July is almost here and so are some exciting summertime events! From vibrant Independence Day festivities that light up the night sky with spectacular fireworks to lively outdoor concerts that harmonize with the sound of crashing waves, July is a month brimming with excitement and joy. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s no shortage of fun to be had, with beach parties, food festivals, and family-friendly activities ensuring everyone finds their slice of summer paradise. Dive into the spirited ambiance of July in Destin and 30A, where every day is a celebration of sun-soaked adventures and unforgettable memories.
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Destin Commons Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival & Fireworks Show
When: Wednesday, July 3rd
Where: Destin Commons
Description: Celebrate Independence Day at the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival on July 3rd. Starting at 5 PM, food trucks will line the streets of Destin Commons where you can indulge in scrumptious Thai food, mouth-watering grilled cheese and everything in between. Enjoy live music from Duchess and Tobacco Road Band and top off the evening with the grandest fireworks display on the coast.
Rosemary Beach July 4th Fireworks & Celebration
When: Tuesday, July 2nd & Thursday, July 4th
Where: Rosemary Beach
Description: Start the week of Fourth of July off with a BANG! Join Rosemary Beach Merchants on July 2nd at the Western Green at 9pm for the annual Fireworks Celebration. Before the extravaganza, don't miss the must see Viva Las Magic on the St. Augustine Green at 7pm.
The Rosemary Beach July 4th Celebration features fun for the whole family! The morning festivities begin at 7:30am with the annual Breakfast & Bike Contest in North Barrett Square followed by the Bike Parade & Block Party. In the evening, bring your crew back for face painting starting at 5pm and a screening of National Treasure at the Eastern Green starting at 8pm.
Rosemary Beach July 4th Celebration
7:30AM, North Barrett Square || Breakfast & Bike Decorating Contest
8:30AM, North Barrestt Square + Western Green || Bike Parade & Block Party
5PM, St. Augustine Green || Face Painting
8PM, Eastern Green || Movie: National Treasure
AJ's Grayton Beach 4th of July Festivities & Brunch
When: Thursday, July 4th
Where: AJ's Grayton Beach
Description: Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. The AJ's Grayton bar will open at 8AM, so stop in for a drink, FREE flag, bottle water, ice pop, or AJ's swag before heading to the parade. Park at AJ's and walk down to parade, starting point of parade is in front of The Red Bar.
AJ's will be open at 9AM serving their Star Spangled Brunch featuring bottomless mimosas! Early morning entertainment features music duo Christon Birge and Katie Spillman.
July 4th LIVE MUSIC
9AM, Courtyard: Christon Birge & Katie Spillman
4PM, Main Stage: TBA
8PM, Main Stage: TBA
9PM, Main Stage: TBA
Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade
When: Thrusday, July 4th
Where: The Red Bar
Description: Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. This year, parade participants will lineup on Pine Street at 8:00AM with the parade starting at 8:30AM in front of The Red Bar. Decorate your cars, jeeps, boats, bikes, scooters, etc. No registration needed and everyone is welcome!
Parking available at AJ’s. Stop by for a FREE flag, bottle water, or ice pop before heading to the parade. The bar will open early for a drink before or after the parade.
Swimsuits, pajamas and bloody marys optional. The Grayton Beach Neighborhood Association asks that you leave your water shooters at home and not engage in the usual battles from the back of the truck onto "innocent" bystanders along the parade route.
Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest
When: Thursday, July 4th
Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Description: Kick-off your favorite star-spangled holiday with a good, old-fashioned Donut Eating Contest in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Thursday, July 4th from 9AM - 11AM. Proudly sponsored by Charlie’s Delights, whose donuts have long been an Alys Beach tradition, this contest is sure to be one for the record books.
Register, view contest rules and learn more:
2024 Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest
Alys Beach Donut Eating Contest Event Schedule
9:00 AM: Contestant Registration (Check-in/Waiver/Release)
9:30 am Contests to start and will flow through:
Children’s contest (6 and under) – 8 donut holes- $5 entry fee
Youth contest age (7-12) – 2 donuts- $10 entry fee
Youth contest age (13-17) – 4 donuts- $10 entry fee
Adult contest age (18 and over) – 6 donuts- $15 entry fee
Whether you participate as a contestant or come to cheer on the eating, Alys Beach and Charlie’s Delights invite you to join for a sweet and festive start to the Fourth of July celebrations.
