37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Feb 20-21

The air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf changes every February. It isn’t just the crisp winter breeze coming off the bay, it’s the heavy, savory scent of dark roux and slow-simmered spices drifting through the streets.

If you follow your nose toward the center of the Village, you’ll find the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in full swing.

The festivities kick off on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 5–8 P.M. at the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grille. This isn't your average happy hour—it’s a Southern-style shrimp boil that sets the stage for the weekend. Grab a cold drink, stop by the Tito’s table for a preview of the weekend's spirits, and let the live music wash over you while you peel fresh shrimp under the twilight sky. It’s the perfect warm-up for the culinary marathon ahead.

Saturday, February 21, brings the Main Event. From noon until 4 P.M., the Village transforms into a gauntlet of flavor. More than a dozen Gulf Coast restaurants compete for the title of "Best Gumbo on the Emerald Coast," and they don't play fair. Chefs guard their pots like treasure, stirring "the holy trinity"—onions, celery, and bell peppers—into deep, chocolate-colored bases. Whether you prefer a light seafood medley or a hearty, sausage-heavy dark roux, you’ll find plenty to fill your cup.

While the gumbo simmers, the Best Bloody Mary at the Beach competition offers a spicy reprieve. Local bars shake up their finest recipes, piling them high with everything from pickled okra to spicy beans.

Between samplings, the sounds of Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe provide a rhythmic backdrop that makes it nearly impossible to keep your feet still. Families can wander toward the kids' activities, ensuring the little ones stay entertained while the adults cast their votes for the "People’s Choice" awards.

If you’re traveling from out of town, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers a festival package that includes discounted stays and tickets to the main event. It’s a great excuse to turn a food crawl into a full weekend retreat. You can spend your mornings exploring the South Walton beaches and your afternoons diving into a bowl of the coast's best comfort food.

As the sun begins to dip over the Choctawhatchee Bay and the final trophies find their way into the hands of triumphant chefs, you’ll realize why this event remains a winter staple. It’s about more than just food, it’s about the community coming together to celebrate the flavors that define our slice of Florida.

Check out the SoWal Events Calendar for more local happenings, and make sure to grab your tickets for the Sandestin Gumbo Festival before they sell out. We’ll see you at the gumbo pot!