Posted on 10/24/2023
Is there a more 'boo-tiful' time of year than October on the Emerald Coast? We think not! Northwest Florida transforms into a haven of festive celebrations—gorgeous blue skies, cool breezes, and a line-up of Halloween events that promise unforgettable family fun.
Spooky Secrets of the Stars
On Thursday, October 26th, visit the Emerald Coast Science Center for an evening of spooky stories! Come dressed in costume and celebrate Halloween under the night sky in an inflatable planetarium. Snack on your trick-or-treat candy while you enjoy a night of monster stories inspired by the planets, moons, and stars. The 5pm and 6pm show are family-friendly and appropriate for ages 5-6 and up. The 7pm Spooktacular show features spookier tales and is appropriate for ages 8 and up. All shows last approximately 45 minutes.
Thursday, October 26
- Time: 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm shows.
- Location: Emerald Coast Science Center.
- Description: Spooky stories under the night sky in an inflatable planetarium.
Halloween Party at The Big Chill & The Shops
It’s time for the annual Halloween celebration at The Big Chill and The Shops in Seacrest Beach. From 5 pm to 6 pm, trick or treat door-to-door through the shops and fill up those candy buckets. Make your own pumpkin crafts from 5pm to 7pm. And after all that fun, take advantage of the sugar rush with a monster mash DJ Dance Party from 6pm to 9:30pm. It’s sure to be a Frankenstein fun evening for the whole family!
Thursday, October 26
- Time: Trick-or-treat from 5 pm to 6 pm, crafts from 5 pm to 7 pm, DJ Dance Party from 6 pm to 9:30 pm.
- Location: The Big Chill and The Shops in Seacrest Beach.
- Description: Trick-or-treating, pumpkin crafts, and a dance party.
Eden's Vintage Film Series
Did you know the 1972 cult favorite movie, Frogs, was filmed at Eden Gardens State Park? Each year they play this horror classic on an outdoor screen under the oak trees on the state park's lawn. The program is free with paid park admission. Guests should bring their own chairs, blankets, coolers, and bug spray.
Thursday, October 26
- Time: Film starts at 6:30 pm.
- Location: Eden Gardens State Park.
- Description: Outdoor screening of the horror classic "Frogs".
Halloween Haunt at Destin Commons
The Halloween Haunt at the Destin Commons is a favorite activity for families every year. Head to the Commons on Friday, October 27 between 6 and 8pm for a spooktacular event. There will be creepy crafts, face painting, a photo booth, and other fun activities. And, of course, all the candy during your own trick-or-treat adventure! Dress in your Halloween best for the chance to win prizes.
Friday, October 27
- Time: 6 pm to 8 pm.
- Location: Destin Commons.
- Description: Family activities including crafts, face painting, a photo booth, and trick-or-treating.
McGuire's Halloween Run
Diehard runners shouldn't miss the 26th Annual Halloween Run at McGuire's Irish Pub on Saturday, October 28th at 9 am. Choose between a 10k run or 5k run/walk. Don’t forget to wear your costume because there will be juicy awards. Winners of the costume contest will receive anywhere from a $50 to $200 gift card. That’s what we call a treat! The parking lot will be hopping with live music, food, and drinks. The free pre-race breakfast and race will be followed by a post-race party with Irish fare, Irish Wakes, and McGuire’s Ale & soft drinks for participants. Register here.
Saturday, October 28
- Time: 9 am.
- Location: McGuire's Irish Pub.
- Description: 10k and 5k runs with costume contests, live music, food, drinks, and a post-race party.
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Annual Halloweener Derby
Halloween isn’t just for kiddos and adults—it’s for your dogs too! This year, the 13th Annual Halloweener Derby will take place on Saturday, October 28. Head to the Lyceum Lawn in Seaside to watch the dachshund championship race and the all-breeds costume contest.
Saturday, October 28
- Time: 10 am.
- Location: Lyceum Lawn in Seaside.
- Description: Dachshund championship race and all-breeds costume contest.
Mahaloween Party at The Daytrader Tiki Bar
The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant in Seaside is kicking off its first Mahaloween Party this year. Starting at 5pm, you will enjoy boo-zy cocktails, good music, and delicious food—including a whole roasted suckling pig! The event will feature spooky décor and a costume contest. Don’t skimp on your costume, because the winner will receive a $200 gift card!
Sunday, October 29
- Time: Starts at 5 pm.
- Location: The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant in Seaside.
- Description: Boo-zy cocktails, music, food, and a costume contest.
Halloween on the Boolevard
Bring your family to trick or treat at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin from 4pm to 6pm on Halloween night. As you stroll through the upscale retail center, merchants and restaurants will pass out candy and goodies to your cute little ghouls and goblins.
Tuesday, October 31
- Time: 4 pm to 6 pm.
- Location: Grand Boulevard in Sandestin.
- Description: Trick-or-treating with merchants and restaurants.
Trick or Treat in Seaside
Join in a 30A tradition! Grab the family and go treating in Seaside on Tuesday, October 31 from 4pm to 6pm. The merchants of Seaside will have delicious treats for everyone—no tricks for your little ghosts and monsters! Ghoulish music will add to the fun and spooky setting. Free and open to the public and sure to be a fangtastic time for all.
Tuesday, October 31
- Time: 4 pm to 6 pm.
- Location: Seaside.
- Description: Trick-or-treating with Seaside merchants.
Trick or Treat Street at Baytowne Wharf
Trick or treating at Baytowne Wharf is for everyone—from witches and ghosts to pirates and princesses, and everyone in between. This family-friendly event is on October 31 from 6pm to 8pm. Enjoy festive music while strolling through the village collecting candy from your favorite retailers. Head over to Coconut Kidz for free face painting, too. As you leave with bags full of candy, don’t forget to catch the spooky fireworks show over the lagoon to really end your night with with a BOOm!
Tuesday, October 31
- Time: 6 pm to 8 pm.
- Location: Baytowne Wharf.
- Description: Trick-or-treating with festive music, face painting, and fireworks.
Halloween Party at Red Bar
The Red Bar in Grayton Beach is hosting its annual adult Halloween party on October 31. The DJ will kick off the lively party at 8pm. Come dressed in your costume for a chance to win $300.
Tuesday, October 31
- Time: Party starts at 8 pm.
- Location: The Red Bar in Grayton Beach.
- Description: Adult party with a DJ and costume contest.
With all this fun on Halloween in Destin and along 30A, it's definitely not a ghost town on the coast! Be sure to browse our vacation rentals and reserve your stay soon. We can't wait to "witch" you a Happy Halloween!
