Rodeo Fun For Everyone

78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo (October 1st – 31st)

September 2026

Rodeo Judges Meeting (Wednesday, September 2nd)
Volunteer Rodeo Judges will meet at 5:00 pm at the Destin Community Center for an informative meeting regarding the record-keeping of the Rodeo weigh-ins. If you are interested in participating as a Rodeo Judge, contact the Rodeo office at 850.837.6734 or email amberjack@destinfishingrodeo.org

Meet Miss Destin (Tuesday, September 15th)
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm, The Alice – A Gathering Place, will host an introduction party for Miss Kaylynn Hayles, Miss Destin 2026. Captains, crew, anglers, Rodeo members, volunteers and their families are invited to this 24th Annual Destin tradition.

48th Annual Destin Seafood Festival (September 25, 26, & 27)
Come join us along the harbor at the 48th Annual Destin Seafood Festival. Live music on multiple stages all three days of the event! Admission is FREE. Elevate your experience with a VIP ticket, including a seafood competition between chefs, food samples, private bathrooms, private bar, entertainment and more! www.destinseafoodfestival.com

Captains and Mates Meeting (Tuesday, September 29th)
Sponsored by Centennial Bank and AJ’s hosted in the downstairs restaurant area. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Registration begins at 4:00 pm with the meeting following at 5:00 pm. Complimentary food and beverages provided for captains, mates and their guests. Boats may register and pick up captain’s packages at the event. Any rule changes will be announced and discussed at this very important, mandatory meeting. Centennial Bank will give away two $250 gift card to two lucky registered boat captains! (Must be present to win). Angler information cards will be disbursed.

78th Annual Rodeo “Reel Local” Kick-Off Party (Tuesday, September 29th)
Immediately following the Captains and Mates Meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 6:00 pm, AJ’s will host the 78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Kick-Off Party. Family-fun gathering with Live Music! Join Us! Sponsored by Bud Light. www.ajsdestin.com

October 2026

78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo (October 1st – 31st)
Happy Rodeo! Come join us at the 78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo! Weigh-Ins are everyday behind AJ’s from 10 am – 7 pm.

Destin 5K Rodeo Run (Sunday, October 4th)
Starts at the picturesque Clement Taylor Park on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. This run meanders through historic Destin neighborhoods and ends back at the park. Proceeds benefit the Miss Destin Scholarship Fund. Contact kimmymeyers@yahoo.com for more information or register online at destinfishingrodeo.org.

Kids Fall Movie Festival – (Monday, October 12th)
School is out for Columbus Day and AJ’s has just the thing to keep the kids entertained! AJ’s will be showing a FREE movie on the famous JumboTron! Kids will be treated to hot dogs, popcorn and snowcones! For more details, please visit www.ajsdestin.com.

Bruce Cheves Day (Friday, October 16th)
Come to the docks to celebrate the date the City of Destin has declared “BRUCE CHEVES DAY!” Our late weighmaster will be specially honored as we remember his best told tales and legacy he gifted the Destin Fishing Rodeo for 41 years.

Ringing of the Bell (Friday, October 16th)
Each year at 5:00 pm on Bruce Cheves Day, the Rodeo celebrates the lives and legends of those we lost this year.

Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation Day (Saturday, October 17th)
Each October, The Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation brings in children from foster situations to fish and learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. Sponsored by The New Florida Girl’s American Spirit, Fish Florida, AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis and Destin Realty.

4th Annual Miss Destin Mingle (Saturday, October 24th)
Miss Destin’s from throughout the years come from near and far to celebrate the newest member of their “club”. The girls get together to reminisce by enjoying an afternoon harbor cruise and photo opportunities at the weigh-in! Come celebrate these incredible women with us!

Halloween on the Harbor (Saturday, October 31st)
Wear your costume and join Rodeo captains, anglers, Rodeo judges, Miss Destin and Rodeo volunteers to be a part of the largest Halloween Party on the Destin Harbor!

November 2026

78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards (Thursday, November 5th)
Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 5:30 pm, the lucky anglers, captains and mates will be given their awards and prizes in a festive, fun and casual gathering in the downstairs restaurant of AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar!

January/February 2027

Annual Rodeo Membership Meeting (TBA)
The meeting is open to all members of the Rodeo. Hosted at AJs Seafood & Oyster Bar. complimentary hors d’ oeuvres will be served. This is a Members Only event. Membership fees for new and existing may be paid at the meeting and must be paid prior to the voting. Membership information at www.destinfishingrodeo.org