Destin Event ยท October 2, 2026

Tapas & Tunes at Topsail Hill

Florida's most scenic tapas competition โ€” taste, vote, and help preserve Topsail Hill.

📅 When

October 2, 2026

18:00 – 21:00

📍 Where

7525 W Scenic Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

About this event

Nestled within one of Florida's most pristine coastal preserves, Tapas & Tunes at Topsail is a one-of-a-kind evening that blends gourmet small bites with the natural beauty of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Each fall, local restaurants bring their most creative tapas to compete for top honors while guests sip wine, enjoy live music, and browse a curated silent auction.

The format is deliciously democratic: upon entry, every guest receives a tasting ticket to try all participating restaurants' creations, then casts their vote for the Peoples' Choice award. Judges select their own Top 3 Tapas, so competition is fierce and flavors range from innovative Gulf seafood bites to unexpected Southern-inspired creations. All proceeds directly support the park's conservation mission.

With live music filling the air, a cash bar pouring local craft wines and beers, and the dappled light of the coastal preserve as your backdrop, Tapas & Tunes is a must-do for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. It's the Emerald Coast's most atmospheric dining event โ€” and one that does real good for the wild Florida landscape you came to enjoy.

Best for: Foodies, couples, and anyone who wants to dine in an unforgettable natural setting while supporting conservation

What to expect: Multiple restaurant tapas stations, live music, a silent auction, and wine and beer in a stunning state park setting

Planning tip: Purchase tickets in advance as this sell-out event benefits Topsail Hill Preserve; combine with a sunset walk on the park trails

Cost: Ticketed event; proceeds benefit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Visit Official Site

Where to stay

Two houses, ten minutes apart

Both walk to the sand. One has the private pool, the other takes the dog and the whole extended family.

Compare both