Community Events

Don't miss the annual Kentucky Derby Party at the Skybar at Edge Seafood on the Destin Harbor on Saturday, May 2nd.  Click the link for all the details!

Join MarineMax for their Boats and Boil Customer Appreciation Event on Saturday, May 9th from 11 to 3!

Come check out the latest Grady-White boats—built for adventure, powered for the Gulf—and while you’re here… grab a plate!

We’re serving up over 500 pounds of fresh, delicious crawfish—so bring your appetite and your crew.

Boats, crawfish boil, and good times—it’s all happening at MarineMax of Fort Walton Beach on Highway 98 across from Whataburger!

Don’t miss it—May 9th, 11 to 3. MarineMax of Fort Walton Beach… where your next adventure begins.

The 69th annual Blessing of the Fleet will be held on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 14, at the docks behind Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer on Destin Harbor. Organized by Immanuel Anglican Church, the free public event begins at 4 p.m. with a captains’ praise and worship service under a large tent, followed around 5 p.m. by a clergy-led procession to bless registered vessels. Commercial fishing boats, safety vessels, and recreational watercraft operated by captains who earn their living on the sea are invited to participate, with registered captains receiving a traditional blue cross-and-dove Blessing of the Fleet flag. Last year, more than 130 vessels were blessed, and captains can register in advance by submitting their vessel and contact information via email or phone. A community fish feast will start around 5:15 p.m., supported by Ariel Seafood, Brotula’s, and local sponsors, with suggested donations benefiting the event, and T-shirts available for purchase; free parking is offered at Brotula’s all day and at a nearby city lot beginning at 2 p.m.

The Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival takes place each year in Fort Walton Beach along Florida’s scenic Emerald Coast and celebrates its 70th anniversary as a family-friendly, pirate-themed tradition. Named after the legendary pirate William Augustus Bowles, also known as Billy Bowlegs, the event features several signature moments, including Thursday’s Pre-Invasion, Friday’s Pirate Skirmish between the Krewe of Bowlegs and the city’s mayor, Saturday’s dramatic Pirate Landing as Captain Billy Bowlegs and his crew attempt to seize the city, and Monday night’s Torchlight Parade. The festival also offers a variety of attractions such as a popular treasure hunt, fireworks, live music, an arts and crafts show, and a wide selection of food from local vendors.

A gala dinner is scheduled for June 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Rigdon Center, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach, featuring a 1776 reenactment and a patriotic drone show beginning at 8:45 p.m. The evening will offer VIP seating for the drone display, along with a social hour, formal dinner, live reenactment, and a celebration with music and dancing. Organizers are encouraging both individuals and businesses to participate in the event, which honors “The 56,” the signers of the Declaration of Independence, recognized as a diverse group of early American figures ranging from political leaders and merchants to farmers, scientists, and ministers. Tickets are available at CBCDAR.com.