Harvest Wine & Food Festival
Oct. 16–19 | Times vary by event | Cerulean Park, WaterColor
Four days. World-class wine. Unforgettable food. From Friday’s sultry Harvest After Dark to Saturday’s legendary Grand Tasting and elegant Sunday brunch, this is one of the Southeast’s premier festivals. Proceeds benefit Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
Tickets and details: dcwaf.org
Wicked Triple Fun Run
Oct. 18–19 | Times vary by race | Fort Walton Beach
Ready to run? The Wicked Triple Fun Run features a 10K, 5K, and half marathon over two days in Fort Walton Beach. Whether you’re a casual jogger or chasing a PR, there’s a race for you. Registration is open now at active.com.
PORT 2025 – Watersport & Boat Tours Operators Forum
Oct. 20–21 | All day | Destin-FWB Convention Center
Back for its fifth year, the PORT Watersport & Boat Tours Operators Forum is the only event of its kind in the industry. Hosted by Greg Fisher and Kevin O’Neil of the Awkward Watersport Guys podcast, the two-day gathering offers education, networking and mentorship for operators, managers and newcomers. Nearly 30 vendors—including TripAdvisor/Viator, Yamaha, Seadoo and WaveRez—will showcase the latest products and tech. Sessions cover pricing, marketing, regulations and more, plus happy hours and live evening events. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Silver Sands School Fish Fry Fundraiser
Oct. 24 | 5–6:30 p.m. | Silver Sands School, Fort Walton Beach
Students at Silver Sands School are prepping the tilapia for their annual fish fry fundraiser, Friday, Oct. 24, from 5–6:30 p.m. The evening begins with the popular student fishing rodeo, with trophies awarded in elementary, middle and high school divisions. The fish come from the school’s one-of-a-kind Growth House aquaponics system, where fish waste fertilizes crops. Dewey Destin Seafood will serve plates of fried fish, hush puppies and fries for $10, with every dollar benefiting the school’s programs. Pre-order tickets through the school’s website to skip the line. Proceeds support hands-on learning initiatives like the Growth House that teach lifelong skills.
Fall Silent Auction for Emerald Coast Food Rescue
Friday, Oct. 24 | 6–9:30 p.m. | Local Market, Destin
Bid for a cause! Help fight hunger in Okaloosa and Walton counties while enjoying food, drinks and community fun. Proceeds support ECFR’s mission to deliver 250,000 pounds of food monthly.
Details: emeraldcoastfoodrescue.org
Fleets and Eats: A Party for a Purpose
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6 p.m. | Destin Harbor (Tailfins, The Edge, Harbor Docks)
Hop aboard tiki boats for a Lu’au-style harbor crawl with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. Proceeds support autism services at ECAC. Afterparty at Tailfins!
Tickets & Details: ecautismcenter.org
Barktoberfest
Thursday, Oct. 30 | 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Grand Park, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin
Paws down, the cutest fall fest around! Bring your pup in costume for trick-or-treating, a legendary doggie costume contest, live DJ, photo booth, and tasty bites. $15 preregistration ($20 day-of). Benefits Dog-Harmony.
Register: dog-harmony.org
Tricks & Treasures at The Boardwalk
Oct. 31 | 5–8 p.m. | The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island
Celebrate Halloween at The Boardwalk’s 10th Annual Tricks & Treasures, Oct. 31 from 5–8 p.m. This free, family-friendly evening includes trick-or-treating, carnival games, costume contests, balloon artists, and stilt-walkers. Families can complete a treasure map activity for a sweet reward from The Crab Trap. Festivities wrap up with an outdoor showing of Hocus Pocus after dark.
Trick or Treat Street
Friday, Oct. 31 | 6–8 p.m. | The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Ghosts, ghouls, and goblins take over Baytowne! Trick-or-treat at merchant booths, enjoy live music, and don’t miss the fireworks at 8 p.m. Free admission.
Details: baytownewharf.com
Decades On Display: A Nostalgic Journey Through Automotive History Past & Current
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m. | Heritage Museum | Valparaiso, 115 Westview Ave. | FREE Admission
Join the Heritage Museum for Decades On Display. Take a ride through time with iconic cars from the swinging ’60s to the bold ’80s and beyond! This family-friendly event promises fun, flair and plenty of photo-worthy moments. To enter a vehicle: GA: $35 | VIP: $40 (limited availability)
Info: 850-678-2615
11th Annual Eggs on the Beach – Big Green Egg Cooking Competition!
