September 2026 Events Along the Emerald Coast
September marks the beginning of a new season along the Emerald Coast. Summer begins to soften, the pace becomes a little more relaxed, and the calendar takes on a distinctly local feel. From live music and farmers markets along 30A to Destin's seafood traditions and Sandestin's fall programming, September offers plenty of reasons to get out and experience the coast. Whether you're looking for a night at the theater, a day on the golf course, a waterfront celebration or a favorite community tradition, there's plenty happening from Inlet Beach to Destin.
30A
Seaside Farmers Market
September 8, 12, 19, 22 & 26 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Seaside Amphitheater
A Saturday and select weekday tradition, Seaside's farmers market brings local growers, makers, specialty foods, baked goods and artisan vendors into the heart of town.
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market
Sundays throughout September | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | North Barrett Square
Spend Sunday morning browsing local produce, flowers, baked goods and artisan offerings beneath the oaks of Rosemary Beach.
Sounds of Seaside
Wednesdays in September | 5:00–7:00 PM | Seaside Amphitheater
Bring a blanket or chair for an evening of live music in the heart of Seaside. The free concert series continues into September with local musicians performing beneath the coastal evening sky.
Seaside Vinyasa Yoga
Daily through October 31 | 8:30–9:30 AM | Seaside Pavilion
Start the morning with a guided vinyasa practice at the Seaside Pavilion. Classes are open to all levels and continue throughout September.
Live Music at The Pearl Rooftop
Mondays–Wednesdays through September | 6:00–8:00 PM | The Pearl, Rosemary Beach
Enjoy live music and sunset views from The Pearl's open-air rooftop bar during one of Rosemary Beach's more polished evening traditions.
Wine + Song at NEAT
September 15, 22 & 29 | 5:00–7:00 PM | NEAT Bottle Shop & Tasting Bar, Alys Beach
A weekly Alys Beach favorite pairing four wine tastings with live music. September's lineup includes Steven Theriot on September 15, Emily Bass on September 22 and Corey Hall on September 29. Tickets are $30 per person.
Shard Shop Locals Weekend
September 12–13 | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM | The Shard Shop, Grayton Beach
The Shard Shop's monthly locals weekend returns in September, with locals and snowbirds receiving 20% off classes during the second Saturday and Sunday of the month.
Day of Honor at Fish Out of Water
September 11 | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM | Fish Out of Water, WaterColor
Fish Out of Water honors active and retired military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers and emergency service professionals with special food and beverage features, live music and a 50% discount all day for those with proper identification.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
September 19 | 8:00–10:00 AM | Multiple South Walton Beach Locations
Join volunteers across the coast for a morning dedicated to protecting local beaches and waterways. Cleanup locations include beaches throughout Destin, Miramar Beach and South Walton.
Alys Beach Merchant Walkabout & Showing of The Paper Bear
September 25 | 5:00–8:00 PM | Alys Beach Town Center
A relaxed evening of food, music and community begins with Alys Beach's Summer Savor from 5:00–6:00 PM, followed by the merchant walkabout and an outdoor showing of The Paper Bear.
Oktoberfest: Where Bavaria Meets the Beach
September 26 | 4:00–7:00 PM | 30A, Inlet Beach
Trade the beach chair for a stein at 30Avenue's Oktoberfest celebration. The annual event brings Bavarian-inspired food, drinks and entertainment to one of 30A's newest lifestyle destinations.
Fall Children's Theater at Seaside
September 26 | 5:00 PM | Seaside Amphitheater
The Seaside Amphitheater welcomes fall programming with a family-friendly children's theater performance.
Alys Classics: The Parent Trap
September 27 | 6:00 PM | Central Park, Alys Beach
Close out the month with an outdoor movie night at Alys Beach featuring The Parent Trap.
DESTIN
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents Come From Away
September 10–27 | Various Performance Times | Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard
Emerald Coast Theatre Company's 14th season opens with the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away. Performances run Thursday–Saturday at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM, with Wednesday matinees and select Thursday performances.
2026 Women's Expo at The Island
September 12 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM | The Island Resort, Fort Walton Beach
A day dedicated to fashion, wellness, beauty, shopping, lifestyle and entertainment. Admission is free.
4th Annual Sandy Bags "Bags on the Porch" Cornhole Tournament
September 12 | Time TBA | The Back Porch, Destin
Spend the day on the beach competing in a community cornhole tournament while supporting a local cause.
Cirque du Canines
September 12 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater
Prepare for an unusual night out featuring high-flying dogs, frisbee tricks, dog dancing, comedy and plenty of audience interaction.
C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles
September 9 & 23 | 5:00 PM | Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Learn more about local sea turtle conservation through Gulfarium's C.A.R.E. Center programming.
Pilates with Dolphins
September 12, 19 & 26 | 7:30 AM | Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Combine a morning Pilates class with the unique setting of Gulfarium's Dolphin Oasis.
