At any given time of the year Panama City Beach has a lot going on! They have events year-round including events, festivals, and concerts. Plus, nearby there are events in Panama City and in the tiny towns along Scenic 30A.
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New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop: December 31st.
Tens of thousands of visitors are estimated to head to Panama City Beach for the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, which features a countdown, fireworks, and 10,000 inflatable beach balls being released from nets stretched over the streets of Pier Park. The 8 p.m. Beach Ball Drop gives young revelers the chance to experience the fun before they head to bed and let their parents continue the celebration. More entertainment and live music will follow during the build up to midnight, when a dazzling fireworks display will accompany the lowering of a giant LED-lit beach ball to signify the beginning of 2019.
MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL AND PARADE, February
At Pier Park for two days of fabulous floats, masked performers, colorful costumes, a signature parade and street party complete with Cajun food and fireworks. In conjunction with the Krewe of Domonique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade, the annual festival takes place the weekend before Fat Tuesday and features entertainment for the entire family.
Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show: March
This land-based event features boat displays from all major manufacturers and top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Showcasing more than just boats, the Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show also features everything for the active, outdoor beach living that is so popular along the Emerald Coast, from standup paddle boards and fishing kayaks to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles.
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival: March
The 27th annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival will take place at Frank Brown Park and will feature Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish & Irish musical performances (such as bagpipe bands and Irish step dancers), a British car club show, children’s activities and Scottish and Irish food and drink. The family-friendly event kicks off with a welcoming ceremony and parade of Tartans.
UNwineD: March
This award-winning event returns to Aaron Bessant Park for the third year and features craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues on Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition followed by a live concert and picnic in the park.
SandJam Music Festival: April
Panama City Beach’s second annual alternative rock music festival will set their stages on the beautiful sugar white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, providing the most beautiful backdrop for this spring’s biggest festivals. Music lovers of all ages are invited to make long lasting memories at SandJam presented by Pepsi. Stay tuned for 2019 headliners!
Seabreeze Jazz Festival: April
Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines top national smooth jazz artists for a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The 21st annual event is held in the Pier Park Amphitheater, featuring international known acts as well as local performers.
Kids Fishing Rodeo
Frank Brown Park
Ages 16 and under
Free hot dogs, kid’s fishing rods, tackle boxes
Sat, April, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Earth Day at the Beach: April
Admission is free.
Informational booths, interactive displays, free food, earth-friendly vendors, and music.
Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally: May & October
The most biker-friendly rally in the country, the free four-day Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally will feature 200 vendors and exhibitors, a bike parade, beauty pageants, poker runs, live music, motorcycle stunt shows, tattoo contests, bike shows with category judging and much more. Event happenings will take place at multiple venues throughout the Panama City Beach area.
Jeep Beach Jam: May
Thousands of jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather in Panama City Beach for the fourth annual Jeep Beach Jam. This five-day family event, organized by the JBJ Productions, Inc. team, will be filled with many fun-in-the-sun activities including concerts, scavenger hunts, off-road excursions, bonfires and more. Events will take place at many locations throughout the beach.
St Andrews Waterfront Market
Saturday’s in May & June – 8:30am-noon, also in Sept and Oct. Arts, crafts, produce & seafood
Groovin’ on the Green
Last Sunday in May until early August – every Sunday & Monday night until . Free concert series in Carillion Beach
Blue Crab Festival
The festivities begin with a morning parade on the Coastal Highway 98. Demonstrations including crab picking, crab trap pulling and a mullet toss, with one of the largest fireworks a concluding event. For more information call: 850 984-CRAB
Annual Under the Oaks Bluegrass Festival
Location: Under the Oaks Park on beautiful St Andrews This year’s event will feature many popular bands from around the region. Tickets for this event are $10 Children’s tickets are $5 per day, or $10 for all three days, ages 10 to 17. Children under 10 are free. Vendors on hand to serve food and refreshments. Parking is Free! For more information, visit http://www.undertheoaksfestival/.
Gulf Coast Triathlon
Attention all Athletes! Selected as the Southeastern Long Course Championship, this yearly event has athletes from all over the country. To celebrate the athletic feats of the weekend, there is a Sports Exposition, party, and of course some fun entertainment for fans and participants of all ages.
Spring Festival of the Arts
An early shopping opportunity is held Friday night and includes a silent auction. Then Saturday and Sunday entertainment, and free art activities for children. P.C. Juniors host more than 100 artists as well as numerous weekend is full of entertainment present on the gazebo stage ranging from dance troupes to college bands. Experience is located under a large tent at the front of the park and has free art projects for children to make, more information visit http://www.panamacityjuniors.com/.
Annual Kid’s Win Fishing Tournament
The Kid’s Win Fishing Tournament has become one of Port St. Joe’s most anticipated events. Kids from fun on the water and in the sun. The event exposes youngsters to the excitement of fishing in a fun and open to children ages 3 through 16, with the registrants receiving a new rod & reel, tackle box, t-shirt, and by entering.
