Food & Drink Outdoor Family

Fort Walton Beach BBQ Festival 2026

Smoke, sauce, and live music right on the waterfront — FWB's mouthwatering fall BBQ showdown.

📅 Date

Friday, September 18 - Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 16:00 - 22:00

📍 Location

The Landing at Fort Walton Beach
139 Brooks St SE
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

About This Event

Fire up your appetite for the Fort Walton Beach BBQ Festival, held at The Landing in the heart of downtown Fort Walton Beach. This two-day smoke-filled celebration brings together pit masters from around the region for a fiercely competitive BBQ cook-off, with a coveted People's Choice Award on the line.

Running Friday evening through Saturday, the festival features live music, cold beer, and endless platters of slow-smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and all the classic sides you can dream of. The waterfront setting at The Landing makes this one of the most scenic fall festivals on the Emerald Coast, just a short drive from the beaches of Destin.

Whether you vote for your favorite BBQ, dance to the live bands, or simply wander the vendor stalls with a cold drink in hand, the Fort Walton Beach BBQ Festival is a must-do fall outing for anyone visiting the area in September. Admission is free — just bring your appetite.

Who This Event Is Best For

Foodies, families, and anyone who loves live music paired with great smoked meats

What To Expect

BBQ competition teams, People's Choice voting, live bands, cold beer, food vendors, free admission

Planning Tips for Destin & Miramar Beach Visitors

  • Arrive Friday evening to catch the opening night music. Try multiple competitors before casting your People's Choice vote — save room for dessert!
  • If you're staying in Destin or Miramar Beach, check drive time before heading out since some events are nearby while others are better treated as a short side trip.
  • For weekend events, it helps to pair this with nearby dining, beach time, or another local attraction so the outing feels like part of a full vacation day.
  • Use the official event website for final admission details, tickets, parking, and any same-day schedule changes.

Cost & Admission

Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase

Staying Nearby?

If this event is one reason for your trip, it makes sense to stay somewhere comfortable and keep the rest of the weekend easy. Our rentals work well for guests who want beach time, dining, and local events all in the same trip.

Build a Trip Around This Event

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📍 Location & Directions

The Landing at Fort Walton Beach

139 Brooks St SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

🗺️ Get Directions

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