October events in Destin are plentiful! Although most schools are back in session and it feels like fall is in full swing already, the beach days don’t have to be over. In fact, if you’re yearning to have your feet back in the sand, October is a great month to visit Destin. Aside from the beautiful beaches, calm water, and amazing weather, there are tons of fun events during this exciting month.
73rd Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo - October 2021
Image Credit: Destin Fishing Rodeo Facebook
Throughout the entire month of October, you can attend the Destin Fishing Rodeo from 10 am to 7 pm. This fishing tournament has been a local tradition since 1948. All ages are welcome to participate and weigh-ins are free and open to the public. Sharks are brought in every Saturday during October for “Shark Saturdays”, where the largest shark wins a cash prize. Other rodeo events include the Destin 5K Rodeo Run, Kids Fall Movie Festival, Annual Kid’s Wagon Boat Parade, Halloween On The Harbor, and many more! You won’t want to miss these fun activities and events.
HarborFest - October 1st-3rd
Kick-off October in Destin at HarborFest. HarborFest is an event at HarborWalk Village to celebrate the local heritage of Destin all weekend with fresh seafood, artisans, and live music on the Destin Harbor.
See the entertainment lineup and more information about HarborFest
13th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest – October 8th-9th
Image Credit: Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival Facebook
Don’t miss out on the 13th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest. With more than 40 on-site craft brewers, it’s no wonder why people call this the “best beer fest on the Emerald Coast.” The main event on Saturday, October 9th will feature more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling in addition to seminars and live music. Get your tickets for the festival here!
6th Annual Bloody Mary Festival - October 23rd
The Market Shops will host its Sixth Annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity. The annual event will feature unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative bloody marys made with Distillery 98’s Dune Laker Vodka and served by restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast.
For a $40 donation to attend, guests are invited from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy up to 25 of South Walton’s most coveted bloody marys. A panel of select food critics and local celebrities will judge each bloody mary to select the winners for the most delicious and most creative. In addition to delicious bloody marys, guests can enjoy a photo booth, a live performance, a cigar bar, and exclusive shopping opportunities from The Market Shops merchants.
McGuire's 24th Annual Halloween Run - October 30th
Image Credit: McGuire's Irish Pub of Destin Facebook
Kick-off Halloween with McGuire's 24th Annual Halloween Run, October 30th at 9:00 A.M! Categories includes a 5K walk, 5K run, 10k run, and wheelchair division. The course starts next to McGuire’s of Destin and winds along Choctawhatchee Bay on tree-lined streets and finishes in McGuire’s parking lot. Water and Aid stations will be positioned conveniently along the course. A pre-course breakfast will be provided and includes juice, fruit, donuts, and coffee. End the race with a party and refreshments. Live entertainment, Irish fare, Irish Wakes, McGuire’s Ale & soft drinks, will be available immediately after the race under McGuire's Party Tent. In addition, this event includes a costume contest for best Irish costume, best adult costumes (1st, 2nd, & 3rd), and best child costume.
Learn more and register for this event here!
Trick or Treat - October 30th - October 31st
Both Baytowne Wharf and HarborWalk Village are hosting trick-or-treat events.
Spook Street: Trick-or-Treating at HarborWalk Village- October 30th
HarborWalk Village is hosting a free trick-or-treat event on Saturday, October 30th at 6:00 pm. Trick-or-treat along the Destin Harbor and participate in a family costume contest. There will also be music by DJ Doc Roc, and fireworks in addition to a fire-spinning show at 9:00 pm.
Spook Street: Trick-or-Treating at HarborWalk Village
Trick or Treat Street at Baytowne Wharf- October 31st
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is hosting a spooktacular extravaganza on Sunday, October 31st from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Trick or Treat through the Village streets and visit merchants for your favorite treat. There will be live performances on the main stage, a costume contest, and crafts. The costume contest winner will win a grand prize! End the night with a spooky fireworks display at 8 pm.
Trick or Treet Street at Baytowne Wharf
Stay in the know about local events by checking out our Five Star calendar: