Things to Do in Destin in October: Festivals, Fishing & Family Fun

The top things to do in Destin in October include the Destin Fishing Rodeo, the Rocktober Concert Series & Fireworks, food and wine festivals, Halloween on the Harbor, and enjoying the Emerald Coast’s perfect beach weather with fewer crowds.

Why Visit Destin in October?

October is one of the best-kept secrets on Florida’s Emerald Coast. While summer gets all the attention, locals and savvy travelers know fall is the sweet spot.

• 🌤️ Weather: Sunny skies with highs in the 70s and cool evenings in the 60s.
• 🌊 Warm Gulf Waters: October water temperatures hover between 75–79°F—still perfect for swimming.
• 🧳 Fewer Crowds: With school back in session, the beaches are peaceful.
• 🎣 Fishing Season: October brings excellent offshore and inshore fishing.
• 🎶 Events & Festivals: From the month-long Fishing Rodeo to food, art, and music festivals.
• 💰 Better Value: Vacation rental rates dip compared to peak summer, offering more bang for your buck.

💡 For families, couples, and groups, October is one of the most balanced months to enjoy Destin—just the right mix of excitement and relaxation.

Top Events in Destin & 30A This October

🎣 Destin Fishing Rodeo (October 1–31, 2025)

The crown jewel of October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo, has been running since 1948. It transforms the harbor into a month-long celebration.

• 📍 Location: AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar, Destin Harbor
• 🕙 Daily Weigh-Ins: 10 AM – 7 PM
• 🐟 Categories: Offshore, inshore, kayak, paddleboard, and junior anglers
• 🏆 Prizes: Daily, weekly, and overall winners receive trophies and gear
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun: Junior Angler Division encourages kids to fish and win prizes

💡 Even if you don’t fish, the dockside weigh-ins at sunset are worth it for the atmosphere and community spirit.

🎶 Rocktober Concert Series & Fireworks (Every Saturday in October)

Each Saturday night, HarborWalk Village hosts free concerts and fireworks.

• 🎸 Music Lineup: Local and regional bands performing everything from country to classic rock.
• 🎆 Fireworks: Light up the harbor after the shows.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly: Food vendors, activities for kids, and a lively festival vibe.

💡 Pro tip: Arrive early for dinner at Boshamps or AJ’s, then enjoy the show with a cocktail in hand.

🍷 Harvest Wine & Food Festival (30A, October 23–26, 2025)

Held in WaterColor and along Scenic 30A, this upscale festival features:

• 🍇 250+ Wines from across the world
• 🍤 Local Gulf-Inspired Dishes from award-winning chefs
• 🎶 Live Music & Tastings in a scenic setting

💡 This is a must for wine lovers planning a fall getaway.

🍺 Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival (October 10–11, 2025)

At The Village of Baytowne Wharf, beer lovers unite for the region’s largest beer festival.

• 🍻 200+ Craft Beers to sample
• 🔥 Backyard Bash with bonfires and football on big screens
• 🎶 Live Music & Food Pairings
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Beyond Tastings – The Wharf offers arcades, playgrounds, and entertainment

🍹 Bloody Mary Festival (October 4, 2025)

At The Market Shops in Miramar Beach, this festival is all about creative Bloody Marys crafted by local restaurants competing for “Best Bloody.”

💡 A fun daytime event for adults—pair it with brunch and shopping nearby.

🎨 Destin Festival of the Arts (October 25–26, 2025)

Also called the Mattie Kelly Festival of the Arts, this is one of the Southeast’s top art festivals.

• 👩‍🎨 Over 100 Artists in mediums like painting, sculpture, jewelry, and photography
• 🎶 Live Performances from local musicians
• 🍤 Food Vendors & Family Areas make it kid-friendly

🍽️ Toast on the Coast (October 5, 2025)

Hosted at Henderson Beach Resort, this culinary event raises funds for the Junior League of the Emerald Coast.

• 🍷 Kickoff Wine Dinner: October 4, 2025
• 🍤 Chef Tastings: October 5, 2025
• 🎶 Live Music & Silent Auction

💡 Pair it with a Destin Dreamers rental nearby for a luxury foodie weekend.

🚗 Cars of 30A (October 17–19, 2025)

An elite car showcase featuring exotic and luxury automobiles.

