Frightful Family Fun at the Beach in October

Fall in SoWal is the craziest time of year with so many festivals, live music, football and some real local fun events. Along with the shoulder season comes a certain holiday that brings out the kid in everyone. You'll want to know all about these fall festivals and Halloween happenings going on now through Oct. 31. It’s a boo-ti-ful time here in South Walton, Florida! So, here are the highlights for family-friendly Halloween events including a few just for the adults...
 

How-O-Ween Pet Parade & Pumpkin Drop Friday, October 23

Alys Beach will host the 3rd Annual Howl-O-Ween and pet parade benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. This event is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fonville Park. Winners of Best Owner/Dog Duo costume will get a goodie bag filled with treats for both doggies and humans. Raffle tickets for more prizes and supporting Alaqua will be sold for $5 each or five for $20. 

Pumpkin Fest at Arnett's Stables Saturday, Oct 24-25

Come out to the stables to pick out your pumpkin and have a good time with pumpkin painting activities, bouncy house and pony rides. The horse ranch is decorated for fall and Halloween. Get some yummy cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs and drinks!  rnett's Gulfside Trail Rides is a 20 acre horse ranch located on County Rd 393 South just north of Gulf Place. One more weekend left for pumpkin fest - Oct 24 & 25!
 

Seaside Halloweener Derby Day Saturday, Oct. 24

The sixth annual Halloweener Derby is coming up in Seaside Oct 24 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. It's THE Fall Event in Seaside, especially if you have four, short legs, but two-legged fans are welcome too! It's an annual FUNdraising event with a race and costume contest. This year benefits HEART Animal Rescue. For more info and registration: http://www.SeasideHalloweenerDerby.com. 
 

Rosemary Beach Harvest Market | Monstrous Halloween Celebration  
Saturday, Oct. 24

Now in its seventh year, the Harvest Market has grown to be a big tradition for holiday shoppers in Rosemary Beach taking place form 10:00 am til 5:00 pm. Later on is the Monstrous Halloween Celebration and Trick or Treats around town at Rosemary Beach Merchants, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Look for a pumpkin carving and costume contest (complete with prizes) as well as hayrides, music, and much more! Be sure to support Ohana Institute’s inaugural Halloween 5k Scare Run and 1 mile Fun Run in Rosemary Beach, Oct. 24 at 7 a.m.
 

Eden Vintage Film Series: Frogs! Thursday, Oct 29

Eden Vintage Film Series 2015 continues October 29 with Frogs starting at 6:30pm! The second annual Eden Vintage Film Series is held at Eden Gardens State Park this October! Films will be shown at Eden Gardens on the lawn under the live oaks along the shores of Tucker Bayou. The event is free with park admission. Bring your chairs, blankets, and loved ones and enjoy the movies under the stars. As always, costumes are encouraged for each film. Food and concessions available.
 

South Walton Witches Ride  Friday, Oct 30

SoWal Witches are gathering for the12th Annual Witches of South Walton Ride taking off from Gulf Place on Friday, October 30, 2015 at 7:00 a.m. sharp. The Witches Brew is held on the eve of the ride at La Playa where witches can register for the ride and enjoy the night with cocktails and music. The Gathering Brunch takes place just after the Witches Ride, also at La Playa. Please RSVP for all events at WitchRide.com.
 

Noche de los Muertos party at Alys Beach  Friday, Oct. 30

Adults like Halloween too! The “Night of the Dead” or Noche de los Muertos party at Alys Beach’s Caliza pool is one big and bold costume party. Think drinks, DJ, dancing and donning daring costumes. This year’s bash is on Friday October 30th from 8 pm – midnight. Guests must be 21 and over. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door the night of the party. 
 

