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Celebrating October South Walton and 30-A Festivals and Events

As locals, we celebrate the fall months. October along the beaches of South Walton is spectacular. From the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets to the flicker of monarch butterflies and dragonflies in the air to perfectly calm days at the beach when the waves slowly lap shore, October in South Walton is possibly our favorite month of the year. Crowds are just a memory; the pace is slower; and breezes are cooler, making October a great month to get out and explore. 

The great temperatures and slower pace is complemented by craft beer festivals and live music to family-friendly movies and unique dining experiences, here's a round up of October events and festivals from Miramar Beach and along Scenic Highway 30-A: 

Oct. 5: Octoberfest at The Bay: 6-9 p.m.

Join The Bay for traditional German fare and beer all Saturday. Live music will be played by The Pickled Pickers from 6-9 p.m. Attendants are encouraged to wear traditional German attire like dirndl or lederhosen to the beach party. Authentic Bavarian food and drink will be served.

 

Oct. 5: Houndfest: 12-5 p.m.

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company will host Houndfest, a beer festival, for the fifth year. This year, visitors will have 40 beers on tap, unlimited samples, a shirt, glass, and sticker included at every ticket level. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

Oct. 11: 30A BBQ Festival

Come out to the Gulf Place on Friday from 5:30- 9 p.m. and enjoy live music while taste testing the best BBQ creations from local restaurants and chefs. Alcoholic beverages will be available. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite BBQ dish! Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance. Registered participants of the 30A Half Marathon & 5K will be granted free admission with registration. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

Oct. 11 & 12: Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival

Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds & ales! The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin presents the 12th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on Oct. 11 & 12, 2019. American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor.

The main event on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1-2 p.m. will feature more than 200 domestic and international craft beers available for sampling. Brewery representatives will be available at the event, offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of lagers and ales from a variety of styles. Live music will be also featured during the festival.

 

Oct. 19: Emerald Coast Duck Regatta: 10 a.m.

Benefiting Sacred Heart Hospital, the around 3,000 rubber ducks will set sail across the Lagoon on Saturday, Oct. 19 during the 9th annual Emerald Coast Duck Regatta in the heart of the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Prizes will be awarded to the owners of the first ducks to cross the finish line, which includes the $5,000 first place prize. Family0friendly activities like a scavenger hunt and face painting will follow the race. To adopt a duck, visit the Sacred Heart Hospital Gift Shop in Miramar Beach, online or at Baytowne Wharf the day of the event. Adopt one duck for $10, three for $27, six for $50 or 12 for $100.

 

Oct. 24, 25, 26: Harvest Wine & Food Festival at Watercolor

Harvest Wine & Food Festival is returning to WaterColor in October. Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest provides visitors the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections. The line-up of events includes: Thursday’s Celebrity Winemaker Dinners from 6-9 p.m., Friday’s Al Fresco Reserve Tasting from 6-8 p.m., Saturday’s Mad About Malbec Seminar from 12-1 p.m., and Saturday’s Grand Tasting from 1-4 p.m. Tickets are available here.

 

Oct. 31: 16th Annual Witch Ride: 7 a.m.

The Witches of South Walton are set the host the 16th Annual Witch Ride presented by Pizza by the Sea, on Wednesday, October 31 to support the mission of local nonprofit, the Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN).

Those participating can bring their own bike or rent one from one of our Bike Rental Partners. All participants should be at the Gulf Place Amphitheater by 6 a.m. the morning of the ride. The Witches will be leaving the Gulf Place Amphitheater at 7 a.m., heading west along 30A for about 1.5 miles before looping back for the Gathering Brunch shortly after 8 am. Ticketed riders can expect to enjoy a leisurely morning bike ride followed by brunch, which includes delicious food and beverages, the opportunity to win incredible raffle and silent auction items, and compete in the Best Dress, Most Witchy Cackle & Best Broom (bike) decor competitions.

Admittance to the event is limited to the first 350 to register for the event. Advanced Registration is open for the advanced fee of $50.

