Looking for some of the best festivals in Florida to add to your travel calendar? Panama City brings together art, live music, food, culture and waterfront celebrations throughout the year, giving you plenty of reasons to plan a road trip to St. Andrews Bay.

Spring brings colorful art and Mardi Gras traditions, summer puts live music along the waterfront, fall fills the calendar with Oktoberfest celebrations, and the holiday season ends the year with illuminated boats sailing across the bay. With festivals spanning every season, your next Panama City getaway can start with an event and turn into a full weekend of exploring.

Use this guide to discover Panama City festivals worth planning a Florida road trip around, then check the Panama City events calendar for dates and details as you plan your visit.

Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras

Let the good times roll in Historic St. Andrews during the annual Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras. This multi-day celebration brings colorful floats, flying beads, live entertainment and plenty of Mardi Gras spirit to one of Panama City’s historic waterfront neighborhoods.

The celebration includes festivities for all ages, including kids’ and pet parades leading up to the main parade. Make a weekend of it and spend time exploring Historic St. Andrews, where locally owned restaurants, shops, parks and views of St. Andrews Bay are all nearby.

FLLUXE Arts Festival

Each spring, FLLUXE celebrates the creativity that runs throughout Panama City. The multidisciplinary arts festival brings together visual art, live performances and interactive experiences for a colorful celebration of the city’s arts community.

The festival also provides the perfect starting point for an arts-focused getaway. Follow the Panama City Mural Trail, explore local galleries and studios, or stop by the Panama City Center for the Arts to discover even more of the city’s creative side..

Groove Fest

Music, dancing and waterfront views come together during Groove Fest at the Destination Panama City Visitors Center.

Set along St. Andrews Bay, this summer music festival brings musicians together for an evening filled with rhythm, blues and soul. Vendors, food and drinks round out the experience, while the waterfront setting gives festivalgoers a distinctly Panama City backdrop.

Backstage Pass Concert Series

Live music takes center stage during the Backstage Pass Concert Series, with free outdoor performances held during select dates in spring and fall.

Bring a blanket or folding chair and settle in for an evening of live music on the Panama City Marina Lawn overlooking St. Andrews Bay. Restaurants and cafés are just a short walk away, making it easy to pair the concert with dinner or drinks and turn an evening of live music into a night out in Panama City.

Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch

Kick off Oktoberfest weekend with the Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch, an Oktoberfest-inspired experience that encourages visitors to sip, savor and explore their way through two of Panama City’s historic neighborhoods.

Participating restaurants and pubs throughout Historic Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews offer craft beer, German-inspired food and seasonal specials for purchase. Pick up an event passport, collect stamps as you visit participating locations and experience local businesses along the way..

Oktoberfest in Panama City

Prost! Fall brings one of Panama City’s longest-running traditions to Historic Downtown with the annual Oktoberfest.

Harrison Avenue fills with German-inspired food, beer, live music, vendors and family-friendly activities. Festival competitions add to the fun, including the Kids Pretzel Toss and Stein Hoisting Competition, while festive attire brings plenty of Bavarian flair to the celebration.

Panama City Songwriters Festival

Hear the stories behind the music during the annual Panama City Songwriters Festival. Songwriters gather in Panama City for intimate performances that pair original music with the stories, inspiration and creative process behind each song.

Performances take place at venues throughout Historic Downtown Panama City, making it easy to move between shows while exploring local restaurants and businesses along the way.

Public Eye SOAR

November brings an entirely different kind of Florida festival to Panama City. Public Eye SOAR fills Gulf Coast State College with light, sound and imagination during two nights of digital art.

Projection art from local and international artists is joined by live performances, animation, short films, photography, interactive activities and other creative displays. Since beginning in 2014, Public Eye SOAR has featured work from hundreds of artists representing more than 45 countries and territories. The festival is free and open to all ages.

Panama City Boat Parade of Lights

The holiday season sets sail during the annual Panama City Boat Parade of Lights.

Boats decked out in colorful lights and holiday decorations make their way across St. Andrews Bay, creating one of Panama City’s most beloved holiday traditions. Find a waterfront viewing spot and watch the illuminated vessels pass by as the city celebrates Christmas bayside.

Turn a Florida Festival Into a Panama City Getaway

A festival can be the reason you choose the weekend, but there is plenty to fill the rest of your Panama City itinerary.

Spend time on St. Andrews Bay with a fishing charter, sailing excursion or paddleboarding adventure. Explore Historic Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews, follow the Panama City Mural Trail, browse locally owned shops and galleries, or discover the city’s history through museums and self-guided walking tours.

Then make your way to a local restaurant for fresh Gulf seafood, follow the Panama City Oyster Trail or find a waterfront table and end the day with one of Panama City’s signature sunsets.

Find More Festivals and Events in Panama City, Florida

Panama City’s festival calendar gives travelers reasons to visit throughout the year, with celebrations centered around music, art, food, culture, community and the waterfront.

If you’re searching for the best festivals in Florida for your next road trip, start with an event that catches your attention and build a Panama City getaway around it. Check the Panama City events calendar for upcoming festivals, concerts, markets, performances and other events happening during your stay.

Book Your Stay in Panama City

Turn your favorite Panama City festival into a full weekend getaway. Stay close to the action and give yourself more time to explore St. Andrews Bay, historic neighborhoods, local restaurants, shops, arts and outdoor adventures before and after the event.

Find the perfect home base for your trip, from waterfront stays to familiar hotel favorites, and start planning your festival weekend in Panama City.

Frequently Asked Questions About Festivals in Panama City, Florida

What are some of the best festivals in Florida?

Panama City hosts festivals throughout the year celebrating art, music, food, culture and the waterfront. Annual favorites include Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras, FLLUXE, Groove Fest, Oktoberfest, the Panama City Songwriters Festival, Public Eye SOAR and the Panama City Boat Parade of Lights.

What festivals are held in Panama City, Florida?

Panama City hosts annual festivals and special events throughout the year, including Mardi Gras celebrations, arts festivals, waterfront music events, Oktoberfest and Volksmarch, songwriter performances, digital projection art and holiday traditions on St. Andrews Bay.

Are there fall festivals in Panama City, Florida?

Yes. Fall is filled with Panama City festivals and events. The Downtown & St. Andrews Volksmarch and Oktoberfest take place in September, while the Panama City Songwriters Festival and Public Eye SOAR take place in November. The Backstage Pass Concert Series also offers outdoor live music during the fall season.

Are Panama City festivals family-friendly?

Many Panama City festivals include experiences for families and visitors of all ages. Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras includes kids’ festivities, Oktoberfest features family-friendly activities, and Public Eye SOAR is a free, all-ages celebration of art, light and creativity. Check individual event details when planning your visit.

When is the best time to visit Panama City for festivals?

Panama City hosts festivals throughout the year, so the best time depends on the experiences you want to enjoy. Spring brings arts and cultural events, summer features waterfront music, fall includes Oktoberfest and music and arts celebrations, and December brings the Boat Parade of Lights.

Can I plan a Florida road trip around Panama City festivals?

Absolutely. Panama City’s annual festivals can serve as the centerpiece of a weekend road trip. Add time on St. Andrews Bay, historic neighborhoods, local dining, arts and culture, shopping and outdoor adventures to turn the event into a two or three-day Panama City getaway.