Value Season
This is the time of year that you will find almost every place in town running some sort of specials. From restaurants, to water sports, even the rates for your favorite vacation rentals have dropped in order to accommodate off season guests!
Weather
Beach Service Companies are in full swing until November 1st! The weather is perfect reaching up to the 70’s throughout the day, getting cool at night, and the water is still warm enough to play in making it a fun time for your kiddos as well!
Fishing
In October, Destin the world’s luckiest fishing village has fishing in full swing as it host’s the fishing rodeo! Even if you aren’t fishing in the tournament yourself, they still do daily weigh-ins of all the catches at the docks. You can still take advantage of the deep sea and bay fishing trips as the charter boats are in action weather permitting! Most guests staying with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals have a deep sea fishing trip for one included with their stay.
Golf
The Emerald Coast hosts some of the best Golf Courses on the Florida Panhandle. You can literally play on a different course every single day you’re here if you would like. With the weather being the best its going to be all year.. We don’t blame you! When staying with Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals most guests get a free round of golf included with their stay allowing them to play at: Regatta Bay, Baytowne Golf Club, Links Golf Club, the Raven Golf Club, and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club.
Fall Events
With the cooler weather approaching, the Emerald Coast has a plethora of fall events such as outdoor movies, concerts, and college football, these fun fall activities are sure to keep you busy all season long!
Lulu’s Spirit Night
Every second Monday of every month Lulu’s will give 10% of food and drink sales to Destin Elementary PTO. Come and grab a bite to eat, listen to some good music, and support your local schools! Last year they raised over $10,000!
Gulf Wind Paddle & Surf Wednesday night BOTE Board Demo Event –
Every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 come socialize with other paddleboard enthusiasts and take the time to Demo the entire fleet of BOTE boards. Free pizza and beer is included with the demo.
Village of Baytowne Wharf Wednesday night concert series:
Every Wednesday enjoy live music from local and regional artists. Concerts start at 7:00 p.m. don’t forget your chairs and blankets!
Village of Baytowne Wharf Throwback Thursday movie:
The last Thursday of each month enjoy a blast from the past movie which is of course family friendly! Bring your ice chest, chairs, and/or picnic blanket and enjoy sitting on the lawn watching a cult classic with family and friends.
Gulf Place Wine Walkabout is every third Thursday from 5-7pm!
Live music, giveaways, wine and hors d’oeuvres at all the 15+ stops throughout the beautiful town of Gulf Place for only $15! Check in at the Artists at Gulf Place to receive your glass and let the fun begin!
Thursday is the perfect day for sipping and shopping local in SoWal, followed by cocktails and dinner at Gulf Place restaurants.
Friday Night Bonfires & Royal Palm Grille
Come eat dinner, hang out at the bar, and then hang out on the beach behind the restaurant for Friday night bonfires! Starts at sunset and the bar stays open until 2 a.m.
First Friday Artwalk at Seaside
Make plans to spend your first Friday of each month strolling Central Square and visiting Seaside Merchants from 5-7pm. Participating merchants will host special in-store exhibits and events showcasing their jewelry, art, fashion, music, wine and food.
Rock the Docks
Every Saturday @ Harborwalk Village listen to Live Music starting @ 7 until 9!
College Football Saturdays @ Harbor Walk Village
Score some great food and drink specials at Crab Island Cantina/Charlie’s Burger bar, Harry T’s Lighthouse, Jackacudas seafood & Sushi, and Margaritaville Destin.
30A Farmer’s Market on Sundays year round
Come browse the 30A Farmers Market in Rosemary Beach on Sundays from 9am til 1pm. The local farmers market takes place on Sundays year round in South Barrett Square along Scenic 30A. Stroll under the trees in this beautiful park setting and visit with farmers, makers and bakers. Fresh farm produce, baked goods, foods to go, bath and body, jewelry, treats for pets…
30A Craft Beer & Spirits Festival – September 30th – October 1st
Formerly known as the Destin Beer Festival, this event has attracted over 1,000 craft beer and spirits enthusiasts to the Northwest Florida Panhandle. 100% of the proceeds benefit local not-for-profit organizations. The event will be located at Gulf Place and tickets start at $15.
Walton County Fair – October 9th – 14th
The Walton County Fair 2017 takes place October 9-14 at the Fair Grounds in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Lots of family fun for the week! See Walton County Fair website for schedule of events, rides, pricing, youth activities, contest entries, live entertainment, and more! Adults $5 / Children (6-12) $3 /5 & under are free / ARMBANDS $18.00 or $15.00 depending on day.
Seafood Festival – Friday October 6 – Sunday October 8th
39th Annual Destin Seafood Festival is a weekend full of entertainment on 4 Stages, live music, arts, crafts, and fresh seafood. Free Admission. VIP tent passes can be purchased on the festivals website.
Baytowne Beer Fest – October 13th and 14th.
American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor. The event will have live music and over 200 domestic and international craft beers will be available to sample.
Grand Boulevard Barktoberfest October 26 from 5-6
Dress up your pet and head to Grand Boulevard from some treats hosted by Dog-Harmony.
Monster Mash Pub Crawl
Dress up. Head to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Pay $10 donation to a local charity and receive spooky good drink specials @ Harry T’s, Crab Island Cantina, Jackacudas seafood, Coyote Ugly Saloon, Fishheads, Margaritaville, and Jesters.
Pumpkinpalooza Adult Costume Contest and Music – October 28, 2017
Live music and Costume Event is from 7:00-9:15. Live music and costume contest located on Harbor Walk Village’s main stage.
Pumpkinpalooza Kids and Pet Costume Contest Octover 29, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:30
Costume contest, trick or treating at all restaurants and shops in Harborwalk Village as well as pumpkin decorating!
17th Annual Fall Festival – October 30th
Come on over to the Destin Community Center and enjoy some really fun festival activities! Enjou booths with fun games and activiries: A cakewalk, costume contest, space walk/slide, Jack-O-Lantern contest and fool sale. This event goes on from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. one non-perishable food item is needed for admission.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Watercolor, FL – Tickets starting at $150. Sip and Savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections while enjoying the beautiful beach town of watercolor.
23rd Annual Take a Kid Fishing Day
Kids age 7-13 can join Harbordocks charities as they host an event allowing 300 kids the opportunity to fish in the beautiful waters of Destin including the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawachee Bay. Pre-registration is requires and begins on October 2nd. All children will receive a t-shirt, rod and reel, as well as a family fish fry.
Noche De Los Muertos
The “Night of the Dead” costume party returns to Caliza Pool on Friday, Oct 27, featuring DJ music, cash bar and costume contest. Only the undead can be the life of the party. An over the top adult costume party at Caliza Pool in Alys Beach. Cash Bar. Costume contest. Must be 21 or older. Tickets will be available online at www.nochedelosmuertos.com, at the door, or pick up at Fonville Press or Alys Shoppe by a certain date.
30A Sessions: Lady Antebellum @ WaterColor LakeHouse – Saturday, October 28, 2017
The inaugural 30A Sessions concert will be held at WaterColor LakeHouse on Saturday, October 28 featuring Lady Antebellum. The evening will include pre-show party, meet and greet, food and beverage and live concert.
Witches of South Walton Ride & Brunch – Tuesday, October 31, 2017
SoWal Witches are gathering for the 14th annual Witches of South Walton Ride taking off from Gulf Place on Tuesday, October 31 at 7:00 a.m. sharp. Come out early for the live news broadcast with Channel 7 and Paris Janos (5am).