Spring Break (Late February through early April (approximately Feb 28 – Apr 3)). Panama City Beach has hosted spring break visitors since the early 1990s and was historically dubbed the 'Spring Break Capital of the World.' Post-2015 ordinances scaled back the wildest elements; events still include…
PCB Mardi Gras & Music Festival (Winter (date varies with Mardi Gras calendar)). Annual family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration with parades and live music in Panama City Beach.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April (typically late April; 2026 dates: April 22-26)). Annual smooth jazz festival held at Aaron Bessant Park, founded in 1999 by WSBZ FM 106.3. Grown from 350 attendees to over 5,000 per day; ranked by JazzIZ Magazine as a Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA.
Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally (Early May (biannual; spring and fall)). Launched in 1999 as 'Bike & Beach Bash,' renamed Thunder Beach in 2000. Draws 58,000-65,000 attendees across seven venues. Claims to be 'The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States.' Fall edition held in…
Gulf Coast Jam (Late May / Memorial Day weekend (2026 dates: May 28-31)). Annual four-day country music festival at Frank Brown Park, launched in September 2013 and moved to late May. Billboard listed it among 'The 10 Best Country Music Festivals.' Headliners have included Carrie Underwood,…
Real. Fun. Fourth. (July 4). Annual Independence Day celebration on Panama City Beach featuring fireworks and patriotic beach festivities. Named after the official destination tagline 'Real. Fun. Beach.'
New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop (December 31). Annual New Year's Eve event at Pier Park featuring live music, fireworks, and a countdown ball drop. Ranked No. 1 in USA Today's Reader's Choice poll for best ball drop in 2023.