October 1-31 2009

Destin Fishing Rodeo
DestinFishingRodeo.org
The Destin Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for anglers of all kinds. More than 30,000 anglers compete throughout the month of October for over $100,000 in prizes ranging from trophies, merchandise and bonds.

Autumn Tides Month at Silver Sands
(850) 654-9771
In October, when you present $300 in same-day receipts at shopper services, you will receive a limited edition “Autumn Tides” print by local artist and 2008 Artist of the Year, Donna Burgess. 

October 2 2009

1st Friday Art Walk at Ruskin Place
(850) 231-2133
Enjoy a lovely stroll in Seaside’s Ruskin Place where the galleries showcase new works of art by many diverse artists combined with live music, food and drink. 

October 2-4 2009

31st Annual Destin Seafood Festival
HarborWalk Village on the Destin Harbor
(850) 837-2711
www.destinchamber.com/destin/Seafoodfestival.asp
The Destin Seafood Festival, listed in the Southeast Tourism Society's "Top 20 Events in the Southeast," offers fresh seafood prepared by some of the area's most popular restaurants, while local bands share the stage with top national music makers. This year's headliners are Survivor and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Children's activities and arts and crafts booths overlook the Destin Harbor where the month-long Destin Fishing Rodeo takes place each October. Festival goers can watch the afternoon weigh-ins on the docks as anglers compete for cash and prizes. Around 36,000 people attend the three-day event. Admission for all three days is $15, or you may purchase daily admission bands for $5 each from Friday and Sunday and $10 for Saturday.

October 3 2009

South Walton Community Yard Sale
(850) 231-6107
Held outdoors in the Seaside Amphitheater, along Scenic Hwy 30A, the South Walton Community Yard Sale features over 100 vendors and provides a variety of unique offerings from antiques to vintage clothing. 

October 7-17 2009

Autumn Playwright Festival
seasiderep.org
(850) 231-0733
The Autumn Playwright festival is the Seaside Repertory Theatre’s annual homage to Harold Pinter, winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize for Literature through panel discussions, staged readings, and a full-scale production.

October 16-18 2009

Back to Nature
(850) 314-3749
Enjoy a weekend of outdoor activities exploring the natural world of Beaches of South Walton. Events include hiking, bird-watching, kayaking and Family Fun Day. 

33rd Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival
Mullet Festival Grounds, Niceville
www.mulletfestival.com
The main attractions for this fishy weekend are mullet and music, especially fried mullet, and country music by this year's headliners, Blake Shelton, Chuck Wicks, and Billy Ray Cyrus. Named after the mullet, a fish found in abundance in the local waters, the Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival features an arts and crafts show, a juried art show and handmade and decorated clothing in the Boutique area. Additionally, more than 40,000 hungry mullet fans will consume up to 10 tons of this humble fish during the three-day festival along with seafood, international foods, cajun and country cooking. Admission is $10 per person and includes all entertainment. Children 11 and under are free.

October 17 2009

Vettes at the Village
(850) 267-8186
This annual event draws over 200 Corvettes and thousands of enthusiasts and is designed to create awareness of and raise money for the charities of the participating Vette chapters. 

October 18 2009

Tides and Brides
(850) 249-7941
A beachside bridal show and progressive tour of wedding venues in Beaches of South Walton showcasing the area’s finest wedding professionals and culinary displays.

October 23-25 2009

Baytowne Wharf Beerfest
(850) 267-8186
Over 40 plus brewers and 70 beer styles will be available to sample and savor while listening to live music. 

October 24-25 2009

Destin Festival of the Arts
mattiekellyartsfoundation.org
There is always a phenomenal showing of artwork at the Destin Festival of the Arts, but there is much more going on than merely art appreciation. Two entertainment areas will offer a variety of live entertainment and music, as you sample the tremendous cuisine of Destin and take in the many masterful works of art. This October don't miss out. Be sure to take in the entirety of the Destin Festival of the Arts at Henderson Beach State Park.