October Events in Gulf Shores, Destin, and Pensacola Beach

October Events in Gulf Shores, Destin, and Pensacola Beach ~ by Southern

It’s the first day of fall! We’re celebrating in just about every way we can think of, from pumpkin spice everything to hanging atumnal wreaths on the doors. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to put off your beach vacation until next year. In fact, this is the perfect time of year to visit the beach. Not only are the temperatures and water still mild and enjoyable, but fall brings out a multitude of fun events that will have you flocking to the Gulf Coast. In fact, October is one of the most popular months to visit the Gulf Coast! During the month of October, you’ll find wine festivals, seafood festivals, fishing rodeos, and more. There’s something to do every weekend and every day! Check out some of our favorite October events in Gulf Shores, Destin, and Pensacola Beach. Don’t forget to book your Gulf Coast vacation rental while you’re at it!

Gulf Shores

We hope you’re hungry, because Gulf Shores is serving up one of the area’s most popular seafood festivals. The 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores is not one to miss. From October 10th to 13th, the area will be in full swing with over 10,000 pounds of shrimp per day prepared by local chefs. There will also be more than 50 food vendors, live music, 5Ks, and 10Ks to enjoy. Better yet, the 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival is free and open to the public! When it comes to October events in Gulf Shores, this is certainly one of our favorites.

Also in Gulf Shores is the Haunted Hustle 5K & Witches on Wheels. Most 5Ks are in the morning, but this 5K takes place at sundown from 6-9 PM. This horrifyingly fun event takes place on October 18th at Gulf Shores’ Gulf Place Town Center. Goblings, ghosts, and ghouls will be out for the evening fun! Register for the race here. Book your Gulf Shores vacation rental at Seawind for a great location and even better views!

Destin

Destin is no stranger to exciting local events in October – just take a look at our event calendar! First up in Destin is the 71st Annual Fishing Rodeo, one of the area’s most iconic events. Destin is known for being the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” and the Fishing Rodeo brings in anglers from all over to participate. Participants fish on a registered charter or private boat, but also from a kayak, paddleboard, pier, bridge, jetty, surf, or shoreline. One of the most fun parts of the Fishing Rodeo is getting to see the weigh-ins. You wouldn’t believe the size of some of these fish! Weigh-ins are free and open to the public every day. Just head down to the docks at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 AM – 7 PM. Visit here for more information.

Then, accompanying the Destin Fishing Rodeo is the 41st Annual Destin Seafood Festival. The seafood festival is an incredible part of Destin’s history, featuring local seafood, live music, art, and family fun. People from all over flock to Destin for this weekend-long event! This year, the festival takes place from October 4th-6th and is a great way to spend an afternoon. Book your vacation rental in Destin at Cottages by the Bay to stay close by!

Everyone loves a beer festival, and the 2019 Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival is no exception. On October 11th and 12th, head down to Baytowne Wharf to try over 200 domestic and international craft beers as well as dance the night away to live music. Last year, ticket sales raised more than $5,000 for local charities including the Emerald Coast Advocacy Center, Sandestin Foundation for Kids, and Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. Learn more about the festival here.

Pensacola Beach

Kick off your vacation to Pensacola Beach on October 18th and 19th with the area’s Taste of the Beach event. This is the area’s biggest culinary event of the year; a two-day festival filled with fine-dining, celebrity chef demonstrations, and more. A VIP dinner prepared by five Pensacola Beach chefs takes place at 6 PM at the Hilton Pensacola Beach, while the main event takes place Saturday. Experience cook offs, cooking demonstrations, a chef challenge, and sample tastings. Entry to Saturday’s event is free, while tastings are just $5 each. Also on Saturday is a crab race at 4 PM and beer tastings at 5 PM. With live music at 7 PM, this is a fun day-long event! Get your tickets here. Book your Pensacola Beach vacation rental at Beach Club to stay within walking distance of all the fun!

At the end of the month, Foo Foo Fest is back for another year. From October 31st until November 11th, the streets of Downtown Pensacola are lined with art, live music, and more. Foo Foo Fest showcases the rich cultural and artistic caliber found in Pensacola, “delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication.” Some events include the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival and the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. There are also science sections, a Big Green Egg Cookoff, and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow. Learn more about Foo Foo Fest here!

Rounding out the month of October is Bands on the Beach, a fun and unique way to blend live music and the beauty of Pensacola Beach. October is the last month to spread out your blanket and dance the night away to local bands. Just bring a beach blanket, lawn chair, and snacks!