If you’ve never visited Destin in the fall months, it’s hard to accurately explain why this is the *BEST* month to be in our little beach town. Outside of the fall weather and evenings of gorgeous fall sunsets, October is a month packed full of fun events around town! Let’s check each of the October Events in Destin Florida off our list:
Destin Fishing Rodeo
This year marks the 70th year of the Destin Fishing Rodeo and it has become quite the tradition among Destin locals and vacationers alike. People travel from all over the world to not only fish in our Rodeo, but to spectate and watch the boats bring in monster fish to the scales be weighed. The scales are open every day through the entire month of October, from 10am-7pm and are located behind AJs on the Destin Harbor. Admission is free, seating is plenty, and we encourage you to come out at least one night to watch this amazing event. To learn more about the 70 year history of the rodeo, including how it got started, click here.
Destin Seafood Festival
Another local favorite, the Destin Seafood Festival takes place on the Destin Harbor every October. This year the gates are open Friday October 5, 2018 from 4pm-10pm; Saturday October 6, 2018 from 10am-10pm; Sunday October 7, 2018 from 11am-4pm. Vendors line the walkway with tents full of food samples, beer, live music, family fun, crafts and more. Fireworks show will kick off Saturday at dark and cost is *FREE* to the public! Multiple stages are available with various live music acts, including the Harborwalk Village Stage, the Boathouse Oyster Bar Stage, AJs Jumbotron and Bimini stages, and more! Parking is available for a fee, a shuttle is available, or check out additional transportation options.
Bloody Mary Fest
Easily another favorite, the Bloody Mary Festival is happening Saturday October 6th, 2018 from 11am-2pm at The Market Shops in Miramar Beach. Watch as businesses bring out their best Bloody Mary recipes to compete for the title of first place. Guests will receive unlimited samples, along with food samples, live music and more. The 4th annual festival benefits Habitat for Humanity, so come out and enjoy the most creative and innovative Bloody Marys served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Panhandle! Snag your tickets here.
Downtown Fort Walton Beach Street Fest
Happening the first Friday in September, October and November, the Downtown Fort Walton Beach Street Fest is another one of our favorite October Events in Destin Florida. This is a new, fun way to spend your Friday night in Fort Walton, just a quick drive over Brooks Bridge. The Downtown FWB Organization will be filling the sidewalks with vendors, live music, family friendly entertainment and more. The party runs from 6pm-9pm, is kid and pet friendly and is free to attend.
Baytowne Beer Festival
Happening in Baytowne Wharf on Friday October 12, 2018 and Saturday October 13, 2018, the Baytowne Beer Fest will feature over 200 domestic and international craft beers for sampling. Try as many as you’d like while learning about the different types of lagers and ales. Tickets are $40 each and include all the samples you can drink.
Best of Emerald Coast
The Best of the Emerald Coast is an event to celebrate excellence among our Emerald Coast businesses. The Emerald Coast Magazine brings together their award winners, ranging from bars/restaurants to photo booths, music and more. The public can enjoy samplings, entertainment, and a fun night out on the town. Happening Saturday October 20, 2018 from 5pm-8pm at Grand Boulevard. Tickets begin at $40 and can be purchased here.
Harvest Wine and Food Festival
The Destin Charity Wine Auction hosts their 2nd Annual Harvest Wine and Food Festival on October 25-27, 2018 in Watercolor, FL. There are a variety of wine related events over the course of the two day event, tickets varying in cost starting at $150. Sip and Savor a variety of the world’s finest wine and culinary pairings in the charming community of Watercolor.
Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts
This two day festival is recognized as one of Northwest Florida’s premiere fine art shows and has been a tradition for over 20 years. More than 100 artists from all over the world will be showcasing their art and competing for over $10,000 in prizes. Add in music, food and family fun and this is a must attend event! The Festival of the Arts will run Saturday October 27 from 9am-5pm and Sunday October 28 from 10am-4pm and admission for adults is only $5 (Kids 12 and under are free!). Find it at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation located at 4323 Commons Drive W in Destin.
That is only a highlight of all October Events in Destin Florida for 2018. You can see a full list of all things to do, including live music, halloween events, pet friendly meet ups and more on our Events page!