Florida Gulf Coast Events You Need To Know About

It’s a busy time of year on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We wanted to help you make your plans for the upcoming months on our gulf beaches and in our gulf towns. Florida in the fall is a beautiful time to visit with gorgeous weather, fabulous festivals, lot of local events, and all of the Gulf Coast attractions you know and love.

Grab your calendar and plan on being here for some fun in the sun. We’ve rounded up the Florida Gulf Coast events you need to know about for your reference and convenience. Bring your family, bring your friends and come to as many as you can!

September Events on the Gulf Coast of Florida

Clearwater Super Boat National Championships
September 30-October 2, 2016

Enjoy the first day of action at the Clearwater Super Boat Race on Friday, September 30. The Baystar Race Village opens from noon-10p.m. with food, beverages and live entertainment. The Super Boat Parade kicks off at 6:15 p.m. on Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater, followed by the Cleveland Street Party that keeps the celebration going ’til 10:30p.m.

Day 2 features the Baystar Race Village opens from 10a.m.-10p.m. with food, beverages and live entertainment all day, plus an opportunity to meet the racers. The boats launch from noon-4 p.m. to race. Beginning at 6 p.m., spectators can head over to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach for a fun night of live entertainment, vendors and a fireworks display.

Day 3 is race day! The start of the first race begins at noon on Clearwater Beach. The start of the second race begins at 2p.m. The awards presentation is held from 4:30-5:30p.m. at Coachman Park. The Baystar Race Village is open from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. with food, beverages and live entertainment all day. 

Find out more about the Clearwater Super Boat National Championships here and stay tuned for next week’s blog post for everything you need to know about the race. 

October Events on the Gulf Coast of Florida

Invasion Rocks the Beach Pub Crawl in IRB
October 1, 2016

Calling all swashbucklers! Come thirsty and drink like the locals in this pirate-themed pub crawl around Indian Rocks Beach. From 4-10p.m. stop at participating pubs including Crabby Bill’s IRB, PJ’s, Lulu’s, Jimmy Guana’s, JD’s, Slyce and Aqua Prime for a good time in true Indian Rocks Beach style. Register for drink specials, awards, raffles and dress in your best pirate outfit to enter the costume contest. Head to the after-party at Crabby Bill’s at 9p.m. where the winner is announced. Aye!

Learn more about the Invasion Rocks the Beach Pub Crawl here.

Oktoberfest on the Beach in Indian Rocks Beach
October 8, 2016

Kolb Park is the place to be on this Saturday in October. From 11a.m. to 7p.m. enjoy free admission to Oktoberfest with live entertainment, food, fun, arts and crafts and kids’ activities. It’s a family-fun event in Indian Rocks Beach that’s not to be missed. Plumlee Realty sponsors the Kinderfest area from 11a.m. to 2p.m., so be sure to stop by and see us. It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without beer-related events, so get ready! There are stein carrying contests and keg throwing contests beginning at 2:30p.m. Beer and wine available are all day, just bring your ID. 

You can read more about Oktoberfest on the Beach here or check out the Indian Rocks Beach Oktoberfest Facebook page.

Stone Crab Season Begins
October 15-May 15

Stone Crab season kicks off on Florida’s Gulf Coast beginning October 15! Check out all of our local Stone Crab festivals and celebrations of this annually anticipated event. Keegan’s, Cooter’s, Frenchy’s and the John’s Pass Seafood Festival have some fabulous opportunities to indulge in this local delicacy. Join in the fun and come hungry!

You can read more about Stone Crab Season on the Gulf Coast right here.

Clearwater Jazz Holiday
October 13-16, 2016

Bring your chairs and blankets to relax to the soothing sounds of jazz from world-class musicians complimented by beautiful waterfront settings. Kick off this four-day jazz fest with the legendary Commodores and Kool & The Gang starting at 6:30p.m. Doors open at 4:30p.m. so get there early to snag your spot for a show that’s sure to be memorable. Daily, weekend and 4-day tickets are available; kids 12 and under are admitted for free. 

You can find the full 2016 Clearwater Jazz Holiday schedule and performance lineup here. 

Hallowfest in Indian Rocks Beach
October 22, 2016

The festive fun starts at 11a.m. and takes place in Kolb Park, located at 15th Avenue and Bay Palm Boulevard. Stay tuned for more details on this local Halloween event.

You can read more about Hallowfest in Indian Rocks Beach here.

John’s Pass Seafood Festival
October 27-30, 2016

Enjoy fresh gulf seafood, live music and more at this four day celebration in historic John’s Pass Village on Madeira Beach. Festival highlights also include a Halloween Block Party with costume contests on Friday, the Battle of the Gulf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, and the World’s Largest Bloody Mary Toast on Sunday morning. Free concerts and free family fun for everyone guaranteed!

You can learn more about the John’s Pass Seafood Festival here. 

November Events on the Gulf Coast of Florida

Taste of IRB
November 12, 2016

The Taste of IRB is hosted each year by the IRB Homeowners’ Association and taking place in Chic-A-Si Park located on 4th Avenue, between 1st and 2nd Streets. Get a taste of local flavor starting at 4p.m. More details to come.

You find out more about the Taste of IRB here. 

Treasure Island Sand Sculpting Competition & Music Festival
November 16-20, 2016

Now in its 8th year, Sanding Ovations is Treasure Island’s Master Cup Sand Sculpting Competition and Music Festival, a four-day competition of ten sand-sculpting masters from throughout North America, Europe and Asia, who create astonishing works of art using nothing but sand, water and lots of their own imagination. Sanding Ovations is a free event held on the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Sand Sculpture Capital of Florida, Treasure Island on the beach at 104th Avenue & Gulf Boulevard. Don’t miss it!

Indian Rocks Beach Citywide Garage Sale
November 26-27, 2016

For those who would like to sell usable items that you no longer need, Thanksgiving weekend is the time to set out and set up your garage sale items. For those who love a good bargain, get ready to find some local treasure. 

You can find more information about the Citywide Garage Sale in Indian Rocks Beach here.

What’s your favorite fall event on the Gulf Coast of Florida?