Known for its pure white sand and turquoise waters, Panama City Beach is the perfect place for a fall family getaway.

LOBSTER FESTIVAL AND TOURNAMENT

September 17–23

Imagine fresh lobster prepared any way you like it—on a sandwich, in a roll, on the grill or chopped up in a heaping plate of smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese. Schooners, the Last Local Beach Club, is hosting their 29th annual seven-day lobster festival—the largest event of its kind in the Southeast—and it’s sure to be lip-smackin’ good.

PIRATES OF THE HIGH SEAS FEST

October 5–7

Ahoy, matey! Landlubbers and swashbucklers alike set sail for a family-friendly weekend full of scavenger hunts for buried treasure, pillage parades, live music, fireworks and, of course, pirate battles and invasions. Head to Pier Park for the free Pirates of the High Seas Fest on Columbus Day weekend to walk the plank and explore the briny deep.

PANAMA CITY BEACH OKTOBERFEST – Canceled due to Hurricane Michael

October 12–13

Dust off your best lederhosen, tap the keg and hoist a stein! Get ready for two full days of German beer, giant pretzels, bratwurst and sauerkraut at the annual Panama City Beach Oktoberfest celebration in Aaron Bessant Park, just one block from the beach.

BLOODY MARY & MUSIC FESTIVAL – Canceled due to Hurricane Michael

October 20

Who’s going to be crowned the “Big Tomato” and take home the four-foot-tall tomato trophy this year? Find out at Grand Lagoon Coalition’s third annual Bloody Mary & Music Festival on the beach. The competition is sure to be fierce as nearly two dozen local businesses attempt to overthrow the reigning champs from Dat Cajun Place.

THUNDER BEACH AUTUMN RALLY – Postponed due to Hurricane Michael

October 24–28

Rev your engines at the annual Thunder Beach Autumn Rally in Frank Brown Park. Known as the most biker-friendly free rally in America, motorcyclist enthusiasts gather together for live music, demo rides, contests and the opportunity to check out custom bikes decked out in style and swagger.

EMERALD COAST CRUIZIN’ CAR SHOW – Postponed due to Hurricane Michael

November 7–10

Cruise with the top down in a classic cherry red ’57 Chevy and watch the onlookers swoon. The Emerald Coast Cruizin’ car show transforms Aaron Bessant Park into an open-air showroom for vintage speedsters and hot rods. Highlights include entertainment, celebrity appearances and a lively classic car auction.

BEACH HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Thanksgiving Weekend

Usher in the holidays and roll out the red carpet for Santa Claus and his reindeer by lighting a giant Christmas tree, caroling, roasting s’mores around campfires and watching a spectacular firework show. Beach Home for the Holidays kicks off on Black Friday after Thanksgiving and sets the stage for the most magical time of the year.

visitpanamacitybeach.com