October 2026 Events Along the Emerald Coast
October is when the Emerald Coast settles comfortably into fall. The days are still made for the beach, but the calendar shifts toward art, wine, live music, food festivals and some of the coast's favorite annual traditions. From the whitewashed streets of Alys Beach to the docks of Destin Harbor and the lights of Baytowne Wharf, there's plenty happening all month long. Whether you're looking for an afternoon in WaterColor, a night of jazz, a day at the fishing rodeo or a little Halloween fun, October is one of the best months to experience the coast like a local.
30A
Discover WaterSound Weekend
October 2–4 | Various locations throughout WaterSound
Discover WaterSound Weekend brings three days of community events, tours, live music and outdoor experiences to WaterSound. The weekend includes a First Friday Concert at WaterSound Town Center, community tours, a pickleball tournament, a beachfront bonfire and a Sunday block party.
Cars of 30A at Alys Beach
October 2–3 | Alys Beach
The second annual Cars of 30A brings a curated collection of exceptional automobiles to Alys Beach. Friday's Torque to Table runs from 5–8 PM, while Saturday's Grand Tour takes place from 1–4 PM, with additional VIP experiences throughout the weekend.
Moon Crush: Odie's Beach Vacation
October 1–3 | Miramar Beach
A three-day music experience brings live performances, beachside programming and a festival atmosphere to the coast. Shows begin at 5 PM each evening.
Seaside Farmers Market
Saturdays | 9 AM–1 PM | Seaside
The Seaside Farmers Market returns each Saturday with local produce, prepared foods, specialty goods and other regional vendors.
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market
Sundays | 9 AM–1 PM | Rosemary Beach
Spend Sunday morning browsing the year-round farmers market in Barrett Square, featuring local food, produce and handmade goods.
Sounds of Seaside
Wednesdays | 5–7 PM | Seaside Amphitheater
Seaside's fall concert series continues throughout October with free live music on the lawn. October's lineup includes Roman Street on October 7, Max McCann on October 14 and 21, and BOUKOU GROOVE on October 28.
Wine + Song at Alys Beach
Tuesdays | 5–7 PM | NEAT at Alys Beach
Wine tastings and live music return every Tuesday evening. October's lineup includes Mari Gleason on October 6, Max McCann on October 13, Steven Theriot on October 20 and Corey Hall on October 27.
Alo in Motion: A Fall Wellness Event
October 9 | 8:30–10 AM | Alys Beach Amphitheatre
Start the morning with a Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew, a 45-minute mat Pilates class and an Alo fashion presentation featuring fall activewear and lifestyle collections.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival
October 15–18 | WaterColor
The 10th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival returns for four days of wine, food and culinary experiences. Highlights include wine dinners on October 15, a tasting experience from 4–6 PM and Harvest After Dark from 7–10 PM on October 16, the Grand Tasting from 1–4 PM on October 17, and the Jazz Cocktail Brunch from 11 AM–1 PM on October 18.
Night Time Glow Paddle
Throughout October | 6 PM | WaterColor Boathouse
Head out onto Western Lake after sunset for WaterColor's illuminated paddle experience. Glow paddles are scheduled throughout the month beginning October 2.
SOWAL Jazz Fest
October 22–24 | Various South Walton venues
SOWAL Jazz Fest brings three days of jazz performances to intimate venues across South Walton. Shows take place October 22–24 at locations including SOWAL House, Distillery 98 and Obscure Wine Company.
Houndfest: 12 Year Anniversary
October 24 | 12–6 PM | Idyll Hounds Brewing Company
Idyll Hounds celebrates 12 years with Houndfest, featuring food trucks, games, live entertainment, a comedy show, beer, a beer mile and limited VIP experiences.
Halloween at The Big Chill
October 30 | 5–9:30 PM | The Big Chill
The Big Chill hosts its annual Halloween celebration with a 5–6 PM trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin crafts from 5–7 PMand a DJ dance party from 6–9:30 PM.
Alys Beach Trick-or-Treating
October 23 | 4–6 PM | Alys Beach Town Center
Alys Beach brings Halloween to Town Center with complimentary trick-or-treating, festive music and treats from participating merchants.
Destin
78th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo
October 1–31 | Destin Harbor
One of Destin's defining annual traditions returns for its 78th year. The month-long fishing competition features daily, weekly and overall awards, with free public weigh-ins from 10 AM–7 PM at the docks behind AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar.
Northwest Florida Fair
September 29–October 3 | Fort Walton Beach
The Northwest Florida Fair continues into October with livestock exhibits, art displays, carnival rides and family entertainment.
Night at the Museum
October 3 | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
Spend an evening exploring local history during the Heritage Museum's annual Night at the Museum event.
Dog Daze
October 3 | 9 AM–3 PM | The Landing Park, Fort Walton Beach
Bring the whole family — including the dog — to this free waterfront event featuring dog contests, local rescue organizations, vendors and activities.
