Magic & Comedy Destin Returns — Bigger, Bolder and More Interactive
Ongoing Shows | The Palms Resort, Destin
It’s back — and better than ever. Following a sold-out debut season, the Magic & Comedy Destin residency returns to The Palms Resort with an upgraded, high-energy show featuring up-close illusions, sharp comedy and immersive audience interaction.
Headliner Bart Rockett, a globally recognized performer who has entertained in more than 90 countries and starred in his own nationally syndicated TV show, brings big-stage talent to an intimate coastal setting. His fast-paced performance blends magic, comedy and ventriloquism — with every show offering a unique, interactive experience. Adding to the excitement, Rockett’s children, Kadan and Brooklyn, make special guest appearances throughout the season, bringing their own star power from film, television and viral media. Guests can enjoy all table seating with food and drinks delivered directly to their seats, creating a seamless, elevated night out. Arrive early or stay after to dine at the adjacent Blue Lagoon restaurant.
Showtimes include 7 p.m. evening performances and select 4 p.m. Sunday matinees. Seating is limited and shows often sell out, so advance reservations are recommended. Free parking is available.
Tickets & info: MagicDestin.com
CCA Emerald Coast Banquet & Auction Returns May 7
May 7 | Shoreline Church, Destin
The 32nd Annual CCA Florida Emerald Coast Chapter Banquet & Auction, presented by The Ships Chandler, returns Thursday, May 7 from 6–10 p.m. at Shoreline Church in Destin. Known as the “fishing party of the year,” this popular event raises critical funds to protect and enhance Florida’s marine resources.
Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, drinks, an expansive silent auction, exciting raffles and a lively live auction featuring exclusive items, artwork and trips across the state, country and beyond.
CCA has been actively investing in local conservation efforts, including a recent $500,000 contribution toward the upcoming sinking of the SS United States, one of the organization’s largest project investments to date.
Tickets and sponsorships are available now. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate, connect and support the future of our coastal habitats and fisheries.
Tickets & info: Register in advance to reserve your spot
69th Annual Blessing of the Fleet
May 14, 4–6 p.m. | Destin Harbor (behind Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer)
Destin’s beloved Blessing of the Fleet returns on Ascension Day with a 4 p.m. Captains’ Praise & Worship Service under the tent, followed by the traditional vessel blessing at 5 p.m. More than 130 boats participated last year. A community Fish Feast begins around 5:15 p.m. (suggested donation). Free parking available at Brotula’s and the city lot across the street (starting 2 p.m.). T-shirts available on-site.
Captains wishing to participate should register by emailing immanuel@iacdestin.org or calling 850-837-6324. For more information, visit iacdestin.org or facebook.com/TheChurchOfDestin.
Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival Returns With Swashbuckling Fun
May 14–16 | Fort Walton Beach Landing
Ahoy, mateys! The 70th annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival sails back into Fort Walton Beach May 14–16 at the Landing, bringing a lively weekend of pirate-themed fun, live entertainment, fireworks and family-friendly activities. Led by Captain Billy Bowlegs LXX, Rique Gwin, and his Krewe, the festival celebrates local history while boosting tourism and community spirit. Guests can expect vendors, music and the festival’s signature “skirmish” Friday night — with Captain Billy playfully “captured” — before returning Saturday to officially storm the city.
Festivities also include the Little Pirates Scavenger Hunt on Thursday and an ongoing coin hunt leading up to the event, with clues shared on local Cumulus radio stations and the festival’s Facebook page. The celebration continues beyond the weekend with the Billy Bowlegs Parade on Monday, May 18, along Eglin Parkway. A downtown Fort Walton Beach pub crawl is also set for May 8 to kick off the excitement.
The festival is free to attend and benefits the William Augustus Bowles Historical Foundation, supporting local history and heritage.
Info: kreweofbowlegs.com | Follow Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival on Facebook
Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament & Festival
May 15–17 | HarborWalk Village, Destin
The world’s largest lionfish tournament returns to Destin for a high-energy weekend of competition, cuisine and conservation. Divers from across the country compete for nearly $175,000 in prizes while helping remove invasive lionfish from Gulf waters—more than 100,000 since 2019. Onshore, the family-friendly festival at HarborWalk Village features lionfish tastings, fillet demonstrations, live music, educational exhibits, vendors and activities for all ages. Many local restaurants also participate in Lionfish Restaurant Week leading up to the event.
Details and registration: emeraldcoastopen.com.
Crawfish, Community & a Cause: Destin Rotary’s Annual Bash Returns
May 16 | Towne Centre at Seascape | Food, Music, Auction & Family Fun
Laissez les bons temps rouler! The Rotary Club of Destin’s 14th Annual Cajun Crawfish Bash returns Friday, May 16, from 5:30–9 p.m. at the Towne Centre at Seascape, co-hosted by Mezcal Mexican Grill. This high-energy fundraiser supports the Robert Hafner Scholarship Fund, A Bed 4 Me, Harvest House, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast—benefiting local students and families while helping fight hunger and expand opportunity across the community. Guests can enjoy fresh Louisiana crawfish with all the fixings—potatoes, sausage and corn—served up by Destin Rotary volunteers. Not a crawfish fan? No problem. Burgers, hot dogs and chicken will also be grilled fresh on-site. The evening features live music from Black Eyed Blonde, a silent auction, bourbon pull, magic by MagiShaun, a photo booth and face painting for the kids.
Tickets are $40 for a crawfish plate, $50 for all-you-can-eat and $15 for kids’ or non-crawfish meals (ages 3 and under free). Each ticket includes one complimentary drink. VIP tables for 10 are available for $500, with upgrade options for all-you-can-eat.
The event is family-friendly and open to the public. Tickets are available online. The Towne Centre at Seascape is located at 80 Seascape Drive in Miramar Beach, across from Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk 40th Anniversary
May 16 | Eglin East Gate Sports Complex, Eglin AFB
Honor service and sacrifice during the 40th Anniversary Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk on Saturday, May 16, at the Eglin East Gate Sports Complex. Held on Armed Forces Day, the historic 4.4-mile race returns to its traditional gate-to-gate course, inviting runners and walkers to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes while celebrating the spirit of community and military heritage. Opening ceremonies begin at 6:45 a.m., with the race starting at 7 a.m. Participants may register individually or as four-person teams, and are encouraged to dedicate their journey in memory of loved ones or military heroes. Online registration is available at tinyurl.com/40th-GateToGate, with more details at eglin96fss.com/gatetogate. Registration is limited to 1,500 participants, and only 1,000 commemorative medals will be awarded.
Gulf Coast Jam
May 28–31 | Frank Brown Park, PCB
One of the country’s most popular beach music festivals returns May 28–31 as Gulf Coast Jam brings four days of live country music to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. Headliners Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and Riley Green lead a lineup of more than 20 artists performing throughout the high-energy Country On The Coast™ weekend.
Fans can enjoy multiple stages, food vendors, bars and interactive fan experiences while soaking in the coastal festival atmosphere that has drawn sellout crowds of more than 30,000 in recent years. Pass options currently available include General Admission, Military, College and First Responder tickets, VIP experiences and lodging packages. Several premium viewing areas have already sold out.
Payment plans are available. Follow festival updates online. Visit GulfCoastJam.com.