• 🏎️ Car Enthusiast Heaven – Supercars, classics, and rare exotics
• 🎶 Live Music & Vendors for the whole family
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great family-friendly event with plenty of eye candy

👻 Halloween on the Harbor (October 31, 2025)

HarborWalk Village goes all out for Halloween.

• 🍬 Trick-or-Treating along the docks
• 🎭 Costume Contests for kids, adults, and pets
• 🎶 Spooky Live Entertainment

💡 A perfect way to end an October vacation with the family.

Outdoor Adventures in October

October weather is perfect for outdoor fun in Destin.

🏖️ Beach Days

With mild temps and fewer crowds, the beaches are ideal for:

• Swimming and paddleboarding
• Sandcastle building with kids
• Long walks on Henderson Beach State Park

🎣 Fishing Charters

October is one of the best fishing months in Destin.

• Offshore: Tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi
• Inshore: Redfish, speckled trout, and flounder

🚤 Crab Island & Boating

Rent a pontoon or charter a boat to enjoy Crab Island sandbar while it’s less crowded than summer.

⛳ Golfing

Destin’s golf courses shine in fall weather. Favorites include:

• Regatta Bay Golf Club
• Kelly Plantation Golf Club

🚴 30A Biking

Scenic Highway 30A is beautiful in October—ride through Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach.

Family-Friendly Activities

Traveling with kids? October offers plenty beyond the beach.

• 🐬 Dolphin Cruises – Afternoon or sunset tours are a hit.
• 🎡 HarborWalk Village – Arcade, zipline, and carnival rides.
• 🐠 Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park – See dolphins, sea lions, and marine life.
• 🚤 Glass-Bottom Boat Tours – Perfect for young kids to see fish without snorkeling.
• 🎃 Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches – Local farms and events make it festive for kids.

Where to Eat in Destin in October

Pair your October adventures with Destin’s best dining.

• 🍤 Boshamps Oyster House – Oysters, Gulf views, and family-friendly dining.
• 🦞 Louisiana Lagniappe – Creole-inspired fine dining.
• 🐟 Harbor Docks – Casual seafood and a Destin staple.
• 🍝 Mimmo’s Ristorante – Family-friendly Italian.
• 🍹 AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar – Perfect for Rodeo weigh-ins with food and music.

Destin Dreamers: The Best Fall Rentals

October is the perfect month to book with Destin Dreamers. Our luxury rentals give you the comfort of home with easy access to the month’s biggest events.

• 🏡 3–10+ Bedroom Homes – Perfect for families and groups.
• 🛏️ Bunk Rooms for Kids – A hit for cousins and siblings.
• 🏊 Private Pools – Great for relaxing after a day of fishing or festivals.
• 🌊 Beachfront & Harbor Proximity – Stay steps from the shoreline or minutes from HarborWalk.
• 🍳 Chef Kitchens – Cook family meals or host holiday dinners.

💡 October is also a popular month for family reunions, weddings, and group trips in Destin—our rentals are designed to host them in style.

Real Guest Story

“We stayed with Destin Dreamers in October and loved it. The Fishing Rodeo was incredible, especially watching weigh-ins at sunset. The kids loved Halloween on the Harbor, and our rental made it easy—we had a pool, plenty of space, and were just minutes from the action. It felt like the perfect family vacation.”

FAQs: Things to Do in Destin in October

Is October a good time to visit Destin?
Yes—great weather, fewer crowds, and lots of events.

Is the water still warm enough for swimming?
Yes—Gulf temperatures average 75–79°F.

What’s the biggest October event?
The Destin Fishing Rodeo, running all month long.

Is Destin kid-friendly in October?
Absolutely—junior angler divisions, Rocktober concerts, and Halloween make it fun for families.

Where should I stay?
Close to HarborWalk Village and the beach, in a Destin Dreamers luxury rental.

Plan Your October Getaway

From the Fishing Rodeo to Rocktober concerts, wine tastings, art festivals, and Halloween fun, October is one of the most festive and enjoyable months in Destin.

Pair your trip with a Destin Dreamers rental to make the most of your experience—luxury homes, private pools, and proximity to all the action.

👉 Browse our Destin vacation rentals and start planning your October getaway today.