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Seascape Resort, Miramar Beach
Big Green Egg fans unite! Sample unlimited bites from 20+ cook teams, including nine nonprofits, and cast your votes for the 2025 People’s Choice Awards. A distinguished panel of judges features local chefs, Big Green Egg grill masters, and celebrity talent from Netflix and Food Network. Hosted by Bay Breeze Patio, this fan-favorite foodie fest benefits Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought.
Tickets & details: EggsOnTheBeach.com
Pirate Brew Fest
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Fudpucker’s, Destin | FREE Admission
Ahoy, mateys! Fudpucker’s hosts the Pirate Brew Fest, a lively afternoon of food, fun, and frothy brews. Enjoy live music, games, artists and vendors, alcohol samples, and a pirate costume contest. Festivities also include a magician, mermaid, fire performer, and beer memorabilia on display. Pirate attire is encouraged—and the first 100 pirates through the gate will receive special gifts. Admission is free.
Details: PirateBrewFest.com
The Moon Walk
Nov. 5 | 6 p.m. | Freedom Tech Center, Fort Walton Beach
The Arc of the Emerald Coast invites the community to its inaugural Moon Walk on Wednesday, Nov. 5—a glow-filled evening raising awareness and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting at 6 p.m., participants will walk the track in vibrant glow-in-the-dark attire, enjoy interactive games, live music, community vendors, and even a breathtaking Supermoon overhead. The event highlights both fun and purpose: walking for those who cannot always walk for themselves. Proceeds directly support The Arc’s mission of building pathways from disability to capability. Walk as an individual, create a team, or become a sponsor. Visit The Arc of the Emerald Coast’s Moon Walk page to register or donate.
30A BBQ Festival – 10 Years of Sizzling Flavor!
Friday, Nov. 7 | 5–8 p.m. | Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach
The 6th Annual 30A BBQ Festival, presented by 360 Blue, serves up all-you-can-eat barbecue, live music by River Dan, drinks, a silent auction, and more—all benefiting The Sonder Project’s 10th anniversary.
GA: $60 | VIP: $125 | Kids 12 & under free
Tickets: bit.ly/30a-bbq-2025 | Sponsorships: jessica@proffittpr.com
Animoré
Alaqua Animal Refuge | Freeport
Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest is a vibrant day of live music, local fare, and family fun in support of Alaqua’s life-saving mission. Proceeds benefit Alaqua’s mission to provide shelter, safety and second chances to animals in need.
Tickets & details: alaqua.org (Friday’s dinner ticket includes VIP admission to Bluegrass Barn Jam.)
Choctawhatchee Lady Indians Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Nov. 22 | Doors 5:45 p.m., Dinner/Show 6:30 p.m. | Fort Walton Yacht Club
Support Choctawhatchee High School’s Lady Indians Soccer team with a night of comedy and suspense! Bebopped at the Sock Hop, presented by Act4Mystery, features a hilarious dinner theater show, three-course meal, costume contest, silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $75 (non-refundable), with doors opening at 5:45 p.m. and dinner/show at 6:30. Sponsorships range from $100–$1,000, and auction donations are welcome. Contact act4mystery@act4mystery.com or call 850-862-2885 / 850-685-5224 to buy tickets, sponsor, or donate.
FWB Chamber Holiday Party – Christmas on the Coast
Dec. 11 | 5–8 p.m. | Rockin’ Tacos, The Boardwalk
Mark your calendars! The Fort Walton Beach Chamber’s annual holiday tradition returns Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5–8 p.m. at Rockin’ Tacos. Enjoy coastal holiday cheer, networking, and festive fun with fellow members. Sponsorship opportunities are open now—shine a holiday spotlight on your business!
Reindeer Dash 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Dec. 13 | 8 a.m. | AJ’s on the Bayou, FWB
Dash into the holiday season at the Reindeer Dash, Saturday, Dec. 13, starting at 8 a.m. at AJ’s on the Bayou. The festive 5K and 1-mile fun run is open to all ages, with proceeds supporting local causes. Register at itsyourrace.com. Costumes encouraged—don’t forget your antlers!
