From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in October 2024 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following 11 festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the US Gulf Coast.
October on the US Gulf Coast means cooler weather, amazing weekend events (in between college and NFL games), getting back into the swing of school and work, and preparing for the year-end holidays.
Enjoy Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in October.
Alabama Coastal BirdFest, Oct 4-6, 2024
Help identify the nearly 400 bird species at several locations in South Alabama. Alabama Coastal BirdFest participants patrol the Mobile Delta, Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuary, Fort Morgan, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations.
For the second year, Sand Hill Crane Refuge in Mississippi is an additional location for Alabama Coastal BirdFest.
Alabama Coastal BirdFest includes lectures, eco-tours and cruises, workshops, and a dinner with prominent keynote speaker.
Visit the fest website for information. Also see my Best Mobile AL Restaurants.
Sharktoberfest, Sarasota, Oct 5, 2024
The 3rd annual Sharktoberfest is a super fun craft beer festival at MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. Over a dozen Florida craft breweries (including a couple of my favorite Florida Gulf Coast breweries) will provide beer tastings for Sharktoberfest ticket holders.
Sharktoberfest will also feature live entertainment, food vendors, commemorative glasses and merchandise, and activities from the Mote staff. Many of the breweries are also donating proceeds of sales to Mote to help preserve coral reefs.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Sarasota.
Cruisin’ the Coast, Coastal Mississippi, Oct 6-13, 2024
America’s Largest Block party is the most popular annual event along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cruisin’ the Coast celebrates antique vehicles, classic cars, hot rods, nostalgic music, and more. Thirty miles of gorgeous beachfront highway becomes a week-long parade of throwback cars and vehicles driven by participants from nearly every US state and several countries.
The 28th annual Cruising’ the Coast is expected to feature maybe 10,000 official registrants along with tens of thousands of family, friends, volunteers, vendors, and spectators. There are seven designated stops in different Coastal Mississippi towns (including Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Pass Christian) featuring dozens of live music performances, food, merchandise vendors, car auction, swap meet, and more.
Visit the event website for information. Also see my favorite Mississippi Coast Restaurants.
Enjoy this view of Cruising’ the Coast
National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores AL, Oct 10-13, 2024
Royal Reds at The Steamer in Gulf Shores Alabama
The 51st Annual National Shrimp Festival expects to draw a quarter of a million (250,000!) participants to enjoy arts and crafts, a lot of live music, and all the shrimp dishes you can imagine (and many you have not imagined).
Over 300 vendors make the National Shrimp Festival a must-do US Gulf Coast event. Get into the big shrimpin’ mood now or anytime by listening to their Spotify playlist from the event page.
Visit the event website for information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Gulf Shores.
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Lafayette LA, Oct 11-13, 2024
enjoy live Zydeco and Cajun music in Lafayette
Celebrate everything Cajun and Creole in mid-October at the exciting Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, Louisiana, the happiest city in America. Featuring the Bayou Food Festival, Louisiana Music Festival, amazing arts and crafts, road races, and cultural activities, the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles is an annual highlight for locals and visitors alike.
Six separate music sites will feature top local zydeco acts. Some of the best food in the US South will tempt your taste buds. Do not miss this event!
Visit the festival website for information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Lafayette.
Chuck Fest, Lake Charles LA, Oct 19, 2024
The Chuck Fest is a popular annual event featuring all-day (noon to midnight) live music (from local performers), art vendors, fantastic food, and other activities to celebrate all things Lake Charles and Louisiana.
Join the fun and experience the Chuck Fest action in downtown Lake Charles and it is absolutely FREE.
Visit the festival website for tickets and information. My favorite Lake Charles hotel is L’Auberge Lake Charles.
Fantasy Fest, Key West, Oct 18-27, 2024
Join up to 100,000 adult revelers in the capital of the Conch Republic for all or part of Key West’s Fantasy fest—the famous/infamous 10-day party for grown-ups. This is definitely not a family friendly event (you have been warned).
The Fantasy Fest theme for 2023 is ‘It’s a 90’s Neon Cosmic Carnival’ so get cracking on those costumes now. The Fantasy Fest parade is the main event but several other parades and activities are so fascinating. Enjoy the Smallest Parade in the Universe, the Beard Contest, Slumber Party, Pet Masquerade, and LUV2GLOW glow in the dark dance party until 4am.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Key West Tips.
Rougarou Fest, Houma LA, Oct 18-20, 2024
Rougarou Fest in Houma Louisiana
For one of the most interesting annual events along the US Gulf Coast, and perhaps the world, make plans to visit Louisiana Bayou country and experience Rougarou Fest in Houma, Louisiana. Equal parts Halloween, Renaissance Faire, and Mardi Gras, Rougarou Fest is freaky, fun, scary, spooky, but yet very family friendly.
Rougarou Fest highlights include an amazing costume contest (several categories), Krewe Ga Rou parade, live music, Cajun food, merchandise and craft vendors (excellent souvenirs!), children activities, and more. All proceeds benefit the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center and Rougarou Fest is 100% supported by donations and volunteers.
Visit the festival website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Houma.
Island Oktoberfest, Galveston, Oct 25-26, 2024
Celebrate the 42nd annual Galveston Island Oktoberfest in and around the oldest German church in Texas, First Lutheran Church of Galveston. This family-friendly celebration features two live music stages, authentic German food (including a German dinner, baked goods, and vendors), arts and crafts (great gifts!), and beer and wine tastings.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Things To Do in League City TX.
Tampa Bay Auto Show, Oct 25-27, 2024
See hundreds of the latest vehicles and concept cars at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Test drive your dream wheels at the Tampa Bay Auto Show!
McCool Travel tip: Advanced online tickets are 20% less than prices at the door. Seniors, Military, and First Responders pay only $8; general admission is $12.
Visit the show website for information. Also see my favorite Tampa Restaurants.
Dia de los Muertos Festival, Corpus Christi TX, Oct 26, 2024
The 17th annual Dia de los Metros Street Festival in Corpus Christi celebrates and honors the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas. The festival features live music on three stages along with the Hecho a Mano Art Expo, Kids’ Activities, art exhibitions and demonstrations, food, drinks, and more.
Visit the festival website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Texas Coast kayak Trails.
Please let me know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in October. Or any month!
See also September Gulf Coast events and November Gulf Coast events.
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