While we are proudly a beach resort area, September marks the beginning of the glorious off-season for the Destin 30A area, when the summer tourists have returned home and the winter snow birds haven’t quite flown down yet. That leaves September for the locals, and there are so many fun Destin 30A September events geared for families. Check out our list of highlights below!
Kayak Eco-Tour Paddle on Lake Powell – Panama City Beach
September 5
From the website: “Join Camp Helen State Park ranger staff for a leisurely 90-minute paddle on Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in North America. Learn about the history, natural communities and wildlife that make this Outstanding Florida Water unique and important. This guided kayak tour will be enjoyable for individuals, families and groups.”
Fee is $40 for a single kayak, cash only, and includes entrance fee to park, watercraft rental, life jacket, paddle, and a donation to the Friends of Camp Helen State Park. For ages 12 and up.
Kids Night Out – Destin
September 6
From the City of Destin’s Chamber of Commerce website: “The Destin Community Center will be hosting a Kids’ Night Out event for children ages 5-12. The event will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, from 6:00-9:00pm. Kids will have a night full of themed games, crafts, food (pizza), and lots of fun.”
$40 for Destin residents and $60 for non-Destin residents. Please pre-register to secure a spot!
Preschool Storytime – Niceville
September 11
From the website: “Inspire your future reader and join us for exciting stories, rhymes, music and activities selected just for children ages 3 – 5 years. Sessions will be held in the Youth Services Program Room on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:30 am.”
Free. For ages 3-5. Note that if you can’t make this specific date, the Niceville Library typically offers preschool storytime every Wednesday and Friday morning. Check the website linked above for more details.
Annual First Responders Cookout – Destin
September 11
From the Destin Chamber of Commerce website: “The Destin Chamber Trustee members are celebrating and thanking local first responders with a free cookout on Wednesday, Sept. 11. They will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs at Destin Fire Station #9 at 848 Airport Road, in Destin, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.”
Free. All community members are invited to stop by the event to show their appreciation to our first responders.
Planetarium Nights at Emerald Coast Science Center – Fort Walton Beach
September 12, 19, 26
From their website about the special September 12th event celebrating Women of the Stars: “Join us for this extra special planetarium event that celebrates the brilliant and brave women who wrote their names in the stars by pushing back against discrimination and gender roles. We’ll travel around the solar system to celebrate some of the earliest female astronomers, NASA scientists, and astronauts. You’ll also learn about the brother/sister duo who discovered Uranus, the two planets that are named after goddesses (and three dwarf planets), the only constellation named after a historical figure, and the best mom ever who won a trip to space and decided to take her 18-year-old daughter. Buckle your seat belts, because these amazing women will blow you away.”
Non-museum members: $12 adults/seniors/kids. Children 2 and under are free. Free for museum members. Space is limited so advance ticket purchasing is recommended. Please arrive at least 10 minutes in advance. Preshow starts half an hour before show time.
2024 Big Scoop – Fort Walton Beach
September 14
From the website: “You won’t want to miss the 2024 Big Scoop! It’s a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 2 – 4 p.m., at Emerald Coast Harley Davidson in Fort Walton Beach, benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Attendees will be treated to all-you-can-eat ice cream, and other sweet treats. There will also be face painting, games, a touch tank experience from ‘Little Adventures’ and Emerald Coast Science Center and other activities.” This is sure to be one of the sweeter Destin 30A September events.
Free and open to the public.
Hometown Heroes Event – Miramar Beach
September 14
From the Silver Sands Premium Outlets website: “Join us in the parking lot by Old Navy Outlet to meet and greet local Hometown Heroes. Get the chance to explore their vehicles like a firetruck, sheriff car, military trucks & more! Enjoy face painting, a DJ, photo ops, and enter for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree while you’re there!”
Free. There’s a horn free hour from 11am-12pm for children with sensitive ears.
Youth Village 25th Anniversary Celebration – Fort Walton Beach
September 14
From the website: “Come help us celebrate 25 years of serving the children of our community! This FREE “Circus-themed” event will have games, food truck with free meal ticket for children 12 & under, free books from the Early Learning Coalition, free goody bags for the first 100 children to arrive, DJ and Karaoke, face painting and some great surprises!”
Free to the entire community. Donations gratefully accepted.
International Talk Like A Pirate Day – Sandestin
September 20
From their website: “Ahoy Matey! Join us for an evening full of adventure with our Special Guest Captain Davy. Come dressed in your best pirate costume and get ready for a scavenger hunt, magic show, costume contest, and loads more of mayhem! PLUS enjoy a fireworks show at 8pm over the lagoon. “
Free. Shoulder parrots optional.
International Coastal Clean Up Day – Various Local Locations
September 21
From the Destin Chamber of Commerce website: “Join us for the 2024 International Coastal Clean Up event that’s perfect for the whole family! We’ll have clean up contests with fun prizes, free event t-shirts, and a free post clean up breakfast served at some of our favorite local restaurants.”
Free. Complimentary breakfast will be provided at The Boardwalk, The Crab Trap, and The Surf Hut clean up locations. Bring your own bucket, mesh bag, gloves, and trash grabbers! Don’t forget your water bottle and sun protection!
Family Movie Night Featuring KUNG FU PANDA 4 – Watersound
September 25
Summer may be over but Family Movie Nights at the Big Chill play on at this family-friendly Destin 30A September events! This evening’s screening is a fun one – KUNG FU PANDA 4!
Free. Movies are played on the jumbotron and under the pavilion.
Destin Seafood Festival – Destin
September 27-29
One of Destin’s most celebrated traditions, the Destin Seafood Festival kicks off the Destin Fishing Rodeo with 5 live music stages throughout the festival, a Kids Zone with face painting, cotton candy, casting contest, mingo toss and more. Harborwalk Village will have fireworks at 9pm on Saturday. Over 100 vendors will be set up to browse booths including artists, retail, jewelry, commercial products, food and more. It’s going to be a fun filled weekend on the Destin Harbor!
Free to enter the main festival. Food and merchandise an additional cost. VIP tickets available for exclusive area at an additional price.
Know of some other must-do Destin30A September events that you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
