Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally returns to Panama City Beach October 21–25 with five days of custom bikes, live music, vendors, motorcycle shows and rally events.

Frank Brown Park anchors daytime activities with the Vendor Village, Iron & Chrome Collective Museum on Wheels, bike shows and live music.

Crossroads hosts major custom-bike and motorcycle-audio competitions, while The Bike Rack adds stunt sessions, biker games, contests and bands.

McGuire’s Irish Pub, Hammerhead Fred’s, Sharky’s Beachfront and Harley-Davidson PCB round out the official and partner venue lineup.

Because events overlap across Panama City Beach, checking the daily Thunder Beach schedule before heading out is the easiest way to plan the weekend.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral created a glowing “space jellyfish” across the dawn sky on October 13.

The effect formed when the rocket’s expanding exhaust plume climbed into sunlight high above Earth while observers below were still in darker early-morning conditions.

The launch was the CRS-35 cargo mission to the International Space Station, carrying more than 6,300 pounds of science experiments, supplies and station hardware.

The Falcon 9 first-stage booster later returned to Landing Zone 40, while Cargo Dragon continued toward the station.

Early-morning and evening Florida launches can sometimes produce the same dramatic jellyfish effect when lighting and atmospheric conditions line up.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7, giving Bay County residents time to review coverage and make changes for 2027.

Beneficiaries can switch Medicare Advantage plans, move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or join, drop or change Part D drug coverage when eligible.

Before choosing a plan, compare doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, pharmacies, premiums, deductibles, copays and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

Bay County residents can also get free, unbiased Medicare counseling through Florida's SHINE program and the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging.

Changes made during Open Enrollment take effect January 1, 2027, so starting the review early can make the decision less stressful.

Panama City Beach Oktoberfest returns October 16–18 to Aaron Bessant Park with German beer, food, live music, contests and family activities.

Friday runs from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with performances, stein-hoisting contests, tug-of-war and a Saturday best-dressed competition.

Guests can expect German favorites including brats, schnitzel and giant pretzels, plus Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Samuel Adams Octoberfest and other beer choices.

Bay County residents can get free admission Sunday by using promo code LOCAL online and showing local identification at the gate.

Families will also find bounce houses, face painting, games and a photo booth, while pets are not allowed at the 2026 festival.

Hurricane Isaias is strengthening in the Gulf and threatening Panama City and Bay County with damaging winds, heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes and dangerous storm surge.

Bay County is under hurricane and storm surge warnings, with a voluntary evacuation in effect for Zones A and B and anyone in a mobile or manufactured home.

The Deane Bozeman School shelter is opening in Panama City, while local officials are urging residents to finish preparations immediately.

Households should know their evacuation and flood zones, sign up for AlertBay, secure outdoor items and maintain at least seven days of water, food, medications and other emergency supplies.

Residents should continue following official updates because the track, intensity and local impacts can change quickly.

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.

The PCB Seafood Festival returns to Capt. Anderson’s Marina October 16–18 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.

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.

Fall fishing season is about to get even more exciting in Panama City Beach. The 4th Annual Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo returns October 3–11, 2026, bringing nine days of competition, daily weigh-ins and family-friendly activities to Capt. Anderson’s Marina on Grand Lagoon.

Hosted by the Bay County Artificial Reef Association (BCARA), this year’s rodeo will feature $32,000 in cash prizes and a wide range of divisions designed to include experienced offshore anglers as well as recreational fishermen, divers and those fishing closer to shore. 

A Fishing Rodeo for Just About Everyone

One of the things that makes the PCB Fishing Rodeo different from a traditional offshore tournament is the number of ways people can participate.

If your child lights up at the sight of a fire truck, construction vehicle or anything with a big engine, Touch-A-Truck 2026 may be one of the most exciting family events of the fall.

Presented by the City of Panama City Parks, Culture & Recreation Department, the annual Touch-A-Truck event returns Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Carl Gray Park in Panama City. Admission is free and open to the public.

