Beach Festivals: Top Ten Events for October 2008
One of the great aspects of American life is the sheer number and variety of festivals and events that take place across the country. These festivals make it easy to combine a day at a fun event with a day at the beach.
The following are my top ten festivals near the beach for October 2008. There are selections here in many areas of the country along with a selection that anyone can put on anywhere.
Sandcastle Days – South Padre Island, TX
The twenty-first annual event will take place October 16-19, 2008 at Parque Isla Blanca.
In addition to the competition for both professionals and amateurs, a novelty this year is “Lesson Beach”. Visit us for free lessons on how to build a better sand castle. Shop the many vendor stalls, watch the kite displays, and enjoy music and of course art on the beach.
Sandcastle Days is a nonprofit event and donates funds to efforts like Sea Turtle Inc. and other organizations committed to preserving the coastal environment.
62nd Annual Clam Festival – Pismo Beach, CA
This annual event will be held in downtown Pismo Beach on October 18-19, 2008.
Come join the fun as clam lovers enjoy the kick-off parade, a carnival, music, and of course, clam digging and feasting. If you have an old family recipe for clam chowder, take part in the famous clam chowder cooking contest.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information. 805-773-4382
Wellfleet Oysterfest – Wellfleet, MA
The eighth annual OysterFest will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, 2008.
The event takes place on Main Street in Wellfleet. Located on Cape Cod, MA, Wellfleet is approximately 100 miles from Boston, Massachusetts. and Providence, RI
This fun-filled event really does have something for everyone. The biggest draw is the oyster shucking contest, but there are also arts, crafts, live music, kayak races and more. There is a 5K run along with a tennis competition and even a sea spelling bee.
A unique aspect of this event is the amount of educational material and activities. Some of the organizations involved are the Audubon Society, the Cape Code Stranding Network, the National Park Service, and the Wellfleet Historical Society.
This weekend is a great family event for fun and enlightenment.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The 68th version of this annual event will take place from October 1 to 5, 2008
Myrtle Beach Bike Week® (Harley Week) is the third largest event in the US with coverage nationwide and particularly on the East Coast. If you feel the urge to hop on your motorcycle and take a fall road trip, consider attending this extremely well-attended event.
Annual Blueberry Fair – Ilwaco, WA
The 68th version of this annual event will take place from October 12 to 14, 2008.
October is cranberry harvest month on the Long Beach Peninsula, where ‘red gold’ has been grown since 1877. Much of the growing is done on family farms that have been worked for successive generations. With more than 600 acres of swampland on the peninsula, blueberries play a vital role in the local economy.
During the festival, you can learn about the history of blueberry farming on the peninsula, modern harvesting methods, purchase samples of blueberry produce and food provided by Dunes Restaurant, and tour the 10-acre Pacific Coast Demonstration Swamp. Cranberry Research Foundation while the cranberries are being harvested. Listen to live music and drink cranberry juice throughout the event.
One Sky One World, International Kite Fly for Peace – anywhere you can fly a kite
One Sky One World, International Kite Fly for Peace takes place on the second Sunday in October every year around the world. In 2008, the date is October 12. Some places, like the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington, have other events planned. Check your local kite community to see if there are any planned activities or plan your own.
One Sky One World meetings are held annually around the world to promote the protection of the planet, peace, friendship and understanding among all people. The annual festivals are sponsored by community organizations committed to promoting international friendship in a positive demonstration of global cooperation.
Activities are planned using the multicultural symbol of the kite and the ocean of air that we all share. The arts and entertainment activities associated with the One Sky One World event are conducive to community enjoyment, understanding and friendship among people, environmental awareness, and the promotion of world peace.
Rehoboth Beach Fall Jazz Festival – Rehoboth Beach, DE
The 19th version of this spectacular festival will take place from October 15 to 19, 2008.
Rehoboth Beach is one of the best beaches on the East Coast and this event has to be considered one of the top jazz events in the country. Many of the biggest names in the jazz world will perform. If you are a fan of The Neville Brothers, CINTRON or Legends of Jazz, make plans to attend this event.
Fall Tides – The Beaches of South Walton, FL
The 14 Beaches of South Walton communities have come together to host what they call “An Unforgettable Season of Fall Events.”
The celebration continues during the months of September, October and November. In October there are a number of varied activities including festivals honoring playwrights, a triathlon and biathlon, and a Back to Nature Festival.
People who love the Corvette won’t want to miss the Vettes in the Village. This event at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin on October 18 will attract thousands of fans and more than 200 Corvettes.
Destin Seafood Festival – Destin, Florida
The thirtieth edition of this annual event will take place from October 3 to 5, 2008.
If you’re a fan of great seafood, plan on attending this event and listening to music from the Commodores and Atlanta Rhythm Section.
While you’re in town, check out the Destin Fishing Rodeo, held every October for over 60 years.
The Seafood Festival, which attracts more than 25,000 people, has been named by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the 20 best events for the month of October 2008.
John’s Pass Seafood Festival – Madeira Beach, FL
The 27th annual festival will take place on October 25-26, 2008. Stone crab season begins in October and this is one of many celebrations that highlight this succulent seafood. Head to the festival for food, shopping, music, and fun in the sun.