May has been declared Florida State Parks Month. Experience all the sights, sounds and recreational activities that visitors enjoy.
National Gold Medal Winning State Parks. Three State Park Treasures found along the Emerald Coast are Henderson Beach, Beach State Parks! For more Information, contact your local state park floridastateparks.org.
Summer Concert Series: June-August
Throughout the summer, visitors and locals alike gather for the free summer concert series at Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater, where live performances in the open-air amphitheater set the tone for summer. The Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday night, June through August. Friends and families love bringing their blankets or lawn chairs and relaxing under the stars to great performances.
Real.Fun.Fourth: July 4, 2019
Home to the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach offers an All-American weekend of Independence Day celebrations. Friends and family put on their red, white and blue gear and gather on the sand to enjoy an electrifying firework show.
Lobster Festival & Tournament: September
This week-long celebration welcomes Lobster lovers from near and far for the biggest lobster tournament and festival in the area. Attendees can expect live music, contests and lots of delicious Florida Lobster! Held at Schooners Last Local Beach Club, this event is a must for foodies of all ages!
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam: August-September
This Labor Day weekend, the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will bring the best of today’s country music to the beach. Festival-goers will get a chance to see many of the biggest names in country music as they take to the stage on the beach, with previous artists including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Eric Church, just to name a few. As the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park.
Annual Billy Bowlegs Festival
(Pirate festival) Fort Walton Beach
First Friday Downtown
1st Friday on Harrison Ave in downtown Panama City, FL.
Summer Concert Series in Lynn Haven
May through August in Lynn Haven, FL from 6:30-7:30pm
Fall Events in Panama City Beach
September Events
Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival
October Events
Thunder Beach Rally – Considered the “The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice each year in Panama City Beach Fl. Bikers from all around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. It’s really something to see when all those bikes are together.
OktoberFest in Panama City – Downtown
Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival – Frank Brown Park
Pirates of the High Seas Fest: October
Columbus Day weekend will bring a treasure trove of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the Grand Lagoon and in Pier Park, the Festival includes an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, a pirate invasion, a Treasure Drop, and fireworks display.
Annual Jazz by the Bay– Oaks by the Bay Park (St. Andrews)- 6pm Oct 16, 12pm Oct 17- FREE
Oct 17- 11th Annual Mexico Beach Art & Wine Festival
Seacrest Wolf Preserve’s “Howl-O-Ween”- 10am-9pm Sat, 10am-3pm Sun- Free Admission- Call 277-0489
Boo at the Beach– Pier Park (promo/green grass area) – 11am-2pm- Hay bale maze, pumpkin carving, spooky stories, arts & crafts, pet costume contest.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival– 10am-4pm- Exhibits, demonstrations, and tours. .
Oct 31- Malloween– Pier Park- 6pm-8pm- Trick or Treating throughout the property- hay bale maze, costume contest.
Oct 31- Halloween Bash – Spinnaker Beach Club- “The Night They Came Home”- to benefit the Toys for Kids Foundation
Panama City Beach Oktoberfest: October
Locals and visitors alike will raise a glass and don their lederhosen for this annual celebration of German heritage. Authentic German beer and brats are the star of the show, while this year’s festivities will feature stein hosting competitions, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids.
November Events
Taste of the Beach- Pier Park- 5:30-8:30pm- Over 300 wines to taste and all proceeds go to various local charities dedicated to helping underprivileged children.
46th Annual Florida Seafood Festival– Battery Park, Apalachicola- www.floridaseafoodfestival.com
IRONMAN Florida: November / IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast April
What began as a challenge between groups of Navy SEALS has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. IRONMAN is a statement of excellence, passion and commitment that is a true test of mental and physical toughness. Florida edition of the challenge serves as one of the most popular races on the circuit. Panama City Beach has proven to have the best combination of temperature and terrain for this competition.
Emerald Coast Cruzin’: November / March
The bi-annual car show at Aaron Bessant Park is perfect for families and features thousands of hot rods and classic cars. Events include a swap meet, parade, cruiz-ins, block party and more. Live music will also be provided during the event.
Beach Home for the Holidays: November
A great holiday tradition for the family, locals and visitors can kick off the most wonderful time of the year with free holiday concerts at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, free seasonal-themed events like campfires and s’mores, meeting with Santa, a Christmas tree-lighting celebration and more.
Holly Fair – Holly Fair is an annual holiday market at Boardwalk Beach Resort.
St. Jude 5K Run– Pier Park
December Events
At the end of December is a big New Year’s even party at Pier Park. They drop thousands of beach balls at midnight.
Panama City Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K- December
Hosted by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, guests can run through paradise and alongside award-winning beaches in the annual Marathon, Half- Marathon and 5K. The 26.2-mile race attracts thousands of both residents and visitors to the destination year after year.
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