October, our favorite month, is just around the corner! With it comes a plethora of scheduled events that blend seasonal celebrations with beachside fun. From the lively Destin Seafood Festival, where fresh Gulf flavors take center stage, to the roaring Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, October is packed with activities for all tastes. Don’t miss the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, a foodie’s dream set along 30A, or the family-friendly fall festivals, offering games, live music, and more. Whether you're savoring the fall air or dancing under the stars, these events ensure an unforgettable October in Destin, along 30A, and all along our Emerald Coast!
FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS:
Under the Big Top with the Tip Tops!
When: Friday, October 4th
Where: Grand Boulevard
Join Children's Volunteer Health Network for Under the Big Top with the Tip Tops!, a CVHN Family Friendly Benefit Concert in the Park at Grand Boulevard on Friday, Oct. 4, from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. Purchase tickets here.
This event offers family fun festivities where KIDS are the VIP! Enjoy food, beverages, dancing and children’s activities - fun for the whole family! A Benefit for Children’s Volunteer Health Network.
South Walton Fire District Pancake Breakfast
When: Saturday, October 5th
Where: SWFD Station 3 Headquarters
Join South Walton Fire District with friends and neighbors from the community on Saturday, October 5 for the annual All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast! The breakfast will take place from 8AM-11AM at the SWFD Station #3 Headquarters in Santa Rosa Beach. All-you-can-eat pancakes for $5.
Welcoming the start of Fire Prevention Week, enjoy a full day of family-friendly activities: fire engine tours, a junior firefighter combat challenge, a bounce house setup, live demonstrations from firefighters, and appearances of the SWFD Fire Pup mascot. As in years past, the proceeds will benefit the District’s Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction Programs.
Follow South Walton Fire District on Facebook for updates on community events, safety information and surf reports.
Best of the Emerald Coast
When: Thursday, October 10th
Where: Grand Boulevard
Emerald Coast Magazine holds the annual Reader’s Choice Poll for the best restaurants, shopping, services, entertainment and businesses along the Emerald Coast. Join the whole Emerald Coast community on Thursday, Oct. 10 starting at 6 p.m. as the 2024 winners will be on display at Grand Boulevard for the annual Best of the Emerald Coast celebration.
The public is invited for an evening of food, fun, fashion and entertainment – including food, beer, wine and drinks from the winning restaurants. Learn more and purchase tickets at, emeraldcoastmagazine.com/bestofec/.
This year’s Best of the Emerald Coast beneficiary is the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, a non-profit arts organization based in Destin, Florida comprised of members, volunteers and community partners building the foundation of arts and culture in the community.
MKAF Artful Dining Series: Blue Dog & Bourbon on the Bayou
When: Friday, October 11th
Where: Churchill Oaks
Join Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation at Churchill Oaks in Santa Rosa Beach on October 11th at 6:00 PM for the next ArtFul Dining series of wine dinners benefiting MKAF’s arts education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.
Purchase Tickets HERE. Tickets are $295 for non-members and $275 for members and includes all food and wine.
This special Artful Dining fundraising event, presented by Churchill Oaks and NTS Interiors by Marisol Gullo, invites you to step into the magical and colorful world of artist George Rodrigue's "Loup-garou" or Blue Dog, featuring original artwork from his wife Wendy Rodrigue's private collection.
Enjoy a bourbon cocktail-paired seated dinner curated by chef/co-owner Jack McGuckin and Christine Tarpey of Better Together, live music, a silent mobile auction and other surprise delights amid the stunning backdrop of Churchill Oaks.
For more information, visit mattiekellyartsfoundation.org. Follow Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook for updates on events, concerts and programs.
16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
When: Friday, October 11th-Saturday, October 12th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds & ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents the 16th annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival on October 11 & 12, 2024. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for sampling and savoring. More info: baytownebeerfestival.com.
Presented by The Village of Baytowne Wharf, this year’s weekend long events will have even more ways for you to enjoy your favorite brew.
Beer From Around Here
Friday, October 11th | 6 - 8PM
Enjoy an intimate evening and a pre- grand tasting party at ​Beer From Around Here event. This night will be filled with samplings of local brews and food from The Village restaurants, and live music featuring Duchess on the lawn! Limited Number of tickets available.
Grand Craft Beer Tasting
Saturday, October 12th
1 - 2 PM || VIP event hosted at Landshark Bar & Grill
2 - 5 PM || The main event will feature more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives will be available at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. Live entertainment: Below Alabama
The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival
When: Saturday, October 12th
Where: The Market Shops
The Market Shops will host the 9th Annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity Walton County on Saturday, October 12 from 11 AM to 2 PM in South Walton, Florida.
