START THE NEW YEAR ON THE RIGHT FOOT
Hike, run, or take a plunge to kick off 2024, or indulge in some music and parades to continue the festive celebrations.
FEATURED EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
First Day Hike
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
January 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Come and enjoy a Ranger-guided first day of the year nature hike and history tour and learn about Camp Helen and its wildlife. Participants will take a hike along the Oak Canopy Trail and arrive at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The trail is moderate level and relatively flat with roots, rock, dirt, and beach dunes. To make your experience more enjoyable, wear weather appropriate attire and closed-toed shoes. Park entry fee of $4 per vehicle required. Visit the website for more information or contact [email protected] for more information.
First Day Hike
St Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach
January 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate the new year with a nature hike around the Heron Pond Trail in beautiful St. Andrews State Park. Learn about some of the different natural plant communities in the park and spot wildlife on this one-mile hike. Normal park entry fees apply. Visit the website for more information or contact [email protected] for more information.
Camp Helen Americana Music at the Lodge
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
January 6, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Americana Concerts in the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park are back! The concert series will take place every other Saturday from January 6-March 2. There will be limited seats available for each show. The $15 ticket price includes a general admission seat, plus complimentary food and beverages. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the music begins at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Winter Wonderland at Baytowne Wharf
Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
January 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to noon
The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Event Plaza is turning into a Winter Wonderland full of real snow for the day! Bundle up and bring the whole family for a day of frosty fun. After dark, you will enjoy the holiday decor and sparkling lights . Baytowne on Ice will also be open. More here.
30A Songwriters Festival
Various Venues | 30A
January 12-15, 2024, Various Times
The 15th annual 30A Songwriters Festival is back featuring more than 175 artists performing over a wonderful weekend of music in various venues ranging from intimate venues to large amphitheaters throughout South Walton. Headliners this year include Jeff Tweedy, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Rosanne Cash, Grace Potter and KT Tunstall. 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds benefit the CAA and enable them to continue be a champion of the arts in Walton County. For more information including announcements of artists, venues and ticket information, visit the official website here.
MLK Festival
Sharon Sheffield Park | Lynn Haven
January 15, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The City of Lynn Haven will host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Festival featuring live entertainment, food, arts & crafts, and guest speakers to honor and remember the late Martin Luther King Jr.
2024 Torch Run
Florida State University | Panama City
January 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Torch Run has been a FSU Panama City tradition established in 1989. This timed 5K run is open to all ages of students, alumni and community including two and four-legged walkers, runners, rollers and strollers. FSU and GCSC students race free, the cost of the 5K run is $25 for all others (the fee includes a race shirt and medal). Register for the race here.
8th Annual Polar Plunge
Salty Goat Saloon | Panama City Beach
January 20, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
Take the plunge in the gulf for a good cause at the 8th Annual Polar Plunge hosted by the Salty Goat. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and everyone will jump into the water at 1 p.m. Warm up after the plunge with a beverage and enter the raffle to win prizes from local businesses. All proceeds from the plunge and raffles will go to Leukemia Research Foundation in honor of the Salty Goat’s founder Gary Gault. For more information, visit the Salty Goat’s website.
Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
January 26-27, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Krewe of Dominique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach parade is back along with a festival that features entertainment for the whole family. There will be floats, a kids fun zone, live music, a Mardi Gras 5K Fun Run, and even fireworks. For the full schedule of events, visit the website here.
Pink Walk & 5K Benefiting Fore Her
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
January 27, 2023, 8.30 a.m.
The annual Pink Walk benefiting Fore Her returns in 2024! Walk or run with your friends and family to support Fore Her, an organization that provides financial assistance to local breast cancer patients. Attendees will enjoy an after party with music, a photo booth, prizes, food samples and more! Strollers and service dogs are welcome. Register and find out more information here.
