The fall season brings cooler nights and more outdoor family-friendly events in the Destin area. October and November are our favorite months to make memories on 30A. It’s still warm enough to go to the beach during the day, and at night, the cooler weather makes it perfect for walks along the shore. The amazing weather is why so many of the area’s best festivals happen in October. Keep reading for all the best fall events on 30A and around Destin!
To make the most of your fall getaway to the Emerald Coast, be sure to request access to our complimentary 30A Vacation Guide! It’s full of the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in the area!
Top Fall Events on 30A You Don’t Want to Miss
1. Destin Seafood Festival
Locals like to boast that Destin is “the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” The access to deep water and the fish that run there accounts for most of Destin’s popularity with anglers. It takes at least twice as long to reach these depths in most other Gulf waters.
Join the locals the first weekend in October for the annual Destin Seafood Festival. The event is free and held at Destin Harbor. Children love the kid zone with rock climbing walls and zip lines, while the adults love tasting fresh seafood from all the local restaurants and vendors. Where to stay? One of our condos at Villa Coyaba would give you the beach by day and the festival nearby by night.
2. The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival
We all need to eat more vegetables and a Bloody Mary counts as a vegetable, right? The Market Shops hosts the annual Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Habitat for Humanity Walton County. The event welcomes many favorite restaurants, bars, and culinary artists from around South Walton and Destin. Ticket prices start at $40. We recommend staying in one of our San Remo or Adagio condos to be close to the fun.
3. Baytowne Beer Festival
Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents the annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest around mid-October. Plan to sample and savor specialty beers from around the nation. Tickets start at $40.
4. Festival of the Arts
The Mattie Kelly Art Foundation hosts the Festival of the Arts each year at the end of October. This world-class arts event showcases more than 65 local and national artists. Enjoy 18 different mediums as the artists compete for a $10,000 award. The free event also features live music as well as food and drink vendors.
5. Harvest Food and Wine Festival (October 16-19, 2025)
Enjoy four days of delectable delights of food and wine! Experience the Grand Tasting, try wine paired dinners, and savor some of the best flavors on 30A. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased here.
6. Rosemary Beach Uncorked (early November – date to be determined)
You can’t miss 30A’s premier wine event. Exquisite wines are paired with dishes made by top local chefs. Live music fills the air as you enjoy photo-ops, and opportunities to purchase fine wine by the bottle or case!
7. Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor Marina Park (November 7-8, 2025)
Come be inspired by thought-provoking films inspired by current events and hot button issues. Bring a blanket or a low chair to sit under the trees, eat your favorite snacks, and enjoy the show.
8. 30A BBQ Festival (November)
Get ready for a smokin’ good time at the 30A BBQ Festival! Who wouldn’t want to enjoy all you can eat barbecue prepared by some local and regional pitmasters?! Tickets sell out quickly. Get ‘em while they’re hot, here.
Plan Your 30A Trip With Your Friend at the Beach
The Adagio, San Remo, or Villa Coyaba are home to the perfect spots to enjoy your fall getaway to the beach. We make it easy for you to choose a location that’s closest to the events you want to attend. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a collection of amenities, including private pools, gyms, and outdoor dining areas. All of our properties sit on the pristine shores of 30A, so the distance from your front door to the sand is only a few steps.
Start planning your 30A getaway today by booking one of our condos. We look forward to welcoming you to the Your Friend at the Beach family!