Learn more & purchase tickets: The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival
The annual event will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative bloody marys made with Distillery 98’s Dune Laker Vodka and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast, with proceeds benefitting Habitat For Humanity Walton County! Along with the best bloody in town, you'll also enjoy listening to live music by Catalyst, watching football, sampling local food from our merchants, shopping, and enjoying a beautiful Fall day.
Learn More: www.themarketshops.com
Blues, Tacos & Tequila Fest
When: Saturday, October 12th-Monday, October 14th
Where: Red Fish Taco
Red Fish Taco and Blues Musicians Society present Blues, Tacos & Tequila October 12 - 14. Let the music take you on a journey with electrifying blues performances from multiple bands each day that will resonate in your soul. NO COVER!
Artists Include: Daddy-O-/Smilin' Fritz, Cat Daddy Blues Band, D. Scott Riggs, Kelly & The Healers, Prodigal Blues, Josh Martin Band, Finga F A Y A, and Corey Hall.
Watersound Origins Porchfest
When: Sunday, October 13th
Where: Watersound Origins Village Commons
The Watersound Origins community will host the annual Watersound Origins Porchfest on Sunday, October 13 from 3 - 6PM. This event will take place throughout Watersound Origins on the front porches and lawns of the community.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair and friends and be ready for an afternoon of good music, good people, and good neighbors.
Watersound Origins Porchfest 2024
3PM – Sammy Strudgeon
3PM – Gabbee
3PM – Dion Jones & the Neon Trees
4:30PM – Jared Herzog
5PM - 30A Songwriters Festival Stage: The Pink Stones
Walton County Fair
When: Monday, October 14th-Saturday, October 19th
Where: Walton County Fairgrounds
Walton County Fair 2024 takes place October 14 - 19 at the Fair Grounds in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Lots of family fun for the week! See the Walton County Fair website for schedule of events, rides, pricing, youth activities, contest entries, live entertainment, and more!
Walton County Fair | Oct 14 - 19, 2024
Mon - Fri | 5pm - 10pm
Sat | 12pm - 9pm
The fair prides itself on continuing to update the areas for exhibits and entertainment. Exhibits at the fair still include animal, art, agriculture, handicrafts, potted plants, photography, and canned foods divisions. Children also have the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents with animals, speeches and educational posters.
8th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival
When: Thursday, October 17th-Sunday, October 20th
Where: WaterColor Resort
Welcome to 8th Annual Harvest Wine and Food Festival weekend in WaterColor, Florida. Held October 17 - 20, 2024, the Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, October 19th in Cerulean Park from 1 - 4PM. More information and tickets at harvestwineandfood.com.
Friday, October 18 Harvest After Dark | 7pm
Marina Park, WaterColor, Fla.
Harvest After Dark brings its lively yet upscale ambiance back to Marina Park, inviting a limited crowd to indulge in an evening of elevated wines, unlikely pairings, and culinary delights crafted by talented celebrity chefs from across the southeast.
Produced by Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF), Harvest Wine & Food Festival provides patrons the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections while enjoying the iconic beach town of WaterColor.
HARVEST WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
2024 Schedule of Events
Thursday, October 17 | 6pm: Celebrity Winemaker Dinners
Friday, October 18th | 7pm: Harvest After Dark
Saturday, October 19th | 1pm: Grand Tasting
Sunday, October 20th | 11am: Parisian Cocktail Brunch
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s (DCWAF) mission is to connect wine enthusiasts to raise money to benefit children in need in Northwest Florida. Learn more at DCWAF.org.
Panama City Beach Oktoberfest
When: Friday, October 18th-Sunday, October 20th
Where: Aaron Bessant Park
Panama City Beach Oktoberfest returns to Aaron Bessant Park October 18-20, 2024. Enjoy three days of German and locally brewed beer, food, live music, as well as activities for kids and families. The event will feature a massive tent decorated like the authentic Oktoberfest tent in Munich, Germany, as well outdoor beer gardens and a VIP section under the tent.
Purchase tickets at www.pcboktoberfest.com.
Get ready for great German food! Pair your beer with brats, either famous or smoked, meterwurst, or hot dogs (with or without sauerkraut). Plus, nothing is better with your new and old favorite beer than giant pretzels with beer-infused cheese. Come out for good eats including other traditional Oktoberfest fare.
Enjoy 3 days of FUN
Oct 18 | 4PM - 11PM
Oct 19 | NOON - 11PM
Oct 20 | NOON - 5PM​
Family Fun Festival
When: Saturday, October 19th
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Company of Heaven presents a Family Fun Festival in the Events Plaza at Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin on October 19th from 1-5PM. The Magic Kingdom themed event features two magic shows by Magic Shaun, live music, face painting, temporary tattoos, stilt walkers, balloon fun and a small animal show. The festival is free to attend and open to all ages.
