Join Us for Blues, Brews, & BBQs!

Get ready for a flavorful showdown at the annual Blues Brews & BBQs event, where culinary creativity meets community spirit! This exciting competition invites local restaurants to showcase their culinary masterpieces to over 1,500 guests while supporting local charities.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Destin Harbor, guests can stroll through vibrant tasting stations featuring innovative BBQ styles, fresh coastal dishes, and refreshing local craft brews. With 20+ tasting booths on hand, there’s something for every palate!

Restaurants will compete for top honors in several categories, including:

People’s Choice Awards: 
BEST BBQ

BEST COCKTAIL

BEST BREW

Judges Awards:

BEST OVERALL BBQ

MOST CREATIVE 

BEST SEAFOOD BBQ

BEST SPECIALTY SAUCE

Adding to the excitement, renowned guest judges will evaluate the entries during a blind tasting to select the best of the best. Enjoy live entertainment while savoring delicious food and craft beers, all in a lively atmosphere perfect for friends and family.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to indulge in amazing flavors and help support our local community!

ALL FOOD PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:  

• Marketing: 
  • Social media brand recognition to the HarborWalk Village audience of over 100k people & growing (Facebook: 102k, Instagram: 27.1k)  
  • Paid digital campaigns through local media outlets  
  • Regional marketing through radio, digital & print ads 
  • Brand Recognition through social media promotions
     
• Stipend of $500.00  
• (1) White 10x10 tent
• (2) 8ft Tables and Linens  
• All Paper Products including Sampling Boats, Miniature Forks, Napkins and Paper Towels 
• Electricity 

ALL BEVERAGE PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE:  

• Marketing: 
  • Social media brand recognition to the HarborWalk Village audience of over 100k people & growing (Facebook: 102k, Instagram: 27.1k)  
  • Paid digital campaigns through local media outlets  
  • Regional marketing through radio, digital & print ads 
  • Brand Recognition through social media promotions
     
• Stipend of $250.00  
• (1) White 10x10 tent
• (2) 8ft Tables and Linens  
• All Paper Products including : Napkins, Paper Towels, and sampling cups (as needed)
• Electricity 

*FOOD & BEVERAGE PARTICIPANTS: If your participation includes both food and beverage, your stipend will be $600.

Category Descriptions : 

• Best Overall BBQ: Bring your A-game and let your BBQ skills shine! This category is for the pitmasters who know how to smoke, grill, and flavor their way to the top. Show us your best, and you could take home the ultimate BBQ bragging rights.
• Best Specialty Sauce : See if your sauce is the best in the business! This category does not include spices and dry rubs -- wet sauce only. 
• Most Creative : Think outside the box and let your creativity shine through this category! Must stick with the BBQ theme, but does not have to be a traditional food item. 
• Best Seafood BBQ : Showcase your grilling skills with the freshest catch! This category is all about mastering the art of BBQ with seafood. Whether it's fish, shrimp, or shellfish, let your flavors reel in the win!
• Best BBQ (People's Choice): Let the crowd decide! This category gives the power to the people, where the BBQ that wins the hearts (and taste buds) of the attendees will reign supreme. Impress the masses and claim the People's Choice title!
• Best Brew (People's Choice) : Its in the Name! Can't have good BBQ without some Brews. Enter this category to showcase your seasonal brews! 
• Best Cocktail (People's Choice): Guests need something to help wash down all the BBQ! This category celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of mixologists and their ability to perfectly complement the flavors of BBQ. 

This event is meant to be fun; however, safety and cooperation is the number one concern for both participants and guests. 

Entries : All entries must provide all the above details of their entry and needs for the event. Applications with missing portions will NOT be accepted. 

Equipment: This includes, but is not limited to, grills, smokers, burners, power cords, and any other specialized cooking devices. Please note: HarborWalk Village will not provide any cooking equipment, and vendors are expected to ensure their equipment meets safety and operational standards.

Decor : Entries will provide their own decor for the competition. Any decor used must stay within the 10x10 space provided, be family-friendly and adhere to the events theme. 

Tasting Portions : Tasting portions will only be provided to guests wearing an event wristband. Each entry must be able to provide 1,500 tasting portions. Entries will be updated a week prior to the event with a final ticket count. 

Mandatory Meeting : All Entries MUST send a representative to attend the Mandatory Informational Meeting on Tuesday, November 5th (details to follow). 

I have read the Rules & Regulations and agree to abide by them. I understand that instructions by the Event Staff must be adhered to, and violations will result in immediate disqualification. 

For more information, please email the HarborWalk Village events team at events@harborwalkvillage.com or call 850-424-0766