If you can make it to 30A in the fall, locals will tell you that you just might find more magic during this slower season than you can over the more crowded summer season. While Florida may not be known for the colors of, say, New England, the emptier beaches, stunning scenery, and exciting events mean that it’s well worth your time to explore. This is when all the talent comes out to play, particularly if you’re interested in the culinary gems who live in and visit the area. Here, we’ll look at not just what to do, but how each event highlights the personality of every neighborhood along the scenic stretch of highway.
1. Burgers, Bourbon, and Beer Festival (Sept 20)
The perfectly named festival is held at Destin Harbor and has live music, craft beers, and flavorful burgers. Plus, the majority of the proceeds will go to support the Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast. This event is made possible by Boathouse Oyster Bar, a shack on the water with some big flavors and live music every night of the week. A food-only ticket for this festival starts at $42.50.
2. Paddle for Peace (Sept 20)
Paddle for Peace is a charity event hosted by Gulf Therapy and Adventure 30A. This annual event takes place on Grayton Beach and invites everyone to be a part of the coastal community during this intentional exercise. At the event, you’ll arrive with a paddleboard, take part in a small ceremony, and set off on a mindful paddle. The goal is to not just think about love and peace, but to form a tribe of people with similar intentions. Afterward, you can listen to live music on the dock and have lunch on the beach. Tickets start at $40 if you’re bringing your own board and $80 if you’re renting one.
3. Destin Seafood Festival (Sept 26 – 28)
At the 46th annual Destin Seafood Festival, you can tour the fishing village to sample some of the best seafood on the coast. Plus, there’s plenty of live music and excitement for the whole family in this eclectic town. Known for its boutique shops and excellent restaurants, this festival manages to wrangle the best of the best for a memorable celebration. General admission is free or upgrade to a VIP ticket. Prices start at $65 for Saturday, $75 for Sunday (with access to social media star Stalekracker on the VIP stage), or $130 for a 2-day VIP ticket.
4. Toast of the Coast (Oct 5, 2025)
The Toast of the Coast is back for its third time running. Held at Henderson Beach Resort, the event celebrates the area’s most talented artisans, giving them some much-deserved accolades for their talents. Sample flavorful bites, sip craft cocktails, and peruse the hand-crafted wares of talented artists, all while drinking in Destin’s beauty. While the main event is held on Sunday, you also have the option of attending an exclusive 5-course dinner on Saturday, curated especially for this event by the head chef at Henderson. Prices start at $50 for general admission (if purchased before August 31).
5. Destin Songwriter Festival (Oct 10 – 11)
For lovers of live music, the Destin Songwriter Festival features two full days of artists on four stages. This inaugural event brings together an array of musicians, ranging from the niche to the popular. So, whether you prefer an acoustic set in an intimate venue or a blow-out performance in front of the water, you’ll find it here. Plus, you’ll get to hear the inspiration behind the songs, as the artists share what led them up to the final version. Prices start at
6. Harvest Wine and Food Festival (Oct 16 – 19)
The 9th annual Harvest Wine and Food Festival is hosted in WaterColor, a beach neighborhood that takes pride in its scenery, community, and commitment to quality. This festival is broken off into individual events held in the South Walton area and includes the Lerner Project Wine Dinner, Harvest After Dark, a Taste of Italy Cocktail Brunch, and the Grand Tasting VIP presented by The Dahler & Co. Team. With some big names in the wine industry, this is definitely worth a look if you love your daily glass. Individual event prices start at $186.68 and multi-day passes start at $440.57.
7. Seeing Red Wine Festival (November 6 – 9)
Seeing Red Wine Festival is held in Seaside and features tastings, local fare, and a themed brunch. The main event is the vintners dinner (with very limited seating). This festival is made possible by Bud & Alley’s, a mainstay watering hole in the area with excellent food and breathtaking views. Unique events include Battle of the Somms, where you’ll enjoy a curated lunch as two of the nation’s top sommeliers compete to give guests the best possible experience. While many of the events are sold out, there are individual events still open starting at $122.69 or join the waitlist for a chance to attend a specific event.
8. Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights (Nov 22)
Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights takes place at the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach, and it features 30+ types of champagne plus appetizers in the Village’s many restaurants. As you listen to the carols and soak up the bubbles, you can look forward to the main event: a choreographed light show called Night of Lights. The Village is always the place to be, with its stretch of incredible shops and restaurants, but you won’t want to miss this event as we transition from fall to winter. Tickets and pricing are not currently available.
No matter what you do on the Emerald Coast, you can’t go wrong visiting 30A in the fall. Of course, you might just get more out of the scenic drive if you know where to stop along the way. Use our events to help inspire your next amazing autumn adventure!
