Whats Happening This Spring?

You would not believe all of the exciting things happening on the Gulf Coast this spring! From food and wine festivals to fishing tournaments, something exciting is happening at every turn. Whether you’re visiting for spring break or a local looking to add a little excitement to your weekend plans, our spring events on the Gulf Coast will keep you entertained all the way until summer. This is just a preview of what’s happening during spring – for a full list of area events, visit our Gulf Coast Event Calendar!

Be sure to also join the fun with our hashtag #MySweetSouthern on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, and let us know which event you’re attending!

March

Car fanatics will rejoice with this exciting March event in Panama City Beach! The Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show, held from March 6-9 is known as the South’s “Best Blast From the Past.” Fun for the whole family, this event features thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars, and more. In addition to the swap meet and Auto Car Corral, there will also be crafts and jewelry to browse. Kids will enjoy the fun rides and games, while you all enjoy great bands and special shows. Make your way down to Aaron Bessant Park to take in all the car show has to offer!

Meanwhile, down in Destin, the 6th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest invites you to kick off the spring break season! Held from March 8-10 at HarborWalk Village, the weekend kicks off on the 8th from 7-10 PM with Garden & Gun’s Tapas & Tequila Kick-Off Party. This event features live music by Humming House, mixologist demonstrations, and specialty tequila cocktails and tapas. The main tasting event takes place the next day, with craft tequila cocktails, live music, and a variety of tacos to taste. All event proceeds benefit Hurricane Michael Relief Efforts. Visit here for tickets!

Food lovers, get ready for one of Pensacola’s favorite events – the 10th Annual Smokin’ in the Square is back! Great food plus great entertainment makes for a great weekend, from March 15-17. Join BBQ enthusiasts at Community Maritime Park for a free, family-friendly event. An exciting part of the event includes a BBQ cookoff on Saturday, March 16th from 12-5 PM. An all-you-can-eat (and drink!) menu includes smoked salmon, jalapeno cheddar sausage, BBQ meatballs, and more. The cookoff brings together over 50 professional teams and 25 backyard teams as they compete for prizes.

April

Gear up for April fun with the 22nd Annual Destin Cobia Tournament! Since cobia is only in season during the spring, this event takes place the entire month of April. There will be weigh-ins on the Harbor to see who caught the biggest cobia. Watch the cobia being weighed in and grab a bite to eat at one of HarborWalk’s seafood restaurants. Cobia is also considered a delicacy in this area, so many great restaurants in Destin will be serving cobia at this time, too!

Also taking place in Destin is the 33rd Annual Sandestin Wine Festival from April 11-14. Named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine and also known as the best event in the Visit South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival area, it’s no wonder why this event is so popular! With wine seminars, dinners prepared by celebrity chefs, and “Brunch on the Bay,” the Sandestin Wine Festival is practically overflowing with fun. Come on down to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a weekend of great food, great spirits, and of course, great wine.

If you’re staying over in Gulf Shore, you certainly won’t want to miss out on the Interstate Mullet Toss at the end of the month! The Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party is held at the Flora-Bama from April 26-28, and really is the Greatest Beach Party! The mullet toss is just that – tossing a mullet over the Florida state line into Alabama. Prizes will be awarded for those who throw the mullet the farthest! Proceeds benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs and youth groups in Florida and Alabama.

With all these fun spring break events on the Gulf Coast, we hope to see you on the beach!