Sandestin Gumbo Festival Serves Up Yummy Fun Feb 17-18

Every year in February, whether the beach air is warm or thankfully chilly, the pots at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin are bubbling over with yummy gumbo of all types and flavors, brimming with unique and tasteful gumbo recipes from local restaurants and groups.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival has become known as one of the largest & most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Now in its 28th year, the event takes over The Village of Baytowne Wharf during Presidents Day weekend. Kick-off the weekend Friday, Feb. 17 with a delicious Seafood Boil from 5-7 p.m. at Hammerhead’s Bar and Grill. Gumbo Festival is on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 12-4 p.m. Always a blast with live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, family activities & the best gumbo cook-off on the Gulf Coast. Click here for tickets >

“The festival’s atmosphere is fun and family friendly - with Zydeco music, face painting for kids, and most importantly, participants ready to win your vote! With so many local restaurants and different styles of gumbo represented, this is truly one of my favorite events at The Village,” says Julie Stuckey, events manager for The Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Festival guests can vote for “The People’s Choice” awards in gumbo and become eligible for raffle items from the participating restaurants. After “The People’s Choice” honors are given, judges will award first, second and third place for the participant categories, and even a “Best Display”. This year, event sponsor Community Broadcasters is awarding a $1,000 commercial prize package to their favorite gumbo. The awards ceremony will begin at approximately 4 p.m.

Current participants include: AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Bubba Gump’s, Bud and Alley’s Catering, Crab Island Cantina, Cabana Café, Captain Dave’s on the Gulf, Dockside Café & Oyster Bar, Dewey Destin, Elevated Electric, Harry T’s, Marina Bar and Grill, Marlin Grill, O’Quigley’s Seafood Steamer, Peaden, Tides of Sheraton Bay Point, Tailfins, Village Door and World of Beer. 

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on event day and are now available for purchase online at SandestinGumboFestival.com . Tickets are also available for purchase at Aloha Surf Company and the Sandestin Welcome Center’s front desk.

Seafood Boil Kick-off Party - Friday, February 17th starting at 5 p.m.
Mark your calendars for our official kickoff for the Sandestin Gumbo Festival from 5-7 p.m. at Hammerhead’s Bar and Grill. $15 per plate at the door.

Sandestin Gumbo Festival - Saturday, February 18th starting at 12 p.m.
This winter festival favorite is back for the 28th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival.  Sample a variety of gumbo and vote your favorite as the “People’s Choice” winner! Dark or light roux? Chicken, sausage or seafood? Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best.” Gulf Coast restaurants will be featured along with live music and children’s activities.  

EVENT WILL HAPPEN RAIN OR SHINE.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival is proud to partner with the Sandestin Foundation for Kids (SDFK), where a portion of the proceeds benefit SDFK’s causes and organizations that have the most impact and make a meaningful and positive difference in the lives of children.

ACCOMMODATIONS Rates Starting at Just $89 Per Night*
Use code: GUMBO
Book now or call 800.622.1038.

*Code: GUMBO. Rates and package valid for event weekend only. Package includes admission to Saturday’s main event. Based on availability and valid for select accommodations throughout the resort. Restrictions may apply. Not valid on existing reservations or combined with ant other discounts or offers. $89 rate does not include taxes, fees or discounted Gumbo ticket price of $15 per person.