October is one of the best times to be on the Forgotten Coast. The mornings are cooler, the evenings are comfortable, and the calendar is packed with local festivals, live music, and family events. If you are looking for things to do in Port St. Joe this October, here is a guide to some of the highlights.
First Friday Sip and Shop
Friday, October 3rd, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST – Downtown Port St. Joe
The First Friday Sip and Shop kicks off the month on Reid Avenue. Local shops stay open late and have special deals, drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy some shopping and then stay downtown for dinner! It is the perfect start to the weekend and a great chance to support local businesses.
Forgotten Music Festival
Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th – George Core Park, Port St. Joe
The Forgotten Music Festival brings two full days of live music to George Core Park. The schedule includes artists like Sticky Tim, Josh Garrett, Kenny Brown, Thornetta Davis, The Shaelyn Band, Bo Spring Band, Piper & The Hard Times, and The Currys. Gates open at noon, and performances run through the evening. Food trucks and local vendors will be on site. Bring a chair, buy your tickets in advance, and enjoy a weekend of music by the bay.
Learn more at the official festival site
Salt Air Farmers Market
Saturday, October 4th and Saturday, October 18th – Downtown Port St. Joe
The Salt Air Farmers Market is a regular event on the first and third Saturdays of each month. You can find fresh produce, plants, seafood, baked goods, and local art. It is also dog-friendly. It’s a great way to spend the morning before heading to the beach or an afternoon event.
Blast on the Bay Songwriters Festival
Thursday, October 16th – Sunday, October 19th – Multiple venues across Port St. Joe and Indian Pass
Now in its 15th year, the Blast on the Bay Songwriters Festival brings more than 40 songwriters to Port St. Joe. Many have written hit songs for country stars like Faith Hill, George Strait, Jason Aldean, and Garth Brooks. What makes this festival special is the setting. Performances take place in intimate venues where you can hear the stories behind the songs and meet the writers up close. It is one of our all-time favorite events.
The weekend includes a welcome reception at George Core Park and wraps up at the Indian Pass Raw Bar. Organized by the Coastal Songwriters Education Coalition, the festival partners with local groups and schools to support the arts.
Tickets and schedule available here
Mexico Beach Fall Festival
Saturday, October 25th, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm ET – Mexico Beach
Just down the road from Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach hosts its Fall Festival with food, live music, shopping, and family activities. It is a fun way to spend the day!
Ghost on the Coast
Thursday, October 30th, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm ET – Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe
Ghost on the Coast is a Halloween tradition in downtown Port St. Joe. The evening includes trick-or-treating on Reid Avenue, a blind-judged costume contest for children, families, groups, and pets, and trophies awarded at the Capital City tent. Judges will be out from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and winners will be announced on the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce page around 8:00 pm.
Halloween Pawty for Pets
Friday, October 31st, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm – Dog Academy Clubhouse, Port St. Joe
The St. Joseph Bay Humane Society and Dog Academy Clubhouse are hosting a special Halloween Pawty for pets and their families. Bring your costumed dog for games, prizes, a haunted “paw-ground,” and a chance to win free daycare or boarding days. Donations of pet supplies are encouraged. Costumes are welcome for both pets and people.
JSL Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd – Frank Pate Park, Port St. Joe
The Junior Service League of Port St. Joe is hosting its annual Pickleball Tournament at Frank Pate Park. Matches include Men’s Doubles on Saturday morning, Women’s Doubles on Saturday afternoon, and Mixed Doubles on Sunday.
This tournament is a fun community event that also supports a great cause. All proceeds go to the Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf Women’s Diagnostic Center. Players and spectators can enjoy the hospitality tent and take part in the 50/50 raffle. The first 100 registrants receive a swag bag.
Touring Homes While You Visit
If you are in the area and would like to schedule property tours, we are happy to show you what is available in Port St. Joe, St Joe Beach, Mexico Beach, or Cape San Blas.
- Linda Surles, Realtor, Selling the Coast