Third Friday Jazz Brings an Intimate Listening Room Experience to Downtown Panama City |
Live jazz, local art and an intimate concert atmosphere come together every third Friday at Gallery of Art 850. |
If you’re looking for something a little different to do on a Friday night in Panama City, Third Friday Jazz in the Gallery Listening Room offers an evening centered around one simple idea: sit back and really listen to the music.
Held at Gallery of Art 850, 36 W. Beach Drive in Historic Downtown Panama City, the recurring concert series brings jazz musicians together on the third Friday of each month, generally from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The performers change from month to month, giving local jazz fans a reason to come back and experience something new each time.
Next Third Friday Jazz
Friday, August 21, 2026 Featuring: Liana Legat
36 W. Beach Drive, Panama City, Florida
Admission: $10 at the door No advance or reserved tickets are required.
More Than Your Typical Live Music Night
What makes Third Friday Jazz different from many live music events around Panama City is the listening room atmosphere.
Instead of music playing in the background while everyone talks over dinner or drinks, Gallery of Art 850 asks guests to keep conversation to a minimum during performances so everyone can focus on the musicians.
The gallery describes the monthly event as a chance to enjoy great jazz, often featuring local and regional musicians, in a relaxed and intimate setting surrounded by art.
That makes it a particularly good option for serious music lovers, date night or anyone who appreciates experiencing live musicians up close.
Jazz Surrounded by Local Art
The setting is another big part of the experience.
Gallery of Art 850 is a working fine-art gallery featuring art, pottery, sculpture and other works while also hosting concerts, films, receptions and cultural events.
The gallery traces its history back to 1967, when Mary Ola Reynolds Miller began the Gallery of Art and became an important supporter of arts and culture in the Panama City community. Current owners Kim Griffin White and Mark White continue that cultural mission through exhibitions and live events.
Before the concert, during intermission or after the performance, visitors can also browse the gallery and gift shop.
Supporting Jazz in Bay County
Third Friday Jazz also connects with the work of the Gulf Jazz Society, an organization that has promoted jazz throughout the Panama City and Bay County area since 1996.
The nonprofit organization's mission is to present, preserve and promote jazz while helping introduce more people to what it calls “America's Music.” In addition to live performances, the organization has supported jazz education, student scholarships and its Jazz By The Bay festival.
The Gulf Jazz Society began using Gallery of Art 850 for Third Friday performances after construction affected concerts at its previous downtown venue. The organization announced that performances would continue at the new location on the third Friday of each month.
Recent Third Friday performances have featured a rotating lineup of musicians, reinforcing the idea that no two months have to sound exactly alike.
What to Know Before You Go
Gallery of Art 850 operates Third Friday Jazz as a general-admission listening-room concert.
Tickets are typically $10 at the door, and the gallery accepts cash, check, Venmo and credit cards. There are no reserved seats.
Wine, beer, other beverages and snacks are available at the gallery. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, and the venue does not allow smoking or vaping.
Because this is specifically designed as a listening-room experience, guests should also plan on keeping conversations quiet while the musicians are performing.
Make Third Friday a Monthly Tradition
One of the best things about Third Friday Jazz is that it isn't just a single special event.
Every third Friday brings another opportunity to hear live jazz in Downtown Panama City, with different musicians and musical combinations throughout the year.
Whether you're already a dedicated jazz fan or simply looking for a relaxed night out featuring talented musicians, Third Friday Jazz offers an intimate alternative to the usual bar and restaurant live-music scene.
And with the performers changing each month, you never know exactly what you're going to hear next.
Event DetailsWhat: Third Friday Jazz in the Gallery Listening Room Admission: Typically $10 at the door
Next Show: Friday, August 21, 2026, featuring Liana Legat, Luke Pinegar and Steve Gilmore.
For upcoming performers and schedule updates, visit the Gallery of Art 850 and Gulf Jazz Society websites before attending.
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25 Comments
Join the conversation
Jazz plus craft beer? Count me in for next month’s show too
Listening rooms are so much better than noisy gigs. Folks who chat over music drive me nuts
It’s nice they take Venmo, not everywhere around here does!
Went once and really liked the art on the walls, makes it feel special
Will students get a discount? My son plays bass and loves jazz
Who picks the artists each month? Always seems like a different vibe
Kinda wish they’d start a bit earlier. 7 is late for us older folks
$10 is cheaper than a movie ticket these days. I’m in
Nice tradition, miss the old spot but this will do
Any chance to hear some bebop or is it mostly smooth jazz?
No outside food allowed but at least they’ve got wine!
Glad to see Mary Ola’s place still supports new local talent
Cool so it’s not just background music like normal bars. Respect that
Jazz nights like this are perfect for date night, bringing my wife
Is there lots of parking near the gallery? Never been over there at night
Luke Pinegar killed it last show. Hope he plays again
Will there be snacks for folks who are gluten free?
Appreciate Gulf Jazz Society keeping the music going after all the construction downtown
Quiet concerts are nice, gets annoying paying to hear people talk over the music
Art AND jazz? That’s my kind of Friday!
Big jazz fan, but wish they had reserved seats. Hard for my bad knee to get stuck standing
Been meaning to check this out, love the gallery’s vibe
Heard Steve Gilmore play before, he’s great
$10 sounds like a pretty good deal for live music
Nice to see jazz still happening in town