Get ready to dive into a slice of Destin's rich history as AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar, an iconic landmark, turns 40! From its humble beginnings in 1984 as a small trailer shucking fresh oysters, AJ's has transformed into a vibrant hotspot that's the heartbeat of Destin's Harbor. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, this is a celebration you won't want to miss. With the lively Club Bimini dance club, mouthwatering seafood, and a lineup of exciting events—including a free Fastball concert sponsored by Ocean Reef Resorts—AJ's 40th anniversary is set to be the party of the year. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, explore the festivities, and show you how to make the most of this unforgettable weekend!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Back when AJ's first opened, Destin was a sleepy fishing village just beginning to make waves. The city had just been incorporated, and the harbor was on its way to becoming home to the largest private charter fishing fleet in the nation. HarborWalk Village wasn't even on the map yet!

In the early days, Highway 98 was a simple two-lane road hugging the coastline, offering picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico. The tallest building in town was the nine-story Hawaiki Tower near Airport Road, famous for its revolving glass-walled restaurant serving an opulent Sunday brunch. Diners enjoyed panoramic vistas of pristine, untouched sand dunes stretching as far as the eye could see. This all changed in 1987 when the highway expanded, paving the way for the development of exclusive residential communities, shopping centers like Destin Commons, and world-class golf courses such as Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, Emerald Bay, and Seascape Resort.

Despite the rapid growth, AJ's remained a cornerstone of the community. Originally built by local entrepreneur Alan Laird on the site where Harbor Docks now stands, AJ's moved beside the marina in 1989. The business thrived, hosting weigh-ins for the famous Destin Fishing Rodeo each October. Even after challenges like a major storm in 1995 and a fire in 2016 that destroyed the iconic Tiki Hut roof, AJ's always came back stronger, solidifying its place in Destin's history.

Mark Your Calendars for National AJ's Day!

On Friday, September 27th, from 11:00 am until 2:00 am, AJ's is pulling out all the stops for its 40th-anniversary celebration. Ocean Reef Resorts is proud to sponsor the free Fastball concert during this event. This date also kicks off the sensational Destin Seafood Festival, running from September 27th to 29th, which attracts around 60,000 visitors over three days. The festival is the official start of the legendary Destin Fishing Rodeo in October, where anglers from across the globe compete for cash prizes in various categories.

Anniversary Celebration Highlights:

• Happy Hour Specials (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm): Enjoy reduced-price drinks, 40-cent gumbo, and a 12-ounce bottle of AJ's craft beer for just 40 cents! Crafted by Props Brewery, this beer pairs perfectly with AJ's award-winning gumbo, loaded with fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, and more. Normally priced at $6 a cup and $9 a bowl, the gumbo is an absolute steal during this celebration.

• Delicious Dining: AJ's extensive menu has something for everyone—salads, soups, southern-style specialties, ribeye steaks, filet mignon, seafood baskets with fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, coastal steamer platters, burgers, sandwiches, and lobster rolls. Don't forget the appetizers like fried calamari, smoked tuna dip, firecracker shrimp, boiled shrimp, crab cake balls, fresh-shucked raw oysters, and a variety of tantalizing baked oysters.

• Live Music and Entertainment: From 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm, the celebration hits a high note with a free concert by the band Fastball, sponsored by Ocean Reef Resorts, on the giant Jumbotron screen. Known for hits like "The Way", Fastball skyrocketed to fame in the late '90s and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

More About Fastball:

Fastball burst onto the alt-rock scene in 1998 with their breakout album "All the Pain Money Can Buy." Their hit single "The Way" dominated charts globally, earning a Grammy nomination and Gold certification. With other hits like "Fire Escape", "Out of My Head", and "You're an Ocean", the band has maintained a loyal fan base. They're currently touring to celebrate their ongoing legacy, including recent releases like "The Deep End" in 2022 and "Smashed Hits" in 2023. This is a concert you won't want to miss!

Join In at Other AJ's Locations

Can't make it to Destin? AJ's also has locations near many of our Ocean Reef Resorts vacation rentals in Grayton Beach and up the coast on Okaloosa Island and in Fort Walton Beach on Cinco Bayou. While the main party and concert are at the original Destin location, the other spots will also feature 40th-anniversary celebrations with beer and gumbo specials from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Plan Your Stay with Ocean Reef Resorts

Make the most of this fantastic weekend by staying with us at Ocean Reef Resorts. Our website offers detailed descriptions, vivid images, and aerial views of our Destin vacation rental properties. With seasonal rates and availability listed, it's easy to find the perfect spot for your getaway. Whether you're looking for a cozy condo or a spacious beach house, we've got you covered.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

So what are you waiting for? Join us in celebrating AJ's 40th Anniversary on Friday, September 27th, starting with Happy Hour specials and culminating in a free Fastball concert! It's the perfect kickoff to the Destin Seafood Festival, the Destin Fishing Rodeo, and your unforgettable stay with Ocean Reef Resorts.