Fall is such a fun time to visit the Emerald Coast. Destin and 30A both have a ton of different exciting fall events. Check out some of the awesome fall events happening in the area!
October 1-31 - Destin Fishing Rodeo
The Destin Fishing Rodeo is an annual event on the Destin Harbor that lasts throughout the entire month of October. Destin is known as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village," so it's no surprise that The Destin Fishing Rodeo is one of Destin's biggest events. The Destin Fishing Rodeo is fun for all ages and over $100,000 of cash prizes are awarded for nearly every type of fish. Located right in HarborWalk Village, this event is perfect for the whole family if you're planning a trip to Destin this fall.
October 4-6 - Destin Seafood Festival
If you love seafood, the Destin Seafood Festival is a can't-miss event! Also located in HarborWalk Village, this festival is a free event that features tons of delicious seafood from local restaurants and vendors. Try incredible food and drinks while enjoying the wonderful family-friendly atmosphere of the Destin Harbor. The event takes place on Friday, October 4th, from 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturday, October 5th, from 10 am to 10 pm, and Sunday, October 6th, from 11 am to 4 pm.
October 11-12 - Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
The Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival is known as the "Best Beer Fest on the Emerald Coast." If you love trying craft beers, Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest is an event you don't want to miss. This fun two-day event features more than 40 on-site craft brewers, almost 200 domestic and international craft beers, seminars, samplings, and live music. Overall, this is one of the biggest events of the year.
October 19-20 - Flutterby Arts Festival
If you're visiting South Walton and looking for a fun kid-friendly festival to attend, you need to stop by the Flutterby Arts Festival in Watersound. Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, this festival celebrates the migration of the monarch butterfly through the area with tons of fun activities. The festival features art activities, live music, theatre, dance, art exhibits, and even a butterfly parade.
October 24-25 - Alys Beach Firkin Fête
Alys Beach Firkin Fête is another fun event happening on the Emerald Coast for beer lovers. This event kicks off on Friday, October 24th, at 6:30 pm with a Grayton Beer Company Mixer. The festival continues with the main event at 6:30 pm on Saturday, October 25th, on Kelly Green in Alys Beach. Firkin Fête features live music, food, and unique beers paired with wine, bourbon, and craft cocktails.
November 7-10 - Seeing Red Wine Festival
It's time for wine enthusiasts to mark their calendars for the Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside! This fun fall event lasts three days and is full of fun wine tasting events. The weekend kicks off with the Bud & Alley's Vintner Dinner on November 7th. On November 8th, head over to Ruskin Place for the Al Fresco Wine Tasting. The Al Fresco Wine Tasting showcases a carefully curated selection of reserve wines. The Grand Tasting in Downtown Seaside and Ruskin Place takes place on November 9th and features a wide selection of local food and wine. Additionally, the weekend ends with the Celebration of Bubbles Brunch at Ruskin Place. This event features sparkling wine, prosecco, and champagne paired with incredible food by Chef Jim Shirley.
Overall, with so many exciting events happening in the area throughout autumn, it really is the perfect time to visit. Whether you're into seafood, wine, beer, fishing, or art, there is an event you'll love! Start planning your fall getaway to Destin or 30A today!
Cover Photo Credit: @alysbeachfirkinfete Instagram