October on Florida’s Forgotten Coast is packed with can’t-miss events that celebrate music, food, culture, and community. From Port St. Joe to Apalachicola and St. George Island, locals and visitors alike can enjoy everything from live music festivals and golf outings to family-friendly Halloween celebrations and the iconic Florida Seafood Festival. Whether you’re looking for waterfront concerts, charitable fundraisers, Oktoberfest vibes, or spooky fun for the kids, the Forgotten Coast offers a full calendar of events that showcase the charm and character of Gulf and Franklin Counties.
FEATURED EVENTS
6th Annual Martin S. Niederer 9/11 Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing
October 2nd, 2025
St. Joseph Bay Country Club | Port St. Joe
The 6th Annual Martin S. Niederer 9/11 Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing invites golfers and community members to St. Joseph Bay Country Club for a day of remembrance, camaraderie, and giving back. This signature event honors the legacy of Martin S. Niederer while raising funds for Gulf County seniors through college scholarships and educational trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York. Highlights include contests, prizes, live music, a bagpiper tribute, a flag dedication, and a post-outing oyster bar reception—all in support of local students and 9/11 remembrance!
Forgotten Coast Music Festival
October 4th-5th, 2025
George Core Park | Port St. Joe
The 7th Annual Forgotten Music Festival returns to Port St. Joe on October 4–5, 2025, bringing two days of live performances, local vendors, and food trucks to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Festival-goers can enjoy an incredible lineup featuring Sticky Tim, Josh Garrett, Kenny Brown, Thornetta Davis, The Shaelyn Band, Bo Spring Band, Piper & The Hard Times, and The Currys. With VIP and weekend passes available only in advance, attendees are encouraged to secure tickets early. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, settle in for music all weekend, and stay tuned for details on the official after party. The event takes place rain or shine!
Pink Out!
October 10th, 2025
Paddy’s Raw Bar | St. George Island
The annual Pink Out returns to Paddy’s Raw Bar on St. George Island for a night of fun and fundraising in support of Franklin Needs. Guests can enjoy live music, raffles, a silent auction, food, sweet treats, and the always-entertaining “woman-less pageant.” 100% of proceeds benefit Franklin Needs, which provides free mammograms, diagnostic testing, and treatment transportation for Franklin County residents. This beloved community tradition has grown into one of the island’s favorite fall events, raising both awareness and support for breast cancer services!
Porch Fest Apalach 2025
October 11th, 2025
Downtown Apalachicola
Porch Fest Apalach is a free community festival in downtown Apalachicola where front porches transform into stages, yards become gathering spots, and live music fills the streets. The day begins and ends at Battery Park, with dozens of bands performing across town. This volunteer-driven event is all about music, neighbors, and good vibes, making it one of Apalachicola’s most beloved traditions!
Apalach Oktoberfest Street Party
October 12th, 2025
Watercraft Brewing | Apalachicola
Apalach Oktoberfest Street Party is back! Dust off those lederhosen and dirndls and join the celebration on the corner for a day filled with music, games, beer, and plenty of fun. Enjoy live performances, stein-holding and chugging competitions, and nonstop good vibes with the community!
Blast on the Bay Songwriters Fest
October 16th-19th, 2025
Multiple Locations | Port St. Joe
The Blast on the Bay Songwriters’ Festival returns to Port St. Joe for its 15th anniversary, bringing together over 40 talented songwriters from Nashville, including writers behind hits for stars like Faith Hill, George Strait, Jason Aldean, and Garth Brooks. This ticketed festival offers an intimate, small-town experience where attendees can connect up close with the artists and hear the stories behind their songs. Organized by the Coastal Songwriters Education Coalition and in partnership with local civic and non-profit groups, the event celebrates music, storytelling, and community while providing educational opportunities for aspiring songwriters!
6th Annual SGI Lighthouse Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular
October 24th, 2025
SGI Lighthouse Park | St. George Island
The St. George Lighthouse Association invites families to its annual Lighthouse Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular at SGI Lighthouse Park. This free, family-friendly event features candy stations along the sidewalk, spooky decorations, and encourages guests of all ages to wear costumes for a fun-filled evening. Local businesses, groups, and residents can participate by volunteering to hand out candy, helping support the nonprofit’s mission to engage the community and celebrate the season!
Ghost on the Coast
October 31st, 2025
Reid Avenue | Port St. Joe
The City of Port St. Joe and the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce invite families to Ghosts on the Coast, a festive Halloween celebration on Reid Avenue. Guests of all ages—pumpkins, ghosts, dragons, witches, and more—can enjoy trick-or-treating along the street while participating in a judged costume contest with divisions for kids, families, groups, and pets. The event promises a fun, spooky evening for the whole community!
Florida Seafood Festival
October 31st- November 1st, 2025
Battery Park | Apalachicola
The Florida Seafood Festival draws visitors to the historic town of Apalachicola, celebrating the region’s seafood, arts, and culture. Held under the shady oaks of Battery Park, the festival features live music, seafood tastings, arts and crafts, and family-friendly competitions such as oyster-eating and shucking contests, blue crab races, a photo contest, and more. Additional highlights include a parade, 5K Redfish Run, Blessing of the Fleet, and interactive exhibits that showcase the festival’s rich history!