Springtime along Florida's Emerald Coast heralds the much-anticipated crawfish season, a time when communities come together to enjoy flavorful crawfish boils. For residents and visitors of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and its neighboring areas, several events and venues offer authentic and memorable crawfish experiences.

Local Catch's Annual Crawfish Boil

A highlight in Santa Rosa Beach is Local Catch Bar & Grill's Annual Crawfish Boil. Scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1:00pm, this event promises a festive atmosphere with live music and generous servings of seasoned crawfish. It's an occasion that brings together both locals and visitors. 

Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers Crawfish Boil

In nearby Fort Walton Beach, the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers Crawfish Boil is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, starting at 11:00am. Hosted at Uptown Station, this family-friendly event features Louisiana crawfish, shrimp, live music, and activities with local law enforcement agencies. Proceeds support community safety initiatives. 

Fiesta Pensacola Crawfish Festival

A bit further west, Pensacola's annual Crawfish Festival is a must-visit. Held from April 25-27, 2025, at Seville Square and Fountain Park, the festival boasts thousands of pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish prepared by Cordova Crawfish Company. Attendees can also enjoy Cajun dishes like boudin, jambalaya, and étouffée, alongside live entertainment. 

AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar

For those seeking a regular crawfish fix, AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin offers Sunday Crawfish Boils. Starting at 1:00pm, guests can savor seasoned crawfish accompanied by new potatoes, corn, and mushrooms, all while enjoying waterfront views. 

Crazy Cajun's Specialty Meats

In Destin, Crazy Cajun's Specialty Meats boils crawfish daily. Located at 872 US-98, they serve authentic Cajun flavors, including plate lunches and specialty meats. It's advisable to call ahead at 850-842-2151 to confirm availability. 

3rd Planet Brewing’s Crawfish Boil to Benefit The Ground Up Project

For a crawfish boil with a cause, 3rd Planet Brewing in Niceville is hosting a special event on Friday, April 19, 2025. This boil benefits The Ground Up Project, a local initiative supporting community development. Attendees can enjoy fresh Louisiana crawfish while contributing to a meaningful cause. 

Boil at Shades Bar and Grill

Shades Bar and Grill in Rosemary Beach is also getting in on the crawfish action with a Crawfish Boil on Sunday, April 27th, 2025. This event will feature perfectly seasoned crawfish, craft beer, and a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy, as well as live music. 

13th Annual Destin Rotary Cajun Crawfish Bash

The Rotary Club of Destin will be having their 13th annual crawfish bash hosted by The Towne Centre at Seascape on Friday, May 16th from 5:30-9:00PM. The proceeds will go to benefit local families in need and the Rotary Scholarship Fund. This is a famly friendly event open to the public where you will enjoy live music, refreshing drinks, and of course, crawfish. There will be non-seafood items for the landloving folks too! Get your tickets before they sell out!

Tips for Enjoying Crawfish Boils

• Arrive Early: Popular events can draw large crowds, so arriving early ensures you get a good spot and ample servings.

• Come Prepared: Crawfish boils can get messy. Bring essentials like napkins, hand wipes, and perhaps a bib.

• Embrace the Experience: Engage with fellow attendees, enjoy the live music, and immerse yourself in the communal spirit that defines these gatherings.

Crawfish boils are more than just culinary events; they're community celebrations that embody the vibrant spirit of the Gulf Coast. Whether you're a seasoned local or a visitor, attending one of these boils offers a flavorful taste of comradery and tradition.