6 Reasons to Visit the Forgotten Coast this October

For many, October is the best month on the Forgotten Coast.  The weather is beautiful and cooling off yet still warm enough for fishing, beaching, and whatever outdoor activities you like.  The kids are back in school, and the Forgotten Coast takes on a mellow and fun atmosphere.  Here are six reasons why you should plan a visit in October!

•  October 2 – Oktoberfest at St. James Bay. What is October without an Oktoberfest? Carrabelle’s St. James Bay Golf Club hosts this lively event, with all proceeds going to the Franklin County Senior Center in Carrabelle. Guests can participate in all kinds of events, from a 5K run to an Old-Fashioned Cake Walk. There will be German food, seafood, and live music from Christ Matechik, Blues Meets Girl, and Rockulla Music. Did we mention beer? Yes, taste local and regional craft beer as you enjoy this exciting day in Carrabelle.

• October 2 – Porch Fest in Apalachicola. Porch Fest is a relatively new event that began in 2020 to support the Franklin County Humane Society and bring live music and camaraderie back while the bars and music venues were closed. It was such a success that it is back this year. This is how it goes. People pack up their bicycles, golf carts, or vehicles with camp chairs and coolers. Meet at Lafayette Park in Apalachicola at 11 am. Maps are given out. Porch Festers travel to locations on the maps at times given and sit in their golf carts, camp chairs, or truck beds and enjoy local live music on someone’s lovely porch. This year there will be over 20 porch concerts and an after-party at the Gibson Inn. You don’t want to miss this jamming musical day in Apalachicola.

• October 8 – Pink Out. Pink Out is a crazy-fun event put on by Franklin Needs with the goal of providing free mammograms, testing up to diagnosis, and aid in treatment transportation to all Franklin County residents in need. It’s been a hugely successful event for nine years running. The location is Paddy’s Raw Bar on St. George Island, and a ticket will buy you a night’s worth of entertainment, including the famous Mr. Pink Out Pageant, live auction, and a seafood dinner prepared by locals that will bring you to your knees. You should not miss this lively event if you can swing it. It is an entertaining night for a great cause.

• October 8-10 Apalach Oktoberfest. This year’s Apalach Oktoberfest starts Friday night at Oyster City Brewing Company and travels Saturday to the High Five Dive Bar and than back to Oyster City Brewing Company on Sunday. There will be live music, tasty brews, and maybe even some lederhosen!

•  October 16 – Brew Fest UPDATE: The decision has been made to postpone the 5th Annual SGI Brewfest until April 23, 2022. The St. George Island Brewfest event is an annual fundraiser for the Franklin County Humane Society, and all proceeds benefit the homeless dogs and cats of Franklin County. Ticket levels range from general admission to VIP, and there are a variety of packages to purchase. At a minimum, a general admission ticket will buy you a taster glass and unlimited tasting of many different beers. In 2019 (the 2020 event was canceled due to covid), almost 50 independent breweries showcased their beers and offered tastings. This year will be all that and more! The line-up this year includes a Food Truck Court offering a variety of local and regional food trucks. The Brew Fest is one of St. George Island’s most well-attended events, and this year tickets must be purchased online. Don’t miss your chance to attend; tickets will not be sold at the door. 

• October 30 – Apalachicola’s Ghost Walk. The Apalachicola Area Historical Society puts on an engaging, educational, and creepy event every Halloween. This year, the Ghost Walk at the Chestnut Street Cemetery in Apalachicola will run from 7 – 9 pm on Saturday, October 30^th. Line up for a tour through the cemetery where locals dressed in historic garb tell and act the part of some of the cemetery’s most famous residents. This event is fun and friendly for children.

We are still adding events to the calendar for this fall. Now is a great time to book your stay for October on the Forgotten Coast. Don’t miss our beautiful weather and entertaining, fun fall events!

Main Image Photo Credit to Instagram: @618drone.