October on the Emerald Coast

Last updated: 9/30/2023

October on the Emerald Coast has festivals, concerts, markets, and more. Here is a short list of some of our favorite events this month. Hopefully, you can enjoy the EC like a local while visiting with us at Beach Condos in Destin this month.

Destin Seafood Festival, Oct. 6 – 8, at Destin Harbor Boardwalk and HarborWalk Village

Harvest Wine and Food Festival, Oct. 19-22 at Watercolor
Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation hosts this popular event every year. This year’s event features wine dinners, a Grand Tasting, a virtual auction, and more. Rated as one of the Southeast’s premier wine and food festivals, Harvest allows patrons to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections. Proceeds from the event support 17 children’s charities. For tickets and more information, visit www.HarvestWineandFood.com.

Bloody Mary Festival, Oct 14th, 11 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Market Shops
The seventh annual event features unlimited tastes of South Walton’s most creative and innovative bloody mary, served by the finest restaurants and bars on the Emerald Coast. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased for $60 at 850Tix or can be purchased at the door the day of the event for $75. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. More information: www.themarketshops.com.

Barktoberfest, Oct. 26, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard
A canine trick-or-treating event complete with a canine costume contest, best pet and parent costume, light bites, libations, spooky tunes, professional photos, raffle prizes, and a silent auction. Tickets are $15, and the proceeds benefit Dog Harmony. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/687347619984294

Trick-or-Treat Street, Oct. 31 at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Baytowne Wharf’s annual Halloween event features live music, 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.

Laura Co-Owner

Hi, I’m Laura Clayton — co-owner of Beach Condos in Destin, Realtor with World Impact Real Estate, full-time vacation rental nerd, and full-time mom-on-the-go. When I’m not helping guests find the perfect beachfront condo in Destin or Miramar Beach, I’m usually taking care of my two dogs, Lily (my terrier mix) and Ziggy (my standard Goldendoodle), or sitting at what feels like my 1,000th sporting event cheering on my kids, Reece and Liam. If you’ve ever tried answering emails from the bleachers, you’ll understand my life perfectly. I’ve spent nearly two decades in the vacation rental world, helping thousands of families make memories along the Emerald Coast — from first-time beach trips to traditions that bring guests back year after year. I love creating welcoming, pet-friendly spaces, coming up with slightly ridiculous beachy condo names, and making sure our homes feel comfortable, clean, and genuinely cared for. As a Realtor with World Impact Real Estate, I also help buyers and owners navigate the real estate side of beach living — whether that means purchasing an investment property, selling a condo, or maximizing rental potential while still keeping a place that feels like home. At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves the beach, loves people, and believes vacations should feel easy, personal, and a little bit special. If you’re planning a stay — or thinking about owning a piece of the beach yourself — I’d love to help. Let’s get your flip-flops in the sand and make it a great one 🌊👣

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