Things to do in Panama City
Things to do in Panama City, newest first: events, festivals, parks and family days out, with dates, times and the organizer's own link.
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Arts and exhibitions in Panama City: October 2026
Arts in Panama City, October 2026: Fright Nights downtown Oct. 15-25, a new gallery show at Gulf Coast State College and the symphony's Piazzolla Nov. 14.
Plan your weekend
Things to do
Things to do in Panama City this month: October 2026
October in Panama City: Fright Nights downtown from Oct. 15, a free Fire Department open house Oct. 16, free trees Oct. 17 and Spooky Science Oct. 24.
Farmers markets
Panama City farmers markets
The Panama City Farmers' Market fills Harrison Avenue 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Plus the Market at St. Andrews, SweetBay (paused) and Glenwood.
Trails
Parks and trails in Panama City
Panama City runs close to 60 parks, marinas and rec sites on 270-plus acres, from bayfront Oaks by the Bay to Carl Gray Park's ramp. Rentals: 850-872-3199.
Spring break
Spring break in Panama City 2027: school dates and things to do
Bay District Schools spring break is March 15-19, 2027. Things to do in Panama City that week: Shell Island, the bay, museums, arcades and the mural trail.
Father's Day
Father's Day in Panama City 2027: brunch, fishing and things to do
Father's Day 2027 is Sunday, June 20. Sunday brunch hours, inshore fishing guides on the bay, arcades and brewery stops, and local gift shops for Dad.
Fall festivals
Fall festivals and pumpkin patches in Panama City 2026
Fall in Panama City: a Camp Helen pumpkin patch to Oct. 31, Fright Nights downtown Oct. 15-25, then Public Eye Soar and the Songwriters Festival Nov. 6-7.
Dogs
Dog-friendly Panama City: parks, patios, bay beaches and leash rules
Dog-friendly Panama City: Al Helms Dog Park, bayfront parks, patios that welcome leashed dogs and the city ordinance on dogs in parks and public places.
Kids
Kids' activities in Panama City: playgrounds, story times, rainy days
Things to do with kids in Panama City: the Science and Discovery Center, free library story times, city playgrounds on the bay and rainy-day picks.
Trails
Panama City walking and biking trails: loops, tours and distances
Where to walk, run and ride in Panama City: park walking tracks with distances, three free historic walking tours, the city's official 5K routes and bike plans.
Downtown
A guide to historic downtown Panama City: Harrison Avenue
Historic downtown Panama City: the marina, Harrison Avenue shops and galleries, a free history museum, the Social District rules, parking and the big events.
Free things to do
Free things to do in Panama City: museums, bay parks and concerts
Free in Panama City: a history museum and arts center, bayfront parks and boardwalks, audio walking tours, outdoor yoga, library programs and free concerts.
Date night
Date night in Panama City: waterfront dinners, shows and late spots
Date night in Panama City: waterfront restaurants with hours, a lighted kayak tour, symphony and comedy nights, a cocktail lounge and the Social District.
Panama City Songwriters Festival
Panama City Songwriters Festival: dates, tickets and venues
The 8th Panama City Songwriters Festival is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, 2026, at six downtown venues. Passes are $60, or $100 for VIP.
Public Eye Soar
Public Eye Soar projection festival: dates, times and what to see
Public Eye Soar, the free light and projection art festival, is Nov. 6-7, 2026, 6 to 10 p.m. both nights at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City.
Boat Parade of Lights
Panama City Boat Parade of Lights: date, route and parking
The 40th Boat Parade of Lights is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on St. Andrew Bay, with a drone show and Santa at the Panama City Marina.
Mardi Gras
St. Andrews Mardi Gras in Panama City: parade dates and route
The Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras is Jan. 29-30, 2027: kids and pet parade Friday at 4:30 p.m., main parade Saturday at 3 p.m. on Beck Avenue. Free.
FLLUXE Arts Festival
FLLUXE Arts Festival in Panama City: dates, parking and what to see
FLLUXE, the free street painting festival, is March 5-7, 2027, at the Panama City Center for the Arts downtown, with chalk art, live music and vendors.
