Panama City Beach Oktoberfest Returns October 16

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest Returns October 16–18

Three days of German beer, food, live music and family fun return to Aaron Bessant Park

Frank Gotaas

Oct 10, 2026

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest returns to Aaron Bessant Park October 16–18, bringing three days of German beer, hearty food, live music, competitions and family-friendly fun to the Pier Park area.

This year marks the ninth edition of the fall festival, which transforms the park into a Gulf Coast take on a traditional Bavarian celebration with a massive 150-by-50-foot Oktoberfest tent, two outdoor beer gardens and a VIP area under the main tent.

The festival opens Friday at 4 p.m., runs from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and returns from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Aaron Bessant Park, 500 West Park Drive in Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest Schedule

Friday, October 16

Friday starts at 4 p.m. with the festival opening and live music from the Czechers through 6:30 p.m.

The traditional keg tapping is scheduled for 5:10 p.m., followed by stein-hoisting contests at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and a tug-of-war challenge at 7 p.m.

The Czechers return from 8 to 10 p.m., with the festival closing at 11 p.m.

Saturday, October 17

Saturday is the longest day of the weekend, opening at noon and continuing until 11 p.m.

Polka Dots perform from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by the Czechers from 3 to 7:15 p.m. and Sons of Saints from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

A best-dressed contest is scheduled for 3 p.m., giving anyone in lederhosen, dirndls or other Oktoberfest-inspired outfits a chance to join the fun.

Stein-hoisting contests are set for 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., with tug-of-war scheduled for 5:15 p.m.

Sunday, October 18

Sunday opens at noon with the Czechers performing from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 3 to 5 p.m.

Stein hoisting is scheduled at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with tug-of-war at 2 p.m. before the festival closes at 5 p.m.

Sunday also comes with a special deal for local residents.

Panama City Beach residents and anyone who lives in Bay County can receive free Sunday admission by using promo code LOCAL when purchasing online and showing local identification at the gate.

German beer and festival food

The beer lineup includes well-known German names such as Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr, along with Samuel Adams Octoberfest and a selection of domestic and local craft beers.

Food is just as much a part of the experience, with bratwurst, smoked brats, meterwurst, hot dogs with or without sauerkraut, schnitzel, giant pretzels and other German-inspired favorites expected throughout the weekend.

The combination of cold beer, warm pretzels and live polka-style entertainment is the part that gives PCB Oktoberfest its unmistakable festival feel.

Family fun beyond the beer garden

Oktoberfest is designed as more than an adults-only beer event, with bounce houses, face painting, carnival-style games, a photo booth and interactive activities for children included with paid general admission.

Guests can also browse vendor booths, cheer on the stein-hoisting competitors, watch tug-of-war battles or simply settle in under the big tent for music and dancing.

General admission, Stein and Beer Pass and VIP ticket options are available, with the upgraded packages adding items such as a festival stein, beer fills and other perks depending on the package.

Families should also note one change for 2026: dogs and other pets will NOT be allowed inside Oktoberfest this year.

Whether you come for a German beer, the food, live music, the competitions or an afternoon with the kids, Panama City Beach Oktoberfest gives locals and visitors another reason to enjoy a fall weekend at the beach.

The published schedule is subject to change, so guests may want to check the official event schedule before heading to Aaron Bessant Park.

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