Fright Nights opens downtown, the Fire Department holds a free open house Friday, the city gives away free trees Saturday and the pumpkin patch is open daily.

This weekend in Panama City: Fright Nights runs downtown Friday and Saturday nights, the Fire Department throws a free open house Friday, and the city hands out free trees Saturday morning.

Last checked Oct. 14, 2026. Sources: the City of Panama City’s event calendar, Bay County, the Bay Arts Alliance, Gulf Coast State College, Florida State Parks and Visit Panama City’s events calendar, where Fright Nights is listed. Confirm with the organizer before you go.

Friday, Oct. 16

  • Waste Amnesty Days, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Steelfield Landfill, 11411 Landfill Road in West Bay, off State 79. Free drop-off for Bay County residents, with proof of residency. Bay County; what to bring is on our trash and recycling page.
  • Panama City Fire Department Open House, 5 to 9 p.m., Fire Station 2, 2003 Beck Ave. Free. Food and drinks, a live fire demonstration, a smoke house, a kids’ agility course and a costume contest for children 14 and under at 7 p.m. City listing.
  • This Is Not a Pipe opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m., Amelia Center Gallery, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. U.S. Highway 98. Free. Jamie Zimcheck’s sculpture and new media show opens with a talk by the artist. College schedule.
  • Health and Wellness Sound Bath Class, 6 to 7 p.m., MLK Jr. Recreation Center, 705 E. 14th Ct. City listing.
  • Fright Nights: Dreamwalkers, 6 to 9 p.m., Panama City Center for the Arts, 19 E. Fourth St. The Bay Arts Alliance’s immersive haunted theater show. Visit Panama City lists tickets at $20 to $40. Tickets; more on our Halloween events page.

Saturday, Oct. 17

  • Waste Amnesty Days, second day, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Steelfield Landfill. Bay County.
  • Panama City Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Harrison Avenue downtown, between Fourth and Sixth streets this fall. Anchored Market Ventures; more on our farmers markets page.
  • Tree Giveaway, 8 to 11 a.m., Millville Waterfront Park, 301 Maple Ave. Free. Up to two trees per Bay County household while supplies last, in the last of the city’s six giveaways this year. City listing.
  • Market at St. Andrews, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W. 10th St. A waterfront market under the oaks. Market page.
  • Fright Nights: Dreamwalkers, 6 to 9 p.m., Panama City Center for the Arts. The last night of the first weekend; it returns Oct. 22-25. Tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 18

A quiet day on the official calendars. The Camp Helen pumpkin patch below is open, and the Saturday markets do not run on Sundays.

All weekend

Regular weekend fixtures

  • Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, 308 Airport Road, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Museum site.
  • Line Dancing, 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays, Glenwood Community Center, 722 E. Ninth Ct. City listing.

Send us your event

Hosting something in Panama City? Email hello@panamacitydaily.com with the date, time, venue, price and a photo, and we will add it.

Related: things to do this month, arts and exhibitions this month, Halloween events and trick-or-treat hours.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Panama City this weekend?

Fright Nights, the Bay Arts Alliance’s haunted theater show, runs 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday downtown. The Panama City Fire Department holds a free open house Friday, the city gives away free trees Saturday morning, and the Saturday farmers markets are on downtown and in St. Andrews.

Are there free events in Panama City this weekend?

Yes. The Fire Department Open House at Fire Station 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, the opening reception for This Is Not a Pipe at Gulf Coast State College from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, and the tree giveaway at Millville Waterfront Park from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday are free.

What time is Fright Nights and where do I go?

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15-17, and again Oct. 22-25, at the Panama City Center for the Arts, 19 E. Fourth St. Tickets are sold online through the Fright Nights site.