Jumpstart January in Panama City Beach
New year, new adventures! January in PCB is bursting with ways to get moving, make memories, and soak up some Gulf Coast fun. Brave the icy waters at a Polar Plunge, catch incredible live music at the 30A Songwriters Festival, or explore family-friendly festivals and events happening all month long—there’s something for everyone to dive into as 2026 kicks off.
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Ranger-Led First Day Hike
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
January 1, 2026, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Join a park ranger on a guided nature hike through Camp Helen State Park and start the year off on the right foot. During the hike, the rangers will share information about the flora and fauna found throughout the park. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Hundreds of guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states on New Year’s Day which will get your hearts pumping while enjoying the beauty of the state park. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. The program is free with paid park entry of $4 per vehicle. Visit their website HERE.
South Walton Fire District Polar Bear Plunge
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar | Santa Rosa Beach
January 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
Rinse off the old and welcome the new at the South Walton Fire District’s Annual Polar Bear Plunge! This chilly tradition raises funds for SWFD Community Risk Reduction Programs, including free CPR classes. Plunge participants pay $20 and receive a free event towel, while children 12 and under can join for free (towel not included). After taking the plunge, everyone is invited to celebrate together and kick off the New Year in style. Register HERE.
Annual Salty Goat Polar Bear Plunge
The Salty Goat Saloon | Panama City Beach
The Salty Goat Saloon | Panama City Beach
January 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Get ready to take the plunge—for a great cause! The 10th annual Polar Plunge is back, bringing the community together to brave the chilly waters of the Gulf while raising funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation. This event honors the legacy of founder Gary Gault and supports all those affected by this devastating disease. Even if you’re not diving in, you can join in the fun, enjoy refreshments, and participate in raffles from local businesses. It’s a meaningful way to support a cause that reminds us all: no one fights alone. Visit the event page HERE.
Americana Music in the Lodge
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
January 10/24, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
The Americana Concert Series returns to the historic Lodge at Camp Helen State Park, offering an intimate evening of live music in a truly unique setting. Hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen, the series runs every other Saturday beginning in January, with January 2026 performances featuring Reckless Saints on January 10 and Dean Johanesen on January 24. Seating is limited to just 75 guests per show, creating a cozy, up-close listening experience. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., music begins at 6:30 p.m., and light refreshments are provided. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance online and tend to sell out quickly, making this a great option for anyone looking to enjoy live Americana music in a relaxed, historic atmosphere. HERE.
30A Songwriters Festival
Various Venues | 30A
January 16-19, 2026
The 30A Songwriters Festival brings together over 125 songwriters for 300+ live performances across the Gulf Coast towns along Highway 30A. Music fills venues of all sizes, from intimate listening rooms to the main stage at Grand Boulevard’s Town Center in Miramar Beach. Headliners include Mavis Staples, Toad the Wet Sprocket, 10,000 Maniacs, Nikki Lane, Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves, and the powerhouse trio I’m With Her. Expect “in-the-round” performances, live interviews for WMOT’s World Cafe, and a celebration of original songwriting across genres. Weekend passes are available at 30asongwritersfestival.com, with VIP tickets offering premium main-stage seating, exclusive access to a gourmet food and drinks tent on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and a more immersive festival experience. The festival also supports arts in Walton County through grants, scholarships, and public programs.
Martin Luther King Jr. Festival
Sharon Sheffield Park | Lynn Haven
January 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The City of Lynn Haven hosts its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Festival, a family-friendly celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The festival features live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and guest speakers, offering the whole community a chance to come together, reflect, and celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact.
BBIO Home Expo
Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center | Panama City Beach
Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center | Panama City Beach
January 23-24, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The 2026 BBIA Home Expo is back, and it’s the ultimate destination for anyone looking to build, remodel, or upgrade their home! Hosted by the Bay Building Industries Association, this two-day event features 60+ local exhibitors, hands-on kids workshops, live demos, giveaways, and plenty of prizes. Whether you’re planning a major renovation or just looking for fresh ideas to enhance your space, the expo is your chance to connect with licensed professionals, explore the latest trends, and discover what’s possible—all under one roof. Admission is free, and pre-registering even enters you into door prize drawings! More information can be found HERE.
PCB Mardi Gras & Music Festival
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
January 30-31, 2025, 12:00-8:00 p.m.
The Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival brings a full-on carnival vibe to the coast, combining colorful floats, live music, and classic Mardi Gras energy with Gulf-front views. In partnership with the Krewe of Dominique Youx, the weekend includes float tours, kids parades, a second line, and the signature Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade rolling through Pier Park Drive. Live performances span both days with acts like Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Redferrin, Tobacco Road Band, and Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble, while Kids Fun Zones, festival villages, and food vendors keep things lively for all ages. The celebration caps off Saturday night with fireworks over Russell-Fields City Pier, delivering a festive finish to one of the most energetic events of the season. For the schedule and route visit their website HERE.
Pink Run
Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
January 31, 2026, 8:30 a.m.
The Pink Run 5K invites the community to walk or run together in support of local breast cancer patients. Presented by Emerald Coast Hospice and benefiting Fore Her, the annual event encourages participants to wear pink and show their support while raising funds for women currently undergoing treatment and facing financial need. The morning includes a special Breast Cancer Survivors’ Stroll, followed by an upbeat after-party with music, a photo booth, food, prizes, and more. Held at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, this feel-good event blends fitness, fun, and purpose - making it a meaningful way to give back while spending time with friends and family. Register HERE.
FSU Annual Torch Run
Holley Academic Center | Panama City
Holley Academic Center | Panama City
January 24, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
FSU Panama City hosts its 37th Annual Torch Run 5K, a beloved tradition that combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy. The timed 5K winds through Carl Gray Park and the campuses of FSU PC and Gulf Coast State College, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages—including strollers and pets. Registration is $25 in advance or $30 the day before and on race day, with FSU PC and GCSC students free, and includes a Torch Run T-shirt. All participants receive medals, and awards are given in various age categories. Proceeds benefit the FSU PC Promise Scholarship Fund, helping make a four-year degree more accessible for Northwest Florida students. Register HERE.
