Traveling to the Emerald Coast is an exciting trip any time of year! If you’re trying to decide when to visit, planning your trip around these exciting annual Florida events is a great idea.
The Emerald Coast always has a lot going on, from lively Panama City Beach all the way to Destin. There’s no telling what exciting events and activities you can get into! New events are constantly popping up, but there are several tried-and-true classics that keep people coming back to the Emerald Coast year after year.
Ready to start a new tradition in 2025? Let’s explore our favorite annual Florida events on the Emerald Coast!
30A Songwriter’s Festival
January 16th-19th 2026, 30A
The 30A Songwriter’s Festival is a time-honored tradition here on the Emerald Coast. Over 150 artists travel to the area to put on incredible performances that showcase their songwriting talent.
Past headliners have included big names like John Prine, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris, and Ani Defranco. While the big names are an exciting draw, the beauty of the 30A Songwriters Festival lies in the smaller names, too. You may not recognize the smaller artists gracing the many stages here, but they could be the next big thing!
With over 25 participating venues, the 30A Songwriter’s Festival celebrates excellence in artistry, and you’ll witness incredible talent over its 3 days. Plus, it happens in January, when it’s pretty cold in other parts of the country. What could be better than a tropical escape with top-notch musical performances? You’ll want to come back next year for more!
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
February 21st-22nd 2025, Sandestin
Another popular winter event happening on the Emerald Coast is the Sandestin Gumbo Festival. There’s no better way to get rid of the winter chill from home than heading down to sunny Florida, and eating some authentically delicious gumbo will only help you with that mission!
This event has been held for an impressive 36 years as of 2025, the Sandestin Gumbo Festival consistently ranks as the Emerald Coast’s favorite winter food event. Emerald Coast restaurants compete yearly for the title of “Best Gumbo on the Emerald Coast,” and there’s a People’s Choice Award, too! Live music and children’s activities are going on all day, so there’s no shortage of entertainment here. Local bars also compete for the “Best Bloody Mary at the Beach” this weekend, so you can vote on your favorite Bloody Mary concoction.
Gulf Coast Jam Panama City Beach
May 29th-June 1st, 2025, Panama City Beach
Want to attend one of the most exciting summer events in Florida? You have to be at Gulf Coast Jam!
This country music festival in Florida sells out consistently every year, and we don’t expect 2025 to be any different! The headliners for the 2025 festival are impressive, including Blake Shelton, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, and Sam Hunt. Other non-headlining acts are still well-known; you can see artists such as Jordan Davis, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Megan Moroney.
You can go all in and buy a VIP ticket for the festival or have a great time dancing your heart out in General Admission. While the music is the main event, you’ll also find great food vendors, merch booths, and incredible views—after, the festival is set on Panama City Beach’s breathtaking coastline. It’s the perfect way to kick off summer—good tunes, good company, and the Gulf breeze in the background. Tickets for the 2025 festival are on sale now, so grab yours and get ready for one of the best weekends of the year!
Destin Seafood Festival
September 26-28th 2025, Destin
The Destin Seafood Festival is back for a 47th year in 2025! It’s a local favorite here on the Emerald Coast, and it kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo, held in October yearly. The founders of the Fishing Rodeo originally started it to bring more people to Destin, and it’s safe to say it worked! Nowadays, both the rodeo and the seafood festival remain immensely popular Florida events, drawing large crowds to the Emerald Coast.
If you’re a fan of seafood, the Destin Seafood Festival is a can’t-miss event! You’ll find delectable seafood dishes of all kinds here, and it’s as fresh as it gets! Local vendors and restaurants work hard to bring the highest quality seafood possible.
Beyond the food, there’s even more to explore! Immerse yourself in the local community; the Destin Seafood Festival is one of Destin’s greatest community traditions and is a cherished event for locals. You’ll also find fine art, jewelry, sculptures, and garments at the festival!
On top of all the delicious seaside fare and beautiful art that makes for great souvenirs, the Destin Seafood Festival has great entertainment. Listen to live music from entertainers hailing from all over the United States!
Book Your Stay Along the Emerald Coast Directly with Benchmark Management!
Beach view from Benchmark Management beachfront Emerald Coast rental Leeward I Unit 8
Wow, there are so many exciting annual events in Florida to attend! We know you’ll have a blast at any one of them. 2025 is the perfect year to start a new tradition!
When you attend these Florida festivals, choose the best Emerald Coast vacation rentals when you stay with us at Benchmark Management. Whether you’re staying here during peak season for Gulf Coast Jam or you’re a snowbird flocking down for the 30A Songwriters Festival, we have a variety of vacation rentals designed to fit your needs.
We have vacation rentals all along the Emerald Coast, so you can find the perfect accommodations for your trip, no matter which events you have on your itinerary. Explore the best of our Destin vacation rentals if you’re in town for the seafood festival, or stay in Panama City Beach so you’re well-rested for every day of Gulf Jam.
Narrow your search by area, or check out the many amenities available to you when you stay with us. Plus, when you book your vacation directly, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of working with our local team and avoid unnecessary booking fees you’d incur from a third party like Airbnb.
Browse our available Emerald Coast vacation rentals now and book your trip directly with Benchmark Management!