Panama City Beach continues to grow as a year-round destination, hosting events throughout the year that appeal to visitors of all ages. On land, sand and sea, the fun never stops in Panama City Beach.

15th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 17-21, 2013
A full lineup of award-winning artists take the stage for a jazzy, all-star weekend featuring the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz. The event attracts more than 20,000 fans from all over the world and offers three days of continuous jazz, a themed dinner cruise, and much more.

Annual Thunder Beach Rally, May 1-5, 2013
Known as "The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach during the first weekend in May and again in mid-October. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine.

Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park, July 4, 2013
Panama City Beach celebrates Fourth of July in style at Pier Park. Families can enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, children’s activities, tasty food and drinks, as well as a breathtaking fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.

Lobster Festival and Tournament – September 19-22, 2013
Schooners will host the 24th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament, known as “The Largest Lobster Festival in Florida.” The Lobster Tournament divers will compete in a variety of categories including Spiny lobster, Shovelnose lobster and Big 6. Weigh-ins begin on Saturday and end Sunday, when the grand prizes will be awarded and spectators can take part in a Lobster Feast. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest takes place on the beach behind Schooners and is now in its 15th year.

Pier Fishing Challenge, October 2013
To showcase the area’s world-class fishing, Panama City Beach is luring anglers with weekend-long fishing tournaments this fall. Running throughout the month of October, the City Pier vs. County Pier Challenge guarantees a prize purse totaling $7,500. Extending more than 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the M.B. Miller Pier (County Pier) and the Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier) are two of the longest on the Gulf Coast and are prized as prime fishing spots for anglers of all ages. All visitors have the opportunity to cast a line for a local catch, with rod rentals and tackle available on site.

Pirates of the High Seas Festival, October 11-12, 2013
Columbus Day weekend will bring a wave of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the coastal community, the festival will include an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, culminating with a dueling fireworks display to reenact The Battle of the Seven Seas.

Ironman Florida, November 2, 2013
What began as a challenge between groups of Navy Seals has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, with the Florida edition of the challenge serving as one of the most popular races on the circuit.

Panama City Beach’s Biggest Loser Half Marathon/5K RunWalk, December 30, 2013
The REAL.FUN.BEACH has partnered with Dan and Jackie Evans, season five contestants on NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser,” to offer the RunWalk as a non-intimidating, health-focused event for all participants. Taking place on December 30, participants will walk, jog and run the course with the stunning emerald green waters and sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico serving as a backdrop.

Sixth Annual Beach Ball Drop
On December 31, the countdown celebration will begin seconds before midnight, where an 800-pound glowing beach ball will descend, lighting up at the stroke of midnight to signify the New Year. A multi-generational portion of the event is held earlier in the evening with fireworks and a family beach ball drop consisting of 10,000 inflatable beach balls dropped from the sky. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.