Festival season ramps up this fall as Panama City Beach continues to thrive as a year-round destination with an array of concerts and events for all ages. Kicking off in September, the beachside community has plenty of fun planned on their fall calendar, from the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam on Labor Day weekend to the annual Emerald Coast Cruizin’ in November.   

“Fall is a favorite time of year for visitors and locals alike. The peak heat of summer passes, but the sun continues to shine,” shares President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach Dan Rowe. “With some of country music’s greatest acts and family-friendly festivals like Pirates of the High Seas Fest arriving to Panama City Beach this fall, there’s no better time for the family to visit our award-winning beaches.”

Below is an overview of the 2016 fall events being held in Panama City Beach:

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, Sept. 2-4, 2016
This Labor Day weekend, the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will bring the best of today’s country music to the beach. Festival-goers will get a chance to see many of the biggest names in country music including Brad Paisley, Jake Owen, Eric Church and Lynyrd Skynyrd as they take to the stage at Frank Brown Park. Patrons can ride free shuttles to the concert from many locations across the beach. For more information, visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.

Lobster Festival and Tournament, Sept 12-18, 2016
Schooners sets the stage for the largest lobster festival in Florida as the 27th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament gives divers a chance to compete and attendees a chance to enjoy dozens of amazing lobster dishes. Tournament participants compete in a variety of categories including Spiny lobster, Shovelnose lobster and Big 6. Weigh-ins begin on Saturday and end Sunday with grand prizes and a Lobster Feast. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest is now in its 19th year, and takes place on the beach behind Schooners. For more information, visit http://www.schooners.com/events/lobsterfestival.htm.

The 3rd Annual Chasin’ the Sun Music Festival, Sept 23-24. 2016
Stretch your summer by chasin’ the sun to the area’s newest concert tradition. The free concert will be held just steps from the beach at the beautiful Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater and features headlining acts including Charlie Brown’s Tribute to the Coasters, Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, the Tams, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and The Panama City POPS Orchestra performing Windbourne’s Music of Journey. For more information, visit http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/chasinthesun/.

Pirates of the High Seas Festival, Oct. 7-9, 2016
Columbus Day weekend will bring a wave of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the coastal community, the festival will include an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, culminating with a fireworks display and pirates reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas. For more information, visit http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/piratesofthehighseas/.

UNwineD, Oct. 14-15, 2016
The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce’s “UNwineD: Vines to Steins” celebrates wine, craft beer, gourmet coastal fare and live music. Visit www.unwinedpcb.com for the 2016 lineup when it becomes available.

Ironman Florida, Nov. 5, 2016
What began as a challenge between groups of Navy Seals has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, with the Florida edition of the challenge serving as one of the most popular races on the circuit. For more information, visit www.ironmanflorida.com.  

Emerald Coast Cruizin’, Nov. 7-12, 2016
The annual event at Aaron Bessant Park is perfect for families and attracts thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks.  Live music will also be provided during the event.  For more information, visit www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com.

Beach Home for the Holidays, Thanksgiving Weekend
For the second year, Panama City Beach is giving visitors an opportunity to establish a new, fun family tradition over Thanksgiving – Gathering for a beach vacation where everyone can enjoy relaxation and fun, from traditional dinner and shopping activities, to free concerts and holiday displays. To see schedule and musical lineup when its announced: http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/holidays/

For more information on Panama City Beach, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.