October is a spook-tacular time to visit Destin, Florida. In addition to the quieter beaches and stunning sunsets, there are numerous Halloween happenings. From trick-or-treating and costume contests to spooky pirate cruises and socials for your pup, everyone in the family will enjoy these festive events. Below are popular annual events and many take place the weekend prior to Halloween. This post was written as of 2023 and I will do my best to update it every year, but please check with the venue/company for exact dates and times as they may change. I hope you have a hauntingly good time along the Emerald Coast!
Halloween events
Alys Beach Fall Festival: Friday, October 25
Stop by the Alys Beach Amphitheatre for crafts, face painting, a photo booth, live music, trick-or-treating with Merchants of Alys, and more spooky fun from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Then cozy up with a blanket under the moon and watch Casper on the big screen. The viewing will start at 6:30pm.
Barktoberfest at Grand Boulevard: Friday, October 25
Dog-lovers won’t want to miss Barktoberfest, which benefits Dog-Harmony (a non-profit charity dedicated to reducing shelter dog populations through ongoing humane education). The doggie social features a costume contest, music, beer and light bites.
McGuire’s Halloween Run: Saturday, October 26
McGuire’s Irish Pub hosts an annual Halloween 5K walk /run and 10K run where participants dress up and make their way through the streets of Destin. The run concludes with a post-race party, which features live entertainment, Irish fare, Irish Wakes, and McGuire’s Ale.
Destin Commons Halloween Haunt: Saturday, October 26
The Halloween Haunt at Destin Commons is the perfect place for the whole family to kick off the holiday weekend. There is a costume contest, face painting, photobooth, creepy crafts and trick-or-treating. The outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center offers a safe and festive environment for even the tiniest ghouls and goblins to enjoy the holiday.
Monstrous Halloween Bash in Rosemary Beach: Saturday, October 26
Rosemary Beach invites all ghosts and goblins to the Monstrous Halloween Bash at the East Long Green Park from 2pm to 5pm. Enjoy games, pumpkin carving and painting, trick-or-treating, cotton candy, music, and a costume contest! The Monstrous Halloween Bash is free and open to the public. Trick-or-Treating will take place from 10am – 5pm throughout the Rosemary Merchants.
Halloween Spooktacular at HarborWalk Village: Saturday, October 26
The family-friendly street carnival at HarborWalk Village features a scavenger hunt with fall-themed carnival games, an obstacle bounce house, and trick-or-treating. There’s also a costume contest, DJ dance party, and fireworks over the Destin Harbor.
Halloweener Derby in Seaside: Saturday, October 26
Watch the dachshunds race across the Lyceum Lawn followed by a costume contest for all breeds. This annual event in Seaside benefits H.E.A.R.T Animal Rescue Inc.
Halloween on the Boolevard: Thursday, October 31
If you’re looking for an event on actual Halloween, bring the whole family to Grand Boulevard where the businesses host a trick-or-treating event that is free and open to the public.
Trick or Treat Street at The Village of Baytowne Wharf: Thursday, October 31
The Village of Baytowne Wharf merchants will be handing out candy, plus there is live music on the main stage, crafts, balloon animals, and a costume contest at Coconut Kidz. The night ends with a spooky fireworks display at 8pm.
Trick or Treat in Seaside: Thursday, October 31
From 4pm to 6pm, bring your little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes to enjoy trick-or-treating with the merchants of Seaside. Stroll through Central Square collecting candy and making memories. A DJ will be spinning lively, spooky tunes to keep the energy high and the fun flowing!
Witch Ride: Thursday, October 31
Dust off your pointy hat and decorate your bike for this this charitable ride alongside fellow witches and warlocks in their most creative costumes. There are several Witch Rides now that the event has grown, but the original “Founders Ride” takes place on 30A the morning of Halloween and there is also one in Destin. There will be competitions for Best Cackle, Most Witchy Outfit, and more! Plus, test your luck in the raffle and silent auction benefitting the Children’s Volunteer Health Network.
Boo at the Zoo: Multiple Dates in October
Gulf Breeze Zoo hosts “Boo at the Zoo” the weekends leading up to Halloween. The festival includes bounce houses, face paintings, local community vendors, and a trick-or-treating trail complete with candy, treats and toys. Plus the regular zoo attractions and Safari Express Train Ride. It’s about an hour away from Destin, but offers lots of entertainment for the whole family.
