Gulf Coast beaches are more than just a summer destination. Panama City Beach Florida averages 320 days of sunshine a year. That means plenty of sunny days to get out, get on the beach, or into the water. Throughout the year, Panama City Beach events add even more opportunities for family-friendly fun celebrating everything from Mardi Gras to Florida lobster. No matter the season, locals and visitors find plenty of reasons to get outdoors here and fall in love with PCB.
When planning a vacation to Panama City Beach, FL, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is because a beach vacation is ALWAYS a great idea. Winter high/low temperatures average 63˚F/47˚F and summer high/low temperatures average 89˚F/77˚F. My favorite time of year to visit is the fall. My last visit was this past October for a media trip with my daughter. Schools are back in session and it’s not everyone’s fall break. That means fewer people are on the beach. The water is warm too, so I could easily spend the entire day in or near the water.
We’ve gathered together some of the most popular annual events in the area and have listed them by season. Many of these Panama City Beach events are free to the public and ALL are family friendly. Take a look and start planning your next PCB vacation.
Panama City Beach Events
Panama City Beach Summer Events
Sunshine and summer fun go hand in hand each summer in PCB. Not only can you play on the warm sandy beaches (27 miles of them to be exact), but there are several fun events you can attend while visiting in the summer. Some of those events include the Summer Concert Series, Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, and Real.Fun.Forth. The Summer Concert Series offers free concerts in the Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater every Thursday night June through August. Bring your lawn blanket or beach chair and enjoy the show. While you are here, check out our favorite Panama City beach restaurants too. If you are a fireworks fanatic, head to event. It is the largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast!
Panama City Beach Fall Events
Fall is an exciting time to visit PCB! The weather is gorgeous! Not too hot and not too cold and there are annual fall events that you will not want to miss! Some of the most popular events are the Emerald Coast Cruizin’ car show, Lobster Festival and Tournament, and Pirates of the High Sea Fest. All three of these Panama City Beach upcoming events are great for families!
Foodies rejoice during September’s Lobster Festival & Tournament. Visitors take part in a week long celebration featuring the area’s largest tournament. This is all dedicated to Florida lobster! Held at Schooners Last Local Beach Club, there’s live music, contests, and lots and lots of lobster.
Pirates of the High Sea Fest
This is a local favorite that brings visitors from all around. Held over Columbus Day Weekend, families enjoy a slew of pirate themed adventures including a pirate krewes (pronounced crew) all decked out in their pirate garb (clothes). There’s even a pirate invasion in Pier Park. Grab your spot for one of the pirate parades where float riders throw strings of beads and other treasures into the crowd. There’s also live music, entertainment, fun zone, and fireworks! The kids will love it!
In November, Pier Park is the place for the annual Shrimp, Crab, & Oyster festival. Visitors can come down and sample delicious seafood from popular Pier Park restaurants.
New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Upcoming Winter Events in Panama City Beach
When most places in America are bundling up in the winter, PCB is ramping up for their amazing holiday and winter events! The nice thing about a lot of these Panama City Beach events is that they are appropriate for all ages. Let’s take New Year's Eve, for example! Families with younger children can ring in the new year a little early (8PM) during the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. They will be filled with glee when over 10,000 beach balls are dropped into the crowd followed by fireworks. Later that night, adults will want to make their way back to Pier Park for more NYE entertainment. The night is filled with live music, another new year countdown complete and final fireworks display. This final countdown includes following a gigantic LED lit beach ball being lowering to ring in the New Year.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday during the family-friendly Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival. Held at Pier Park, festival goers can watch the Kids’ Parade, enjoy live music, dress up for costume contests, 5K run and fireworks. If you didn’t get enough pirates during the Columbus Day weekend Pirates of the High Sea Fest, the Krewe of Dominque Youx will be there too!
Spring Panama City Beach Events
When other parts of the country are just starting to thaw out, spring is in full bloom in PCB. Featured spring events include the Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show, Jeep Beach Jam, SandJam (a festival with music on the beach), Seabreeze Jazz Festival, and UnwineD where you can do some wine tastings at local restaurants.
April’s Seabreeze Jazz Festival has been called a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and in 2018 named “Best Jazz Festival” by the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards. It’s five days of jazz music featuring some world renowned artists.
Panama City Beach Upcoming Events
For more Panama City Beach upcoming events, visit the PCB website. year round attractions while you are in town.
If you're planning a trip soon, also check out these other Panama City Beach articles to help make the most of your time here.
- 5 Reason You Should Visit Shell Island Florida
- Have a Fun Active Weekend with Teens in Panama City Beach, Florida
- If you want to get off the beach, check out these Panama City attractions for all ages.
- Also check out our favorite Panama City Beach restaurants
There isn’t a bad time to visit Panama City Beach. There is always something fun going on for the whole family. From their many tourist attractions to the beautiful, sandy beaches you really can’t go wrong.
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