Get Up Close With the Big Trucks

Touch-A-Truck gives children something they normally don't get to do: step beyond the sidewalk and get an up-close look at the vehicles they see working around Panama City every day.

The City says this year's lineup will include fire trucks, police vehicles, construction equipment, street sweepers, garbage trucks, SWAT vehicles, school buses, ambulances and more. 

Country artist Gage Cowart is getting ready to release a new song, and Panama City music fans will have the chance to celebrate it with him before the rest of the world hears it.

The Gage Cowart Band will turn its Thursday, October 1 performance at the Backstage Pass Concert Series into the official hometown release party for Cowart’s new single, “Leaving You Behind.”

The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on the Panama City Marina Lawn in Downtown Panama City. At midnight, following the show, “Leaving You Behind” officially releases on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Cowart’s October 1 appearance is part of Bay Arts Alliance’s six-week Backstage Pass series. Destination Panama City confirms the Gage Cowart Band as the featured performer that evening at the Marina Lawn, located at 7 Harrison Avenue, between Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar and Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina. Admission to the concert is free.

Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation invites the community to celebrate the start of fall with local vendors, food trucks, live music, kids’ activities and a new Touch-a-Truck experience at Aaron Bessant Park.

Fall is arriving in Panama City Beach, and the City is kicking off the season with a free community celebration. The 2026 Fall Festival & Market, presented by the City of Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation Department, takes place Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Aaron Bessant Park, located at 500 West Park Drive in Panama City Beach. 

The Fall Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the accompanying Farmers Market continues until 2 p.m. Admission is free, making it an easy Saturday outing for families looking to enjoy the beginning of the fall season together. 

More Than 60 Vendors and Local Businesses

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.

Break out the rhinestones, big hair and your favorite country-inspired outfit because Dolly Day is coming to Historic St. Andrews.

On Friday, September 25, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Little Village will host Dolly Day 9-25, a Dolly Parton-inspired evening combining music, creativity, food and plenty of opportunities to embrace a little over-the-top country glamour.

The celebration takes place at 2808 W. 12th Street in Panama City, the waterfront home shared by Little Village and FINNS Island Style Grub in St. Andrew’s. Public event listings confirm Little Village and FINNS as the setting for the September 25 celebration. 

What Would Dolly Do?

One of the activities planned for the evening is appropriately called “What Would Dolly Do?”

Historic St. Andrews will be sounding a little more tropical on Saturday, September 19, when the Little Village Conch Shell Festival 2026 returns to Panama City for its fifth year.

The all-day celebration runs from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Little Village, 2808 W. 12th Street in Panama City, bringing together live local music, food, children’s activities and, of course, plenty of conch shell blowing. The festival is held in honor of Cap’n Scuba and celebrates the fun, laid-back coastal community that has long defined Little Village and St. Andrews. 

The Cap’n Scuba Memorial Conch Shell Blowing Contest

The centerpiece of the festival is the Cap’n Scuba Memorial Conch Shell Blowing Contest, scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

The contest is open to all ages, giving festivalgoers the chance to put their conch-blowing skills to the test for prizes and bragging rights. For anyone who has never tried blowing a conch shell before, organizers are also planning on-the-spot conch shell blowing lessons during the event.

Veterans experiencing homelessness or facing the possibility of losing stable housing will have an opportunity to connect with important resources during the 19th Annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down in Panama City.

The event will be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County, located at 2230 E. 15th Street in Panama City. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs lists the event as a partnership involving the VA and the Bay County Veterans Council.

A Helping Hand for Veterans in Need

A Veterans Stand Down is designed to bring multiple services together in one convenient location so veterans do not have to navigate a complicated network of agencies on their own. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Stand Down events across the country commonly provide food, clothing, health screenings, benefits assistance and referrals for housing, employment, mental health care and other services. 

When fall arrives in Panama City, Thursday nights mean live music by the bay. Backstage Pass, one of Panama City’s longest-running concert traditions, returns in 2026 with six consecutive weeks of free outdoor concerts at the Marina Lawn in Downtown Panama City.

