Autumn Adventures · October Events Along 30A + the Emerald Coast

Northwest Florida Ballet’s 2024-2025 season begins with Lightwire Theater’s Dino Light, sponsored by Grand Boulevard’s Coastal Culture Art, Entertainment and Events at Grand Boulevard in North Park. Free and open to the public, this original story features a famous scientist with magic powers who brings a friendly dinosaur to life.

Fish from the shore, a boat or kayak, or from the pier! Prizes will be awarded in all divisions. Weigh-in is on the beach at Juana’s, close to Santa Rosa County Boat Ramp and parking. Up to two Junior anglers twelve and under can compete in the Junior Division for free with each paid rodeo admission. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Navarre Chamber Foundation which in turn benefits the Navarre Beach Marine Park.

Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds & ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor. The main event will feature more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives will be available at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. Live music will be also featured during the festival.

Join us on Saturday, October 12^th for the The Market Shops 9th Annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity – Walton County. The annual event, presented by Visit South Walton, 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 the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast.

Features an out-and-back course along scenic Gulf Blvd with a 10K, 5K, and a Kids One Mile Fun Run. Event is a fundraiser to help “Make Navarre Snorkelicious,” a benefit for the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary and artificial reefs. Race Day registration will be from 6 am – 7 am at Windjammers on the Pier. The run starts at 7:30 am at the Navarre Beach boat launch parking lot. The award ceremony will be held at Windjammers on the Pier.

Porchfest returns! Listen to live music on the porches and lawns of the Watersound Origins community. Free and open to the public. The current lineup: 3PM – Sammy Strudgeon, 3PM – Gabbee, 3PM – Dion Jones & the Neon Tears, 4:30PM – Jared Herzog, 5PM – 30A Songwriters Festival Stage: The Pink Stones. Bring a lawn chair and friends and be ready for an afternoon of good music, good people, and good neighbors!

Harvest Wine & Food Festival is hosted in WaterColor each October with four days of epicurean excellence that is sure to delight both wine and culinary enthusiasts alike. The 2024 event will feature wine dinners, the famous Grand Tasting, a cocktail brunch, and much more. Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest provides patrons the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections.

Jeepalooza is Back! Join us for a fun-filled family friendly Jeep Festival! Registering your Jeep includes the following: Official Kick Off Party, Entry to Vendor Village, Shuckin’ Fun Poker Run, Sound-Off Competition, Parade Invasion and Finale Concert Party! This event includes a kids zone, charity raffles, live entertainment, food & drinks, a poker run, and much more.

The Festival of the Arts, produced by Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), is one of the Southeast’s premier juried art festivals. A celebration of art, food and family fun, it is staged in the MKAF Cultural Arts Village in Destin. Stroll outdoor tents Saturday and Sunday to browse original artwork by more than 100 premier artists from across the United States. Enjoy artist demos, live music, creative children’s activities, street performers, food truck fare, beer & wine garden, and more. This event is free for attendees.