The best part about October on the Emerald Coast is that the weather cools down enough so that you can get outside and enjoy plenty of local events. The worst part? Trying to figure out which ones to go to. Take a look at just a few of the events going on in October and make your plans now!
Destin Fishing Rodeo
October 1 – October 31
Destin Harbor
Whether you love the feel of the reel in your hands or you just like to see what the anglers are catching, make your way to Destin this month for the fishing rodeo. Destin is called the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village for a reason. Weigh-ins are held daily between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. And if you’re an angler and want to catch something for yourself, you can fish for free as long as you’re on board a boat that’s registered in the rodeo. Learn more.
Emerald Coast Fall Classic
October 5 – October 9
Okaloosa Island
Join the fun at Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar and Grill to watch the four-player volleyball tournament or if you love the game, join in with your own team. This year there’s also a volleyball clinic, a party for the players, and a golf tournament. Cash and other prizes will be awarded! Learn more.
Dog Daze 2016
Saturday, October 8; 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Liza Jackson Park
Bring out your furbaby and join 1000 other dogs and their families for Dog Daze, a celebration of all things dog. This year’s theme is Circus, Circus so get those costumes ready. There will be competitions, dog-friendly products and services, and plenty of furry fun. To attend, your dog must be over six months old and well-behaved. Learn more.
9th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest
Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15
Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
More than 200 beers, lagers, and ales to try, live music, and plenty of fun and food. What other reason do you need to attend the 9th Annual Baytowne Beer Fest? Learn more.
26th Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 15; 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Chautauqua Winery, Defuniak Springs
Enjoy free wine tasting, arts and crafts, good food, and live entertainment at the 26th Harvest Festival in North Walton County. Take a tour and learn what harvest time means at the winery, too. Did we mention there will be a wine tasting, too? (It’s worth a second mention.) Learn more.
2016 Zombie Walk
Saturday, October 15
Downtown Fort Walton Beach
Come get your zombie on and help families in need at the same time. Bring four cans of food for Sharing and Caring to register for prizes during the Zombie Walk. Bring even more, and you can get your make-up done. Learn more.
Hunter Phelps in Concert
Thursday, October 20
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
The Niceville Chamber Concert Under the Stars series begins with up and coming country music star and Niceville local, Hunter Phelps. Enjoy a cool October evening in the outdoor amphitheater at Mattie Kelly and discover what makes Hunter Phelps a star to watch. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Learn more.
Earthquake Fall Rally
October 20 – October 23
Okaloosa Island
Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson presents the Earthquake Fall Rally. Join hundreds of other bikers and motorcycle lovers on Okaloosa Island for a weekend of Harley-Davidson fun. Enjoy live music, bike shows, a bikini contest, charity poker runs, and more! Learn more.
40th Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival
October 21 – October 23
Niceville
The Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival is back for another year with plenty of great reasons to head on out to Niceville. Good fun, rides for the whole family, plenty of vendors, and, of course, the music. Chase Bryant, Justin Moore, Joe Diffie, and Confederate Railroad are all on tap to be at the Mullet Festival this year, plus don’t miss local entertainment throughout the weekend! Learn more.
21st Annual Festival of the Arts
Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
Music, food, and art all come together for a weekend of fun and culture at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Enjoy music from Drew Tillman, Noodle Soup, and others! Grab something good to eat from Jim ‘N Nicks, Coastal Chow, Sweet Henrietta’s Treats, and others. And make sure to enter the raffle for an original oil painting by second generation Florida Highwayman painter A.J. Brown. Learn more.
2nd Annual BooLu’s Haunted Fun Event
Saturday, October 29
LuLu’s Destin
Bring out the entire family for a Halloween treat you don’t want a miss! Join the Great Pumpkin Paddle with Paddle Destin, wear your costume, enter the pumpkin carving contest, get your face painted, and let the kids trick-or-treat all afternoon. Learn more.
Pumpkinpalooza Party Weekend
Saturday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m.
HarborWalk Village, Destin
Saturday evening is a grown-up affair with fireworks and a costume contest for the adults. Bring the whole family out on Sunday for a kids’ costume contest, trick-or-treat, and art and crafts. Celebrate Halloween all weekend long at HarborWalk! Learn more.
Leave a Reply