October is a great time of year. Fall, at least our version of it, is in the air with crisp, cool mornings and comfortably warm temperatures during the day. It’s a little too cool for the beach, but it’s perfect for spending the day wandering through arts festivals, taking in local art, or any number of events along the Emerald Coast. Check out just a few of what’s coming up in October.
Destin Fishing Rodeo
October 1 – October 31
Destin Harbor
Whether you love to fish or you just want to watch the excitement, you have an entire month to find out why Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Participants can compete in 30 different categories for more than $100,000 in prizes.
37th Annual Destin Seafood Festival
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4
HarborWalk Village
Enjoy seafood, entertainment, and plenty of fun as the Destin Fishing Rodeo kicks off. Three stages of live music will play rock, reggae, country, and tropical sounds for your listening pleasure. Free admission.
Festa Italiana
Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10
Sons and Daughters of Italy, Franzalia Lodge #2422, Fort Walton Beach
Enjoy two days of authentic Italian cooking plus two new events: Zero Mile Marathon on Friday and the Festa Italiana 5K on Saturday. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities of NW Florida and Habitat for Humanity.
Dog Daze 2015
Saturday, October 10
Liza Jackson Park, Fort Walton Beach
Spend the day celebrating your puppy/fur baby with canine-themed displays, events and more! The event is brought to you by Friendship Animal Hospital, the city of Fort Walton Beach, and the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce.
9th Annual Community Health Fair
Saturday, October 10
Crestview Community Center
Come meet nearly 80 healthcare vendors, receive free healthcare screenings, and learn more about how to keep yourself healthy at the 9th community health fair in Crestview.
7th Annual Sugar Sands Charity Golf Classic
Monday, October 12
Kelly Plantation Golf Course, Destin
The tournament benefits Children in Crisis. A kick-off party will be at Tommy Bahamas Restaurant on Sunday, October 11 starting at 6:30 p.m.. The tournament begins with lunch at 11:30 p.m. and a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. An awards dinner and silent auction will be at Tuscany Italian Bistro.
Bird Walk on Niceville Shorelines
Saturday, October 17
Bayou Plaza Shopping Center (Starting point)
Lenny Fenimore, veteran birder, will lead nature enthusiasts on a bird walk down the bayou shorelines of Niceville. Get out, see some birds, and enjoy the beautiful weather and nature.
ARTWalk on the Harbor
Sunday, October 18, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
HarborWalk Village
Dozens of local artisans and craftspeople will display their unique and beautiful creations such as jewelry, sculptures, mixed media artwork, and more. The event and parking are free.
20th Annual Festival of the Arts
Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25
Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village
Two-day celebration of art, music, food, and fun. Artists from all over the country will be in attendance to showcase their art and compete for prizes. Entry is $5 per person (MKAF members and children 12 and under attend for free.)
Monster Mash Pub Crawl
Saturday, October 24
HarborWalk Village
Celebrate Halloween a week early – kid-free! Dress in your scariest, coolest, or sexiest costume, purchase your armband, and come out for a very grown-up way to celebrate Halloween. Proceeds will benefit local charities.
Pumpkinpalooza Weekend
Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31
HarborWalk Village
Friday night is for the grown-ups with an adult costume contest. Bring the kids out on Saturday for a kids and pet costume contest, as well as trick-or-treating with merchants, and at the end of the night, enjoy the fireworks show.
25th Annual Champion Chili Competition
Saturday, October 31
Santa Rosa Mall, Mary Esther
Before you go out to get as much candy as your kids can carry, head on over to the mall and stuff yourself with chili! Proceeds benefit the United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties.
To see these events and more, visit:
Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau
Whatever you enjoy, you’ll find some event for it in October along the Emerald Coast. Get out and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
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