Emerald Coast Fall Classic
October 14–18 | Okaloosa Island
Beach volleyball takes over Okaloosa Island for the Emerald Coast Fall Classic, featuring multiple tournament formats and several days of competition along the beach.
Destin Songwriter Festival
October 24–25 | Destin Harbor
The second annual Destin Songwriter Festival brings hit songwriters and performers to five stages around Destin Harbor. The weekend features waterfront songwriter rounds, free side-stage performances, a ticketed Main Stage concert and VIP experiences.
31st Annual Festival of the Arts
October 24–25 | Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
More than 100 artists from across the country gather for this juried fine arts festival. The weekend includes live entertainment, artist demonstrations, food, a beer and wine garden and an art raffle. Saturday runs 9 AM–5 PM, with Sunday from 10 AM–4 PM. Admission and parking are free.
HarborWalk Village Halloween Spooktacular
October 24 | 3–8 PM | HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village transforms for Halloween with a free waterfront street carnival, spooky scavenger hunt, carnival games, trick-or-treating, entertainment and fall activities.
Emerald Coast Fall Events Along the Harbor
October also brings the regular rhythm of Destin Harbor into full fall season, with fishing weigh-ins, waterfront dining, live music and visitors gathering around one of the area's longest-running traditions.
Sandestin
Grand Boulevard's Insider Style Sip & Shop
October 1 | Grand Boulevard
Grand Boulevard kicks off October with a day of shopping, wine tastings, special offers and live music throughout the center.
Bands on the BLVD
Thursdays | 6–8 PM | Grand Park
Grand Boulevard's fall concert series returns throughout October with free live music in Grand Park.
Live Music on the BLVD: Casey Kearney
October 1 | 6–8 PM | Grand Park
Casey Kearney kicks off the fall music lineup with a live performance in Grand Park.
Grand Boulevard Farmers Market
Saturdays | 9 AM–1 PM | Grand Park
The weekly farmers market continues throughout October with local produce, prepared foods, specialty products and regional vendors.
Wednesday Night Concert Series
October 7, 14, 21 & 28 | 7–9 PM | Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf's fall concert series continues every Wednesday evening. October's lineup includes Funky Lampshades on October 7, Storm Folk on October 14, The Aces on October 21 and Forrest Williams on October 28.
The 11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival
October 10 | 11 AM–2 PM | The Market Shops
Restaurants, bars and local mixologists compete for the title of Best Bloody Mary while guests sample creative cocktails, food and other drinks. The festival also features live music and benefits local charitable organizations.
The 39 Steps
October 15–25 | Emerald Coast Theatre Company at Grand Boulevard
Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents this fast-paced comedy-thriller adaptation of the classic spy story. Performances run throughout the October 15–25 engagement, including evening and select matinee performances.
Bubbly Baytowne
October 15 | 5 PM | Baytowne Wharf
Sip and shop your way through the Village during this 21-and-over evening featuring complimentary champagne and special offers from participating merchants.
18th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
October 16–17 | Baytowne Wharf
One of the area's signature fall tasting events returns for its 18th year. Friday's Baytowne Backyard Bash runs 6–8 PM, followed by the Grand Craft Beer Tasting on Saturday from 2–5 PM, featuring more than 150 domestic and international craft beers.
Fall Book Carnival
October 17 | 9 AM–1 PM | Grand Boulevard
A morning centered around books, local vendors, arts and crafts, live music and community activities.
Barktoberfest
October 30 | 4:30–6:30 PM | Grand Boulevard
Dog-Harmony's annual Barktoberfest brings costumed pups to Grand Park for a canine costume contest, trick-or-treating, live music, food and Oktoberfest-inspired drinks.
Hocus Pocus on the Lawn
October 30 | 6:30 PM arrival; 7 PM movie | Baytowne Wharf
Settle in under the stars for a free showing of Hocus Pocus at Baytowne Wharf. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and make an evening of it before Halloween weekend.
Trick-or-Treat Street at Baytowne Wharf
October 31 | 6–8 PM | Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf's annual Halloween celebration fills the Village with trick-or-treating, music, costumes and family-friendly festivities, followed by fireworks at 8 PM.
Halloween Dinner Cruise
October 31 | 7–10 PM | SOLARIS Yacht, Baytowne Marina
Spend Halloween evening on the water during a special dinner cruise departing from Baytowne Marina.
October is when the Emerald Coast really settles into its fall rhythm. The water is still inviting, the evenings are cooler and the calendar moves from summer concerts into some of the region's most anticipated traditions — from the Destin Fishing Rodeo and Harvest Wine & Food Festival to Baytowne Beer Fest, SOWAL Jazz Fest and Halloween along the coast. Whether you're here for a weekend or call the Emerald Coast home, October offers plenty of reasons to get out, explore a little farther and enjoy the season.
