City of Destin Fall Festival
When: A Monday evening in late October at the Destin Community Center on Stahlman Avenue — in 2026 it’s Monday, October 26th, 5:00pm–8:00pm. Admission is one nonperishable food item, and costume contest registration runs from 5:00pm–6:00pm. This is the city’s own family fall festival, a local favorite.
October is often cited as the best month in Destin by both locals and visitors thanks to the perfect combination of cooler temperatures, lower crowds, amazing sunsets and an abundance of fall events and festivals.
In fact, I ranked it #1 in my article “The Best Times to Visit Destin, Florida” for all these reasons and more.
In this post I give you plenty of ideas for things to do in October in Destin — the biggest fishing tournament of the year, fall food and drink festivals, art, Halloween events, fireworks, and much much more.
Below you’ll find the best events and things to do in Destin in October. Exact dates change every year, so instead of a dated list, here’s an overview of what you can typically expect. Always check the event calendars before you go, since schedules and ticket details change from year to year.
October Weather and Crowds
October is when Destin finally cools off. Early in the month, daytime highs are still around 80°, and by Halloween they usually settle into the mid-70s, with evenings cool enough for a light jacket. The humidity drops off, the Gulf stays warm enough for swimming most of the month, and the sunsets are some of the best of the year.
Crowds are much smaller than in summer, which is a big part of October’s appeal — but festival weekends and the Fishing Rodeo still draw plenty of locals and returning visitors, so the harbor stays lively. One practical note: October is still hurricane season (it runs through November), so keep an eye on the forecast as your trip gets close.
Destin Fishing Rodeo Weigh-Ins
When: Every day in October, 10:00am–7:00pm. In 2026 the Rodeo runs October 1st–31st, and the final weigh-in on October 31st doubles as the harbor’s Halloween party. | Where: The docks behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster House | Cost: Free to watch
Established in 1948, the Destin Fishing Rodeo has been running for over 75 years and has become known as the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages.
Destin Fishing Rodeo Weigh-Ins take place from 10am-7pm every day in October at the docks in front of AJ’s Seafood and Oyster House where over 30,000 Anglers compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights. Share in the fun and excitement as they show off catch at the daily weigh ins.
Virtually every game fish is recognized with awards during the rodeo in 29 divisions including juniors, teens, ladies and seniors.
Kayak fishing, paddle board fishing, pier fishing, bridge fishing, jetty fishing, surf fishing and shoreline fishing are all categories with a place in the rodeo.
Thinking about fishing in it yourself — or just want the full rundown on divisions, rules, and prizes? I put together a complete guide here: Destin Fishing Rodeo: Everything You Need to Know.
Rocktober Nights and Fireworks at HarborWalk Village
When: Saturday nights in October at HarborWalk Village — concerts start around 6pm, followed by fireworks over the harbor at 9pm. Free.
Kick off your Saturday nights on Destin Harbor with the Rocktober Nights concert series taking place every Saturday night in October. A different band will take the stage each week followed by a fireworks display over Destin Harbor.
This is the perfect way to complete your day after watching the weigh-ins at AJ’s, which is just a short walk away along the marina.
For all the Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks, check out this post: Destin Harbor Fireworks: Best Viewing Spots and Full Schedule
Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf
When: Wednesday evenings in October, 7:00pm–9:00pm at the Baytowne Wharf events stage. In 2026 the series runs October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. Free.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks to enjoy the perfect fall temperatures with live music from a different band each week.
Wednesday night concert series is a popular event that takes place March through October featuring both local and regional talent from a variety of genres.
Baytowne Wharf is located inside the gates of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort but it is always open to the public.
Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival
When: A Friday and Saturday in mid-October at Baytowne Wharf — a smaller local-beer event on Friday evening and the main tasting event on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are sold through the Baytowne Beer Festival website, and it usually sells out, so get yours in advance.
The Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival is the largest beer festival on the Emerald Coast and it attracts a fun crowd of locals and visitors who appreciate a good craft beer. Many people even dress up for this event in a variety of German and Oktoberfest themed costumes.
Saturday’s main event features more than 50 breweries offering close to 200 domestic and international craft beers for sampling. A keepsake Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest tasting glass is provided to ticket holders for sampling.
Brewery representatives and volunteers will be available to discuss the different types of lagers and ales available for tasting.
On Friday evening there is a more intimate beer sampling event called “Beers from Around Here” featuring local Gulf Coast beers and appetizer samples from featured Baytowne Wharf restaurants. Get your tickets in advance because it usually sells out!
Bubbly Baytowne at Baytowne Wharf
When: Select Thursday evenings in the fall, 5:00pm–7:00pm at Baytowne Wharf. Free.
Enjoy an evening of shopping and sipping on free sparkling wine as you stroll the picturesque streets of the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Bubbly Baytowne takes place on select Thursday nights in the spring and fall. It’s a great event to attend in October in to enjoy those perfect fall temperatures.
Check in at the front entrance of the Village to get your free engraved tasting glass and stop in the merchants around the Village to have it filled with different wine selection offerings at each stop.
Bubbly Baytowne is such a fun way to enjoy an evening that it’s hard to believe it’s free. I wrote a more detailed post about it below if you want to see more photos and information about the various stops: Bubbly Baytowne: A Sip and Shop through the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin
Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival
When: A Saturday in October, late morning to early afternoon, at the Market Shops at Sandestin. (Note: the 2026 festival was cancelled in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias — organizers hope to bring it back next year.) Tickets are sold through the Market Shops.
This annual October festival features creative and innovative Bloody Mary’s made and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast competing for the title of the best Bloody Mary.
A panel of judges will select winners for the most delicious and most creative. There will also be a people’s choice winner selected by the votes of guests in attendance. Tickets include unlimited tasting of up to 25 Bloody Mary’s served in specialty cups.
There will also be local craft brews, champagne from the Bubbly Bar as well as live music, entertainment and complimentary food provided by the Market Shop merchants. Popcorn is provided and you are also welcome to bring outside food and drinks.
The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival is across the street from the entrance to Village of Baytowne Wharf and often falls on the same weekend as the Baytowne Beer Festival. So that’s Bloody Marys from 11-2 and beer from 2-5 if you can handle both. Obviously make sure you have a designated driver!
Halloween Haunt at Destin Commons
When: Usually the Friday evening before Halloween, 6:00pm–9:00pm at Destin Commons. In 2026 it’s Friday, October 30th, held as The Curious Garden: A Halloween Bash. Free.
The Halloween Haunt event at Destin Commons is a night of family fun to include crafts, face painting, a costume contest with prizes, chalk displays, and safe trick-or-treating throughout the shops in the Commons.
Spooktacular Nights and Fireworks at Harborwalk Village
When: Usually the Saturday before Halloween at HarborWalk Village, ending with fireworks over the harbor. In 2026, HarborWalk’s Halloween Spooktacular is Saturday, October 24th — festivities start at 3pm, the costume contest is at 6pm, and fireworks over the harbor are at 8pm. Free.
The Spooktacular Nights event at Harborwalk Village features kids crafts, trick or treating down the harbor, a spooky scavenger hunt, costume contest, & DJ dance party.
The costume contest will have winners in several categories of different children’s age groups, families and even a pet category. There are fireworks at 9pm over Destin Harbor on Saturday night.
For all the Best Places to Watch the Destin Harbor Fireworks, check out this post: Destin Harbor Fireworks: Best Viewing Spots and Full Schedule
Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts
When: Usually the last weekend in October at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village on Commons Drive in Destin — Saturday 9am–5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm. In 2026 it’s Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th. Free.
The Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts is an annual tradition festival taking place in October in Destin. This is one of the Southeast’s premiere art festivals taking place over two days and featuring exhibits from over 100 fine artists.
The festival showcases a diverse variety of artistic styles in many different art mediums ranging from acrylics, oil, watercolor, clay, ceramic, glass, jewelry, metal, pottery, wood, ink, pastel and more.
Artists in the festival compete for cash prizes in 27 award categories, including the “Best in Show” and “People’s Choice Award” which are selected by festival fans.
The Mattie Kelly Arts Festival also features a live music lineup, hands-on arts and craft activities for children, souvenir posters and t-shirts, and a collaborative art exhibit showcasing select artwork of more than 60 community adult and student artists.
A diverse food menu is served up by local restaurants and there are food trucks and drinks available in the wine and beer garden.
Trick-or-Treat Street and Fireworks at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
When: October 31st, 6:00pm–8:00pm at Baytowne Wharf, ending with Halloween fireworks at 8pm. Free.
Baytowne Wharf’s annual Halloween event features live music and a dance party at the main stage, crafts, balloon animals, and a costume contest with a grand prize. Kids can also enjoy safely trick-or-treating throughout the Village shops.
Halloween night at Baytowne will end with a special holiday fireworks display at 8pm. The Halloween fireworks are one of my favorite shows of the year. they have Halloween music and theming and extra special fireworks bursts. For more info on the best viewing spots, check out my post here: Baytowne Wharf Fireworks: Best Viewing Spots and Full Schedule
Tricks and Treasures with Fireworks at the Boardwalk
When: October 31st, 5:00pm–8:00pm at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, with fireworks off the pier at 8pm. Free.
Tricks and Treasures is the Halloween event at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island featuring a costume contest, live entertainment, carnival games, stilt-walkers, balloon artists and over 25 trick or treat stations.
Keep an eye out for the Parjai Squad Star Wars Characters as they traipse the Parking Lot Walkabout Parade! Captain Davy will also entertain everyone with pirate shenanigans, music and magic tricks! Fireworks are at 8pm set off at the end of the pier. For more information about the best viewing spots, check out my post here: Okaloosa Island Boardwalk Fireworks: Best Places to Watch and Full Schedule
McGuire’s Halloween 5k/10k Run
When: A Saturday morning in late October, 9:00am at McGuire’s Irish Pub in Destin. In 2026 the run is Saturday, October 24th. Registration is through McGuire’s website.
The McGuire’s annual Halloween 5k and 10k events are the most entertaining running races in Destin. Every event McGuire’s puts on is a party and this is no exception.
Runners complete the course and then enjoy a huge post-race party with live entertainment, Irish food, Irish ale, and Irish Wakes–their signature orange juice and rum drink. A light pre-race breakfast of coffee, donuts, and bananas is also included.
The 10k option is for people who are more serious about the running and racing aspect since the 5k will be more people participating just for fun. Over half of the crowd is usually decked out in Halloween costumes.
Baytowne on Ice
When: Late October through late January at Baytowne Wharf, under the tent in the events plaza. Session times vary by day — Baytowne posts the season’s schedule on their website each fall.
The Baytowne Ice Rink is open from late October to Late January. It is set up under a large tent in the events plaza. Baytowne releases the season’s skating schedule on their website each fall.
The operating times vary each day depending on holidays and school schedules. Baytowne will release a calendar for the season on their website with the dates and times. The rink is also available for private events such as birthday parties and class trips starting at $300.
Skate rentals are available for a small fee or you are welcome to bring your own. Support bars are available for beginner children to hold while they skate around the ice.
I hope this post helps you find some great things to do in October in Destin.
And if you’re visiting late in the month, the holiday season is right around the corner — get a head start on planning with my Christmas in Destin guide.
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Ok Sarah you have sold me on October for my visit. Hopefully pushing back a month will help.
Thanks so much for posting so much information and the rankings.
Mike
October is so amazing, I’m glad!