Farmers Markets
Grand Blvd. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Grayton Locals Market Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hibiscus Guest House
Seaside Amphitheater Saturdays and Tuesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Peddlers Pavilion Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Rosemary Beach at North Barrett Square Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Greenway Station 30A Wednesdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Big Chill 30A Thursdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Guided Nature Hikes
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers a Guided Plant Stroll on the third Monday each month beginning at 9 a.m.
Camp Helen State Park offers a Guided History Tour on the first Saturday of each month, and Ranger-Guided Nature Hike on the first Thursday of each month. Both begin at 10 a.m.
Walton County Fair Oct. 12-17
The fair prides itself on continuing to update the areas for exhibits and entertainment. Exhibits at the fair still include animal, art, agriculture, handicrafts, potted plants, photography, and canned foods divisions. Children also have the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents with animals, speeches and educational posters.
Entertainment is a big deal at the fair. Each year the building is filled with music – from gospel to country and western performers. The gospel sing on Saturday night has become a great hit and much-anticipated event.
Visit waltoncountyfair.com for more details.
10th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival Oct. 15-18
Sip, savor and celebrate during four unforgettable days of exceptional wine and cuisine at the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, produced by the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
The festivities begin Thursday with intimate Harvest Wine Dinners at restaurants and venues throughout South Walton. Friday’s Harvest After Dark brings elevated wines, unexpected pairings and culinary creations to Cerulean Park. Saturday features the signature Grand Tasting, followed by a spirited Jazz Cocktail Brunch on Sunday. Proceeds benefit the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and its mission to help children in need throughout Northwest Florida. Visit dcwaf.org/harvest-festival for the complete schedule and ticket information.
18th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival Oct. 16-17
Join in for samplings of local brews and merchants, and live music on the lawn! Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort presents the 18th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest. Sample and savor American specialty brews from around the nation. The event will feature over 150 domestic and international craft beers, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. It’s the best Beer Fest on the coast! Visit www.baytownebeerfestival.com.
Kids’ Night Out at Watersound Town Center Oct. 20
Kids’ Night Out is back at The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center! Join from 6-8 p.m. for evenings of family fun featuring activities, music and plenty of entertainment for the kids. From games and creative activities to music and more, there’s something to keep little ones smiling while parents relax and enjoy the evening. Free & open to the public!
Eden Gardens Fall Film Series Oct. 22
It’s become a fun neighborhood tradition leading up to Halloween each year: Watch Frogs once again in the very place where it was filmed in 1972. Come out to relax under the live oaks at Eden Gardens State Park and enjoy the movie Frogs (Filmed at Eden in 1972) starting at 6:30 p.m.
Destin Songwriter Festival Oct. 24-25
This year’s festival features intimate acoustic, songwriter-round-style performances and unforgettable headliner sets across five stages over two days, offering music lovers a firsthand glimpse into the stories behind the songs. Saturday’s venue is directly in front of SkyBar at The Edge. For Sunday, the festival moves to the remarkable grounds of The Alice, where lucky ticket holders will relish an intimate VIP experience.
The most notable headliner, Jeffrey Steele, is a six-time Grammy nominee with more than 65 million airplays for hits penned for many famous artists. Other artists on hand to share their songwriting and performance talents include: Terri Jo Box, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Bridgette Tatum and more.
Visit destinsongwriterfestival.com for the latest updates, ticket information and artist announcements.
The Next BIG Thing 2026 Oct. 26
Registration is open for the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce’s The Next BIG Thing 2026 at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Presented by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union, the premier one-day conference will feature three professional development tracks: Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship and Women in Business.
Attendees can expect inspiring keynote speakers, TED-style breakout sessions and valuable networking opportunities designed to provide practical insights, fresh perspectives and meaningful connections to help elevate careers and businesses. Questions: Gabrielle@waltonareachamber.com. For registration information, visit WaltonAreaChamber.com.
Treat-Or-Treating at Alys Beach Oct. 23
Bring the whole family out to Alys Beach’s Town Center on Friday, October 23rd for festive music and treats from The Merchants of Alys Beach from 4-6 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Trick-or-Treating is complimentary.
Run Watersound Oct. 24
Choose between a 5K or 10K and enjoy a flat, scenic course through the paths and sidewalks of the Watersound Origins community. Both races will begin and end at The Pavilion at Watersound Town Center. Details and registration at watersound.itsyourrace.com.
Seaside Halloweener Derby & Costume Contest Oct. 24
Join fellow dog lovers from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for the 16th Annual Halloweener Derby and Dog Costume Contest in the Seaside Amphitheater.
