October 1-31 2009

Destin Fishing Rodeo
www.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
www.silversandsoutlet.com
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
www.seasidefl.com
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 2-3 2009

Oktoberfest
Grace Avenue
(850) 785-2554
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
Dig out the lederhosen, it's Oktoberfest time. Each year downtown Panama City is transformed into a German-style village, with accordian players, carnival ride, sausage eating contests and lots of food and local brews. Sponsored by the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board, this beer and brats fest annually attracts more than 25,000 people. Family activites include clowns and face painting for the kids, and beer tastings and polka dancing for the grown-ups. Admission is free.

October 2-4 2009

31st Annual Destin Seafood Festival
HarborWalk Village
(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
www.seasidefl.com
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
(850) 231-0733
www.seasiderep.org
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 9-11 2009

Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival
Frank Brown Park
www.panamacitybeachfest.com
Combining three ever popular activites into one huge event, the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival pairs daily wine tastings with celebrity chef exhibitions and nationally known performers in jazz, rock, reggae and country music. The 2009 stars include Grand Funk Railroad, Julianne Hough, John Anderson and STYX. This celebration of seafood and fun also hosts a classic car show, antiques vendors, arts and crafts, and features wine from local and nationally recognized vineyards. Bring a law chair or a blanket for the shows. Advanced tickets start at $15 per person per day. Children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5 per car per day.

October 16-18 2009

Back to Nature
(850) 314-3749
www.southwaltoncc.org
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. 

October 17 2009

Jazz by the Bay festival
www.gulfjazzsociety.com
Fabulous Jazz music in the beautiful Oaks by the Bay Park and provided at no charge to the public. Bring a lawn chair. St. Andrew Kiwanis Barbecue for sale.

Vettes at the Village
(850) 267-8186
www.baytownewharf.com
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
www.perfectweddingguide.com
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
www.baytownewharf.com
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
www.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.