seacrest Beach
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Peddlers Pavilion, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
