Panama City is getting ready to say “Prost!” as one of the community’s favorite fall traditions returns for its 38th year. Oktoberfest Weekend at Panama City takes place Friday and Saturday, September 25–26, 2026, combining a two-day Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch with Saturday’s big Oktoberfest celebration along Harrison Avenue.

Both events are free to attend, although food and beverages are available for purchase. This year’s celebration gives residents and visitors a chance to experience two of Panama City’s historic neighborhoods while enjoying a local take on traditional German festivities. 

Friday, September 25: Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch

The weekend begins Friday evening with the Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch, running from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Rather than gathering everyone in one festival area, the Volksmarch encourages participants to stroll through Historic St. Andrews and Historic Downtown Panama City, visiting participating restaurants and pubs along the way. Locations will offer craft beer, German-inspired food and special Oktoberfest offerings.

Participants can pick up a Volksmarch passport and collect stamps as they visit participating businesses. The passport program was expanded to two days for 2026 and into both historic neighborhoods. Completed passports can be turned in at the Destination Panama City booth during Saturday’s Oktoberfest for a chance to win an Oktoberfest prize basket. 

Friday Schedule — September 25

• 5:00–9:00 p.m. — Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch

• Explore participating pubs and restaurants in Historic St. Andrews and Historic Downtown

• Enjoy Oktoberfest-themed food, drinks and specials

• Collect stamps in the official event passport

Destination Panama City has indicated that the final list of participating Volksmarch locations is still coming soon. 

What Does “Volksmarch” Mean?

The word Volksmarch comes from the German Volksmarsch, meaning “people’s march.” Traditionally, volksmarching developed as a noncompetitive walking activity in Europe, emphasizing recreation, community and enjoying the journey rather than racing to a finish line. 

Panama City has put its own Oktoberfest spin on that concept. Instead of a traditional set-distance walking route, the local Volksmarch is designed as a leisurely passport-style journey between participating restaurants and pubs. The idea remains similar: get out, walk around, socialize and experience the community at your own pace.

Saturday, September 26: Volksmarch Continues

The Volksmarch returns Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., giving participants another opportunity to visit locations in Downtown and St. Andrews and finish collecting passport stamps. Completed passports must be turned in at the Destination Panama City tent at Oktoberfest by 8:00 p.m. Saturday to be entered for the prize basket. 

Then the main celebration gets underway Downtown.

38th Annual Oktoberfest in Downtown Panama City

From 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, Harrison Avenue becomes the center of Panama City’s Oktoberfest celebration.

The festival stretches along Harrison Avenue from East 5th Street to Beach Drive, with the main stage on the lawn of the Panama City Center for the Arts, 19 East 4th Street. Visitors can expect German-inspired food, refreshments, vendors, music and competitions for both adults and children. 

Saturday Oktoberfest Schedule

12:00–8:00 p.m. — Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch
3:00–4:00 p.m. — Live Music
4:00–4:30 p.m. — Kids Pretzel Toss
4:30–5:30 p.m. — Live Music
5:30–6:30 p.m. — Stein Hoisting Competition
6:30–7:30 p.m. — Live Music
7:30–8:00 p.m. — Costume Competition
8:00–9:00 p.m. — Live Music 

The Kids Pretzel Toss is open to children ages 12 and younger, while the Stein Hoisting Competition is for adults 21 and older. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to break out the lederhosen, dirndls and other German-inspired clothing for the evening costume competition.

Live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening will include traditional favorites, dancing and lively polka mashups. Food vendors and local merchants will round out the festival atmosphere with treats, beverages, crafts, jewelry, clothing and other items. 

Why Do We Celebrate Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest traces its roots to Munich, Germany, in 1810, when festivities celebrating the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese concluded with a large public horse race on October 17. The celebration proved popular enough to return the following year, eventually developing into the famous annual Bavarian folk festival known around the world today. 

Although the name says October, modern Oktoberfest celebrations traditionally begin in September. Munich itself moved the festival earlier in the calendar in the 19th century to take advantage of more favorable late-summer weather. 

Panama City’s version carries forward the festival’s emphasis on food, music, tradition, hospitality and gathering together as a community, while adding plenty of local flavor.

For anyone planning to purchase alcohol Saturday, bring a valid ID. Festival bars are cash only, although an ATM will be available on site. Admission to both the Volksmarch and Oktoberfest is free.

From Friday night’s stroll through two historic neighborhoods to Saturday’s music, pretzels, steins and costumes on Harrison Avenue, Oktoberfest Weekend offers two days to celebrate fall, German tradition and the Panama City community.

Official Oktoberfest Weekend Details – Destination Panama City

Panama City Farmer’s Market “Downtown Panama City” Saturday 8AM-1PM

The Market at St. Andrews “Historic St, Andrews” Saturday 9AM-1PM

📺 Panama City Spotlight YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight

🎬 YouTube Playlists

https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight/playlists

👍 Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight

👥 Join our Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanamaCitySpotlight

🍴 Panhandle Fork - Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleFork

🍴 Panhandle Fork - Join our Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanhandleFork