October is more than just tricks and treats—though there are plenty of those this time of year. It’s also a month for giving back to the community. Here are nine can’t-miss Miami happenings this month.

1. South Beach Seafood Festival
When: October 21-24
Where: Seventh Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
What: The South Beach Seafood Festival hits the sand, featuring live music, culinary and mixology demonstrations, a kids’ zone, a health village, and more. Mini cafés on the sand will showcase mouthwatering plates of fresh stone crabs, mahi sliders, oysters, shrimp tacos, and lobster mac and cheese, from restaurants such as A Fish Called Avalon, Cibo, the Oceanaire Seafood Room, SOHO Bay, Midtown Oyster Bar, and more. Click here to purchase tickets.

2. Wine On Harvest Moon – Spirits, Spells, and American Lore
When: Saturday, October 24, 7:30-10:30pm
Where: Deering Estate {16701 Southwest 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay}
What: The Deering Estate Foundation’s Wine On Harvest Moon returns with a theme of “Spirits, Spells, and American Lore.” Guests will spend an enchanted evening at the historic bay-front property as they celebrate the allure of American folklore through fine wine, spirits, and tasty vittles paired by local chefs such as Olivier Rodriguez of the Biltmore Hotel, Diego Solano of Bulla Gastrobar, and Kareem Anguin of the Oceanaire Seafood Room, among others. Guests will also enjoy themed entertainment, including chilling musical performances, haunting vignettes, contemporary art, and an enticing live auction. For tickets, call 305.235.1668 x263 or click here.

3. March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
When: Thursday, October 29, 6:30-9:30pm
Where: The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables {180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables}
What: The 18th-annual Miami Signature Chefs Auction presented by GOYA is the premier event benefiting the March of Dimes and has become one of the most exciting and exclusive fundraising events in South Florida. Guests will enjoy samplings from local chefs and a silent auction, followed by a seated dessert and live auction featuring unique dining experiences, travel, and more. All proceeds support the March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. For sponsorship information, click here.

4. Drink Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When: October 1-31
Where: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails {111 South Surf Road, Hallandale Beach; 954.699.0901}
What: SBE and Related Group’s newest lifestyle property is inviting guests to join in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by drinking pink. During the month of October, HBKC’s luxurious second-floor restaurant will be donating 10-percent of proceeds from the sale of every bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

5. Burger & Bordeaux at db Bistro Moderne
When: October 1-31, dinner only
Where: db Bistro Moderne {255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami; 305.421.8800}
What: During the entire month of October, guests are invited to experience the Miami winner of Zagat’s “Best Burgers in the USA” with an appetizer, dessert, and a glass of Bordeaux for just $39 (a $72 value). Credited with launching the gourmet burger movement, the ground sirloin db Burger is stuffed with red wine-braised short ribs and foie gras and presented on a homemade toasted Parmesan and poppyseed bun with a touch of fresh horseradish and oven-roasted tomato confit. Sommelier Alan Feldman is pairing the decadent burger with a glass of 2010 Château de Ricaud, Bordeaux Supérieur, Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux.

6. Tantalize Miami Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month
When: October 1-31
Where: Tantalize Miami {330 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 305.695.1401}
What: During the month of October, Tantalize Miami will offer a special prix-fixe dinner menu (just $45 per person) and signature pink cocktails—the Pink Tantalizer (St. George vodka, Giffard Crème de Violette, fresh lemon juice, Thai chile syrup, and Col de Salici prosecco with grenadine) and  the Pink Cosmo (Cîroc vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice)—with a percentage of each one sold benefiting the Sandy B. Muller Breast Cancer Foundation.

7. STK’s Day of the Dead Halloween Eve Party
When: Friday, October 30, 7-10pm
Where: STK Miami {2311 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.604.6988}
What: On the frightening “Day of the Dead,” STK Miami hosts a spooky themed night featuring an open bar “Boos and Booze” package for just $50. Guests are invited to engage in the enchanting magic of Halloween and dress to impress, with prizes awarded to the best costumes. Halloween Eve will be filled with surprises, including a phantom performance yet to be revealed.

8. Fontainebleau Celebrates Frank Sinatra
When: Through December 12
Where: Fontainebleau Miami Beach {4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.535.3283}
What: The legendary Fontainebleau hotel celebrates the legacy of Frank Sinatra and his upcoming centennial birthday with 100 days of unique programming. Highlights include:

• Jack Daniel’s Throwback Dinner at StripSteak by Michael Mina (October 8)
• Cocktails and Brunch with Frank, featuring a vintage menu from the 1950s (every Sunday, 11:30am-3pm)
• Nightly Toast with Frank, Jack, and You at Bleau Bar, where guests raise a complimentary glass of Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select in honor of Sinatra’s upcoming birthday (daily at 6:30pm)

9. Villa Azur’s Thursday Night Dinner Party
When: Every Thursday night
Where: Villa Azur {309 23rd Street, Miami Beach; 305.763.8688}
What: The weekly Thursday Night Dinner Parties at Villa Azur attract Miami’s finest as the restaurant showcases gourmet cuisine, Champagne, and sparklers with breathtaking performances by the theatrical Zhantra dancers, a live saxophonist, and DJ Stephan M mixing his own personal mash-ups along with original works to keep the tempo upbeat throughout the evening.

By Sherri Balefsky | Miami Editor