For 77 years, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has reeled in anglers, families, and festival-goers for a month-long, fun celebration on the Destin harbor. From weigh-ins behind A.J.’s to kids’ parades, movie nights and even Halloween on the Harbor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re fishing, cheering from the docks, or just soaking up the waterfront vibes, the Fishing Rodeo is a Destin tradition you won’t want to miss!
77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo
OCTOBER 1–31
Join us all month long for the 77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo! Daily weigh-ins are held behind A.J.’s from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Destin 5K Rodeo Run
Sunday, October 5
Kick off at picturesque Clement Taylor Park on Choctawhatchee Bay. This scenic run winds through historic Destin neighborhoods and ends back at the park. Proceeds benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund. Info: kimmymeyers@yahoo.com.
Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade
Sunday, October 5 | 4 p.m. | A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
A free, family-friendly Destin Fishing Rodeo tradition! Elementary school children decorate wagons to resemble boats—pirate ships, charter boats, bathtubs—whatever their imagination dreams up. No registration required.
Kids Fall Movie Festival
Monday, October 13 | A.J.’s
School’s out, and A.J.’s has the perfect solution— a FREE movie on the JumboTron! Kids enjoy hot dogs, popcorn and snow cones. Details at www.ajsdestin.com.
Bruce Cheves Day
Thursday, October 16 | A.J.’s Docks
Celebrate Destin’s beloved weighmaster, Bruce Cheves, with stories and laughter on the docks.
Ringing of the Bell
Thursday, October 16 | 5 p.m.
Held annually on Bruce Cheves Day, this special ceremony honors the lives and legends of those we lost this year.
Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation Day
Saturday, October 18
Children from foster care enjoy a day of fishing, marine education and fun. Sponsored by The New Florida Girl’s American Spirit, Fish Florida, A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis and Destin Realty.
3rd Annual Miss Destin Mingle
Saturday, October 25
Former Miss Destins return for a reunion and harbor cruise, celebrating the newest member of their club with photo ops at the weigh-in.
Halloween on the Harbor
Friday, October 31
Destin’s largest Halloween party! Wear your costume and join Rodeo captains, anglers, Miss Destin, judges and volunteers for spooky fun on the harbor.
NOVEMBER
77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards
Wednesday, November 5 | 5:30 p.m. | A.J.’s
Celebrate this year’s lucky anglers, captains and mates as they receive prizes at a festive, casual gathering downstairs at A.J.’s.
OCTOBER
77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo (October 1st – 31st)
Come join s at the 77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Weigh-Ins are everyday behind A.J.’s from 10 am – 7 pm.
Destin 5K Rodeo Run (Sunday, October 5th)
Starts at the picturesque Clement Taylor Park on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. This run meanders through historic Destin neighborhoods and ends back at the park. Proceeds benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund. Contact kimmymeyers@yahoo.com
Parade (Sunday, October 5th)
The popular Annual Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade will roll at 4:00 p.m. at A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. Celebrate the Destin Fishing Rodeo with the Kids Wagon parade. A free family -friendly event on the Destin harbor. Decorate your wagon to look like a sailing sloop, charter boat, pirate ship or bathtub!!! Whatever your boat designer kid dreams up! Join AJ’s and the Destin Fishing Rodeo as they bring you fun activities. There is no registration fee and is open for elementary school-aged children.
Kids Fall Movie Festival – (Monday, October 13th)
School is out and A.J.’s has just the thing to keep the kids entertained! A.J.’s will be showing a FREE movie on the famous JumboTron! Kids will be treated to hot dogs, popcorn and snowcones! For more details, please visit www.ajsdestin.com.
Bruce Cheves Day (Thursday, October 16th)
Come to the docks and celebrate the day the City of Destin has declared BRUCE CHEVES DAY! Our own weighmaster will be holding court (not in court!) and telling his best tales this day.
Ringing of the Bell (Thursday, October 16th)
Each year 5:00 p.m. on Bruce Cheves Day, the Rodeo celebrates the lives and legends of those we lost this year.
Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation Day (Saturday, October 18th)
Each October, The Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation brings in children from foster situations to fish and learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. Sponsored by The New Florida Girl’s American Spirit, Fish Florida, A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis and Destin Realty.
3nd Annual Miss Destin Mingle (Saturday, October 25th)
Miss Destin’s from throughout the years come from near and far to celebrate the newest member of their “club”. The girl’s get together to reminience and enjoy an afternoon harbor cruise, and photo opportunities at the weigh-in! Come celebrate these incredible women with us!
Halloween on the Harbor! (Friday, October 31st)
Wear your costume and join Rodeo Captains, Anglers, Rodeo Judges, Miss Destin and volunteers to be a part of the largest Halloween Party in Destin.
NOVEMBER
77th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards (Wednesday, November 5th)
Tuesday, November 5, 2025, at 5:30 pm. The lucky anglers, captains, and mates will be given their prizes in a festive, fun, casual gathering downstairs at A.J.’s!
