Panama City's July 4 fireworks launch over St. Andrews Bay at 9 p.m. at the free Salute to Freedom festival at the Panama City Marina. What happened in 2026.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. This page is updated each year. The 2027 details are not out yet, so this page describes the July 4, 2026, event from Destination Panama City’s festival page and May 6, 2026, release. We will update it when the 2027 plans are announced; the 2026 plans were announced May 6.
Panama City’s Fourth of July fireworks are the finale of the Salute to Freedom festival festival at the Panama City Marina, 1 Harrison Ave., in historic downtown. Destination Panama City runs it with the City of Panama City, and it is free. The fireworks launch over St. Andrews Bay.
Who to call
- Festival organizer: Destination Panama City, 850-215-1700
- Festival text alerts (2026): text JULY4 to 850-215-1700
- Official page: Salute to Freedom festival
How the 2026 festival ran
Saturday, July 4, 2026, 4 to 9:30 p.m., Panama City Marina. The 2026 edition marked the nation’s 250th anniversary:
- Fireworks at 9 p.m. over St. Andrews Bay, with an audio simulcast on iHeartRadio.
- Two stages of live music from 4 p.m.: Zack Miller Band, Anne Cline and the Dirty Peaches, 12Eleven, Sons of Saints and Last Left.
- A family fun zone with face painting and crafts, food trucks and local craft vendors.
- A cash bar with ID checks; ATMs on site.
The 2026 schedule at a glance
| Time | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 p.m. | Zack Miller Band | |
| 5 p.m. | Anne Cline and the Dirty Peaches | |
| 6 p.m. | 12Eleven | |
| 7 p.m. | Sons of Saints | |
| 8 p.m. | Last Left | |
| 9 p.m. | Fireworks over St. Andrews Bay |
The 2026 fireworks were sponsored by Bill Cramer Chevrolet GMC, and the festival was free to the public thanks to community sponsors, Destination Panama City said. Food truck and craft vendor applications were taken through links in its May 6 release.
What to bring, and what to leave
Bring: chairs or blankets (there is no event seating), sunscreen, bug spray, cash and an ID if you plan to drink.
Leave at home: tents, glass, weapons, knives, firearms, illegal substances, your own fireworks or sparklers, and pets. The organizers note that it is too hot for dogs and that pets do not enjoy fireworks.
Parking
The 2026 festival page listed street parking downtown and these public lots:
- 8 Harrison Ave. (the old Marina Civic Center)
- 9 Harrison Ave., south of West Government Street
- 36 Oak Ave., south of McKenzie Park
- 413 Harrison Ave., behind the Martin Theater
- 2-98 E. Sixth St., between Harrison and Luverne avenues
See our getting around guide for the city’s downtown parking rules.
Other ways to watch
- From the water: the Grand-Mère dolphin tour boat at Papa Joe’s offered a downtown fireworks cruise in 2026, with booking through its ticket page.
Fireworks at home
Fireworks rules come from state law and local orders, and Bay County can declare burn bans during dry spells; the county posts those declarations on its Legal Advertisements page. Check for an active order before you light anything.
What this means for you
- Plan on the Panama City Marina, downtown, for the city’s main July 4 show.
- Bring a chair or blanket; the festival provides no seating.
- Leave dogs and sparklers at home.
Related: things to do this month, parks and trails and getting around.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Fourth of July fireworks in Panama City?
Over St. Andrews Bay at the Panama City Marina, 1 Harrison Ave., at the end of the free Salute to Freedom festival. In 2026 the fireworks started at 9 p.m.
What time are the Panama City fireworks on July 4?
The 2026 display started at 9 p.m., with the festival running 4 to 9:30 p.m. The 2027 schedule has not been announced; this page is updated each year.
Where do I park for the Panama City July 4 fireworks?
In 2026 the organizers listed street parking and public lots at 8 Harrison Ave. (the old Marina Civic Center), 9 Harrison Ave., 36 Oak Ave. south of McKenzie Park, 413 Harrison Ave. behind the Martin Theater and East Sixth Street.
Can I bring my dog to the Panama City fireworks?
No. The Salute to Freedom festival does not allow pets, tents, glass, weapons or personal fireworks and sparklers. Bring chairs or blankets; seating is not provided.
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