Area Info/Event Calendar
Experience some exclusive events around Panama City Beach, FL!

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February

Local Mardi Gras Celebrations
02/06/09-02/07/09
02/13/09-02/14/09
02/20/09-02/21/09
Mardi Gras is Panama City? You bet! Panama City may not be New Orleans, but we still know how to have a good time. In fact, the people of the Panama City area love Mardi Gras so much, there are actually three celebrations.
02/06/09-02/07/09 - The Downtown Panama City Mardi Gras features all-day music, food, and fun, with a festival at the Marina Civic center, an evening parade, costume contests and more. Sponsored by the Krewe of Massalina.
02/14/09 - Pier Park will host its first annual Mardi Gras festival this year. Music, food, games for the children, and an evening parade will be sure to entertain. Sponsored by the Krewe of Dominique Youx.
02/20/09-02/21/09 - The Krewes that sponsor the St. Andrews Mardi Gras have grabbed a bit of something from other Carnival-type events. There are amusement rides, food & beverage vendors, special performances, a Kid's Parade, a Pet Parade, and even a Gasparilla-style Pirate Invasion, all leading up to the parade.
All Mardi Gras celebrations are family-centered. Can't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Give Panama City a try! www.SaintAndrewsMardiGras.com

March

Beach Bridal Show
Pier Park
03/01/09
Whether your dream wedding is on the beach or formal, you'll find everything you need to plan your perfect day! Pier Park's first ever Bridal Show will run from 12-6pm. Admission to the event is free.
Death by Chocolate
Marina Civic Center
03/03/09
Enjoy a night of delectable desserts from the Emerald Coast's finest restaurants. Local restaurants and catering services bring in bite-sized dessert samples for the public to taste with their ticket purchase along with a silent auction.
Spring Fling Car & Truck Show
Frank Brown Park
03/14/09-03/15/09
Low-slung custom pickups, white sandy beaches, and gorgeous people are the setting for the Spring Fling Custom Car & Truck Show in Panama City Beach, FL. Sound like an incredibly good time? The show is filled with sweet trucks, hot products for sale, and a whole bunch of fun activities for everyone. www.SpringFlingCarShow.com.

April

Zap Pro/Am Spring Skim Jam
Edgewater Beach Resort
04/18/09-04/19/09
The ebbing surf creates the ideal surface for a long, controlled skim if you're agile and have a bit of "talent". The latest event in this sport, the Annual Zap Pro/Am Spring Skim Jam is proof positive that this sport is really catching on and attracting talented "skim jammers" from all around the world. This event has skimmed into the record books; quickly becoming THE nation's largest skim board competition featuring the best Pro & Amateur skim board talent in the world. Yes, the best skim boarders "IN THE WORLD"! This is also the most extreme event of the season and it's free to the public....add to that a day on the beach, and you've got yourself one good time. So bring the whole family and "skim man", or just lie back, watch, and ENJOY! www.mrsurfs.com
Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show & Music Festival
Frank Brown Park
04/22/09-04/25/09
Absolute self-assurance. That's the attribute evoked by the most visible characteristic of the Tennessee Walking Horse. This majestic animal and its high-stepping running walk are the central features of the Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show & Music Festival in Panama City Beach's Frank Brown Park. As the title implies, this is more than an equestrian event...it's a weekend's entertainment in itself. Music, artwork, clowns, food - the perfect excuse to enjoy the Gulf Coast's beautiful spring weather. www.GulfCoastHorseShow.com
Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally
Various locations in PCB
04/30/09-05/03/09
Bikes, beaches, and bikinis....it's gotta be time for Thunder Beach! Thunder Beach is Panama City Beach's own motorcycle rally, an annual celebration of the motorcycle and the fun-loving people who "ride to live and live to ride". If you love to ride, this is one event you will not want to miss. If you don't ride, a visit to one of the great events Thunder Beach boasts might get you started!
www.ThunderBeachProductions.com

May

Gulf Coast Triathlon
Greater PCB Area
05/09/09
Attention all athletes!! Whether you love the thrill of exercising, or maybe you just love to watch, the Gulf Coast Triathlon will satisfy your needs. Selected as the Southeastern Long Course Championship, this yearly event has consistently drawn the best athletes from all over the country. If you've the stamina, strength, and skill to compete at this level, the Gulf Coast Triathlon is a challenging, exciting race in a community that enjoys the sport. If you're more the spectator-type, don't miss this chance to see some of the world's premier athletes compete in a difficult sport.
www.GulfCoastTriathlon.com
Panama City Shrimp and Oyster Festival
Carl Gray Park
Dates TBA
A traditional seafood festival along the bay in the historic St. Andrews area at Carl Gray Park. Travel to this event by car or boat. Come and enjoy Children's entertainment and activities, our Midway and rides, arts and Crafts from across the nation, and entertainment around the clock; culminating with a grand fireworks exhibition. www.panamacity-fl.gov

