One of Bay County’s longtime fall traditions is getting ready to light up Panama City once again. The 2026 Central Panhandle Fair returns Tuesday, October 6 through Saturday, October 10, bringing five days of rides, games, food and family entertainment to the Central Panhandle Fairgrounds.

The fair will be held at 2230 East 15th Street in Panama City, where generations of Bay County families have made memories walking the midway, testing their skills at carnival games and enjoying those once-a-year fair food favorites.

A Bay County Tradition Since 1945

The Central Panhandle Fair is more than carnival rides and funnel cakes. Its roots in Bay County stretch back more than 80 years.

The PCB Seafood Festival returns to Capt. Anderson’s Marina October 9–11 for a free waterfront weekend filled with seafood, live music, local vendors and family activities.

The event runs Friday from 5–9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–9 p.m., alongside the closing weekend of the Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo.

Highlights include Tuna Dip Contests, more than 80 vendors, a Kids’ Zone with bounce houses, fishing-rodeo weigh-ins and performances by Black Rayne, Purple Rayne, Chris Wade, Mick & May, Gr8ful Dads and the Will Thompson Band.

Sunday brings the big finale with the fishing-rodeo closing ceremony followed by fireworks over Grand Lagoon at 8:30 p.m.

Admission is free at Capt. Anderson’s Marina, 5550 N. Lagoon Drive in Panama City Beach.

Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest returns to Panama City Beach October 9–11 for a free three-day weekend of pirate and Renaissance-themed family fun.

Friday features the kids parade, opening ceremony, pirate entertainment, mermaids and knight meet-and-greets, while Saturday brings a full day of performances, knight combat, Fire Circus Productions and the Krewe of Dominique Youx Main Parade.

Saturday night ends with fireworks from 8 to 8:15 p.m.

Sunday continues with mermaid shows, pirate musicians, Renaissance entertainment and knight demonstrations before the festival closes at 6 p.m.

The event is centered around Pier Park and Aaron Bessant Park, with activities spread across multiple stages and festival areas.

General festival admission is free, making it an easy fall weekend adventure for families, locals and visitors.

For dog lovers, going out to eat in Panama City Beach doesn’t necessarily mean leaving your best friend back at the condo. PCB has become a surprisingly dog-friendly dining destination, with dozens of restaurants offering outdoor seating where well-behaved pups are welcome.

In fact, pet-travel site BringFido currently lists 64 dog-friendly restaurants in Panama City Beach, while Visit Panama City Beach also promotes pet-friendly dining as part of the destination’s appeal. 

Beachfront Dining With Your Pup

A few of PCB’s best-known restaurants allow dogs in designated outdoor areas.