🎃 Fall Fun on Florida’s Forgotten Coast: October Events You Won’t Want to Miss

As the summer crowds drift away and the weather turns perfect for porch sitting, pumpkin patches, and beach walks, the Forgotten Coast comes alive with small-town festivals, live music, and community events that celebrate everything we love about this beautiful stretch of Florida.

Whether you’re local, new to the area, or just exploring, here’s your guide to all the fun happening this October across Gulf, Franklin, and Bay Counties.

🌊 Gulf County Happenings

📍Port St. Joe | Mexico Beach

October 16–19 – Blast On The Bay Songwriters Festival (Port St. Joe)
One of the area’s most anticipated events, this multi-day festival brings talented songwriters from Nashville and beyond to intimate venues throughout Port St. Joe. Enjoy live acoustic performances, beach vibes, and plenty of hometown hospitality.

October 18 – Salt Air Farmers Market (9 AM–1 PM, George Core Park, Port St. Joe)
Shop local produce, handmade crafts, and coastal treasures while enjoying the morning breeze downtown. A great spot to mingle with neighbors or grab a local coffee before a stroll along Reid Avenue.

October 23 – CCA Forgotten Coast Annual Banquet (6 PM, Port St. Joe)
Support conservation efforts and enjoy a fun evening of food, raffles, and fellowship benefiting the Coastal Conservation Association.

October 25 – Mexico Beach Fall Festival (10 AM–3 PM, Mexico Beach)
A family-friendly favorite! Enjoy arts and crafts, local food vendors, and a festive fall atmosphere by the water.

October 30 – Ghosts on the Coast Halloween Parade (5:30–8:30 PM, Reid Ave, Port St. Joe)
A Port St. Joe Halloween tradition! Expect costumes, candy, and community spirit as Reid Avenue fills with families and festive floats.

🦪 Franklin County Highlights

📍Apalachicola | Eastpoint | Carrabelle

October 17 – Downtown Walkabout (5–8 PM, Apalachicola)
Stroll the historic streets of downtown Apalachicola while exploring shops, art galleries, and live music on a beautiful fall evening.

October 23 – Classic Scary Movie Night (6–7:30 PM, Apalachicola Library)
Enjoy a spooky favorite, the original 1925 Phantom of the Opera, in a cozy community setting—popcorn and nostalgia included!

October 24 – Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular (6:30–8:30 PM, Apalachicola)
Bring the kids downtown this 6th Annual event offering safe, family-friendly fun and plenty of sweet treats.

October 31–November 1 – Florida Seafood Festival (Apalachicola)
Florida’s oldest maritime festival and a must-do event! Celebrate local seafood with oyster eating contests, live music, parades, and waterfront fun beneath the oak trees of Battery Park.

🦞 Bay County Events

📍Panama City | Panama City Beach

October 16–19 – Schooners Lobster Festival (5121 Gulf Drive, PCB)
Dive into a week of lobster-themed dishes, live entertainment, and beachside fun at one of the coast’s most iconic restaurants.

October 18 – PCB Faith Festival (Panama City Beach, Gates Open 9:30 AM)
A day of worship, community, and uplifting live music on the beach. Perfect for families and church groups alike.

October 18 – Bay County Fall Festival (3:30–8:30 PM, H.G. Harders Park, Panama City)
This community festival features games, food, live music, and plenty of activities for the whole family.

October 22–26 – Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (Frank Brown Park, PCB)
The roar of engines meets the rhythm of the Gulf! Enjoy bike shows, live concerts, and vendors at one of the South’s premier motorcycle rallies.

October 24 – Gulf Coast State College Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat (6 PM)
A fun, safe, and family-friendly evening for the little ones with decorated trunks, candy, and costumes.

October 24 – Haunted Walking Tour (7–10 PM, Downtown Panama City)
Discover the spooky side of Bay County history with guided ghost tours through the streets of historic downtown.

October 30 - Hallo-Wine Spooktacular at Duplin Winery (Panama City Beach 6-8 PM)
Celebrate Halloween Duplin-style with spooky treats and spirited fun! Wear your best costume to win wine and goodies in the individual, couple, and group categories. 

🎸Live Music Schedule (subject to change)
Forgotten Coast Live Music for October. There are many opportunities to relax and enjoy live music from local artists. Grab some friends and spend the evening outdoors with drinks, dinner, and dancing!

🍁 Embrace the Season, Enjoy the Coast

From live music and seafood feasts to farmers markets and family festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of October along the Forgotten Coast. It’s one of the most beautiful times of year to explore — and maybe even find your next favorite neighborhood.

If you’re visiting the area or thinking about making the Forgotten Coast home, our team is here to help you discover not just a house, but a community you’ll love being part of.

📞 Connect with us today — we’d love to show you around and share more of what makes life here so special. 850-227-4455