Are you ready for the Fall season? Bay County has lots of big entertainment events coming soon, including a few in the coming days. Take a look at the list below and go to an event near you! Be sure to check the sponsors’ social media or websites to confirm details in case something has changed.
COMING UP SOON
Backstage Pass
These Thursday evening concerts will be held 7-9 p.m. Sept. 18 through Oct. 23 on the Marina lawn, 7 Harrison Ave., in downtown Panama City. The concert series is sponsored by the Bay Arts Alliance.
The series kicks off Sept. 18 with a performance by Still Standing. More at https://www.bayarts.org/backstage
‘Many Hands Make Light Work’
This exhibition from local artists Mandy Yourick and Jamie Zimchek will be at the Holley Academic Center at Florida State University Panama City from Sept. 19 to Oct. 18. Learn more here.
COMING UP LATER IN SEPTEMBER
Downtown Panama City Volksmarch
This event, 5-9 p.m. Sept. 26, encourages people to visit restaurants and pubs throughout downtown. More details at https://destinationpanamacity.com/annual-event/downtown-panama-city-volksmarch/
2025 Oktoberfest
Destination Panama City will host its annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 27. This will be the 37th Oktoberfest event in downtown Panama City.
This year’s event will be from 3 to 9 p.m. on Harrison Avenue from East Fifth Street to Oak Avenue. The main stage will be on the Panama City Center for the Arts lawn, 19 E. Fourth St.
Central Panhandle Fair in Bay County
The fair will run Sept. 30-Oct. 4 this year at the fairgrounds, 2230 E. 15th St., Panama City. Enjoy rides, food and so much more. Full details at https://baycountyfair.org/event/2025-central-panhandle-fair-in-bay-county/
COMING UP IN OCTOBER
Panama City Beach Oktoberfest
This will be Oct. 3-5 at Aaron Bessant Park, Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Live music, beer, food, contests and more.
Full details at https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/event/panama-city-beach-oktoberfest/27297/
FSU PC Career Fair
Though not entertainment, this is a big entry on the Fall calendar. Employers across Northwest Florida will gather at Florida State University Panama City for the fall Career & Internship Fair to hire college students and community members.
The Career & Internship Fair will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, in the Holley Academic Center’s St. Joe Community Foundation Lecture Hall, 4750 Collegiate Drive.
Fourth annual Bay County Writers Fest
This event, hosted by the Bay County Library Public Library in partnership with Gulf Coast State College, will be 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the library, 898 W. 11th St.. Panama City. More at https://www.nwrls.com/events/
Concerts in the Park series
These events, organized by Bay County government, run 4-7 p.m. and are free.
Isaac Byrd Park, 100 Harvard Blvd., Lynn Haven, Oct. 4: Performance by Tracy Mick. Food available for purchase from Tri-R-Tips Barbecue, Ledbetter Food Truck, Beach Tacos, and PCB Pirate Coffee.
Simmons Park, 3023 New Church Road, Panama City, Oct. 11: Music from Grace and Grit Band. Food trucks on site will include Smokin’ Butts BBQ, Beach Tacos, Ledbetter Food Truck, and a beverage vendor.
H.G. Harder’s Park Fall Festival, 8110 John Pitts Road, Panama City, Oct. 18: Festival is 3:30-8:30 p.m. Greenhead Band in concert 4-7 p.m. Activities for all ages, Food vendors include Tri-R-Tips Barbecue, Smokin’ Butts BBQ, Beach Tacos and Thai Me Now, with more expected.
For more information, call 850-248-8730.
National Night Out
Gulf Coast State College, 5230 U.S. 98, Panama City, hosts this event 5-8 p.m. Oct. 7, featuring free food, family activities and a chance to mingle with law enforcement and learn more about community safety. More information here.
Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest
This year’s free celebration will be Oct. 10-12 in Panama City Beach. It will last from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
The celebration will feature fireworks, live mermaid shows, a fire circus, parades, a treasure drop and more.
For a full schedule, including times and event locations, visit https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/pirates-of-the-high-seas-fest/
2025 Faith Festival
Repent! Panama City Beach will host the inaugural Faith Festival on Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at Aaron Bessant Park.
This festival will feature live faith-filled music, local vendors, food trucks, a prayer tent and children’s activities.
COMING UP IN NOVEMBER
Seventh annual Panama City Songwriters Festival
This event will be Nov. 7-8 in downtown Panama City.
“The town will be filled with musical entertainment by local, regional, national, and international songwriters!” organizers say online. “All of the venues will be within walking distance to each other. Enjoy historic Downtown Panama City while you listen to songs and stories from some amazing artists! Come and support our incredible sponsors and all the great venues which are hosting this year’s singer-songwriters!”
Full schedule at https://www.pcsongwriters.com/
Public Eye Soar Projection Festival
This event will be 6-10 p.m. Nov. 7-8 at Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. U.S. 98, Panama City.
“For two nights each November, the unique street-scape ofPanama City comes alive with light, sound, art and fun,” organizers say online. “Experience the 12th Annual Public Eye SOAR — featuring imagery from all corners of the globe.”
Full details at http://www.publiceyedesign.com/PublicEyeSoar/index.html
Jim Ross contributed
(This story was updated to include additional information)
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.newsherald.com ’