Presented by the Bay Arts Alliance, the 2026 series begins Thursday, September 17 and runs every Thursday through October 22. Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue until approximately 9:00 p.m. Admission is completely free.

When and Where

Dates: Thursdays, September 17–October 22, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Marina Lawn, 7 Harrison Avenue, Downtown Panama City

Admission: FREE

One of Panama City’s most familiar streets is getting statewide recognition, and now Bay County residents have an opportunity to help bring home the title. 

Harrison Avenue in Historic Downtown Panama City has been selected as one of four finalists for the 2026 Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award, presented by the American Planning Association Florida Chapter, better known as APA Florida.

This year’s theme is “Great People-Focused Places,” recognizing Florida spaces that create connections between people and their communities, preserve local identity and culture, and provide places where people genuinely want to gather and belong.

For anyone who has spent time in Downtown Panama City, it is easy to understand why Harrison Avenue made the list.

or many of us in Panama City and throughout Bay County, Labor Day weekend means an extra day with family, perhaps a trip to the beach, a backyard cookout, shopping at a local market or simply enjoying a little time away from work.

But behind the long weekend is a much deeper story.

Labor Day is ultimately about people, the men and women who get up every day, go to work, provide for their families and help keep their communities moving forward.

This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026, and it gives us an opportunity to recognize those contributions both nationally and right here at home.

Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Located at 13919 Highway 77 in Southport, Florida, La Pera’s Country Market sits along one of the area’s primary north-south routes, making it a convenient stop for residents of Southport, Lynn Haven, northern Bay County and travelers heading toward Highway 20 and points farther north.

A Local Name with Bay County Roots

The La Pera name may already be familiar to Bay County residents.

The family behind La Pera’s Sweet Shop in Lynn Haven has built its business around an old-fashioned philosophy of food, family and community. La Pera’s Sweet Shop describes its mission as bringing families together through timeless treats while combining New York traditions with Florida Panhandle hospitality.

That same appreciation for a welcoming, neighborhood-oriented experience makes the Country Market concept a natural fit for Southport.

Rather than the feel of a large supermarket or national chain, a country market offers something different, the opportunity to slow down, browse, discover something interesting and support a locally connected business.

Twenty-five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks changed the nation forever, the City of Panama City will bring the community together for a solemn morning of remembrance.

The 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony will be held Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Panama City Marina. The public is invited to attend and join local leaders, military personnel, first responders and community members in honoring the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

The ceremony is being presented by the City of Panama City in partnership with Bay County, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Tyndall Air Force Base. Organizers say the observance will also recognize the countless families, first responders, service members and communities whose lives were forever affected by the attacks and their aftermath.

A Quarter-Century of Remembrance

September 11, 2026 marks exactly 25 years since the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

Historic Downtown Panama City will be filled with music on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as local businesses and musicians come together for Play Music on the Porch Day from 5 PM to 8 PM.

The evening invites residents and visitors to slow down, stroll through downtown, discover local shops and businesses, and enjoy live music popping up throughout the historic district. Rather than gathering around one large concert stage, the idea is to make downtown itself the venue, with musicians performing at participating businesses and gathering spots.

The Panama City Downtown Improvement Board lists several participating merchants, including Gallery of Art 850, Sugar Sands Beauty Bar, Halo Glow Aesthetics, Pyramid School, and Wild Root Coffee & Tea, with music and activities spread throughout downtown.

It is an easygoing event designed for exploring. Start your evening with a walk along Harrison Avenue and the surrounding streets, stop when you hear a musician who catches your attention, browse a shop you may not have visited before, grab a drink, and then continue on to the next stop.

Families looking to stretch their budgets, clear out closets or find some great secondhand deals will want to mark their calendars for Growing Through the Years – PCB Pop-Up Consignment, coming to the Bay County Fairgrounds September 3–5, 2026.

