With tourist season filling up beaches and Highway 98 each summer and the high heat and humidity keeping most of us inside, there’s not a lot of festivals and events to attend in the dog days of summer. That all changes once September arrives. The kids are back in school, the roads are a little clearer, and there’s plenty of fun stuff to do if you’re an Emerald Coast local.
Make your plans now for these events coming up in September!
25th Greek Festival 2016
Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4
Emerald Coast Convention Center
Spend the weekend learning about Greek heritage while enjoying Greek food, music, and dancers. The Kosta Kastanis Band, beloved around the U.S. will keep your feet moving. With a special coupon, admission is free. Learn more.
Labor Day Celebration
Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4
HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village caps off its summer celebration with a big Labor Day blowout. Enjoy music from Sauce Boss on September 3 (and his homemade gumbo, prepared while he plays!) and The Bayou Saints who give you a taste of New Orleans on September 4, plus the great fireworks HarborWalk is known for! Learn more.
“Jersey” – A Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band
Sunday, September 4
Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
If you love the Boss, if you can’t get enough of the sounds of the E Street Band, then make plans to catch this Bruce Springsteen tribute band presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. Pack a picnic and wine or grab your dinner on-site and spend a night reliving the best part of your youth. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for members. Kids 12 and under are free. Learn more.
24th Annual Emerald Coast Car Show
Saturday, September 10
Mullet Festival Site in Niceville
If you can’t get enough of cool cars, antiques, or hot rods, make plans for the Emerald Coast Car Show. For those of you with your own hot rod, rebuilt classic, or other car that you’re dying to show off, this is your opportunity to let people from around the Emerald Coast admire your baby. There are 40 classes available including stock, trucks, custom, hot rod, motorcycles, and more. Early registration is $25, after that the cost is $30. Learn more.
Destin Chamber’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m.
The Henderson
Come celebrate 50 years of the Destin Chamber with this elegant gala featuring live entertainment from Triggerproof, a champagne toast, and more. Tickets are $120 per person or $1,100 per table. Learn more.
2016 Fort Walton Beach BBQ Festival
Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17
Fort Walton Beach Landing
For the fourth year in a row, enjoy BBQ, beer, and music for two days in the heart of Fort Walton Beach. Admission is free, and there will be an area for the kids to play and have fun while you eat your fill of great BBQ. Learn more.
Hispanic Fest 2016
Sunday, September 18
Emerald Coast Convention Center
Come on out to this family-friendly event celebrating all things Hispanic. You’ll experience the best of Hispanic music, dances, arts and crafts, food, and more. All proceeds benefit the 12th Annual Emerald Coast Miracle Needy Children’s Fiesta. The Hispanic Fest is presented by United for a Cause. Learn more.
Emerald Coast Home and Boat Show
Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25
Emerald Coast Convention Center
Where can you go to a Health Fair, a Boat Show, and a Business Expo all at the same time? At the Emerald Coast Home and Boat Show! Admission is free, and you can enter to win $10,000 in door prizes plus other free giveaways. Learn more.
38th Annual Destin Seafood Festival
Friday, September 30 through Sunday, October 2
Destin Harbor
Back once again, the Destin Seafood Festival is a draw for locals and tourists every year with over 70,000 coming out over a three day period. Admission is free. Whether you come out for the seafood, the fishing, or just to enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. Learn more.
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