FALL AT THE BEACH 2023 | Events along florida's scenic highway 30a

While we may not be able to boast the vibrant fall foliage and classic apple-picking experiences often associated with autumn, we are by no means lacking in seasonal charm. The 30A area and its neighboring communities offer a plethora of fall activities to immerse oneself in the spirit of the season.

From fall festivals and locally crafted brews to hayrides and corn mazes, there are plenty of ways to embrace the autumnal spirit in this idyllic coastal region. Families can enjoy pumpkin patches and sunflower fields, taste delicious seasonal treats, and explore the local art scene. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beachside retreat or an adventure-filled fall getaway, the 30A area and its surroundings ensure that you can savor the essence of autumn in your own unique way, without the need for traditional fall foliage or apple orchards.

Below are some exciting upcoming local events to infuse your next beach getaway with the vibrant essence of the fall season. 

LOCAL FALL EVENTS - 30A AREA

Early October 

Saturdays in the patch 

On Saturdays through all of October, join The Friends of Camp Helen State Park in Panama City Beach for 'Saturdays in the Patch,' happening from 11AM - 3PM. This season, 'Saturdays in the Patch' brings you wildlife crafts, enlightening nature walks, exciting games, haunted history tours, enchanting storytelling, and live music performed by Huck & Lily. Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks available for purchase within the park. Pumpkins are available for sale seven days a week, from 9AM - 4PM until October 31st or while supplies last. Additional Patch activities include Movie Night and Witch's Paddle on Lake Powell. For more info call (850) 233-5059 or visit the park website.

frankenstein: the 3d podcast at seaside REP

Frankenstein: The 3D Podcast headlines The REP’s Fall Play Series on October 5th, 6th, 7th, and 14th at 7:30pm in Seaside, FL. What is a 3D Podcast you ask? It's a modern-day live theatrical radio play, designed to be watched, not just listened to. Become a member of the live studio audience! There’s no need for special 3D glasses, headphones, or apps! The REP’s beloved Brook Stetler will join the award-winning international playwrights and Escape 2 Create Alums, Nicholas Collett and Gavin Robertson, for an entirely new comedic interpretation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 literary masterpiece, “Frankenstein.” Reimagined as a live 21st-century podcast, this story will have you on the edge of your seat! Tickets available at LoveTheREP.com. 

15th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest

Get ready to unveil the keg and explore distinctive brews! The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin is excited to host the 15th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on October 6th & 7th from 6-8pm. Participants will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy American specialty beers from across the country and restaurants within The Village will also present their finest dishes, pairing their unique light bites with the complimentary flavors of a fine brew. The event will showcase over 200 domestic and international craft beers for guests to sample. Representatives from the breweries will be present, providing a chance to learn about the diverse range of lagers and ales in various styles. Additionally, the festival will be enlivened with live music performances. Tickets are required, visit baytownebeerfestival.com for more info.

garden at peach creek pumpkin patch

Stop by the Garden at Peach Creek on Hwy 98 just east of County Hwy 395 near WaterColor to enjoy perusing a plethora of pumpkins for your fall decorating, ranging in size from mini to large Jack o'Lanterns, along with an assortment of specialty pumpkins. Additionally, there will be mums, seasonal flowers, corn stalks, gourds, and more available for purchase! To make your day even more enjoyable, there will be popcorn, cotton candy, face painting, a kids harvest craft, photo booth, plus, they’ll be giving out goodie bags for the kids! Saturday, October 7th from 10 am to 4 pm.  

Mid October 

Panama City beach Octoberfest

Panama City Beach Octoberfest Oct 13 | 4pm - 11pm, Oct 14 | 11am - 11pm, Oct 15 | 11am - 5pm at Aaron Bessant Park. Enjoy three days of both German and locally crafted beers, scrumptious food including a selection of brats and giant pretzels served with beer-infused cheese, lively music, and an array of activities for children and families! The event will boast a colossal tent, adorned to mirror the genuine Oktoberfest tent in Munich, Germany, alongside outdoor beer gardens and an exclusive VIP section located under the tent. Families are welcome! Children can enjoy several rounds of corn hole or expend their boundless energy in one or more of the eight inflatable bounce houses and slide zone available. Face painting is available for both kids and adults to enjoy, and everyone can capture the fun memories at the gif photo booth. Adults can also participate in the stein hoisting competition on Saturday to showcase their strength and throwing prowess! Secure your tickets at www.pcboktoberfest.com.

fall fashion show at monet monet

Join Caring and Sharing of South Walton at the Annual Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon! The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 15th starting at 12:30PM at Monet Monet in Grayton Beach. Attendees will be treated to a fashion show, a delightful lunch, a silent auction, entertaining music by a DJ, and a photo booth for capturing the moment. Tickets are priced at $65 and are available for purchase at the Caring & Sharing facility at 112 Lynn Drive, SRB. All proceeds from the Annual Fashion Show will empower Caring and Sharing of South Walton to continue its mission of offering food, utility, prescription, and basic need support to the residents of South Walton County. For more information, visit the Caring and Sharing of South Walton website.

 Late October 

Boos, Brews & Bingo in rosemary beach

Boos, Brews & Bingo is set to unfold on Thursday, October 26th at the Rosemary Beach Town Hall. This event, orchestrated by the Rosemary Beach Foundation, is organized in aid of the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. Bingo kicks off at 7:00 PM, with the chance to win fabulous prizes, including a JACKPOT sponsored by DISCO, totaling $500 in cash & rewards. Assemble your family, friends, and colleagues, and make sure to come early (6 - 7PM) to secure your lucky spot and savor complimentary food and brews from Back Beach Barbecue and Odd Pelican Beer. Put on your most creative costumes, as prizes await those with the best attire! 