Halloween Haunt at Destin Commons  Friday, Oct 30

There's a frightfully fun time to be had at the annual Halloween Haunt at  Destin Commons on October 30 from 5-8 pm. Enjoy an evening of spooky crafts, fantasy face painting, trick-or-treating and a costume contest for children ages 0-12, and one for dogs, too. Costume contest registration is at 5 pm, contest starts at 6 pm, and family safe trick-or-treating throughout the center begins at 7 pm. Come dressed to impress and you might win a hauntingly awesome assortment of prizes.  For more details please visit Destin Commons online and follow on Facebook for updates. 
 

Seaside Trick or Treat  Saturday, Oct 31

Each year the Merchants of Seaside generously pass out confections and candy to hundreds of adorable (and scary) trick-or-treaters throughout town. This year the fun starts at 4 pm and lasts until 6 pm. Enjoy monster mash up music and spooky stories from the talented Seaside Rep folks as well! See the goulish photo gallery at SoWal.com.

Trick or Treat Street at Baytowne  Saturday, Oct 31

Calling all ghouls and goblins to the Village Of Baytowne Wharf! Trick or treat through the Village and visit merchants for your favorite Halloween treats Oct. 31 from 6-8 pm. Get ready for some frightening good tunes on the Events Plaza Stage. Fly board extraordinaire Ben Merrell will perform a special Halloween show in the lagoon, and to end the evening enjoy spooky fireworks as they light up the sky at 8 pm! Free and open to public. 

Halloween on the BOOlevard of Fun  Saturday, Oct 31

Halloween on the BOOlevard takes place at Grand Boulevard Oct. 31 from 4-7 pm. Children are invited to dress in their ghoulish best and trick or treat down the BOOlevard to visit merchants as they provide Halloween treats. This family-friendly event in the town center of Sandestin is open to the public at no charge.
 

Brew 'n' Boo Halloween Beer Festival  Saturday, Oct 31

This is the first-ever Brew 'n' Boo Halloween Beer Festival at Pier Park in Panama City Beach on October 31 from 2:30 - 5:00pm. Sample dozens of beers from local and national breweries while kicking back to the music of The Courtyard Saints. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. All in attendance must purchase a wristband and you must be 21 or older to enter. Read more.
 

Randall Bramblett Band & Halloween Party at Arnett's Stables  Saturday, Oct 31

Grayton Beach Catering is thrilled to welcome artist and songwriter Randall Bramblett and his band for a Devil Music CD release party at The Stables in Santa Rosa Beach on Halloween night starting at 8:00 p.m. (door opens at 7:00 p.m.). SoWal music lovers will find a perfect setting for an evening of original music at Arnett's Stables located on Hwy 393 just north of Gulf Place. Enjoy a night of grayt music along with food, beer and wine. Halloween costumes welcome!  Advance tickets available now. 
 

Corn Maza and Pumpkin Patch | Halloween Bash at Cypress Cattle & Product Co.  

Cypress Cattle & Product Co. is opening their farm up for fun for all ages this season! Their Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is open Friday, Saturdays and Sundays until October 31. Along with the maze trail you'll find farm animals, slides, cornhole, as well as seven acres of pumpkins for sale. Oct. 24 is the Halloween Bash at the barn with live music and haunted corn maze and hay ride from 5-9pm. Farm is located at Ponce de Leon, Fla. Visit www.Cypresscattle.com to buy tickets online.
 

Traditional late night Halloween parties and costume contests will held at some of your favorite spots such as The Red Bar, The Bay, and Local Catch Bar & Grill.  Details can be found at SoWal Events Calendar and SoWal Community Forums on these and many other local events.

Chewbacca watches over everyone at the annual Red Bar Halloween Party with costume contest, DJ Vladi, and lots of treats starting around 9pm on Oct. 31.
 

You'll have a spooktacular time all over SoWal and beyond in October. Whatever you do, keep checking in at our SoWal Events Calendar for all the skinny on the scary! You'll find many other Fall fun happenings including outdoor eco-adventures, farmers markets, wine dinners, and live music. We promise not to trick you – Happy Halloween!
 

Story by Sarah Robertson and Teresa Lischka