Press Release

Panama City’s 2026 Independence Day Celebrations Bring Fireworks and Fun for America’s 250th

Panama City, FL – 05/06/26 – The July 4th Salute Freedom festival returns to historic downtown Panama City and the shores of St. Andrews Bay on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The community is invited to the Panama City Marina, located at 1 Harrison Avenue, for an afternoon of patriotic family fun, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display, to celebrate the 250years since the founding of our great nation.

Event Highlights:

Live Entertainment – Experience live music and phenomenal performances on two stages.

Stage 1

  • 4:00pm – Zack Miller Band
  • 6:00pm – 12Eleven
  • 8:00pm – Last Left

Stage 2

  • 5:00pm – Anne Cline & The Dirty Peaches
  • 7:00pm – Sons of Saints

Family Fun Zone – Enjoy a diverse line-up of exciting activities for children of all ages including face painting and themed crafts.

Food and Refreshments – An array of food trucks and refreshment booths will offer all your favorite summertime flavors from savory to sweet plus icy treats. APPLY HERE

Local Vendors – Shop a wide assortment of handcrafted goods from talented local vendors including jewelry, accessories, and gifts. APPLY HERE

Fireworks Display – An exhilarating display of fireworks will illuminate the night sky over St. Andrews Bay starting at 9:00 p.m. with audio simulcast provided by iHeart Radio. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs for optimal viewing from the Panama City Marina.

Destination Panama City is honored to host this milestone event, in partnership with the City of Panama City, providing family, friends, and neighbors the opportunity to gather together and celebrate our shared values of independence, freedom, and unity that epitomize the American spirit.

The July 4th Salute to Freedom festival is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of community sponsors:

  • Beverage Sponsor: Buffalo Rock-Pepsi
  • Kid’s Zone Sponsor: The St. Joe Community Foundation
  • Official Radio Sponsor: iHeart Media
  • Official Television Sponsor: WJHG
  • Craft Beer Sponsor: History Class Brewing Company
  • Cooling Zone Sponsor: Innovations Financial Credit Union
  • Fireworks Sponsor: Bill Cramer Chevrolet GMC

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Destination Panama City and the City of Panama City to bring such a joyous and historic celebration to our community.” – Will Cramer, speaking on behalf of Bill Cramer Chevrolet GMC.

For information on additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected].

Whether you’re enjoying festivities downtown, cruising the bay, or celebrating in your neighborhood, Destination Panama City invites you to make lasting memories this Independence Day. Come be part of the tradition, the excitement, and the joy that make July 4th in Panama City truly unforgettable.

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ABOUT PANAMA CITY

Embraced by beautiful St. Andrew Bay on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Panama City offers a myriad of water sports ranging from world-class sailing to some of the best year round in-shore and off-shore fishing in the U.S. Off the water, visitors to the Northwest Florida city delight in the sunny destination’s eclectically rich neighborhoods offering a thriving visual and performing arts scene, a range of dining that makes full use of bounteous local seafood, and diverse shopping and antiquing. To contact Destination Panama City directly call 850-215-1700. Please visit destinationpanamacity.com , and follow on Facebook and Instagram. Join the conversation at #destinationpanamacity.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Vigil
Destination Panama City
[email protected]
(850) 215-1700