A gem situated just along the pristine shores of the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach (PCB) has long been a beloved vacation destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and endless fun.
PCB offers a perfect escape for families, couples, and adventure seekers with its crystal-clear waters, sugar-white beaches, and vibrant coastal atmosphere. Beyond its natural beauty, Panama City Beach is home to many exciting events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests and ensuring your Florida vacation is awesome.
To make the most of your visit to this stunning coastal paradise, it’s essential to plan your trip around the best events that align with your preferences and travel dates. To help you navigate the exciting world of Panama City Beach events, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide highlighting the most notable happenings throughout the year.
And to make sure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible, we’ll also explore the advantages of opting for Panama City Beach rentals as your home away from home during your trip!
Top Spring Events in Panama City Beach
As warm spring sweeps across Panama City Beach, the town comes alive with 2 highly anticipated events that draw visitors from far and wide: the Seabreeze Jazz Festival and the Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival
The Seabreeze Jazz Festival occurs annually in late April, typically over 4 days. The festival is held at the beautiful Aaron Bessant Park, a sprawling outdoor venue in the heart of Panama City Beach. This Florida jazz fest has been a beloved tradition in PCB since its inception in 1999. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most prominent smooth jazz festivals in the United States, attracting top talent and music enthusiasts worldwide!
Showcasing a diverse lineup of renowned jazz artists, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival covers many genres, including smooth jazz, funk, R&B, and soul. Past headliners have included legendary names such as George Benson, David Sanborn, Boney James, and Spyro Gyra. The music festival also features up-and-coming artists, ensuring a fresh and exciting musical experience for attendees.
Tips for Enjoying the Seabreeze Jazz Festival
- Bring comfortable seating, such as lawn chairs or blankets, to relax and enjoy the performances.
- Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during the day.
- Stay hydrated by bringing water bottles or purchasing drinks from on-site vendors.
- Explore the food and merchandise vendors between performances for a complete festival experience.
- Book accommodations early, as hotels and vacation rentals in PCB fill up quickly during the festival.
Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show
The Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show is held annually in early March and spans 4 days. Like the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, the car show also takes place on the beautiful Aaron Bessant Park grounds. This spectacular event — featuring over 3,000 classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles from across the country — is a must-see for car enthusiasts and families alike.
Attendees can admire the stunning automobiles, participate in car-related activities, and enjoy live entertainment throughout this PCB event. Families can take a break from the automotive fun to browse diverse vendor exhibits offering car-related products and memorabilia.
Bring the whole family for a day filled with activities and food trucks, ensuring fun for all ages with games, face painting, and interactive displays tailored for everyone! Or add this rip-roaring PCB event to your itinerary for a cool spring break on the Emerald Coast with a great group of friends.
Summer Fun in PCB
If spring is fun along the Emerald Coast, summer is sure to be a blast! With long days of sunshine and warmer temperatures, there are plenty of things to do in Panama City Beach — including wine tasting and summer concert series.
UNwineD Festival
A highly anticipated summer event, the UNwineD Festival takes place annually in early June at Aaron Bessant Park, offering a picturesque setting for a weekend of wining, dining, and dancing. This top Panama City Beach event is essentially a 3-day celebration of life’s finer pleasures. Attendees can sample a wide variety of wines from around the world — paired with delectable culinary creations from local and regional chefs.
In addition to the wine and food offerings, the UNwineD Festival in PCB features live musical performances by renowned artists and up-and-coming talents. The music lineup covers a range of genres, including jazz, blues, soul, and R&B, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere throughout the festival grounds.
Highlights of the UNwineD Festival
- Indulge in a diverse selection of wines from prestigious vineyards and wineries, ranging from classic varietals to innovative blends.
- Savor carefully crafted dishes from talented chefs, showcasing the flavors of the Gulf Coast and beyond.
- Browse a curated selection of artisanal products, including handcrafted jewelry, unique artwork, and specialty food items.
- Upgrade your UNwineD experience with VIP tickets — granting access to exclusive wine tastings, reserved seating areas, and meet-and-greet opportunities with featured winemakers and chefs!
Gulf Coast Jam
The Gulf Coast Jam is a premier country music festival that occurs annually in early June at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach. This 3-day outdoor concert brings together some of the biggest names in country music, as well as rising stars and local talent. Past headliners include superstars like Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Tim McGraw.
This PCB music festival features multiple stages, ensuring a diverse and exciting lineup throughout the weekend. In addition to the outstanding musical performances, the Gulf Coast Jam offers a variety of other activities and amenities, including food and beverage vendors, merchandise booths, and on-site camping options.
Things to Do at the Gulf Coast Jam
- Experience live performances by the biggest names in country music, as well as up-and-coming artists and local favorites.
- Discover a variety of musical acts across several stages, showcasing different styles and sounds within the country music genre.