July

July 4th Celebrations
Panama City Marina
Pier Park
Come celebrate America's Independence on the World's Most Beautiful Beaches! This year is shaping up to be one of the biggest and best Independence Day celebrations ever - with events taking place all over the Emerald Coast. Bring out the family to celebrate the Florida way. Both celebration sites have day-long activities, such as contests, exhibitions, games for the kids, vendors of all types, and food. Get there early and grab the perfect spot to view some of the most spectacular fireworks displays for miles. A perfect way to spend quality time with the family!
Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament
Bay Point Marina
07/15/09-07/19/09
Big fish....big money....big boats....big crowds....Hey! This is big!! Over $1 million in prize money … and a spectacular history of Big Fish! Florida's top two record Blue Marlin were weighted in here. The largest Blue Marlin ever weighted in Florida was caught by Conrad Hawkins on the Lucky 2 in 2001. The second largest Blue Marlin ever weighed in Florida was caught by Barry Carr on the Sea Wolf in 2006. Both fish were weighed at the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament. Now, that's a record no other tournament can equal. A lot of things have changed since the tournament kicked off in 1984 at Bay Point Resort. In the beginning, there were few spectators on the docks to offer congratulations to the anglers. Today, tens of thousands flock to the Bay Point Marina to take part in the festivities which surround the tournament and cheer as each fish is weighed in. Wednesday and Thursday nights now host spectacular Captain and Fleet Parties...Northwest Florida's "Party of the Year." The rules have changed, too, with a much greater emphasis on conservation. Sailfish and White Marlin are no longer on the leader board. In 1984, a 100 pound Blue Marlin was a legal tournament catch. Today, a tournament marlin must measure at least 98 inches and is more likely to weigh four hundred pounds. Bigger prizes, bigger fish, bigger parties and bigger crowds...and bigger contributions to the tournament charities. www.BayPointBillfish.com
USFA World Series
Frank Brown Park
07/11/09-07/18/09 &
07/19/09-07/26/09
Girls fastpitch softball returns to Panama City Beach's Frank Brown Park with the USFA World Series....this can't-miss series will be a hit! The World series attracts teams from all over the country due to the competition and great coastal atmosphere. After all, Panama City is home to the World's Most Beautiful Beaches!! www.USFastPitch.com

September

Thunder Beach Fall Motorcycle Rally
Various Locations in PCB
09/24/09-09/27/09
Come enjoy 27 miles of white sugar sand along "the World's Most Beautiful Beaches"! If you ride, this is one of the "must do" events....if you don't, its a great place to get started!
www.ThunderBeachProductions.com
Schooners LobsterFest
Schooners Last Local Beach Club
09/18/09-09/20/09
Schooners, The Last Local Beach Club, will host the 20th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament again this year: the biggest 3 - Day Lobster Festival in Florida. With huge Local Lobsters on the weigh-in scales, fresh lobster prepared every mouth-watering way you can imagine, and the 11th Annual Schooners Sand Sculpting Contest, it is a HUGE event that draws thousands of divers and lobster fans from all over the Southeast. Lobster Tournament divers will be competing in a variety of categories including Spiny Lobster, Shovelnose Lobster and Big 6. It will be held September 18, 19 & 20, 2009.
www.Schooners.com

