From the hundreds of things to do on US Gulf Coast in October 2025 I narrowed my suggestions down to the following 10 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.
Cruisin’ the Coast, Coastal Mississippi, Oct 5 – 12, 2025
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 29th 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.
National Shrimp Festival, Gulf Shores AL, Oct 9 – 12, 2025
The 52nd 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 10 – 12, 2025
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.
Fantasy Fest, Key West, Oct 17 – 26, 2025
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 2025 is ‘Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters’ 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 17 – 19, 2025
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.
Chuck Fest, Lake Charles LA, Oct 18, 2025
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.
Island Oktoberfest, Galveston, Oct 24 – 25, 2025
Celebrate the 43rd 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.
Oceanic Evening, Sarasota, Oct 25, 2025
Oceanic Evening is Mote’s signature black-tie gala. During this annual event, Mote Marine Lab shares its mission to conduct world-class research, conserve our natural resources, and promote science education with current and prospective supporters.
Visit the event website for tickets and information. Also see my favorite Things to Do in Sarasota.
Tampa Bay Auto Show
The 2025 Tampa Bay Auto Show has been postponed until 2026. Dates TBA.
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, Nov 1, 2025
The 18th 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.
www.mccooltravel.com (Article Sourced Website)
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