From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in October 2022 we narrowed our suggestions down to the following nine festivals and events. Cool, happy, and fun events that you expect to find on the Gulf Coast and from US Gulf Coast Travel.
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 our Fun Things To Do on US Gulf Coast in October and do let us know of other fun and cool events this month.
Sharktoberfest, Sarasota, Oct 1, 2022
The inaugural Sharktoberfest is a craft beer festival at MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. 15 Florida craft breweries (including Florida Keys Brewing Company 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 our favorite Things to Do in Sarasota.
Cruisin’ the Coast, Coastal Mississippi, Oct 2-9, 2022
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 26th 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 our favorite Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants in Coastal Mississippi.
National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores AL, Oct 6-9, 2022
The 49th 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 makes the National Shrimp Festival a must-do US Gulf Coast event. If not this year then perhaps next!
Visit the event website for information. Also see our favorite Cool Things to Do in Gulf Shores Alabama.
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, Lafayette LA, Oct 14-16, 2022
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 our favorite Things to Do in Lafayette Louisiana.
Fantasy Fest, Key West, Oct 21-31, 2022
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.
The Fantasy Fest theme for 2022 is ‘Cult Classics and Cartoon Chaos” 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 our favorite Key West Tips.
Rougarou Fest, Houma LA, Oct 21-23, 2022
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 our favorite Things to Do in Houma.
Island Oktoberfest, Galveston, Oct 21-22, 2022
Celebrate the 40th 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 our favorite Fun Things To Do in League City Texas.
Chuck Fest, Lake Charles LA, Oct 22, 2022
The Chuck Fest is a popular annual event featuring all-day live music (from local performers), art vendors, fantastic food, and other activities to celebrate the people of Lake Charles. With the recent coronation of King Charles III, all things Charles and Chuck is dominating the 2022 scene.
Find the Chuck Fest action in downtown Lake Charles and it is absolutely FREE.
Visit the festival website for tickets and information. Also see Relaxed Luxury at L’Auberge Lake Charles.
Dia de los Muertos Festival, Corpus Christi TX, Oct 29, 2022
The 15th 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 15 Fun Texas Gulf Coast Paddling Trails.
Please let us know of other happy, fun, and cool things to do on US Gulf Coast in October. Or any month!