October

OktoberFest
Downtown Panama City
10/03/09-10/04/09
'Das Party.' Sour Kraut, Weiner schnitzel, lederhosen, and, of course, a polka version of Margaritaville. Oh yeah, and a lot of beer…it could only be one thing -Oktoberfest here at the beach. The Annual Oktoberfest transforms our small, quaint downtown area, into a hustling, bustling, German village. From accordions to carnival rides, to sausage eating contests, you've got to be a part of this one of a kind event. www.panamacitydowntown.com
Super Boat Florida Championship
Frank Brown Park
Dates TBA
Super Boat International Productions, Inc. (SBIP) is the sanctioning body of the International Super Boat Racing Series. Founded by John Carbonell, a veteran racer and promoter, SBIP organizes offshore powerboat racing events throughout the world. They now have the license of the American Power Boat Association Offshore. www.SuperBoat.com
Grand Lagoon National-America's Saltwater Fishing Tournament
Panama City Beach, FL
Dates TBA
"It's going to be the grandest fishing tournament in the United States," that is according to the owners of businesses which dot the shores of the Grand Lagoon at Panama City Beach. It may not be an idle boast. The Grand Lagoon has long been one of Florida's favorite fishing destinations and the organizers of the Grand Lagoon National have a world of tournament experience. They are betting that what will make this the tournament America will be talking about is the conglomerate of facilities committed to hosting the tournament, the unique and inclusive format they intend to follow and, of course, the legendary fishing waters of the Florida Panhandle. www.GrandLagoonNational.com
Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine, & Music Festival
Frank Brown Park
10/09/09-10/11/09
The idea is simple - a celebration of the wonderful array of local area seafood prepared by local chefs merged with local and area wines, entertainment and vendors with a special focus on families. The Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival is designed to reflect a true taste of the coast, a true toast to the coast and some of the world's best entertainment - we promise it will be like no other festival ever presented on Panama City Beach. www.PanamaCityBeachFest.com
Emerald Coast Sprint Triathlon
Spinnaker Beach Club
Dates TBA
It's about the race... it's about the location... it's about the party... it's about the weekend. Don't forget to smile as you cross the Finish Line, there should be a photographer present taking shots of everyone coming across. We’re making you a promise that you'll have an incredible time the minute you arrive at our beaches. Join us at the finish line after the race for one 'kick ass' awards party, complete with food, beverage, sun, and fun! www.EmeraldCoastEvents.org
Festival of Nations
Downtown Panama City
Dates TBA
It's a small world they say, but the diversity of peoples and cultures is immense! And during the Festival of Nations, Downtown Panama City will become a snapshot of that diversity. Representatives of dozens of countries will be on hand to display information and goods from their native lands. Scottish bagpipers in kilts march through the streets in between German Oompa bands belting out polka tunes! One of the best parts of the festival is sampling the exotic and often delicious foods from far-away countries. Snack on Greek pastries, spicy Thai treats, or German sausages. There's a kid's entertainment area for the little one's enjoyment, with small rides and live entertainment. Vendors will be on hand with arts and crafts from many parts of the world. The festival offers a great opportunity to get an early - and unique - start on your holiday shopping! The Festival of Nations brings the world to Downtown Panama City, complete with all the sights, sounds, and tastes you'd experience traveling the globe! www.panamacitydowntown.com

November

Ironman Triathlon
Boardwalk Beach Resort
11/07/09
If you're in the mood for something extreme, don't miss the most extreme event of all...the Iron Man Triathlon on Panama City Beach. Hundreds of the world's fittest people will be on the Beach to compete in this grueling endurance test. It starts with a nice 2.4 mile swim (which competitors have 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete), is followed by an incredible 112 mile- 8 hour bike route, and finishes with a full 26.2 mile marathon...7 full hours are allotted for this challenging run!
www.IronManFlorida.com
Emerald Coast Cruizin'
Frank Brown Park
11/09/09-11/14/09
Panama City Beach shifts family fun into overdrive with the Emerald Coast Cruizin' classic auto show. Thousands of classic cars and hot rods glitter in the sun as proud owners show off their "labors of love" during this one-of-a-kind event, November 9th, through November 14th, at Frank Brown Park. A "must" for auto-lovers and their families, Emerald Coast Cruizin' offers a full lineup of activities for participants and spectators alike. www.EmeraldCoastCruizin.com
St. Andrews Seafood & Pirate Festival
Historic St. Andrews District
Dates TBA
Weigh anchor! Swash your buckle! Or buckle your swash... whatever it takes, just get over to Panama City this year for the St. Andrews Fall Seafood & Pirate Fest! St. Andrews, the "village by the bay," is hosting a three day festival of fun for the whole family. The Festival is Pirate-themed and full of special events that will keep you coming back all weekend! www.historicstandrews.com

December

Jaycees Christmas Parade
Downtown Panama City
12/05/09
The Jaycees Christmas Parade returns to Downtown Panama City for another round of floats, marching bands and Christmas spirit. The Jaycees expect to have upwards of 130 floats, plus marching bands from schools throughout the county. The parade will be televised live on local cable. The parade begins at 5:30pm, but spectators are encouraged to arrive early if they want to get a good spot! Past parades have proven to be extremely popular and the floats tasteful and eye-catching. www.panamacitydowntown.com
Boat Parade of Lights
St. Andrews Marina
Dates TBA
When you think of the Christmas season, it's usually thoughts of snow and bone-chilling cold as winter settles in. Well, how about a trip to Panama City instead, where the Christmas images are much the same though set against palm trees, warmth and... a Parade of Boats! That's right, the boaters of Panama City and Panama City Beach go to extraordinary lengths, decorating their boats with style, panache, and the occasional touch of whimsy... then gathering at Historic St. Andrews Marina on Beck Avenue (just 6 blocks south of Hwy 98). From there, it's a leisurely cruise along St. Andrews Bay, past the stately homes lining Beach Drive, and into the City Marina at the foot of Harrison Avenue (also south of Hwy 98).The Christmas fleet then proceeds past thousands of spectators lining the Marina in downtown, and slowly the boats disperse... it's magical! In year's past boats and ships from the Naval Coastal Systems Station base on the Beach have taken part, lending an air of the unreal to the proceedings. If your memories of Christmas are of frosted windowpanes and frozen water pipes, the Boat Parade of Lights in Panama City will be a warm and welcome delight! www.historicstandrews.com

*All dates subject to change.