Let The Good Times Roll: February Events At The Village Of Baytowne Wharf

February at the Village of Baytowne Wharf is a whirlwind of celebration, from the final glides on the ice to the spicy kick of a Gulf Coast winter tradition. Whether you’re looking to "let the good times roll" for Mardi Gras or sample the best roux in the South, the village calendar is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy the crisp coastal air.

Mardi Gras Magic

The festivities kick off in high gear with the Mardi Gras Parade on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:00 p.m. This free event brings the spirit of New Orleans to the beach with a colorful procession of floats, decorated golf carts, and even costumed dogs. Expect a barrage of beads, moon pies, and trinkets raining down on parade-goers.

The party continues on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17, with the Baytowne Beads & Bingo Bash from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can grab a Bingo Card by the stage and stroll through the village shops to snag merchant specials and prizes, all while Boukou Groove keeps the energy high with live music on the main stage.

Sip, Shop, and Sample

If you prefer a side of sparkle with your shopping, Bubbly Baytowne returns on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 5:00 p.m. This fan-favorite event offers free champagne and sparkling wine at various retail stores throughout the village—the perfect excuse for a mid-week sunset stroll.

The month’s headliner is undoubtedly the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, taking place Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21. Saturday's main event (12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) features unlimited gumbo samples from the coast’s top restaurants, unlimited Bloody Marys, and live Zydeco music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe. It’s a fierce but friendly competition where you get to help crown the winner of the "Best Bloody Mary at the Beach."

The 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival

Get ready to spice up your winter! The 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival returns to The Village of Baytowne Wharf on Friday February 20th & Saturday, February 21st - and you’re invited to the Gulf Coast’s favorite winter food event!

Kick-off of the weekend Friday night with a delicious shrimp boil at 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill. The event is from 5 PM-8PM! PLUS--enjoy live music & stop by the Tito's, our Best Bloody Mary at The Beach Vodka Sponsor, table! 

Saturday - Enjoy unlimited gumbo and unlimited Bloody Marys, live Zydeco music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, family-friendly activities, and the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast. The Best Bloody Mary at The Beach competition is back. Taste entries from some of the finest bars and restaurants on the coast and cast your vote to crown the winner. Join food lovers from across the Southeast as Baytowne Wharf transforms into a flavorful celebration from 12–4 PM Saturday.

This event sells out every year, so don’t wait. Tickets for the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival are on sale now at gumbo.bigtickets.com/gumbo26 .

Final Calls for Baytowne On Ice

Don’t forget that Baytowne on Ice is in its final stretch. The seasonal rink is open through Sunday, Feb. 8, giving families one last chance to enjoy a bit of winter magic before the ice melts away for the season. Skating sessions are $15 for 90 minutes, with $3 skate rentals available.

You can find more details about these events and other local happenings on the SoWal Events Calendar and the SoWal Forum.

February Event Highlights at Baytowne:

    Baytowne on Ice: Now through Feb. 8 (Times vary)

    Mardi Gras Parade: Sunday, Feb. 15 | 2 p.m.

    Beads & Bingo Bash: Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 5–8 p.m.

    Bubbly Baytowne: Thursday, Feb. 19 | 5 p.m.

    Sandestin Gumbo Festival: Friday, Feb. 20 – Saturday, Feb. 21 | 12–4 p.m.