The three-day pop-up consignment event will take place at the Central Panhandle Fairgrounds, located at 2230 E. 15th Street in Panama City. The Bay County Fairgrounds event calendar lists shopping hours as Thursday, September 3 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, September 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, September 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

More Than a Traditional Consignment Sale

Growing Through the Years was created by Kelsey Napier, who moved to Panama City Beach from Kentucky with her husband, Alex, in 2021. As a mother of two, Napier saw firsthand how quickly children outgrow clothing and other belongings, often while those items still have plenty of useful life remaining.

Historic St. Andrews is getting ready to turn its porches, patios and gathering spaces into stages for one of the neighborhood’s most unique annual music celebrations.

St. Andrews Play Music on the Porch Day returns Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout Historic St. Andrews in Panama City.

Since joining the worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day movement in 2019, St. Andrews has made the final Saturday in August a celebration of local music, community and the neighborhood’s creative spirit.

Instead of one main stage, musicians perform at locations throughout St. Andrews, allowing visitors to stroll from place to place and hear a variety of local performers along the way.

If you’re looking for a relaxed way to spend a Saturday morning in Panama City, The Market at St. Andrews is one of those local traditions worth adding to your weekend routine.

Held year-round at beautiful Oaks by the Bay Park, the community market brings together local growers, food producers, artists, makers and shoppers every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Located in the heart of Historic St. Andrews, the market combines shopping local with one of Panama City’s most scenic waterfront settings.

What You’ll Find at The Market

The Market at St. Andrews emphasizes products that are locally grown, made or created. According to Historic St. Andrews, the market focuses primarily on agricultural products, food items, arts and crafts, rather than resale merchandise. 

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
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Featuring:

Liana Legat
Luke Pinegar
Steve Gilmore

Veterans and individuals living with disabilities will have an opportunity to discover mobility resources, meet local service providers and connect with community organizations when Team Adaptive Medical hosts its First Annual Veterans Mobility Health Expo in Panama City.

The Veterans Mobility Health Expo will be held Monday, September 14, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Glenwood Community Center, 722 E. Ninth Ct., Panama City, FL 32401.

The theme of the event is “Helping Gain Independence,” with an emphasis on helping veterans and people with disabilities find services and solutions that may allow them to live more independently.

Discover Mobility and Veteran Resources

If you’ve been looking for something different to do after dinner or a new option for date night, Coastal Comedy Krew is helping grow the live stand-up comedy scene in Panama City.

Coastal Comedy Krew is a veteran-owned comedy production company based in Bay County, Florida, bringing high-quality live comedy to venues across the Florida Panhandle. From pop-up shows in unique local spaces to private parties and corporate events, Coastal Comedy Krew creates memorable experiences by pairing talented comedians with the right audience and setting.

Founded by comedian and Air Force veteran TJ Wiseman, the company is committed to growing the local comedy scene, creating opportunities for performers, and delivering professional, well-produced entertainment that brings people together through laughter.

Thursday Open Mic at Blaze & Barrel

Gulf Coast Jam 2027 has officially filled its fourth and final headliner spot, and country music fans who have been asking for Zach Top got their wish.

Zach Top has been announced as the Sunday night headliner for Gulf Coast Jam 2027, completing a four-night lineup that includes Bailey Zimmerman, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach.

The festival is scheduled for June 3–6, 2027, marking the 15th annual Gulf Coast Jam. The official festival website lists the event as a four-day celebration of country music on the Gulf Coast, with tickets and hotel packages currently available. 

Gulf Coast Jam 2027 Headliners

If you could use a few laughs this week, Panama City Comedy has you covered.

The local comedy organization is filling Bay County with live comedy, beginning with its weekly Comedy Open Mic at St. Andy's Sports Pub and continuing with back-to-back shows Friday and Saturday night at Dick's Last Resort in Panama City Beach and Mosey's Downtown in Historic Downtown Panama City.

Panama City Comedy, owned by local comedian and producer Jason Hedden, produces more than 50 comedy shows each year and has helped bring touring comedians and live stand-up to venues throughout the area. 

Here's what's coming up.

Comedy Open Mic at St. Andy's Sports Pub