Emerald Coast Events in May: Seltzer Fest, Blueberry Festival, and More!

May brings a vibrant mix of festivals, live music, food and drink experiences, and community celebrations across 30A and the surrounding Emerald Coast. From beachfront concerts and Derby Day parties to local fundraisers and signature annual festivals, the calendar is packed with events for all ages and interests. As spring transitions into summer, it’s the perfect time to get out, explore the community, and enjoy everything the coast has to offer!
May brings a vibrant mix of festivals, live music, food and drink experiences, and community celebrations across 30A and the surrounding Emerald Coast. From beachfront concerts and Derby Day parties to local fundraisers and signature annual festivals, the calendar is packed with events for all ages and interests. As spring transitions into summer, it’s the perfect time to get out, explore the community, and enjoy everything the coast has to offer! Calendar of Events May 1st, 2026Seltzer Fest | Miramar Beach More Info: The Seltzer Festival returns to Destin on May 2, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at The Market Shops. Guests are invited to spend the afternoon sampling a variety of hard seltzers from national and regional brands, featuring everything from crisp classics to tropical flavors. The event also includes live music, light bites, and a lively outdoor atmosphere. Proceeds benefit Opportunity Place of Fort Walton Beach, supporting local efforts to provide housing stability and services for individuals and families in need. May 1st-3rd, 2026Blueberry Festival at Props Brewery | Hammock Bay More Info: The Blueberry Festival at Props Brewery in Hammock Bay takes place May 1–3, 2026, celebrating all things blueberry with a fun-filled weekend for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a petting zoo, local vendors, and a variety of food trucks throughout the event. Festival hours are Friday from 3:00–9:00 PM, Saturday from 2:00–8:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00–6:00 PM. Visitors are invited to shop, dine, and enjoy a lively community atmosphere centered around local flavors and family-friendly fun! May 2nd, 2026Kentucky Derby Party | SkyBar at Edge Seafood More Info: SkyBar at The Edge hosts a Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 2, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM. Guests are invited to celebrate Derby Day with an afternoon and evening of live entertainment, themed drinks, and festive energy. The event features live music from Booneshine from 2:00–5:00 PM, the Kentucky Derby race at 6:00 PM, and an after-party with Below Alabama from 7:00–11:00 PM. Angel’s Envy will be on site offering samples, along with raffle prizes and awards for Best Dressed and Best Hat. Attendees are encouraged to dress up, enjoy the race, and stay for a full day of Derby-themed celebration. May 9th, 202612th Annual Crawfish Boil | Cabana Cafe More Info: A special fundraising event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Cabana Café. The event brings the community together in support of local efforts and is currently seeking sponsors, silent auction donations, and contributions of wine and liquor for auction items. Organizers extend appreciation to all supporters who help make the event possible. May 9th, 2026Dwight Fest | Watersound Origins More Info: DwightFest takes place on May 9, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at the Watersound Pavilion, offering an afternoon of live music in support of local hospitality workers, artists, musicians, and service industry professionals who help make the 30A and Emerald Coast community thrive. The event features a dynamic lineup including Sam Bush and The Sam Band, Dread Clampitt, Waco Ramblers, Duke and TK Bardwell, and the Saunders Boyz. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of great music while celebrating and supporting the people behind the scenes who keep the community running. May 16th-17th, 2026Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival More Info: The Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival takes place at HarborWalk Village, featuring a celebration of conservation and coastal culture. Guests can enjoy live music, educational presentations on marine preservation, and a variety of sip-and-shop experiences throughout the event. The festival also highlights the announcement of the 2026 Lionfish Tournament winner, bringing attention to ongoing efforts to protect local waters. May 16th, 202613th Annual Taco & Tequila Fest | Village at Baytowne Wharf More Info: The 13th Annual Tequila and Taco Fest takes place at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, bringing a lively celebration of Mexican-inspired food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of tacos, tequilas, margaritas, and Mexican beers, along with live DJ performances and a strolling mariachi band. The Saturday Main Event includes unlimited tacos and drinks from local vendors, as well as friendly competitions such as Best Taco, Best Margarita, and a People’s Choice award. Additional activities include face painting, a Chihuahua beauty contest, and new contests like the best dressed competition, a nacho eating contest, and a pepper eating challenge. May 17th, 2026Locals Last Stand | Pavilion at the Watersound Towncenter More Info: 30A’s Locals Last Stand takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the end of the spring season with an afternoon of live music and community gathering before summer begins. Guests can enjoy performances from Sammi Accola, the Mike Whitty Band, and Dion Jones & the Neon Tears in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of great music and laid-back coastal vibes. May 23rd, 2026Memorial Day Concert | Seaside More Info: The Seaside Amphitheater hosts a Memorial Day Weekend concert on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 7:30 PM, featuring Wim Tapley & The Cannons. Guests can celebrate the start of summer with an evening of live music under the stars in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and gather with friends and family to enjoy a festive night of great music and coastal atmosphere. From lively festivals and live music to food, drink, and community celebrations, May is full of exciting events across Bay County and the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, there’s no better time to experience the energy and charm of the coast as it heads into summer. Don’t miss out on what’s happening—mark your calendar, get involved, and make the most of every weekend. For more local insights or real estate opportunities in the area, contact The Delawalla Group at 850-225-9899 today!
