Events

‘Really Rad Weekend’ gaming convention returns to Okaloosa Island

Gaming enthusiasts can celebrate their love for retro and modern gaming when “Really Rad Weekend” returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach November 11-12. This year marks the second year it has […]

Jared Williams

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Gaming enthusiasts can celebrate their love for retro and modern gaming when “Really Rad Weekend” returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach November 11-12.

The annual event started about eight years ago when Joe Alonzo and his friends decided to create a local gaming convention. It was previously called Emerald Coast Con.

This year marks the second year it has been rebranded as Really Rad Weekend, which was a huge success in 2022.

“This year we wanted to make things a little smaller, a little more personal, and a lot more RAD!” said Alonzo, owner of Rad Bar and Rad Junk in Fort Walton Beach.

The convention will take place at The Island Resort on Okaloosa Island. All proceeds will benefit Fresh Start of the Emerald Coast, a local nonprofit. Alonzo said what makes the event stand out is its intimate, laid-back vibe.

“Everybody gets some time to play games and hang out, and it’s a much more intimate convention versus being crammed onto a floor where you can’t move,” he said.

Festivities kick off Saturday morning where attendees can look forward to panels, meet-and-greets, tournaments, a curated vendor hall, and a retro gaming museum. Special guests include YouTube gaming personalities like:

Kelsey Lewin
John Riggs
Nintendrew
Retro Rick
Extra Napkins
Scottsquatch
Yoshi Vu
Pixel Game Squad
My Retro Life
Phoenix Resale
Game Chasers

The $1,000 main event Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament is back, along with cash prizes for Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 1, and other popular fighting titles.

The event’s cosplay contest is going to be bigger than before with their panel of veteran cosplayers choosing the best of the emerald coast to win $1000 in cash and prizes.

“Really Rad Weekend is more like a vacation, and that’s the point,” explained Alonzo. “Come to the beach, hang out, play some video games but also be involved with something that is not only for a good cause, but it’s a good time.”

Passes can be purchased online at ReallyRadWeekend.com. Tickets start at $15, with weekend passes starting at $30. There are also VIP weekend passes available. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult ticket.

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