Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort announces great gumbo paired with first-rate fun at the Gulf Coast’s favorite winter food event – the 28th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, Friday and Saturday, February 17-18. Visitors and gumbo-lovers from across the Southeast are expected to join in the festivities during the extended Presidents Day weekend.

The Sandestin Gumbo Festival has been known as one of the largest and 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, February 17, at Hammerhead’s Bar & Grill with a Baytowne Seafood Boil from 5-7 p.m. On Saturday, from 12-4 p.m., guests will enjoy live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe, family activities and gumbo cook-off.

“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,” said 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 forpurchase online at SandestinGumboFestival.com. Tickets are also available for purchase at Aloha Surf Company and the Sandestin Welcome Center’s front desk.

Click here to buy tickets online!

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

The Village of Baytowne Wharf invites local businesses and restaurants to join in the fun by becoming a gumbo participant. Participants of the Sandestin Gumbo Festival will be included in the event’s marketing package, have an opportunity to win radio and print advertising through sponsors and award winners will receive prize money. Contact Baytowne Wharf for more information.

Discounted packages are available at Sandestin with rates starting at only $89 per night (Code: GUMBO ). Other special deals include 30% off with the purchase of three or more nights (Code: SAVE30). Book your Presidents Day Weekend at Sandestin.com or call 855-218-SAND.

For more info, visit Sandestin Gumbo Festival or call 866-91-BEACH.

Check out our 30A videos from the previous editions of the festival: