This weekend in Okaloosa County, FL

1LIFE Run Club hosts a welcoming 3-mile fun run at Crab Trap Destin - James Lee Park Beach Access in Destin. Choose your own pace, whether running, jogging, or walking. First-timers are encouraged, there is no sign-up required, and bringing a great attitude is all that is needed. The focus is on moving your body, meeting friendly people, and starting the weekend on a positive note. The run takes place in any weather.

Local blacksmiths and anyone interested in the craft gather at TraditionsWorkshop for a community meet-up centered on learning and collaboration. After setup, a demonstration will showcase a technique learned at a recent conference. The gathering winds down when weather, daylight, or energy levels signal it is time to wrap up. Participants will also help load the trailer in preparation for a forging competition at Timber Creek. For safety, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and natural fiber clothing for pants and a shirt or jacket, and avoid synthetic fabrics. Lunch is provided, and material donations are appreciated, including coal.

Ease into the weekend with brunch at AJ's Oyster Shanty. Enjoy a range of brunch dishes alongside bottomless mimosas for an easygoing, celebratory vibe. Perfect for special occasions or a relaxed meetup with friends and family, this brunch is all about savoring the weekend together.

Centered on culture, community, and impact, the Emerald Coast Hispanic Heritage Festival celebrates the traditions and contributions of Hispanic cultures through music, dance, food, art, and meaningful connections. This family-friendly experience invites residents and visitors to enjoy an immersive day featuring live performances, regional cuisine, artisan vendors, interactive exhibits, and engaging activities for all ages. Every element is crafted to highlight the diversity that enriches the community while creating opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. The festival also offers ways for businesses, organizations, artisans, food vendors, nonprofits, performers, and community partners to take part by showcasing products or services, sharing their missions, or supporting cultural programming through sponsorship. These partnerships help preserve traditions, uplift local artists and entrepreneurs, broaden educational opportunities, and keep the event welcoming and accessible for everyone. Guests can look forward to vibrant entertainment, authentic flavors, cultural exploration, shopping, family fun, and lasting memories. Whether honoring personal roots or discovering something new, there is something for everyone, with a focus on shared humanity, creativity, and a positive impact that extends beyond the festival.

Downtown Crestview comes alive for the Main Street Crestview Association Annual Fall Festival, featuring family friendly activities, seasonal shopping, and Halloween fun alongside a variety of vendors and food trucks. Children can enjoy a complimentary kids zone, and everyone is welcome to visit the community trunk or treat. It is an easygoing place to shop, eat, and play before heading out for evening trick or treating, and it remains a favorite autumn tradition for the downtown area.

https://emeraldcoastchurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/signups/3876879

Packed with ghoulish goody bags and candy, this spooky gathering features eerie touches at every turn. Expect evil spiders, wandering ghosts, and menacing zombies for a fun dose of fright alongside the sweets.

Martin Lane brings a Nashville-flavored performance to LuLu’s Destin on the Choctawhatchee Bay, featuring layered harmonies and an expansive set of classic rock staples and 90s country favorites. From the polished vocals of Fleetwood Mac to the high-energy hits made famous by Shania Twain, the show aims to keep the party going as guests take in the waterfront views and enjoy the food.

Bike Night rolls into Downtown Music Hall in Fort Walton Beach with Josh Davis delivering his brand of outlaw country. A two-time Josie Music Awards Artist of the Year and a combat-disabled veteran, Davis kicks off a two-night Fort Walton Beach double header with an opening show tailored for riders and country fans. Attendees can bring their bikes, meet up with friends, grab a drink and settle in for four hours of live music. This is night one, with round two arriving later that night.

Samuel’s Roadhouse presents a Halloween-themed dinner theater featuring Murder at the Monster Bash, a comedic mystery by Paula Hilton. The story centers on Ivana Crump, who throws a costume fundraiser for HOWSA, then rethinks everything after discovering what lies beneath the restaurant. Before the night is over, the coffin on display might be more than a simple decoration. The experience includes a three course dinner with a choice of steak, jumbo fried shrimp, or oven roasted chicken, served with a house salad with ranch, a baked potato, and a mystery dessert. Admission is $50 and includes the meal, the show, tax, and tip. VIP packages are available.

Celebrate Halloween while supporting Kada’s Promise, a local nonprofit that provides children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and trauma with comfort items and other essentials. Admission is free, with a $25 donation to Kada’s Promise offered as an alternative to wearing a costume. The evening features DJ V Train from AJ’s, lite bites, the Tipsy Mule Bar, Heaven Sent Permanent Jewelry, Goddess Heels, and a silent auction benefiting the nonprofit.

Settle in for a Sunday breakfast with cooked to order plates for $12 and weekly specials. Enjoy good food and easy conversation while volunteers show off their balancing skills with plates and coffee cups. Bloody Marys and mimosas are also available. Those who want to volunteer can check in with the cashier.

A weekly free bookstore from Gulf Coast Media where every book is free. Attendees can bring gently used books to exchange or simply choose a few new reads to take home. It is open to everyone and offers a chance to clear shelves, discover new stories, and connect with fellow readers in the community. In addition to books, there are $1 DVDs and CDs, plus video games, VHS, and gifts. Please limit selections to 10 books or fewer per household per visit.

An informal gathering hosted by the Playground Amateur Radio Club brings together club members and interested participants to test equipment, tune setups, develop skills, and learn about amateur radio. The session features hands-on projects, instruction, and RF experiments. Participants also use this time to pursue worldwide DX and receive training in operating procedures across multiple modes, from analog and digital to computer assisted contesting. Attendees can explore the RF topics that interest them most.