Panama City Beach, FL., March 3, 2014 - Long known for its emerald-green waters and sugar white sand shores, Panama City Beach continues to thrive as a REAL.FUN.BEACH and has become the ultimate coastal playground for its array of year-round events and Southern hospitality. In 2014, the destination will once again host another exciting lineup of concerts, festivals and plenty of Florida sunshine for all ages to enjoy.
Below is an overview of events being held in Panama City Beach in 2014:
Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival, Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2014
The two-day festival and parade takes place in and around Pier Park and is one of the most fun Mardi Gras events anywhere. The event is perfect for the whole family and includes a Mardi Gras Kidz Zone, float tours, Fat Tuesday Street Fair and live musical performances by Zydeco Zoo and Dr. John & the Nite Trippers.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 23-27, 2014
Named "Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA" by JazzIZ Magazine and recently nominated as "Best Jazz Festival" at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines the top national smooth jazz artists with a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches, and good times - all on the west end of Panama City Beach. The event now attracts over 20,000 fans from the USA, Canada, and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, April 30-May 4 / Oct. 1-5, 2014
Known as "The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States," the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach during the first weekend in May and mid-October. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.
There's Music in the Air in Panama City Beach
Throughout the summer, visitors and locals gather for the free summer concert series at Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater, where live performances in the open air amphitheater set the tone for summer. The PCB Summer Concert Series takes place every Thursday night, and Groovin' on the Green offers a scaled down version of the open air concert series on Monday nights.
4th of July Spectacular, July 4, 2014
Panama City Beach celebrates Fourth of July in style at Pier Park. Families can enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, children's activities, tasty food and drinks, as well as a breathtaking fireworks display.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, Aug. 29-31, 2014
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 as they take to the stage on the beach then, as the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.
Lobster Festival and Tournament - Sept. 18-21, 2014
Schooners sets the stage for the largest lobster festival in Florida, as the 25th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament, gives divers a chance to compete, and attendees a chance to eat 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 16th year, and takes place on the beach behind Schooners. For more information, visit www.schooners.com.
Pier Fishing Challenge, Oct. 2014
To showcase the world-class fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is luring avid anglers with weekend-long pier fishing tournaments this fall. Through the month of October, the City Pier vs. County Pier Challenge guarantees a prize purse totaling $7,500. Extending more than 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the M.B. Miller Pier (County Pier) and the Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier) are two of the longest on the Gulf Coast and are prime fishing spots for anglers of all ages. There is no fee to enter the contest - anyone fishing from the pier is automatically entered into the tournament.
Pirates of the High Seas Festival, Oct. 10-11, 2014
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 dueling fireworks display reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas.
Seafood and Music Festival, Oct. 17-19, 2014
The Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival celebrates seafood, fishing, culinary arts, music, entertainment, arts and culture. Headliners last year included Collective Soul, Better than Ezra, Loverboy, and Foreigner.
Ironman Florida, Nov. 1, 2014
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 http://ironmanflorida.com.
Emerald Coast Cruizin', Nov. 3-8, 2014
The annual event at Aaron Bessant Park is perfect for families and attracts thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks.
Panama City Beach's Biggest Loser Half Marathon/5K RunWalk and Health Expo, Dec. 27-30, 2014
The REAL.FUN.BEACH has partnered with Dan and Jackie Evans, season five contestants on NBC's hit show "The Biggest Loser," to offer the RunWalk as a non-intimidating environment for everyone. Participants will walk, jog and run the course with the stunning emerald green waters and sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico serving as a backdrop.
Seventh Annual Beach Ball Drop, Dec. 31, 2014
Celebrate New Year's on the beach! A family-friendly countdown at 8 p.m. culminates with fireworks and 10,000 beach balls being dropped over the crowd. As the seconds tick down to midnight, thousands of revelers watch an 800-pound glowing beach ball descend to signify the start of a New Year.