New and returning events showcase fun and quirky culture of the city

Panama City, FL – January 01, 2018 – The sunny destination of Panama City, Florida is known for world-class sailing conditions, artistically-rich neighborhoods and art galleries. But this year, the city is showcasing its growing culture by welcoming a diverse lineup of performances, new dining options and assorted events to the area.

“We are excited to bring new events to Panama City this year,” says Jennifer Vigil, Destination Panama City President and CEO. “With new additions to the Oyster Trail and a new muddy obstacle course, as well as the return of some town favorites, Panama City has a lot to offer in 2018.”

Below is a review of new and returning events in Panama City this year.

St. Andrews Mardi Gras Returns to Panama City
Panama City’s most popular parade, the St. Andrews Mardi Gras, returns February 2-3. Hosted by the Krewe of St. Andrews, tens of thousands of beads will be tossed into crowds of 50,000. At least 14 Krewes will perform at the event, beginning with a kids and pets parade on Friday and culminating with the main parade on Saturday. For more information about this free event, or to purchase VIP tickets, visit www.standrewsmardigras.com.

Runners Storm the Panhandle for Inaugural Panama City Warrior Dash
For the first time, this national 5K obstacle course will race into Panama City on March 10. Warrior Dash specializes in challenging and muddy obstacle courses for the adventurous, with participants leaping over fire and trudging through mud to make it to the finish line. For registration and more information, visit www.warriordash.com.

Panama City Welcomes Returning Sailing Regattas
Sunfish sailors from all over the world will come to Panama City this year for two internationally-recognized regattas. The ISCA Masters World Championship will run from March 17-20, and sailors ages 40 and up will compete for the Sunfish title. The USSCA National Championship at Midwinters will run from March 21-24 and will act as a Pan American Games qualifying event. Sailors will compete for three slots to quality their country to sail in the Olympic-style 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. For more information, visit www.bayartsevents.com/regattas.

Below is a review of the food festivals and restaurants in Panama City this year.
One Harrison Food + Wine Returns a Second Year
Returning for a second year, the One Harrison Food + Wine Festival has been moved to the cooler month of November and will take place over two days in Historic Downtown Panama City on the marina. The area will come alive with food, wine, craft beers, cocktails, chef demos, live music, art and retail from November 2-3. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/OneHarrisonFW/.

Panama City Expands Oyster Trail
Multiple new restaurants will join the Panama City Oyster Trail in 2018, including the Black and White Tavern. Comprised of venues throughout the city that serve oysters, prepared any way, the trail is designed to connect visitors with local oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants. For more information visit www.destinationpanamacity.com/.

Below are the arts and entertainment offerings in Panama City for this year.
Panama City’s Songwriter Festival Showcases Lyrical Wordsmiths
A new event featuring live music from artists and songwriters is coming to Panama City. Panama City’s Songwriter Festival is happening from November 17-18. For more information on this inaugural event, visit www.facebook.com/PCSongwriter.

Strummin’ Man Festival Returns to Panama City This Fall
Another round of ukulele concerts and workshops will be held at the marina in Historic St. Andrews for this year’s Strummin’ Man Festival. The city will welcome both international ukulele artists, as well as local and visiting ukulele enthusiasts for the festival’s jam sessions and open-mike stages. Dates for this festival have not been announced yet but visit www.standrewsukes.org for more information.

Fall Favorites Return Year After Year to Panama City
A number of fan favorite events will be returning to Panama City this fall. Celebrate autumn with a sampling of over 200 craft beers, ciders and meads at PC Oktoberfest. Or test your artistic ability at Panama City Creative Con with workshops, panels and cosplay contests October 6-7. Soak in sultry jazz music at Jazz by the Bay October 12-13 at Oaks-By-the-Bay Park, where you can spend the weekend alongside renowned musicians. Panama City’s dynamic art scene continues to blossom with the fifth annual Public Eye SOAR, an international projection art festival with projections on buildings around the town November 2-3. As fall continues into winter, celebrate Christmas with the Panama City Boat Parade of Lights.

Marina Civic Center Brings the Musical Arts to Panama City
Overlooking the clear waters of St. Andrews Bay, the Marina Civic Center hosts events and performances only a short walk from downtown Panama City. This spring’s lineup includes the opera Madama Butterfly, a live performance of the Wizard of Oz and Panama City POPs Orchestra “How Suite It Is.” For tickets or a full events schedule, visit www.marinaciviccenter.com/events.

Martin Theatre Provides Music and Laughter
Originally built in 1936, the art deco Martin Theater is home to movies, plays and receptions in the city, and its façade still dons the picturesque 1950s marquee. This season’s events include performances by renowned comedian Henry Cho, the Beatles cover band the Mersey Beatles and the raucously funny Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses. For even more events or to purchase tickets, visit www.martintheatre.com/events.