Rosemary Beach Monstrous Halloween Bash

Rosemary Beach invites all whimsical ghosts and playful goblins to partake in the exhilarating Monstrous Halloween Bash! It will be held on Saturday, October 28th, at East Long Green Park from 2PM - 5PM. Immerse yourself in an array of activities, including games, pumpkin carving and painting, trick-or-treating, colored hairspray, balloon excitement, music, and the much-anticipated costume contest! This Monstrous Halloween Bash is free and welcomes one and all!

Brew Chews & Boos In Watercolor

Westonwood Ranch is excited to host Brew Chews & Boos—a thrilling pet party, costume contest, and parade, slated for Sunday, October 29th from 2PM - 4PM at the Marina Park Stage in WaterColor, FL. Adorn your furry, feathered, or scaled family members in their Halloween best and join us for a family-friendly Howl-O-Ween celebration. Registration kicks off at 2PM. Winners in the four categories: 12 and Under Pet Duo/Trio, 12 and Over Pet Duo/Trio, Spookiest, and Most Original, will be awarded prizes/gift cards. A $15 donation allows entry into the contest and includes one complimentary beer ticket. Come and make the most of this spooktacular event!

Kids fall Festival at North Beach Social

The Kids Fall Festival at North Beach Social, a day-long festivity featuring live tunes, arts & crafts, a costume contest, cookie decoration, and face painting, is set to occur on Sunday, October 29th. The costume contest is slated to start at 4PM. Revel in a day at the bayside with chilled beverages, scrumptious food, and concerts with local bands Wildlife Specials from 1-4pm and Sunshine Wranglers from 6-9pm. North Beach Social, situated at the base of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach on the Choctawhatchee Bay, is a casual beach restaurant and bar. It offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can order from the counter and bar and indulge in beach games, toys, and various seating options.

October 31st

20th Annual Witch Ride

The Witches of South Walton are gearing up for their 20th Annual Witch Ride! Each year, they adorn their bikes and soar through various communities. The Witches go all out with their costumes, embellish their bikes/brooms, and revel in a spirited Halloween festivity. The Founders Ride for the Witches of South Walton is scheduled to depart from Gulf Place on Tuesday, October 31st, at 7:00 AM. Once again, the Witches will ride in support of the mission of Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN). Join in for a spellbinding celebration for a good cause! Full details for all rides, including start times, locations, routes, events before and after the rides, and additional details, can be accessed on the Witches of South Walton’s website.

halloween at seaside

It’s the season for spirits, goblins, and royalty to roam from door-to-door, gathering sweets from Seaside merchants to satisfy their candy cravings! Join us on Tuesday, October 31 from 4 - 6PM at the Seaside Town Square. This festive event is a treat for kids of all ages and is free and open to the public. Make your way to town on Halloween, visit various merchants, and dance to spooky beats in Central Square. It’s a cherished local tradition at the beach, where enchanting—and ghostly—costumes come to life in the sublime late afternoon light, creating a unique Halloween beach experience. Don’t miss this beachside Halloween spectacle!

LOCAL FALL EVENTS - BEYOND 30A 

Walton county fair

The Walton County Fair 2023 takes place October 16 - 21 at the Fair Grounds in DeFuniak Springs, Florida with lots of family fun for the week! The fair takes great pride in consistently revitalizing the spaces for exhibits and entertainment. It continues to feature a variety of exhibits, including those focused on animals, art, agriculture, handicrafts, potted plants, photography, and canned foods. Children are also welcomed to display their abilities and talents through animals, speeches, and educational posters. Entertainment holds significant value at the fair, with each year seeing the building brimming with music, spanning genres from gospel to country and western. The gospel sing on Saturday night has evolved into a highly anticipated and immensely popular event. For more info go to waltoncountyfair.com/.

Fall Festivities at Holland Farms

Holland Farms in Milton, FL will re-open their fall festivities otherwise known as their "pumpkin patch and corn maze" season daily from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. There will also be a mega slide, ziplines, hayrides, train rides, sunflower (some sunflowers are blooming now but more will be blooming late October) & zinnia fields to pick, multiple photo props, and several different species of animals. Also available at an additional cost we will be a mining station, pony rides, various food options, and even Kona Ice. You can also shop in their store where they'll have t-shirts, jams, jellies, preserves, toys, local honey, cold drinks, ice-cream, boiled peanuts and more! Check out their facebook page for updates.

Pumpkin season at Aplin Farms

Through October 31st, visit Aplin Farms in Dothan, AL for pumpkin season! Their fun fall activities include the pumpkin patch, wagon and train rides, corn maze, animal barn to name a few. Open Wed - Friday 1pm to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 1pm to 6pm. There will be live music each Saturday and Sunday starting the 2nd weekend as well as full concessions. Keep a check on their facebook page for event updates. They have a new picnic pavilion as well as smaller pavilions to sit and enjoy the food and music let the kids play and enjoy the day.  Aplin Farms is a four generational family farm that produces a large variety of fruits and vegetables, some of which will be available for purchase.

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL AT BLACK BARN BLOSSOMS

Join Black Barn Blossoms for their 2nd Annual Sunflower Festival, a fun afternoon of Food, Live Music, Shopping, and flowers! Saturday Oct 21st from 12:00-4:00PM on the Farm located at 3535 Dickinson Ln Vernon, FL. They will have over 30 local artisans and vendors to shop, food trucks, a kids play area (including a cupcake walk and inflatables), photo ops in their garden, local animal rescues offering pet adoption, live concerts from three amazing bands, plus they will have sunflowers to purchase in their flower barn.