Seaside Independence Day Celebration
When: Thursday, July 4th
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Seaside's Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular will take place Thursday, July 4th in the Seaside Amphitheater. A favorite among locals and visitors alike – the day is filled with patriotic spirit, music, and fun!
The Block Party begins at 9AM featuring face painters, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, caricaturists, balloon twisters, and more. Enjoy live music by Huck & Lilly at 10am followed by a Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert at 7PM. At 8:30PM, a spectacular fireworks show takes place over the Gulf.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular
9AM - 12PM: Block Party (Central Square)
9AM: Performance by The REP (In Front of Sundog Books)
10AM: Huck & Lilly Kids Music Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
10:45AM: Bike Decorating Contest
11:30AM: Wild Bill's Hot Dog Eating Contest (Amphitheater Stage)
7PM: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pop Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
8:30PM: Fireworks On The Gulf
Freeport 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
When: Thursday, July 4th
Where: Freeport Regional Sports Complex
Description: Let Freedom Ring this Independence Day at the Freeport 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show! Beginning at 4PM, the parade route starts at Freeport Middle School and ends at the Regional Sports Complex. Featuring fun for the whole family, after the parade enjoy live music, bounce houses and food vendors followed by a spectacular fireworks at 8:30pm.
LIVE MUSIC
5-8pm | Catalyst
To join the parade route and learn more, visit Freeport 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show.
4th of July Celebration at Fort Walton Beach Landing
When: July 4th
Where: FWB Landing Park
Description: The City of Fort Walton Beach will celebrate Independence Day at the Landing on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 5-9pm. Free to the public, the family-friendly event features food vendors, live music with Scratch 2020, plus a Kid Zone area featuring bounce houses, inflatable slides and games.
Located on downtown FWB, Fort Walton Beach Landing Park is an easygoing, waterfront park with a playground, small rock climbing wall and a concert stage. Downtown FWB is home to a number of unique owner operated boutique stores, restaurants and bars. Minutes away from the beaches of Okaloosa Island by car, foot or bicycle. Visit downtownfwb.com for event, restaurant and park information.
Alys Beach 4th of July Concert & Fireworks
When: Thursday, July 4th
Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Description: Celebrate Independence Day in Alys Beach! Enjoy a live concert featuring Bay Kings Band, performing from 6-9PM in the Amphitheatre with fireworks to follow, weather permitting. Grab a spot on the green with your blanket or low-back chairs. Food and beverage available. Free and open to the pubic.
Alys Beach Amphitheatre is located on Scenic 30A just across from the Gulf of Mexico in South Walton's Alys Beach, Florida. The amphitheater is a beautiful green park where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events. Learn more at alysbeach.com.
Harborwalk Village 4th of July Concert & Celebration
When: July 4th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Description: Join HarborWalk Village at the annual Fourth of July Concert & Celebration. Festivities begin at 6pm on the beautiful Destin Harbor. On-site parking fee $20, valid all day, including same day return.
Fourth of July Concert & Celebration
6pm: Reid Soria with Autism Sings LLC
6pm: Vintage Fly Over
7-9pm: LIVE MUSIC | Manly Hero Band
9pm: FIREWORKS & Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe
WCSO Back-To-School Splash Bash
When: July 27th
Where: Wee Care Park
Description: The annual Walton County Sheriff's Office Back-to-School Splash Bash and backpack giveaway will be held by Walton County Sheriff's Office School Resource Deputies at Wee Care Park in DeFuniak Springs on July 27th from 11 am - 2 pm. The family-fun event features inflatable slides, bouncy houses, and kid's activities!
Hot dogs and snow cones will be available for all who attend. Backpacks will be given out on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis along with some basic school supplies.
Fireworks @ HarborWalk Village
Mondays | 9PM
Fireworks @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Tuesdays | 9:15PM
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
Wild Sea Turtle Wednesday @ The Big Chill 30A
Mondays | 9AM
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!