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Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, from Pensacola to Apalachicola, is also known as the Emerald Coast, thanks to the brilliant blue-green waters found along its shores. | Photo courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach
20 Panama City Beach Events in 2020
Photography courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach
The PCB visitors bureau is excited to announce its 2020 Panama City Beach events calendar, including longstanding annual festivals, concerts and events that honor the destination’s reputation as the Real.Fun.Beach. With an average of 320 days of sunshine annually and more than 27 miles of award-winning beaches, there’s always something for locals and visitors of all ages to see and do.
“We are thrilled to offer a jam-packed calendar with award-winning events, ranging from country music festivals and Mardi Gras celebrations to our premiere UNwineD culinary festival,” shares President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach Dan Rowe. “Panama City Beach looks forward to welcoming returning and new visitors alike to make lasting memories throughout the year at one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Beaches’.”
American Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, February 15-16
Food Truck Festivals of America is bringing the third Annual Panama City Beach Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival back to Aaron Bessant Park. This festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music and fun for the whole family. 30 food trucks will be serving everything from fall-off-the- bone BBQ to wood-fired pizza to juicy prime rib to spicy Korean to gooey mac & cheese and so much more.
foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com
PCB Mardi Gras and Music Festival, February 21-22
“Laissez les bon temps rouler” in Panama City Beach and celebrate the destination’s authentic Mardi Gras celebration. In conjunction with the Krewe of Domonique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade, this annual festival takes place the weekend before Fat Tuesday. This year’s entertainment will include headliner Blood Sweat & Tears and more!
visitpanamacitybeach.com/mardi-gras
Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show, February 28-March 1
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 kind of active, outdoor beach lifestyle that is so popular along the Emerald Coast, from standup paddleboards and fishing kayaks to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles.
Emerald Coast Cruzin’, March 4-7 / November 11-14
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.
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival, March 7-8
The 28th 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 20-21
This award-winning event returns to Aaron Bessant Park for the fourth year featuring 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 Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition followed by a live concert with headliner Death Cab for Cutie and indie-rock band JOYWAVE and picnic in the park.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined
SandJam Music Festival, April 24-26
Panama City Beach’s third annual alternative rock music festival will set their stages on the beautiful sugar white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, providing a picturesque backdrop for this spring’s biggest festival. Music lovers of all ages are invited to make long lasting memories at SandJam Music Festival, presented by Pepsi.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 22-26
Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and 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 22nd annual event is held in the Pier Park Amphitheater, featuring internationally known acts as well as local performers.
Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally, April 29-May 3 and October 21-25
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.
Visit Panama City Beach 70.3 Gulf Coast, May 9 / Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida, November 7
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. Panama City Beach has proven to have the best combination of temperature and terrain for this competition, making the Florida edition of the challenge one of the most popular races on the circuit.
Florida Beach Jam, May 13-16
Thousands of jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather in Panama City Beach for the fifth 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.
Real.Fun.Fourth, July 3-5
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.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/holiday-events/realfunfourth
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, September 4-6
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 the biggest names in country music as they take to the stage on the beach, with previous artists including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock 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.
Schooners Bloody Mary & Music Festival, September 19
Up to 20 bars and restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Bloody Mary in the Grand Lagoon”. The winner will be crowned “Big Tomato” and the event will feature live music and award-winning bloody mary’s.
schooners.com/events/bloodymary.htm
Pirates of the High Seas Fest, October 9-11
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 Pier Park, the festival includes an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, a pirate invasion, a Treasure Drop and fireworks display.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/piratesofthehighseas
Panama City Beach Oktoberfest, October 16-18
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.
Schooners Lobster Festival & Tournament, October 12-18
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.
schooners.com/events/lobsterfestival.htm
Beach Home for the Holidays, November 27-28
A great holiday tradition for the family, locals and visitors can spend Thanksgiving weekend kicking 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 and more.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/beach-holiday
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.
New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, December 31
Tens of thousands of visitors are estimated to head to Panama City Beach for the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop which features not one but two countdowns, fireworks and 10,000 inflatable beach balls raining down from the sky over the streets of Pier Park. The 8 p.m. Beach Ball Drop gives kids 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 2021.
visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/holiday-events/new-years-eve-beach-ball-drop
To learn more about upcoming Panama City Beach events, click here.
About Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. With 320 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups, and adventure-seekers. These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining, and diverse recreational activities. In addition, Panama City Beach’s Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. For more information, call 850-233-5070 or visit the official website of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at visitpanamacitybeach.com. Stay connected with Panama City Beach on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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