Mother’s Day, Spring Festivals & Memorial Day Fun | May on 30A & the Emerald Coast

May along 30A and the Emerald Coast is where culture, coastal charm, and community energy all come together. From fine art festivals and Derby-day elegance to family traditions, waterfront celebrations, and unforgettable nights of digital art, the month is filled with events that showcase the creativity, flavor, and vibrancy of this stretch of coastline.

ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival

May 2nd

Grand Boulevard | Destin

In 2026 ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival celebrates its 38th year! The event is planned for Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 100 artists from around the country.

 ArtsQuest is a juried show that includes artists in the categories of Ceramics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media, Oils & Acrylics, Original Digital Art, Photography, Sculpture, Wood and Works on Paper (Watercolor, Printmaking, Pastels, Pencils, Ink).

Baytown 1st Annual Run for the Roses

May 2nd  

The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach

Step into an evening where Southern charm meets coastal elegance at Baytowne’s First Annual Kentucky Derby celebration. This all-inclusive experience invites you to indulge in the timeless traditions of the Derby while enjoying a vibrant, waterfront atmosphere filled with style, flavor, and excitement.

Beyond the track, explore an exciting lineup of experiences throughout the evening. Browse our silent auction featuring standout items like a fine jewelry piece from McCaskill & Company, a luxurious Kate Spade handbag, a two-night stay at Hotel Effie, and more. Try your luck with raffles, enjoy live DJ entertainment, unwind at the cigar bar, and take part in our Best Dressed Derby Contest—where bold fashion and statement hats steal the spotlight.

Dress to impress and embrace the spirit of the day—think high hats, polished looks, and Derby-day sophistication. Sip, socialize, and celebrate the Run for the Roses in true Baytowne style.

Fudpucker’s GatorFest 2026

May 3rd

20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy | Destin

 

GatorFest 2026 returns to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill for an action-packed, four-hour celebration of Florida flavor and fun. Known as a Destin tradition, this one-of-a-kind festival brings together great food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, all with a signature gator twist.

Admission is free, giving guests access to the lively festival atmosphere, vendor market, Kid Zones, and the world-famous Gator Beach, home to over 250 alligators. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, games, music, and up-close encounters that make GatorFest unlike anything else on the Emerald Coast.

The highlight of the event is the GatorFest Food Competition, where chefs go head-to-head creating bold and creative dishes featuring gator tail. Guests can also take part in alcohol tastings, sample unique flavors, and vote for their favorites. With something for all ages—from kids’ activities to culinary competition and cold drinks, GatorFest 2026 delivers a true taste of Florida adventure in one unforgettable afternoon.

Mothers Day Brunch

May 10th

Hotel Effie | Sandestin

 

Cheers to Mom! Sip, Savor & Celebrate Mom at Ovide!

This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the amazing moms in our lives with a joyful, family-friendly brunch at Ovide! Join everyone Sunday, May 10th, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, for a delicious à la carte brunch, featuring all your favorites from our Sunday menu plus special chef-crafted dishes made just for the occasion.

While you’re toasting to Mom with a Bloody Mary bar and build-your-own Mimosa station, she’ll be treated to a sweet surprise gift—our way of making sure she feels extra special. With warm hospitality, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for the whole family, it’s the ideal way to celebrate the moms who do it all!

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach

May 15th – 16th

Alys Beach

 

Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach is an art festival that employs the latest in digital technologies to project original works onto the town’s iconic white walls. The collection of events celebrates the creative process of integrating art, technology, and architecture, the New Urbanist town providing the open-air, nighttime gallery space with an exhibition footprint spanning just under one mile. Roughly 70 works of art are projected onto the canvases of exterior walls and architectural features, pathways, and landscape in a show that combines juried pieces submitted by artists from around the world, as well as those of Residency Artists, emerging artists and creative partners.

Taco & Tequila Fest

May 16th

The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Destin

Tequila & Taco Fest returns to the scenic waterfront at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! One of the Southeast’s favorite family-friendly festivals, this fun-filled day features mouthwatering tacos, premium tequilas & margaritas, live music, kid-friendly activities, and lively contests. Vote for the People’s Choice Best Taco, cheer on local favorites, and enjoy an unforgettable day on the Emerald Coast!

Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival 2026

May 16th – 17th

Harbor Boulevard | Destin

 

Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival is back and better than ever! Lots of vendors and activities. Bring the family and learn about lionfish, see lionfish, and even taste lionfish!

Memorial Day Celebration

May 23

The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach

Kick off your summer during our Memorial Day Celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Enjoy LIVE music all weekend!

Plus on Sunday enjoy activities for the kids and a fireworks show at 9:00pm!

Whether you’re strolling through juried artwork at Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County’s festival at Grand Boulevard, dressing to the nines at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, experiencing the glow of Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach at Alys Beach, or celebrating Memorial Day with music and fireworks by the bay, there’s no shortage of ways to make lasting memories. Gather your friends, bring the family, and step into a month that truly captures the spirit of life on the Emerald Coast.