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
Blueberry Festival at Props Brewery
May 1–3 | Freeport
Celebrate a berry sweet weekend at Props Brewery in Hammock Bay, May 1–3, with the Blueberry Festival—three days of family-friendly fun, food and local flavor.
Enjoy a petting zoo, shop local vendors and grab a bite from a variety of food trucks while soaking in the festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect outing for families, friends and anyone who loves supporting local.
Friday, May 1: 3–9 p.m. | Saturday, May 2: 2–8 p.m. | Sunday, May 3: noon–6 p.m.
Props Brewery at The Windmills, 1799 Great Hammock Bend, Freeport
Free to attend. Vendors welcome (apply online).
Dancing with the Emerald Coast Stars
Saturday, May 2 | 6 p.m. | Hotel Effie Sandestin
In partnership with Fred Astaire Dance Studios Fort Walton Beach and inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, this ballroom-style competition pairs local leaders with professional dancers for an evening of glamour, entertainment and friendly rivalry to support the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project. The 2026 Emerald Coast Stars include Dr. Lindsey Hoppe of 30A Smiles, Whitney Cooley of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty and Southern Sand, Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner, and Drew Ward, principal of Seacoast Collegiate High School. Each will perform alongside a professional dancer from Fred Astaire Dance Studios. The evening includes a cocktail hour, plated dinner, dance competition, awards ceremony and VIP after-party. Guests—and supporters watching from home—can vote for their favorite dancer for $10 per vote.
Tickets: $350 individual | $500 couples. Sponsorships and tickets: SeasideSchools.net. To sponsor, contact Callie Cox at coxc@seasideschools.net.
Destin Seltzer Festival Returns to The Market Shops
May 2 | 1–4 p.m. | The Market Shops, Miramar Beach
Sip, savor and soak up the sunshine at the Destin Seltzer Festival on Saturday, May 2. This lively afternoon event features unlimited 2-ounce seltzer tastings from national and regional brands, light bites from local restaurants, live music and a fun, coastal atmosphere.
Hosted by Opportunity Place, the festival supports its mission of helping families and individuals transition to stable housing—100% of proceeds benefit the organization’s programs.
A limited number of VIP tickets offer access to a private tent with upgraded food offerings and added perks. Sponsorships are available. For details, email opportunityplacefwb@gmail.com. Follow along on social media for updates and ticket information.
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
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
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.
Magic For A Mission Brings Illusion, Family Fun and Fundraising To Niceville
May 16 | Niceville Community Center, Niceville
Scouting America, Gulf Coast Council invites the community to an unforgettable evening of entertainment and impact with Magic for a Mission, featuring world-class magician Jeff Sobel. Known for his interactive style and mind-blowing illusions, Sobel delivers a one-of-a-kind experience for audiences of all ages.
Two unique performances are offered:
An Adventure in Magic (Family Show) | 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: Children $30, Adults $10
Advance special: Buy a child’s ticket and receive one adult ticket free.
This family-friendly show includes interactive magic, comedy and take-home magic lessons.
Magic for a Mission Evening Experience
Dinner at 6 p.m. | Show at 7:17 p.m.
Tickets: $97 | VIP $127
Enjoy a plated dinner with wine, a strolling magic social hour and a full stage performance.
Proceeds benefit Scouting America, Gulf Coast Council, supporting programs that build leadership, confidence and character in local youth.
Tickets & info: gulfcoastcouncil.org/magic
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.
