Emerald Coast Entertainment Group announced at the Niceville City Council meeting on Tuesday that the Mullet Festival will make its comeback in Niceville, Florida, in 2025.
- The promoters had initially aimed to schedule the event for 2024 but decided to postpone it due to the approval process.
During the meeting, Shiraz Hosein, an attorney representing Emerald Coast Entertainment Group, provided an update on the festival’s progress. The council had asked the promoters to work with the city manager and attorney to address issues related to parking and an amendment to an event permit with the military.
City Manager David Deitch stated that he is in discussions with Eglin Air Force Base about the permit, noting that the Department of Defense’s process is slow. “It won’t be a short process. October 25, I imagine we’ll be done by then,” Deitch said.
Despite the delay in obtaining the permit, Emerald Coast Entertainment is ready to move forward with announcing the event for 2025. “We want to do this right. We want to show Niceville that we can bring a big family concert here,” said Mark Wagner, the promoter. “With it being March, we just don’t want to push this and try to do it in 2024 at all.”
Wagner also revealed plans to bring in one of the “top 10 ride companies,” North American Mid Amusements, and hinted at the possibility of featuring artists like Miranda Lambert or Jelly Roll.
- The promoters believe that the postponement to 2025 will allow them to secure a better lineup and ensure a successful event.
The Mullet Festival’s return to Niceville in 2025 is expected to be a significant event for the community, focusing on providing entertainment for families. As the approval process continues, residents can look forward to more updates on the festival’s development.
15 Responses
Can’t wait.
Look into bring Laine Hardy to the entertainment. American Idol winner.. lives in Livingston, Louisiana.. just an amazing singer and entertainer. You would not be disappointed..
This is GREAT news!
How do they plan on charging at the gate?? Or at parking?? Never heard that mention??
So how much will they be charging at the gate?? And for patking?? I noticed they never mention that. If it’s not affordable not to many people will come. I believe that’s one of the reasons why less and less people would go every year. Plus need more venders.
We were regulars every year so this makes me happy. Can’t wait to for it to be back. I know the city has to make a profit as much as the entertainer has to be paid but please don’t make it where families can’t afford to come and enjoy good clean fun. Also I think there should be limitations to the drinking. I don’t want to be that person but I know a lot of kids are running around the area or use to anyway.
True Mullet Festival was free admission, tons of vendors and food, local high /middle school performances and camping in the woods. Once the rides and big name acts started coming, it wasn’t the same. This used to be a NHS reunion every year of all classes. People would come home just to see old friends on a crisp fall night. I was really hoping that was going to be the case. Jelly Roll is selling out stadiums… good luck getting him on a stage in the middle of a field in Niceville and it still being affordable for a family of 4 to make it through the gate. Especially in these times.
The original concept of the festival is lost. It was lost when it became charging admissions. I miss the original but not the new version. It is dead so let it rest in peace.
Hi B. Bair–I’m a bit too young to remember the old festival, but I’d love to hear more about it if you’ve got a minute sometime! Here’s my number: +17027886660.
It would be a great tribute to the area to invite Gary Sinese and his “Lt. Dan Band.” Great entertaining group and family friendly! Unlike some entertainment in the past that have shown up drunk and cussing around families …
Great idea!
Yeah these top name performers aren’t going to show up for less than top dollar when they are filling stadiums. Better keep it to the had beens to make it affordable for ALL…not just the elite of the area!!!!
I’d love to hear about what the old festival was like–any chance you’ve got a minute? +17027886660
Bring back the festival, regardless of entertainers.
Yes! The good old days! My Dad would bring a cooler of beer and a blanket! We would stay at the Mullet festival all night! The rides are so fun! No fences or admission! You saw everyone in town! The food was fantastic! The crafts were great! So much fun! The highlight of the year!