April Events in Destin, Pensacola Beach, and More ~ Southern Vacation Rentals

Today kicks off April, with a myriad of exciting events happening across our Gulf Coast. From fishing tournaments to food festivals and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. Not to mention, the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and the waves are calling your name! Read on below to find out our favorite April events in Destin, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and more. You won’t be disappointed with all the fun things happening here. For a full list of all events in our areas, visit our Gulf Coast Event Calendar!

Panama City Beach

Festival season on the Gulf Coast kicks off with the SandJam Music Festival in Panama City Beach. Held from April 26-28 on our white sand beaches, come rock out to headliners Kings of Leon, Third Eye Blind, and Young the Giant. Additional artists include Cold War Kids, Dirty Heads, The Revivalists, Matt and Kim, and more! Stay close to the festival at our three-bedroom Shores of Panama 724 vacation condo in Panama City Beach, Florida. If you’re attending the festival with a group, then this is the perfect condo as it sleeps six!

Destin

If you’re staying with us in Destin in April, then you’re going to have so much fun this month! The very first Destin event that takes place in April is the 22nd Annual Destin Cobia Tournament. The tournament lasts the entire month of April and kicks off when the first cobia is caught in Destin’s waters. Since cobia is only in-season during the springtime, there’s a very small window in which to catch the fish. Weigh-ins will take place on the Destin Harbor to see who catches the biggest cobia, with cash prizes awarded to the winner! Come see why Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” at the 22nd Annual Destin Cobia Tournament!

In addition to great fishing opportunities, Destin is also known for its wine and food festivals. There are two you can attend this month: the 33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, and the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival. The Sandestin Wine Festival lasts from April 11-14 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, and welcomes wine connoisseurs and novices alike. Attend wine seminars, meet celebrity chefs, and purchase your favorite wines all in one thrilling event. At the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival, there’s something for everyone. Wine and foodies will delight in this festival, with delicious tastings from award-winning chefs and over 800 wine samples to be enjoyed. Make your way down to Grand Boulevard from April 25-28 for a weekend of fun!

Pensacola Beach

Meanwhile, out west, Pensacola Beach has exciting events you won’t want to miss out on! Popular Pensacola event Bands on the Beach begins Tuesday, April 2nd, and lasts all the way until the end of October. At 7 pm on Tuesdays, head down to Casino Beach where you can hear live music playing from your Pensacola Beach vacation rental. Remember to swap your glass bottles for plastic, and please leave your furry friends at home! However, do bring your friends, a snack and a lawn chair to enjoy a night of live music.

Not too far away in Downtown Pensacola, you’ll be able to catch the 35th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival at the end of the month from April 26-28. Expand your Cajun roots with authentic Cajun dishes, live music, arts and crafts and more! Test your limits with the crawfish eating contests, or witness the NASCRAW crawfish races. This is another popular event you won’t want to miss out on!

Perdido Key

In Perdido Key, it’s all about the mullet – and no, we aren’t talking about the haircut! The 23rd Annual Mullet Man Triathalon is back again on April 13th. Swim, bike, and run through Perdido Key, Florida and Orange Beach, Alabama. Then, hang out at the post-race party at the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge where great food and drinks will be provided. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, in memory of M. Lane Gilchrist, the late, popular Mayor of Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Then, come back down at the end of the month for the Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party. This event is exactly what it sounds like – warm up your throwing arm and see if you’ll be the one to throw a mullet farthest across the state line! The event brings in visitors from all over, with proceeds from the event go to the Community Drug and Alcohol Council, Inc., local Boys and Girls Clubs, and youth groups on both sides of the state line. The Flora-Bama Mullet Toss is an event you cannot see anywhere else!