Rosemary Beach Monstrous Halloween Bash Oct. 24
Gather your ghouls for the Monstrous Halloween Bash in Rosemary Beach at East Long Green Park! Beginning at 10 a.m., this family-fun event features Treat or Treating, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest & MORE! Trick-or-Treating: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Halloween Bash: 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Queens of the Tiles: Mahjong at Ovide Oct. 26
Brunch, bubbles, and a little friendly competition! Join Ovide, Hotel Effie’s signature restaurant for Queens of the Tiles, a lively Mahjong social where guests can sip, shuffle, and socialize over brunch favorites and wine. Get in the game every other Monday through December 21.
Pumpkin Carving & Costume Contest at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen Oct. 30
Join Scratch Biscuit Kitchen in the Watercolor Town Center for a festive fall afternoon of family fun! Beginning at noon, show off your creativity (pumpkins provided), strut your style in the costume contest — or take on both! Adults, kids, and even pets are welcome to participate, with prizes awarded for “Best in Show.” Sign up by October 27th by emailing ScratchBK@stjoe.com to reserve your spot.
Barktoberfest at Grand Boulevard Oct. 30
Dog-Harmony’s Barktoberfest, a doggie social with beer for humans, will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in Grand Park at Grand Boulevard. This event is free and open to the public. Guests will enjoy light bites, libations, live music, incredible raffle prizes and the Emerald Coast’s most beloved doggie costume contest and canine-only trick-or-treat celebration. With a $15 donation (or $20 the day of), you and your costumed pup can strut your stuff and compete for fun prizes. Tickets at dog-harmony.org/events/11th-annual-barktoberfest.
Baytowne Trick or Treat Street Oct. 31
Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a spooktacular extravaganza! Trick or Treat through the Village streets and visit merchants for your favorite treat from 6-8 p.m. Steve Hall will play frighteningly good tunes on the main stage. End the night with a spooky fireworks display at 8 p.m.
Halloween Extravaganza at Hotel Effie Ara Rooftop Oct. 31
This Halloween, Hotel Effie is throwing it back to the decades that gave us mixtapes, music videos, arcade games, blockbuster movies and unforgettable pop culture. Breaking Through the Decades takes over Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge from 6-11 p.m. for one totally rad night celebrating the best of the ’80s and ’90s. Tickets at www.hoteleffie.com/events/breaking-through-decades-halloween-extravaganza-ara.
Seeing Red Wine Festival Nov. 5-8
Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside brings four days of wine and culinary events to South Walton for a timeless tradition. Grand and reserve tastings, live music, local cuisines, a themed brunch, vintners dinner, and more! Seeing Red offers a fun-filled weekend, whether you choose to experience every event or just one. Customize your weekend experience by purchasing curated packages or individual tickets and reservations. To find out more, visit seasideseeingred.com!
30A BBQ Festival Nov. 6
The 30A BBQ Festival returns to Grand Boulevard from 5:30-8 p.m. to celebrate The Sonder Project! A rain-or-shine event, enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue, served up by the best grill masters along the Emerald Coast as they compete for the trophy for ’30A’s Best BBQ’ voted by you! In between bites, enjoy live music by River Dan, a photo booth, a SILENT AUCTION, and a variety of refreshments from local purveyors including craft brews from Grayton Beer Company, wine, and water. Details and tickets at bigtickets.com/events/the-sonder-project/30a-bbq-festival.
Mountainfilm on Tour Nov. 6-7
This 2-night outdoor film festival is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and motivating audiences about issues that matter. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m. Find more info and purchase tickets at www.watercolorresort.com/mountainfilm-on-tour.
Music Bingo at Stinky’s Mondays
Stinky’s Bait Shack to host free Music Bingo on Mondays from 6-9 p.m. Play 5 rounds of this family-friendly game while kicking back at one of South Walton’s most beloved hangouts.
Bingo at Hotel Effie Thursdays
Hotel Effie invites you to join them every Thursday at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge from 5-7 p.m. for Bingo with a view! Enjoy free games, tasty cocktails, delicious bites, and breathtaking rooftop vibes.
Trivia Night at North Beach Social Thursdays
Grab your brainy buds and head to North Beach Social for Trivia Night, hosted by Super Good Trivia, on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. North Beach Social hosts live music in the spacious outside deck throughout the week! Spend the afternoon or evening with friends and family on the bayside with cold drinks, delicious eats and live entertainment.