 

Oct. 31: Halloween Dinner Cruise Aboard SunQuest Cruises Solaris

Cruise the Choctawahatchee Bay. Enjoy live entertainment, dancing and fun cosutmes. The three-course dinner includes a salad, choice of entree and chef's dessert. Dinner is followed by a consume contest and prizes including the grand prize a dinner cruise for four. Children must be supervised while onboard. Make reservations by calling 850-650-2519. Adults $79, Chidren (2-10) $38 and Infants $20 (no meal). 

 

WEEKLY EVENTS IN OCTOBER 

WEDNESDAYS 

Wednesday Night Concert Series at Baytowne Wharf: 7 p.m.

The Wednesday Night Concert Series returns to Baytowne. Sit back and relax as you take in the cool crisp air and enjoy live entertainment from local and regional talent from a variety of genres. Concert begins at 7 p.m. on the Events Plaza Stage. Upcoming performances include: October 2: Chris Alvarado, October 9: Luke Langford Band, October 16: Boukou Groove, October 23: Geoff McBride, and October 30: Selwyn Birchwood.

THURSDAYS

Thursdays:  Grayton Beer Brewpub Trivia Night: 6-8 p.m.

Join the staff of Grayton Beer Brewpub every Thursday night to test your knowledge against other teams. Enjoy $12 Pitcher specials, small-batch beers, craft cocktails and dinner. Teams of 6 are best, if you don’t have a team you can make some new friends at the brewpub! 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners each week.

  • Website: www.graytonbeer.com/
  • Address: 170 E County Hwy 30A, Grayton Beach
  • Phone: (850) 213-4000

 

Throwback Thursday Cinema at Baytowne Wharf: 7 p.m.

Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening with Baytown Wharf’s free Throwback Thursday feature film.

 

FRIDAYS 

Fridays: Live Music Fridays at Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin: 6 p.m.

Enjoy live music at the Marina Bar & Grill every Friday night. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

Family Fun Fest at Seascape Towne Centre: 6-10 p.m.

With fun activities for the kids, plenty of dining options, games to play and live music, the family fun fest is a great way to spend your Friday evening at the Seascape Towne Centre. You don’t want to miss the magicians and face painters.

 

SATURDAYS:

Seaside Farmer’s Market at Seaside Amphitheatre: 9 a.m.

Seaside Farmers Market takes place in the Seaside Amphitheater every Saturday rain or shine 9 a.m.-12p.m.! Seaside Farmers Market is on a mission to educate the public about sustainable practices by providing a well-rounded, green living experience. Vendors offer farm fresh, locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, beef from happy cows, heirloom seeds, artisan breads and cheeses, organic eggs, preserves, and doggie treats, to name a few.

 

Farmer’s Market at Grand Boulevard: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine, the Grand Boulevard Farmer's Market features dozens of unique vendors offering mostly locally sourced food-based items such as produce, grass-fed beef, chicken, and pork, local honey, pickled vegetables, gourmet jams, unique homemade hummus, flowers, herbs, soaps and lotions and much more.

 

Family Challenge Saturdays at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: 9 a.m.

Every Saturday bring the family to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a fun challenge you can complete together. Challenges range from geocaching, photo scavenger hunt, a beach scavenger hunt, or an art challenge! Check in at the Park Store between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m for your family challenge packet. Upon completion, return the packet to the Park Store for your treat.

 

SUNDAYS:

Sunday Funday Ranger Program at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: 9 a.m.

Every Sunday come discover more about the park’s natural and cultural history with a Park Ranger. Program begins at 9 a.m. Free with regular park admission.

 

BOOK YOUR OCTOBER GETAWAY TODAY!

Ready to excape to the beach this fall? View our collection of premier South Walton vacation rentals online, including luxury condominiums at Sanctuary at Redfish on 30-A and vacation rentals at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, Mediterranea and Amalfi Coast in Miramar Beach. Or call one of our friendly vacation specialsits at 1-800-225-7652 to narrow your search. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee. 

See you @ the beach!

Published on Friday, October 4, 2019

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