Destin Fishing Rodeo - List of Events

September 2022

Rodeo Judges Meeting (Monday, September 12th)

Volunteer Rodeo Judges will meet at 5 pm at the Destin Community Center for an informative meeting regarding the recordkeeping of the Rodeo. If you are interested in participating as a Rodeo Judge. Contact the Rodeo office at 850.837.6734.

Meet Miss Destin (Thursday, September 22nd)

Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 6 pm, Harbor Docks will host an Introduction party for Miss Ella Kathryn Campbell, Miss Destin 2022. Captains, Crew, Anglers, volunteers and their families are invited to this 19th Annual Destin Tradition.

Mandatory Captain and Mate’s Meeting (Friday, September 30th)

Sponsored by Centennial Bank, and A.J.’s in the downstairs restaurant area. Friday, September 30, 2022 – Registration begins at 4 pm. The meeting will begin at 5 pm. Free food and beverages for Captains, Mates and their guests. Boats may register and pick up captain’s packages at the event. Rules changes will be announced and discussed at this very important, mandatory meeting. Centennial Bank will give away $500 to a lucky registered boat captain! (must be present to win). Angler entry forms will be disbursed.

Destin Fishing Rodeo 14th Annual Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade (Friday, September 30th)

The popular Annual Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade will roll at 6 pm at A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. Celebrate the Destin Fishing Rodeo with the Kids Wagon parade. A free family -friendly event on the Destin harbor. Decorate your wagon to look like a sailing sloop, charter boat, pirate ship or bathtub!!! Whatever your boat designer kid dreams up! Join AJ’s and the Destin Fishing Rodeo as they bring you fun activities. There is no registration fee and is open for elementary school-aged children.

Reel Local Rodeo Kick-Off Party (Friday, September 30th)

Immediately following the Captains and Mates Meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2022, at 6 pm, A.J.’s will host the 74th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Kick-Off Party. Family-fun gathering and Cook-out! Sponsored by Bud Light. www.ajsdestin.com

October 2022

74th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo (October 1st – 31st)

Come join us at the 74th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. Weigh-Ins are everyday behind A.J.’s from 10 am – 7 pm.

Destin 5K Rodeo Run (Sunday, October 2nd)

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 www.active.com.

44th Annual Destin Seafood Festival (October 7th, 8th, & 9th)

Come join us along the harbor at the 44th Annual Destin Seafood Festival. Live music on multiple stages all three days of the event! Admission is FREE. Good times – Priceless!

Kids Fall Movie Festival – (Monday, October 10th)

School is out and A.J.’s has just the thing to keep the kids entertained! A.J.’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 (Sunday, October 16th)

Come to the docks and celebrate the day the City of Destin has declared BRUCE CHEVES DAY! Our own weighmaster will be holding court (not in court!) and telling his best tales this day.

Ringing of the Bell (Sunday, October 16th)

Each year 5 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 22nd)

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, A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Pilot Company, Zup-Med Memphis and Destin Realty.

Halloween on the Harbor! (Monday, October 31st)

Wear your costume and join Rodeo Captains, Anglers, Rodeo Judges, Miss Destin and staff to be a part of the largest Halloween Party in Destin.

November 2022

74th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo Awards (Sunday, November 6th)

Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 4 pm.

The lucky anglers, captains, and mates will be given their prizes in a festive, fun, casual gathering downstairs at A.J.’s!

January 2023

Annual Rodeo Membership Meeting (TBA)

The meeting is open to all members of the Rodeo. Dress is casual and hors d’ oeuvres are free. A.J.’s Seafood and Oyster Bar. This is a Members Only event. Membership fees may be paid at the meeting and must be paid prior to the voting. Membership info at www.destinfishingrodeo.org.

For more information on these events please visit the MEMBERS page or A.J.’s at www.ajsdestin.com.