Red, White & Beach: Your Guide to July’s Star-Spangled Fun!
July is making waves...and not just in the Gulf. From Panama City Beach and beyond, the coast is packed with parades, fireworks, live music, and summer adventures worth saluting. Whether you’re dancing in the sand, paddling through a state park, or chasing popsicles after a small-town parade, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. So grab your sunnies, wave a flag, and let’s dive into all the festive fun happening across PCB and its star-spangled neighbors this month!
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Summer Concert Series
Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach
July 3/10/17/24/31, 2025, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
There’s nothing like live music under the stars, and the Summer Concert Series at Aaron Bessant Park is a PCB favorite. Every Thursday from 7–9 PM, catch a free concert on the lawn - just bring your chairs, blankets, and good vibes. Coolers, snacks, and even pups are welcome! July’s lineup includes Last Left (Classic Rock), The Will Thompson Band (Variety), Still Standing (Elton John Tribute), Bee Taylor (Americana Pop Soul Funk), and The Nova (Alternative Rock). Read more on their website HERE.
Ranger Guided Nature Hike
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
July 3, 2025, 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. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. The program is free with paid park entry of $4 per vehicle.
Real. Fun. Fourth
Various Venues | Panama City Beach
July 3-5, 2025
Panama City Beach knows how to throw a party—and Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest bashes of the year. With fireworks lighting up the sky for three straight nights, plus live music, food trucks, and unbeatable waterfront views, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day in style. Catch the sparks on July 3 at Light Up the Bay at Papa Joe’s Bayside or during the Freedom Rocks Fireworks Show over Grand Lagoon, synced to music on Sunny 98.5. On July 4, the Star Spangled Spectacular launches fireworks from both the City and County Piers, complete with a choreographed soundtrack on Kickin 103.5 and other local stations. Wrap it all up on July 5 with Light Up the Gulf at the Boardwalk Beach Resort, featuring family fun and fireworks at 8:30 PM. Whether you’re watching from the sand, a rooftop, or a boat, it’s a red, white, and BOOM weekend you won’t want to miss.
Salute to Freedom Festival
Panama City Marina | Panama City
July 4, 2025, 4:00-9:30 p.m.
Downtown Panama City is the place to be this Fourth of July! Celebrate the Fourth with a full day of patriotic fun starting at 4 p.m. at the marina with live music from Sons of Saints and Last Left. This free event will also feature a Family Fun Zone packed with kid-friendly activities, and plenty of local vendors offering everything from festival bites to handmade goods. Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks show over St. Andrews Bay at 9 PM - tune in to Rock 94.5 for a synced soundtrack! Want to upgrade your night? Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar is offering a Red, White & Boil seafood dinner with VIP concert seating, and Steam on 5 at Hotel Indigo is hosting a rooftop party with food, drinks, and the best view in town. Whether you’re coming for the music, the fireworks, or just the red, white, and blue vibes, this is one July 4th celebration the whole family will love.
America: Stars & Stripes Parade
Sheffield/Kinsaul Park | Lynn Haven
July 4, 2025, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Lynn Haven pulls out all the stops for one of Bay County’s biggest and most beloved Independence Day events—and it’s all free and family-friendly! The celebration kicks off at 8 AM with the America: Stars & Stripes Parade along Highway 77, followed by a full day of fun at Sharon Sheffield Park with carnival rides, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and more. In the evening, the party moves to Kinsaul Park for the Let Freedom Ring Finale featuring The Gr8ful Dads and headliner Jamie O’Neal, wrapping up with a fireworks spectacular at 9 PM. From parades to photo booths and everything in between, this is a full day of patriotic fun for all ages.
July 4th Parade
Grayton Beach | South Walton
July 4, 2025, 8:30 a.m.
Nothing says small-town charm like the quirky, beloved Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade. The fun kicks off at 8:30 AM near The Red Bar, and everyone’s invited to join in—no registration needed! Just decorate your car, bike, golf cart, or anything that rolls in red, white, and blue, and cruise through the streets in true Grayton style. After the parade, cool off with popsicles, watermelon, and lemonade, courtesy of Grayton Coast Properties. Swimsuits and bloody marys optional—but encouraged.
History Tour
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
July 5, 2025, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Go beyond your park visit and discover the past and present on a ranger guided history walking tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Learn about the rich history of Camp Helen’s Historic District, which is a Nationally Registered Historic Place, from the Hicks family building all the way to when Avondale Textile Mill utilized the property for their employee summer retreat . This free tour will begin promptly at 10 am from the Visitor Center. For more information, visit their website HERE.
US Roadrunning 5K & Half Marathon
Conservation Park | Panama City Beach
July 26, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Lace up and beat the heat at this summer run through Panama City Beach’s Conservation Park. Whether you’re tackling the 5K or going the distance in the half marathon, this scenic out-and-back course offers plenty of motivation—especially with a finisher medal waiting at the end! Costumes are encouraged (yes, there’s a prize!), and the race is part of the US Road Running Series, so you’ll earn points while having fun. Just be sure to register online HERE —there’s no race-day sign-up!
