Things to do This Halloween on the Coast

Summer seemed to fly by and here we are now entering the holiday season. If you are planning on visiting soon or live here full-time, there is plenty to do around 30A to keep the whole family busy and happy. From ice skating and bike rides to crafts and costume contests, you are sure to have a blast this fall on the Emerald Coast.

You can start the Halloween celebrations this weekend during the annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade. Bring your pups down to the Alys Beach Amphitheatre this Friday, the 19th for a pet parade and pumpkin drop. From 4pm to 6pm, owners and their pets can enjoy a fun afternoon with a prize going to the Best Owner Dog Duo. Proceeds benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.

Families will love the annual Pumpkin Festival at Arnett’s Gulfside Farm & Stables. The Santa Rosa Beach event takes place over two weekends: October 20th-21st and 27th-28th. For the 8th year in a row, visitors can take a hay ride through Point Washington State Forest and pick out pumpkins. There will also be a variety of fun things for kids including cotton candy, pumpkin painting, and a photo booth. 

One of the biggest highlights of the end of the year is when the Baytowne Wharf Ice Rink opens. Here in the Panhandle, it doesn’t get cold enough for snow so ice skating here is pretty exciting. The skating rink is open October 27th through February 2nd. Grab your scarves and gloves and hit the ice!

For more Halloween festivities, you can enjoy live music by Cadillac Willy at the Local Catch Bar & Grill on 30A October 27th. Dress up in a clever costume and enter the contest for best costume to win cash and prizes! On Halloween day, the 15th Annual Witch Ride starts at Gulf Place and rides to Stinky’s Fish Camp followed by a mimosa brunch. The yearly event benefits the Children’s Volunteer Health Network. If you feel like staying in and getting cozy at your 30A vacation rental, we love this recipe for cute Halloween treats by Women’s Day. The kids will love making tasty bats, spiders, and mice doughnuts.

There’s no doubt about it, this season on the coast will be full of fun and festivities for everyone. Spending the time with friends and family will always be a treat but you just can’t beat being on the beautiful Emerald Coast.

Published on Thursday, October 18, 2018