The need for a getaway can come any time of year. While some crave the ice and snow of a winter wonderland full of skiing and snowboarding, others crave year-round sun and warmth. You and your family can enjoy the latter when you come to Florida and enjoy the myriad of family fun Fort Walton Beach events happening throughout the year.
Independence Day at the Landing
While the beach may be the star of your Florida escape, there’s plenty of patriotic fun to be had when you visit around the 4th of July. Head over to the Landing, where the City of Fort Walton Beach celebrates Independence Day with a red, white, and blue patriotic event in the evening. The free event is open to the public and includes family-friendly activities, live music, and a fireworks show. For the kids, there will be bounce houses and games in the “Kid Zone” made just for them. Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Fireworks will shower their patriotic light over Santa Rose Sound, just before the end of the event.
Destin Commons on July 3rd
While the majority of the area is flying its most patriotic colors on the 4th, Destin Commons just can’t wait that long. The Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival is a food-tasting festival with food provided by local vendors, with a BBQ competition in the evening. Watch red, white, and blue light up the sky in an impressive display that is launched from several spots on parking garage roofs. The day ends with a fireworks show.
Destin Seafood Festival & Fishing Rodeo
This festival is considered one of the biggest fall festivals on the entire Emerald Coast. The three-day event is held in Destin Harbor in October as a kickoff to the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Come and sample flavors from local restaurants and food vendors, all lined up carnival-style in the harbor. The festival is just one way to show off why Destin is “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” After the festival, try your own luck at catching “the big one” and enter the rodeo, which has events for all ages.
Emerald Coast Bike Fest
With everything needed for a family vacation, you probably packed up the family car rather than a motorcycle. Whether you brought your bike or not, you can hang out with other bikers this fall. The Annual Spring Rally, the Emerald Coast Bike Fest, takes place in October. The event is hosted by Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson, but you don’t need to have a Harley to join in on the fun. Come by for several food and beverage vendors, an on-site bar, and more, all weekend long. The bar is 21+, but the fun is for everyone.
Spooky Secrets of the Stars
Visit the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach this Halloween for a special spooky show. Wear your costume, trick-or-treat around the center, and be prepared to be scared! The center is presenting a special show in the inflatable planetarium about the creepy creatures of mythology that are hidden in our night sky. A family-friendly version is available earlier in the day, while the Spooktacular Show, more suited to guests age eight and up due to spookier content, starts later in the evening. All shows last approximately 45 minutes. Seating is limited and advanced ticket purchases are encouraged.
Holiday on the Harbor
Check out HarborWalk Village during your Christmas beach respite. They bring the merry and the jolly with Santa visits on Saturdays and Sundays from the beginning of December through December 19. Visit Santa Paws or the Olde Holiday Market. The Destin Boat Parade lights up the waters, too, and “Sounds of the Season” can be heard on the last days of the festival. Finally, send Santa off in style on December 19 so he can put the final touches on Christmas.
New Year’s Eve Street Party
Come for Christmas and stay for New Year’s. HarborWalk Village says ‘hello’ to the New Year with great food, drinks, live music, and fun. The “beach ball drop” descends over the harbor at midnight to make it the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The Fort Walton beach event is fun for all ages and includes a “beach ball drop” at 8 p.m. so the youngest guests with early bedtimes can still celebrate.
Family Fun Fort Walton Beach Events
From a cozy one-bedroom for a smaller family to a spacious three-bedroom for a Fort Walton Beach escape for everyone, the Breakers has a vacation rental that’s perfect for you. Step in and feel your stresses and worries melt away, knowing all your needs will be met. Our kitchens come fully equipped with everything you’ll need to make a home-cooked meal. Stretch out with some popcorn and your favorite show or movie. Choose a premium unit for flat-screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, a wet bar, and more.
Call us today to start planning a family adventure in Fort Walton Beach!