Destin Event · October 17, 2026

Batty Fang-Tastic Halloween Festival – Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge 2026

Wildlife meets Halloween — trick-or-treat with live animal ambassadors at ECWR's beloved fall festival

📅 When

October 17, 2026

10:00 – 17:00

📍 Where

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, 3051 Cloptons Circle, Navarre, FL 32566

About this event

Each October, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge in Navarre transforms into a Halloween wonderland for its beloved Batty Fang-Tastic Fall Festival. This family-friendly event pairs the refuge's remarkable cast of live animal ambassadors — including owls, raptors, reptiles, and more — with Halloween festivities that kids won't soon forget.

The day features trick-or-treating stations, hands-on wildlife encounters, face painting, seasonal crafts, and the crowd-favorite Owl-o-ween haunted trail where nature-themed scares meet genuine wildlife education. The trail weaves through the refuge grounds, combining critter encounters with family-friendly frights.

Admission is just $5 per person for general entry, or $15 for the full game pass that unlocks all the games and activities. The refuge is a nonprofit dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and education along the Emerald Coast, and every admission directly supports their mission. Come in costume for extra fun!

Best for: Families with young children who want a unique, educational Halloween experience with live animals

What to expect: A relaxed, nature-focused Halloween festival with live animal encounters, trick-or-treating, crafts, face painting, and the Owl-o-ween haunted trail. Bring costumes for added fun!

Planning tip: Arrive early — animal ambassadors are most active in the morning. The $15 game pass is worth it for families with kids who want to participate in all activities.

Cost: General admission: $5 per person. Full game pass: $15 per person.

Visit Official Site

Where to stay

Two houses, ten minutes apart

Both walk to the sand. One has the private pool, the other takes the dog and the whole extended family.

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