We're in the heat of summer and there's so much to do! August is filled with fun events and family-friendly activities. There are a few festivals, some weekly activities, and lots of fun to be had. We've listed a few of our favorite happenings below. Plan a weekend to visit, or if you're lucky enough to be local, enjoy it all!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
SoWal Craft Beer & Spirits Festival
When: Friday, August 2nd | 4-8pm
Where: Shades Bar & Grill
Description: Shaded and fanned tents will set the stage for the outdoors event, with tables that include more than 60 craft beers, ciders, Florida distilled craft spirits, and rosé wine and mimosas. A DJ will be pumping out the jams all day while festival-goers sip their way through some of the finest craft beers and spirits in the country. Expect a laid-back event where casual attire is welcome. Beer and spirit experts will be on-site sharing their knowledge with attendees. Food samplings will be provided by Shades Bar and Grill, Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar, Southside Slice Pizzeria, and Shaka Sushi and Noodle Bar. Ticket may be purchased here: https://www.bigtickets.com/events/shades30a/sowal-craft-beer--spirits-festival/
Shades Bar & Grill 25th Anniversary Bash
When: Saturday, August 3rd | 3-9pm
Where: Shades Bar & Grill
Description: Get ready to party like you did back in the day! Shades is giving itself mad props for being open on 30A for 25 years and invites you to join them on Saturday, August 3 from 3-9PM. Dress to the Nine-ties, crimp your hair, throw on that old tracksuit, mid-drift top, or cutoffs and make your way over to Shades Bar and Grill in Inlet Beach. Jam with one of the biggest party bands in the South - A-Town A-List! Cover charge? As if! (But they do ask for a suggested donation of $10). A percentage of the proceeds will be given to aid in Hurricane Michael Relief. Shades will have totally awesome drink and food specials, bomb prizes, dope music, and of course everyone will be playing quarters and beer pong all night long. Come party like it's 1994 at Shades Bar & Grill in Inlet Beach. More info at: shades30a.com/august-events
When: Saturday, August 10th | 11:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Village of Baytowne Wharf | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Description: Join The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Emerald Coast Customs for a day of fun, sun, and cars. Autos in August will take place Saturday, August 10th from 11AM - 4PM. Visitors are welcome to wander The Village while looking at several cars from numerous decades. This event is open to the public. Entry fee is set at $10. For participation info email eccdestin@gmail.com.
Gulf Place Wine Walkabout
When: Thursday, August 15th | 5pm-7pm
Where: Gulf Place on 30A
Description: For $20, attendees can enjoy samplings of hand-selected wines, light appetizers, live music, and giveaways while venturing to all of the unique Gulf Place shops. Featuring jewelry, artwork, clothing and many other unique gifts, event-goers can enjoy the evening sipping and shopping in this SoWal beach town. Check-in at 4:00 p.m. with the Artists at Gulf Place to receive your complimentary glass and your walkabout map. Visit each participating merchant to be entered for a chance to win giveaways at the end of the night! Join Gulf Place Merchants for the monthly Wine Walkabout for an exciting local South Walton tradition in this colorful beach town located on Scenic 30A across from the Gulf of Mexico.
Dog Days of Summer Doggie Social
When: Thursday, August 29th | 6-8pm
Where: Grand Boulevard
Description: Dog-Harmony and Grand Boulevard invite you to bring your furry friend and join us in celebrating the sweet summertime in Grand Park with puppy & people treats and complimentary refreshments. Dog Days of Summer doggie social will take place Thursday, August 29th at 6PM. Dog Days of Summer will feature music, drinks, and an opportunity for our furry friends to catch up, play and share their summer adventures. This is event has no admission fee but donations are most welcome. All dogs must be on a leash and we kindly ask the no prong collars be used.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam: Country Music Festival
When: Friday, August 30th - Sunday, September 1st
Where: Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
Description: Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is a three-day country music festival in Panama City Beach, Florida over Labor Day weekend. Headliners include Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, and Kid Rock. Tickets available for purchase on April 7th. General admission tickets are $139 with $10 from each ticket being donated to panhandle hurricane relief. Tickets and info at gulfcoastjam.com.
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Weekly Activites @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
HydroFlight Mondays | 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon.
Boomin Tuesdays | 7 - 9:30pm
Enjoy lawn games and inflatables. Light up the night with Fireworks at 8:30pm over the lagoon.
Wednesday Night Concert Series | 7-9pm
Live music & musicians to entertain all in the Events Plaza lawn.
Magical Thursday | 7-9pm
Watch as featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows on stage.
Sunday Cinema | 7:15pm
Enjoy a family-friendly movie on the Events Plaza lawn.
Admission is FREE and open to the public. For additional details, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
HydroFlight Mondays | 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Enjoy shows from fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell over the lagoon.
Boomin Tuesdays | 7 - 9:30pm
Enjoy lawn games and inflatables. Light up the night with Fireworks at 8:30pm over the lagoon.
Wednesday Night Concert Series | 7-9pm
Live music & musicians to entertain all in the Events Plaza lawn.
Magical Thursday | 7-9pm
Watch as featured pirate Captain Davy takes you on an adventure with two magic shows on stage.
Sunday Cinema | 7:15pm
Enjoy a family-friendly movie on the Events Plaza lawn.
Admission is FREE and open to the public. For additional details, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Where: Seascape Town Centre
Rosemary Beach Rock Painting, Bling Bar & Karaoke
Where: Western Green @ Rosemary Beach
Farmer's Markets
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach
When: Every Friday @ 7:30pm
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Description: Grab a blanket and come out to the Seaside Amphitheater on Friday night for a family movie on the lawn. Free and open to the public. Check the movie schedule here! 
If you're looking for some indoor activities to do check out our additional blog post: 10 Things to Do Indoors In Destin.
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!