SparklerThe Fourth of July weekend is packed with great events to attend while enjoying a Gulf Coast vacation. This, however, is especially true if you will be staying in a Destin condo or home rental.

So, what’s going on in Destin that’s so exciting? Awesome festivals and multiple fireworks shows! Take a little break from the beach on Friday to hit up the Destin Commons shopping center. Here you will find great shops to explore, as well as the Smoke on the Coast BBQ Festival.

Smoke on the Coast is an annual event that benefits wonderful charities such as Building Homes for Heroes, Children in Crisis and Food for Thought. The event begins at 2pm when the local chefs arrive to begin preparing their best BBQ selections, which are then available for tasting at 5pm. Tasting tickets are just $1 and all proceeds benefit the aforementioned organizations. Be sure to stick around into the evening as fireworks light up the sky at 9pm.

If you’re looking to enjoy dinner and fireworks on the Fourth of July, head out to HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor. They will have live entertainment beginning at 5pm, the shops will be open and fireworks over the harbor will begin at 9pm.