The Destin Seafood Festival, one of the city’s most celebrated traditions, is set to return for its 46th year from September 27-29, 2024.

• The event, which marks the beginning of the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo in October, will once again transform the Destin Harbor Boardwalk into a vibrant celebration of seafood and local culture.

Originally started in 1978 by the Destin Charter Boat Association Women’s Auxiliary, the festival has grown significantly over the years. It now spans one mile along the harbor, from Harborwalk Village to Heron Harbor, offering a wide array of attractions for visitors.

This year’s festival includes a VIP experience within the main event. On September 28 and 29, ticket holders can access a gated area featuring food samples from 10 local restaurants, a cash bar, private bathrooms, a separate music stage, seating area, and TVs showing football games.

• “The main festival is and always will be free to attend,” wrote the festival on their website. “Tickets are only required for the VIP area.”

The event boasts over 100 vendors selling a variety of goods, including art, retail items, jewelry, and food. Five live music stages will be set up throughout the festival grounds, and a Kids Zone will offer activities such as face painting, casting contests, and mingo toss. Harborwalk Village will cap off Saturday night with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.

For those concerned about parking, the festival organizers have arranged public parking options across from the Destin Harbor in the Marler City Parking Lot, next to Harbor Tavern in the Heron Harbor Parking Lot, and in the Harborwalk Village parking lot. Additionally, a free shuttle service will run from the Morgan Sports Complex to the Harbor each day of the festival.

The Destin Seafood Festival serves as the primary fundraiser for the Destin Charter Boat Association, a non-profit organization formed in 1954. The association focuses on fisheries management advocacy and contributes to various community development projects.

• Festival hours are Friday, September 27, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Leashed dogs are welcome in the main festival area but are not permitted in the VIP section.

For more information about the Destin Seafood Festival or to purchase VIP tickets, visitors are encouraged to check the official event website.