- Immerse yourself in the lively festival atmosphere with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and opportunities to connect with fellow country music fans.
- Enjoy the unique experience of attending a country music festival just steps away from Panama City Beach’s beautiful beaches.
Fall Experiences in PCB
As temperatures cool across the Gulf Coast, fall events in Panama City Beach emerge for another round of annual autumn festivals along the coastline!
PCB Oktoberfest
Celebrate the arrival of fall with traditional German food, craft beer, and live music at the Panama City Beach Oktoberfest. Held at Aaron Bessant Park, this annual fall festival brings a taste of Bavaria to the beach — complete with authentic vendors, games, and entertainment for everyone!
A top event in the Florida Panhandle, PCB Oktoberfest has food, kids activities, and special performances from area musicians. Whether you love a good lager or just want to party, it’s a great way to welcome fall to the Emerald Coast!
Pirates of the High Seas Fest
A beloved annual event that takes place in early October, the Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest celebrates Panama City Beach’s rich maritime history and pirate lore. This family-friendly festival is held at Aaron Bessant Park — with a grand finale fishing rodeo at Captain Anderson’s Marina.
The Pirates of the High Seas Fest offers various activities and entertainment for all ages, immersing visitors in a world of swashbuckling adventures, live music, and coastal charm. Attendees can expect to encounter colorful pirate costumes, thrilling sword fights, and plenty of opportunities to join in on the fun. It’s one of our favorite events for families in Panama City Beach!
What to Expect at Pirates of the High Seas
- Pirate Invasions — Watch as pirate ships “invade” the shores of Panama City Beach with reenactments of historic battles and daring sea adventures.
- Treasure Hunts — Participate in exciting treasure hunts across the festival grounds, solving clues and competing for prizes.
- Costume Contests — Show off your best pirate attire in the festival’s costume contests, with categories for both children and adults.
- Live Entertainment — Enjoy a variety of live performances throughout the festival, including pirate-themed music, acrobatic shows, and interactive storytelling.
- Fireworks Display — Marvel at the spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico, lighting up the night sky with brilliant colors and pirate magic.
The Holiday Season in Panama City Beach
Traveling to Panama City Beach for the holidays? Escaping cold weather for sunny days at the beach? Check out the summer events calendar to make the most of your beach getaway!
Ironman Florida
Ironman Florida is a renowned endurance triathlon event that takes place annually in early November. The race begins and ends in beautiful Panama City Beach. The swim portion takes place in the Gulf of Mexico, the bike course winds through the scenic roads of Bay County, and the run course follows the stunning shoreline.
Attracting athletes from around the world, this exciting event in Florida offers a challenging and rewarding experience for both participants and spectators. The event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, testing the limits of physical and mental endurance.
In addition to the main race, Ironman Florida also features a variety of other activities and events throughout the weekend — including a sports expo, athlete briefings, and a post-race celebration. It’s the best way to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter months!
Beach Home for the Holidays
Beach Home for the Holidays is a festive annual event that takes place throughout December, transforming Panama City Beach into a winter wonderland by the sea. This holiday celebration is held at various locations across Panama City Beach — including Pier Park, the Grand Lagoon, and the historic St. Andrews area.
This holiday event in Panama City Beach offers many activities and attractions that capture the season’s magic, making it the perfect destination for a warm-weather holiday getaway. Visitors can expect dazzling light displays, holiday-themed performances, and opportunities to create lasting memories with loved ones. You can roast s’mores with the kids, watch fireworks, and meet Santa!
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
The New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop is a one-of-a-kind celebration that takes place annually on December 31, offering a unique twist on the traditional New Year’s Eve festivities. This event is held at Pier Park — with the traditional midnight “beach ball drop” that welcomes the new year!
This enchanting PCB event features live music, entertainment, and a variety of activities leading up to the countdown to midnight. As the clock strikes twelve, an enormous, illuminated beach ball descends from above, symbolizing the arrival of the new year and the start of a fresh beginning. It’s a great option for those kicking off their snowbird stay in Florida!
Year-Round Fun Means PCB Is the Ultimate Vacation Destination
To make the most of your Panama City Beach vacation, be sure to book your accommodations with Florida CFY. As a premier provider of short-term rental vacation homes in the area, we offer a selection of properties that cater to every style and budget.
From cozy condos with beach access to spacious luxury vacation homes by Choctawhatchee Bay, our inviting accommodations serve as your home base during your Panama City Beach getaway. With a focus on quality, comfort, and exceptional customer service, Florida CFY ensures your vacation rental experience is as memorable as the events and festivals you’ll be attending.
Don’t wait any longer to start planning your dream getaway to Panama City Beach. Browse our exclusive selection of PCB vacation rentals and get ready to experience the best upcoming events this coastal paradise offers. Panama City Beach is the ultimate destination for your next unforgettable vacation!
