Here’s a blog-style post about the 27th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival — a beloved Gulf Coast tradition that brought flavor, fun, and community to the Emerald Coast’s winter calendar:
A Taste of Tradition: The 27th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival
If you were lucky enough to spend Presidents Day weekend on Florida’s Emerald Coast in 2016, you probably still remember the sights, sounds, and — most importantly — the flavors of the 27th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival. This iconic event has long been one of the Gulf Coast’s most anticipated winter food festivals, and its 27th year delivered the delicious excitement that fans had come to expect.
A Weekend Full of Flavor
Held on Friday and Saturday, February 12–13, the festival took over The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach, turning the charming seaside plaza into a culinary destination for locals and visitors alike.
The weekend kicked off with a Baytowne Seafood Boil at Fat Tuesday on Friday afternoon — a perfect prelude to the gumbo festivities with fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, and great company.
Gumbo Cook-Off: Southern Style
Saturday was the heart of the festival. From 12:00–4:00 p.m., attendees sampled gumbo from a variety of participating restaurants and chefs, each bringing their own take on this beloved Louisiana-inspired dish. Whether your preference was a dark roux, light roux, seafood-driven, or chicken and sausage, there was something to satisfy every palate.
But this wasn’t just about eating — it was about participating. Guests cast votes for the “People’s Choice” award, ensuring everyone had a say in crowning their favorite gumbo. After that, celebrity judges deliberated to award first, second, and third place in various categories, as well as prizes like “Best Display.”
Music, Parties & Community Spirit
No Gulf Coast festival would be complete without music, and this one delivered with live Zydeco tunes from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe setting the soundtrack for a joyful afternoon. The combination of great food and lively music made the gumbo cook-off feel like a Mardi Gras-meets-beach party.
Festival guests were also eligible for raffles and prizes from participating restaurants — adding even more fun to the experience.
Supporting the Community
What made the 27th Annual Gumbo Festival stand out wasn’t just the food or entertainment — it was the heart behind it. A portion of proceeds benefited the Sandestin Foundation for Kids (SDFK), helping support local children’s causes and organizations making a meaningful difference in the community.
A Weekend to Remember
With affordable ticket prices (even on the day of the event), family-friendly vibes, and activities that drew people from all over the Southeast, the 27th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival was more than a food event — it was a celebration of community, culture, and coastside living.
https://sandestingumbofestival.com/
