October 29, 2025
When the Beach Gets a Little Boo-tiful
Miramar Beach might be famous for turquoise water and glowing sunsets, but come October, it trades surfboards for skeletons and transforms into one of the Emerald Coast’s most unexpectedly festive fall destinations.
As the air cools and pumpkins replace palm fronds in shop windows, locals and visitors alike gear up for one of the season’s most beloved community celebrations — Halloween on the BOOlevard, returning October 31, 2025, to Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
This isn’t just a trick-or-treat trail. It’s a coastal block party where costumed families, clever décor, and live entertainment spill across palm-lined walkways beneath string lights and a full autumn moon.
Halloween on the BOOlevard 2025 — The Event
Hosted annually at Grand Boulevard, this event has become a Walton County Halloween tradition. The outdoor lifestyle center — home to boutiques, restaurants, and the area’s premier cinema — transforms into a pedestrian-friendly festival of lights, laughter, and mild frights.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Miramar Beach, FL
Admission: Free and open to the public
The evening features storefront trick-or-treating, costume contests, live music, and pop-up photo ops with roaming entertainers and local mascots. Many of the shops and restaurants along the Boulevard join the fun, decorating their windows and handing out candy to families in costume.
It’s an event where the phrase “family-friendly” actually holds true — safe, walkable, and set in one of Miramar Beach’s most photogenic corners.
A Coastal Take on Halloween
Halloween on the BOOlevard feels uniquely Floridian. Instead of falling leaves, you get palms wrapped in orange lights. Instead of chilly nights, you get warm breezes that make costume-wearing far more comfortable than anywhere else in the country.
Parents stroll with iced coffee instead of cider. Kids dart between candy stops in pirate hats, mermaid tails, and tiny Gulf-themed costumes — sea turtles, jellyfish, even the occasional pint-sized lifeguard.
As twilight sets in, the event takes on a cinematic glow. Street musicians play jazz and light rock while families gather near the Grand Park fountain for the evening’s costume showcase.
The Costume Contests & Entertainment
Each year, the event hosts multiple costume contests with prizes for:
- Best Individual Costume
- Best Group or Family Costume
- Most Creative or Funny Costume
- Best Pet Costume
The pet category, predictably, steals the show. Expect dachshunds dressed as hot dogs, golden retrievers as pirates, and the occasional chihuahua rocking a full Elvis jumpsuit.
Live entertainment fills Grand Park throughout the evening — local bands, DJs, and street performers creating a lively soundtrack that keeps the crowd moving long after the candy runs out.
Local Businesses Join the Spooky Spirit
Part of what makes the event special is how local shops and restaurants participate. Businesses along the Boulevard compete for bragging rights with elaborate window décor — from haunted boutiques to tropical graveyards.
Restaurants like those in Grand Boulevard Town Center often feature themed menus or Halloween-night specials. It’s not uncommon to see servers in costume or bartenders shaking “witch’s brew” cocktails while parents unwind after trick-or-treating.
This community involvement gives the event its charm. It’s as much a neighborhood celebration as it is a tourism draw.
Beyond the Boulevard: Halloween Across Miramar Beach
If you want to make a weekend of it, Miramar Beach and neighboring communities host several smaller events leading up to Halloween night:
- Pumpkin Patches and Fall Photo Ops – Found at local churches and farmer’s markets during October weekends.
- Haunted History Tours – Nearby Destin and Fort Walton Beach offer lighthearted ghost tours for older kids and adults.
- Fall Markets – Pop-up vendors sell autumn crafts, baked goods, and local art in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
These events together form a soft, festive season that keeps visitors engaged long after the summer crowds have gone.
Tips for Visitors
1. Arrive Early
Parking fills quickly. Arriving before 4 p.m. ensures a good spot and a less crowded experience.
2. Bring Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags
Many shops appreciate eco-friendly visitors who skip the plastic buckets.
3. Stay Late for Dinner
Once the candy hunt winds down, enjoy dinner at one of Grand Boulevard’s restaurants — from casual coastal grills to fine dining.
4. Dress for the Weather
October evenings in Miramar Beach are mild — around 70°F (21°C). Light, breathable costumes work best.
5. Take Photos Early
Golden-hour lighting (around 5 p.m.) makes for stunning photos near the palm-lined walkways.
Why Events Like This Matter for Miramar Beach
For a community known for summer vacations, Halloween offers something deeper — a chance for locals and seasonal visitors to come together when the pace slows.
Events like Halloween on the BOOlevard reinforce Miramar Beach’s growing reputation as a year-round destination, not just a seasonal stop. They support local businesses, create family memories, and bring a sense of belonging that keeps people returning.
The event also marks the unofficial start of the Emerald Coast’s holiday season, bridging the gap between summer’s glow and winter’s sparkle.
A Perfect Excuse for a Coastal Halloween Getaway
For travelers, October in Miramar Beach is an underrated secret. Lodging prices dip, the Gulf stays warm enough for daytime swims, and evenings cool just enough for fall outfits without frostbite.
Imagine spending Halloween morning paddleboarding on clear water, the afternoon shopping at Grand Boulevard, and the evening trick-or-treating beneath palm trees. It’s Florida’s version of fall magic — the kind that smells like salt, sunscreen, and pumpkin spice.
What’s Nearby
- Grand Boulevard Cinemas: Catch a spooky family movie after the event.
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets: Seasonal deals and costume inspiration.
- Miramar Beach Regional Access: Perfect for a daytime stroll before festivities.
- The Village of Baytowne Wharf: Just minutes away, often hosts parallel fall events.
The convenience of Grand Boulevard’s location means you can enjoy Halloween fun without needing to drive far — or at all.
Sustainability and Safety
Halloween on the BOOlevard promotes waste reduction by encouraging visitors to bring reusable treat bags and recycle wrappers where possible. The event is fully pedestrian, minimizing vehicle emissions and enhancing safety for families.
Local volunteers and security teams coordinate with Walton County Sheriff’s Office to maintain a safe, welcoming environment — ensuring parents can relax while their kids collect candy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time does trick-or-treating start?
A: Trick-or-treating runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with most candy handed out early in the evening.
Q: Is the event free?
A: Yes. Halloween on the BOOlevard is completely free and open to all ages.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Leashed pets are welcome, and there’s even a pet costume contest!
Q: Are there food and drinks available?
A: Yes. Grand Boulevard restaurants and food vendors remain open during the event, with themed menus and family-friendly options.
Q: What if it rains?
A: The event is rain-or-shine unless severe weather is forecast. Updates are posted on Grand Boulevard’s official social pages.