The first 400 children will receive a FREE gift bag, and everyone will be entered in a live raffle (must be present to win).
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Featuring an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events, it's easy to see why The Village is the gathering place for many locals and visitors along the Emerald Coast.
Learn more about shopping, dining, nightlife and events at baytownewharf.com.
Autumn Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally
When: Wednesday, October 23rd - Sunday, October 27th
Where: Frank Brown Park
Head to Panama City Beach Oct. 23 - 27 for the Autumn Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally. This annual event brings people from across the country together to share their enthusiasm for motorcycles, ride the beach and score some cool biker shwag from the hundreds of vendors around the beach. Thunder Beach is a free to attend and offers a wide variety of entertainment at venues up and down the beach.
The paid Concert Series is held at the Frank Brown Park Main Stage – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 6 PM - 11 PM.
The Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach takes place twice a year. The Spring Thunder Beach Rally roars onto the beach the first weekend in May and the Autumn Thunder Beach Rally rolls into town the last weekend in October.
For more information about the Thunder Beach Rally and to get the latest updates, schedule and vendor information visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.
Fore Her Golf Outing
When: Friday, October 25th
Where: Links Sandestin Golf Course
Get teed up and ready for a day of golf at the 12th Annual FORE HER Golf Outing on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Links Golf Club in the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Check in/registration: 8:30am. Announcements at 8:50am. Tee off: 9:30. The money raised from this event will go directly to local individuals battling breast cancer.
Registration and sponsorship information, Fore Her 12th Annual Golf Outing. To learn more about the Eleventh Annual Golf Outing, contact [email protected].
Participants can expect hole-in-one prizes, food and drink samples on the course and our famous “Dress Like a Girl” hole. The after party following your round includes lunch, drinks, silent auction, music and prizes.
Fore Her, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, that provides financial assistance to local women who are battling breast cancer. www.foreher.org.
Alys Beach Fall Festival
When: Friday, October 25th
Where: Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Join family and friends in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Friday, October 25th as we celebrate the spookiest time of year on 30A at the Alys Beach Fall Festival! With activities for all goblins and ghouls beginning at 4:30PM, enjoy fall crafts, face painting, a photobooth and more – all to the tune of 30A favorites, Huck & Lilly! Bring your blankets to cozy up to watch Casper on the big screen, beginning at 6:30PM.
The Merchants of Alys will be handing out treats! Costumes are welcome and encouraged, but not required for trick or treating.
Alys Beach Fall Festival | Friday, October 25
4:30 - 6:30 PM | Children's Activities
6:45 PM | Halloween Movie: Casper
Halloween Haunt
When: Friday, October 25th
Where: Destin Commons
Get ready for the spooktacular Halloween Haunt event at Destin Commons. Open to the public, the annual Halloween Haunt is set to haunt the hallowed grounds on Friday, October 25th, from 6PM - 8PM.
Come dressed in your best costume and explore Halloween-themed activities, including fantasy face-painting, a whimsical photo booth, and mesmerizing chalk art displays. There’s something for everyone, from trick-or-treating around the Commons to live entertainment that will have you dancing in the moonlight.
29th Annual MKAF Festival of the Arts
When: Friday, October 25th-Sunday, October 27th
Where: MKAF Cultural Arts Village
Join Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, community, and culture at the 29th Annual MKAF Festival of the Arts. The festivities kick off with the Arty Kick Off Party at 6pm on Friday, Oct. 25 at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, followed by an exciting weekend exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27 at the picturesque Dugas Pavilion at Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Destin.
The Arty Kick-Off Party features award-winning artists, while guests enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. The fun begins at 6pm on Friday, October 25th at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.
2024 Festival of the Arts
Friday, Oct 25 | 6pm: Arty Kick Off Party
Saturday, Oct 26 | 9am - 5pm
Sunday, Oct 27 | 10am - 4pm
Free for all attendees. More info at: https://mkaf.org/arts-festival/
Seaside Halloweener Derby
When: Saturday, October 26th
Where: Seaside Lyceum Lawn
The annual Halloweener Derby takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26th in Seaside, Florida on the Lyceum Lawn. Check-in and registration will start at 9:15AM with the first races kicking off at 10:00AM. Costume contest to follow the Derby Race. Immediately following, head to the Amphitheater for an Oktoberfest Celebration at 1pm featuring drinks, hotdogs, and live polka music.
2024 Seaside Halloweener REGISTRATION and race + contest rules:
https://seasidefl.com/seaside-halloweener-derby/
Monstrous Halloween Bash
When: Saturday, October 26th
Where: East Long Green Park | Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach invites all ghosts and goblins to join in the fun as they host a Monstrous Halloween Bash on Saturday, October 26th at the East Long Green Park from 2PM - 5PM. Enjoy games, pumpkin carving and painting, trick-or-treating, cotton candy, music, and the beloved costume contest! The Monstrous Halloween Bash is free and open to the public. Trick-or-Treating will take place from 10am - 5pm throughout the Rosemary Merchants. Trick-or-Treating is 10AM -5PM.