13th Annual Soldiers on the Water
September 19 | 7:00 AM–5:00 PM | Destin Fishing Fleet Marina
This meaningful Destin tradition gives combat-wounded veterans a day of fishing, fellowship and appreciation aboard local charter boats. Veteran check-in begins at 7:00 AM, with boats departing at 8:00 AM.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
September 19 | 8:00–10:00 AM | Multiple Destin & Emerald Coast Beaches
Help keep the Emerald Coast beautiful during the annual International Coastal Cleanup. Destin-area locations include Henderson Beach State Park, Norriego Point and the Crab Trap/James Lee Park.
6th Annual Burgers, Bourbon & Beer Festival
September 19 | 1:00–4:00 PM | Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Sample creative burgers from local chefs, enjoy bourbon and craft beer, listen to live music and vote for your favorite burger while supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.
Croctoberfest 2026
September 19 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
An adults-only evening at Gulfarium featuring unlimited tastings from local breweries, wineries and distilleries, live music, yard games, gator chats and animal encounters.
United Way Emerald Coast 40 Under 40 Awards
September 25 | Evening | Emerald Coast
Celebrate 40 young professionals making an impact throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties at United Way Emerald Coast's annual 40 Under 40 Awards.
Destin Seafood Festival
September 25–27 | Times Vary | Destin Harbor Boardwalk
One of Destin's signature annual traditions returns to the Harbor Boardwalk with more than 75 vendors, seafood, live music and shopping. The festival is free to attend and marks the beginning of the Destin Fishing Rodeo season.
Destin Commons Market
September 19 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Destin Commons
The monthly Destin Commons Market returns with local artisans, makers and specialty vendors.
Paint & Sip at Destin Commons
September 25 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Destin Commons
Enjoy a guided painting experience paired with wine or Prosecco, pizza and a night out. This event is for guests 21 and older.
SANDESTIN
Perfect Hues: Baytowne Wharf Art Fest
September 4–6 | 5:00–9:00 PM nightly | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne welcomes Labor Day weekend with its annual art fest, featuring local and regional artists, live music and a fireworks finale over the lagoon on Sunday evening. This event has already taken place as of September 8, but is included here as part of the complete September calendar.
Wednesday Night Concert Series
September 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Baytowne Wharf Events Plaza
The fall edition of Baytowne's free Wednesday concert series features The Typos on September 2, Six Piece Suits on September 9, Saltwater Revival on September 16, Duchess on September 23 and the Modern Eldorados on September 30.
Golf4TheCure Gulf Coast Tournament
September 11 | 11:00 AM–9:00 PM | Raven Golf Club at Sandestin
The third annual Golf4TheCure combines a two-person scramble with dinner, live music, a kids zone, raffles and a lantern lighting, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Check-in and lunch begin at 11:00 AM, with the shotgun start at 12:30 PM.
Boomin' Tuesday
September 8 & 22 | 7:15–9:15 PM | Baytowne Wharf
The September edition of Baytowne's Tuesday evening programming brings a DJ dance party followed by the signature fireworks over the lagoon.
Bubbly Baytowne
September 17 | 5:00 PM | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Sip complimentary champagne and sparkling wine while shopping throughout the Village during this adults-only evening.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
September 18 | 5:00 PM | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Break out the pirate attire for an evening of themed entertainment with Captain Davy, including a scavenger hunt, magic show, costume contest and plenty of swashbuckling fun.
International Coastal Cleanup Day at Sandestin
September 19 | 8:00–10:00 AM | The Beach House
Meet behind The Beach House at 8:00 AM before beginning the cleanup at 8:15. Participants are invited back at 9:30 for a group photo, complimentary breakfast and raffle prizes.
ECAC Hole In One Golf Tournament
September 18 | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sandestin
A September golf event bringing players together at Sandestin for a day on the links.
8th Annual Harbor Rats Charity Golf Classic
September 26 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM | Links Golf Course, Sandestin
The annual charity golf classic returns to Sandestin for a day on the course supporting the Harbor Rats' charitable efforts.
Fore Her 14th Annual Golf Outing
September 25 | 8:30 AM | The Links Golf Club at Sandestin
Fore Her's annual golf outing brings more than 200 golfers, volunteers and supporters together to raise funds for local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Grand Boulevard Farmers' Market
Saturdays in September | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Grand Boulevard
Start the weekend with local produce, specialty foods and artisan vendors at Grand Boulevard's weekly farmers market.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company: Come From Away
September 10–27 | Various Performance Times | Grand Boulevard
Grand Boulevard welcomes Emerald Coast Theatre Company's opening production of its 14th season. Come From Awayruns throughout September with evening and matinee performances.
Baytowne Wharf Fall Evenings
Throughout September | Evenings | The Village of Baytowne Wharf
With weekly concerts, special events and the transition into the fall calendar, Baytowne remains one of the Emerald Coast's most active evening destinations throughout September.
September is a beautiful reminder that the Emerald Coast has a season for every kind of coastal living. As summer gives way to fall, the calendar fills with longtime traditions, new experiences and the community events that make this place feel distinctly local. Spend an evening at Baytowne Wharf, explore a market on 30A, gather around the table for the Destin Seafood Festival or simply find your way to the water at sunset. However you spend the month, there's always another reason to get out and discover what's happening along the coast.
