11 Best Festivals in Florida: Plan your road trip around these Panama City Festivals
Sun-kissed days and festival fun galore await on your next road trip to experience all of the Panama City Festivals – Panama City’s soul explodes in vibrant festivals all year round, making it one the best places for festivals in Florida! From Mardi Gras madness to documentary film fests, this coastal gem offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for every road-tripping adventurer. So buckle up, music lovers, art enthusiasts, and festival fanatics, because we’re crafting the ultimate itinerary to Panama City festivals, fueled by beads, beats, and unforgettable memories.
Table of Contents
Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras: 3 Days of Epic Celebration!
Let loose and the good times roll at the undisputed king of the Panama City festival scene: the Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras. Immerse yourself in 3 days of epic revelry, with dazzling parades bursting with colorful floats, glittering beads flying through the air, and pulsating live music electrifying the streets. From family-friendly fun at the kids’ and pet parades to the main event’s electrifying spectacle, this Mardi Gras experience is pure Panama City magic, and one of the best festivals in Florida.
FLLUXE: Where Art Explodes on the Streets
Craving an artistic immersion unlike any other? Dive headfirst into FLLUXE, a multi-disciplinary extravaganza transforming this Panama City Festival into an open-air museum of street art, music, and dance. Witness captivating murals come alive under the Florida sun, groove to vibrant music performances, and marvel at interactive installations. FLLUXE, held every spring in March, is a sensory feast, pushing the boundaries of creativity and leaving you buzzing with inspiration.
Redfish Film Fest: A Cinematic Getaway
For the film enthusiast, the Redfish Film Fest is a cinematic oasis. Immerse yourself in a diverse selection of independent films, documentaries, and shorts, screened at a host of venues in Downtown Panama City. Discover innovative filmmakers, witness captivating stories unfold, and engage in lively discussions with fellow film enthusiasts. Redfish Film Fest is your passport to a world of captivating narratives and thought-provoking journeys. New to the scene of festivals in Florida, this is one of the Panama City Festivals you won’t want to miss. This event is held each spring in April.
Salute to Freedom 4th of July: Celebrate Independence Day in style!
The Panama City Salute to Freedom is an all-day festival that features live music, delicious food, kid-friendly activities, and vendors, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the bay. Rent glow paddles for an extra-special view from the water, or splurge on VIP tickets for access to air conditioned comfort and a second-floor viewing deck.
Backstage Pass: Discover Musical Gems
Uncover Panama City festivals rich musical heritage through the Backstage Pass Concert Series. This free event offers intimate experiences with talented local and national musicians, creating immersive and one-of-a-kind concerts. Catch the series in Spring and Fall at the Panama City Marina Lawn, a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving its vibrant arts scene.
Oktoberfest: Prost to Bavarian Delights!
Dust off your lederhosen and raise a stein! Panama City’s Oktoberfest is always one of the best festivals in Florida that brings a taste of Bavaria to the coast. Indulge in authentic German fare, sing along to lively oompah music, and participate in traditional games like yodeling and stein-holding competitions. From delicious sausages to festive costumes, Oktoberfest is a joyous celebration of Bavarian culture, with a splash of fun to enjoy Panama City festivals.
Jazz by the Bay: Let the Rhythms Wash Over You
Immerse yourself in the smooth sounds of jazz under the Florida sky at Jazz by the Bay. This enchanting festival gathers renowned jazz musicians from around the country, creating a captivating sonic tapestry by the water’s edge. Bring your blanket, pack a picnic, and let the rhythmic melodies of saxophone, trumpet, and piano carry you away on a wave of musical bliss.
Downtown After Dark: A Late-Night Cultural Exploration
Panama City sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. But the party’s just getting started! Grab your dancing shoes and an empty stomach, because Downtown After Dark is roaring to life! Pulse-pounding music spills from open-air venues, drawing you into a vibrant street scene. Food trucks tempt with global flavors, while the cash bar keeps your thirst quenched. Let loose under the night sky, sway to the rhythm, and rock the night away! Downtown After Dark – your weekend soundtrack awaits.
Songwriters Festival: Discover the Heart of Music
Get an inside glimpse into the soul of music at the Songwriters Festival. This intimate gathering celebrates the artistry of songwriting, featuring talented musicians who share their creative process and perform their original works. Listen to stories behind the songs, connect with passionate artists, and discover the magic that breathes life into the music you love.
Public Eye Soar: Digital Projection Art Transforms the City
For a close to a decade, Public Eye SOAR has brought Panama City to life with an eclectic show of vibrant lights and lively sounds. Step into an immersive art experience with stunning digital projection displays from local and international artists. This free festival transforms the city into a magical land of color and light, leaving you breathless with its symphony of color dancing across the buildings, transforming every brick and every facade into a canvas of imagination.
Panama City Boat Parade of Lights: Maritime Merriment
The holiday season sets sail in Panama City, Florida with the annual Panama City Boat Parade of Lights. This cherished community tradition sees the bay transformed into a coastal Christmas wonderland, as decked-out vessels glide across the bay. It’s a magical evening filled with dazzling lights and maritime merriment!
Find More Events in Panama City and the Best Festivals in Florida
Stay connected and find all of the exciting events happening in Panama City, Florida! This vibrant city offers a diverse range of activities, from art and music festivals to the grandest parades in Bay County. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply enjoy immersing yourself in the local culture, there’s something for everyone.
Every week, you can discover an array of events such as live music performances, comedy shows that will have you laughing out loud, trivia nights to test your knowledge, and even beer tastings for the craft beer aficionados. To keep up with the bustling event scene in Panama City, be sure to visit our events page. We update it daily to provide you with the most current information on all the exciting happenings in the city. So grab your calendar and head over to the events page to discover the vibrant and diverse events scene in Panama City, Florida!