Alaqua Animal Refuge Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 26th
Where: Alaqua Animal Refuge
Celebrate the season at Alaqua Animal Refuge as they host a Fall Festival on October 26th from 11am to 4pm! Delight in seasonal treats from local food trucks, shop at unique vendors, and listen to live music. Enjoy scenic hayrides, pick out the perfect pumpkin and meet friendly farm animals
Tickets: Adults $10 | Children $5
Alaqua Animal Refuge believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. The private, nonprofit animal sanctuary is committed to serving the Emerald Coast as the premier no-kill refuge, providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need. Learn more: alaqua.org
Seaside Oktoberfest
When: Saturday, October 26th
Where: Seaside Amphitheatre
Celebrate the season in Seaside at the Oktoberfest Celebration! Beginning at 1pm in Central Square on Saturday, Oct. 26th in Seaside, Florida, enjoy drinks, hotdogs, and live polka music.
Come early to catch the annual Halloweener Derby on the Lyceum Lawn. Check-in and registration will start at 9:15AM with the first races kicking off at 10:00AM. Costume contest to follow the Derby Race. 2024 Seaside Halloweener REGISTRATION and race + contest rules:
https://seasidefl.com/seaside-halloweener-derby/
Halloween Spooktacular
When: Saturday, October 26th
Where: HarborWalk Village
Join HarborWalk Village for a Spooktacular Halloween night on Saturday, October 26th on the beautiful Destin Harbor. Goblins & ghouls of all ages are invited to the fang-tastic street carnival from 3-6PM. Enjoy a spooktacular scavenger hunt with fall-themed carnival games, an obstacle bounce house, and trick-or-treating at every turn. There's no shortage of frightful fun and surprises for the whole family! Free on-site Parking.
At 6PM, strut your spooky stuff in the annual costume contest on the main stage - where creativity is rewarded with boo-tiful prizes. Then dance the night away at the DJ dance party where DJ TLC will be blasting some bewitching beats on the lawn. At 9PM, catch the hair-raising FIREWORKS display over the Destin Harbor, followed by a thrilling fire-spinning finale by the one and only Autumn Lyfe.
Trick or Treat Seaside
When: Thursday, October 31st
Where: Seaside Merchants
It’s time for ghosts, goblins and princesses to go door-to-door collecting candy from the Seaside merchants to feed their sugary appetites on Thursday, October 31 from 4 - 6PM. Kids of all ages enjoy the fun. Free and open to the public.
Come out on Halloween to visit merchants all around town and do the monster mash with terrifying tunes in Central Square. It's one of our favorite local traditions at the beach with beautiful (and ghaustly) costumes in the late afternoon lighting - uniquely Halloween on the beach.
Trick or Treat Baytowne Wharf
When: Thursday, October 31st
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins to the Village of Baytowne Wharffor a spooktacular extravaganza! This Halloween from 6 -8PM, Trick or Treat through The Village streets and visit merchants for your favorite treat. Steve Hall will play frighteningly good tunes on the main stage with a spooky fireworks show over the lagoon at 8PM. Admission is free and open to the public.
Experience this family-friendly event with a little help from Coconut Kidz! Children stopping by the store in costume receive free face painting.
Concert Series @ Various Locations
Nightly | 5-9PM
Live Music @ The Red Bar
Nightly | 5:30-9PM
Live Music @ Havana Beach Rooftop Bar
Nightly | 6-8PM
Wednesday Night Concert Series @ The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Wednesday | 7-9PM
Eden Gardens Fall Film Series @ Eden Gardens State Park
Wednesdays (10th,17th,24th) | 6:30PM
Lawn Games @ Grand Boulevard
Friday & Saturday | 5-8:30PM
Pumpkin Patch & Native Plant Sale @ Camp Helen State Park
Daily | 9AM-4PM
Brunch & Live Music @ FOOW30A
Every Sunday | 8AM
Brunch & Live Music @ AJ's Grayton
Every Sunday | 11AM-5:00PM
Farmer's Markets:
Every Tuesday @ Seaside
Every Wednesday @ Peddlers Pavilion in Seacrest Beach
Every Thursday @ The Big Chill on 30A
Every Saturday @ Seaside, Grand Boulevard, Watersound & Baytowne Wharf
Every Sunday @ Rosemary Beach, Peddlers Pavilion, Baytowne Wharf & Hammock Bay
Last Sunday of the Month @ Destin Commons
Planning to be in town?
Let's Chat!
