Baytowne Wharf transforms into a hub of flavor and festivity as the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival returns with gumbo, Mardi Gras spirit and nonstop fun. Recognized as one of the Emerald Coast’s largest winter food festivals, this beloved event continues to draw crowds hungry for both tradition and taste.
Kick-Off Party at 5’OClock Somewhere
Friday, February 20th | 5-8 p.m.
Kick off your tasting days, Friday, Feb. 20, with a traditional Shrimp Boil Kick-Off Party at 5’Oclock Somewhere from 5-8 p.m. PLUS—enjoy live music & stop by the Tito’s, our Best Bloody Mary at The Beach Vodka Sponsor table!
Sandestin Gumbo Festival
Saturday, February 21st | 12-4 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, Gulf Coast restaurants will feature their top-secret gumbo recipes and compete for your vote at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival. Dark or light roux? Chicken, sausage or seafood? Sample the variety of gumbos and vote for your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner. Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best.” Serving up fun for everyone, listen to live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe and enjoy free kid’s activities while you taste varieties of gumbo from restaurants in our area vying for your coveted vote.
AND—the popular Bloody Mary competition is back again this year, featuring the Best Bloody Marys at the beach. Taste some of the finest local bars’ and restaurants’ Bloody Marys and judge those, too. Vote for your favorite and help contestants win the title of “Best Bloody Mary at The Beach.”
Visit SandestinGumboFestival.com for details, including a daily schedule of events and entertainment. General admission tickets are $45 before Feb. 21 and allow tastings of all gumbo and Bloody Marys. Tickets are on sale now at gumbo.bigtickets.com/gumbo26 This event sells out every year, so don’t wait.
If you’re interested in entering the event, visit baytownewharf.com. The event will happen rain or shine.
It’s Almost time for the Annual Mardi Gras Parade!
Sunday, February 15 | 2 p.m. | FREE
Join the Village of Baytowne Wharf as the Village streets are filled with costumed dogs and their humans, along with unique and colorful floats, golf carts, vehicles, pick-up trucks and Mardi Gras cheer for the Baytowne Mardi Gras parade. Let the good times roll with dressed-up marchers in their Mardi Gras best and Mardi Gras music filling the air as four-pawed friends and parade participants shower parade-goers with a barrage of beads, moon pies and other trinkets.
Baytowne is looking for Krewes to join in the Mardi Gras festivities!! To participate, email baytowne@raebirdevents.com.
Baytowne Beads & Bingo Bash
Tuesday, February 17 | 5-8 p.m. | FREE
Let the good times roll at Baytowne’s Mardi Gras Merchant Bingo Crawl! Grab a Bingo Card by the stage and stroll through the Village to discover bead-worthy merchant specials! Check off the square, complete bingo and turn it in for a festive prize. The fun doesn’t stop there—enjoy live music on the main stage from Boukou Groove.
Join in for an evening full of beads, bargains and beats! Costumes and Mardi Gras spirit encouraged!
Bubbly Baytowne
Thursday, February 19 | 5 p.m. | FREE
Join us for an evening full of FREE champagne, sparkling wine and shopping during Bubbly Baytowne. Sip and shop throughout The Village of Baytowne Wharf! Stop in various retail stores as you enjoy a selection of premium bubbly! This event is free and for 21 & up only. The Village will be open to the public during this event.
