Kick Up Dust, Turn Up the Jam
May on the Emerald Coast brings the energy, with a lineup that feels like the unofficial start of summer. From rodeo nights at Bay Point and the final roar of Thunder Beach to the immersive art of Digital Graffiti and the patriotic drone show at Alys Beach, there’s something happening nearly every weekend. Add in signature events like Florida Jeep Jam, IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast, and the return of Gulf Coast Jam with major headliners taking the stage, and May is packed with reasons to get out and experience some of the best Panama City Beach events of the season.
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Bulls at Bay Point
Neons Bar 72 | Panama City Beach
May 1-2, 2026, 5:00-11:00 p.m.
Saddle up for a high-energy night at Bay Point as this action-packed rodeo brings classic western excitement to the coast. From lightning-fast barrel racing to adrenaline-pumping bull riding, the arena comes alive with skilled riders, thundering hooves, and nonstop thrills. Produced by Let’em Buck Productions, this family-friendly event delivers an authentic rodeo experience that’s just as fun for first-timers as it is for longtime fans—so grab your boots, gather your crew, and get ready for an unforgettable night of cowboy tradition and entertainment. Admission is $25 for ages 6 and up, while children 5 and under are free.
Thunder Beach
Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
May 1-3, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Check out this year's full schedule of live music, custom bikes, demo rides, and rider-focused events set against the backdrop of the Gulf Coast. Guests can explore the Iron & Chrome Collective museum-on-wheels, take factory demo rides with H-D, Indian, and Can-Am, and catch fan-favorite acts including Derek Givens, Poison Whiskey, Big Engine, Kelly & The Healers, and Trippin’ Gypsy throughout the weekend. With Vendor Village open daily and a steady lineup of shows, rides, and entertainment, it’s a high-energy close to a coast-wide celebration of motorcycle culture and community. Information HERE.
Blessing of the Fleet, Fish Fry & Burning of the Socks
Panama City Marina | Panama City
May 2, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate a unique coastal tradition at the Panama City Marina with a day of community, waterfront views, and a little superstition thrown in. Enjoy a classic fish fry served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (while supplies last), browse local vendors throughout the day, and watch the festive boat processional at noon, followed by the signature “Burning of the Socks,” a lighthearted way to welcome the warmer season. Proceeds from the event support a meaningful cause, benefiting Second Chance of Northwest Florida and their work with brain injury survivors and their families.
History Tour
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
May 2, 2026, 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.
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
Grand Boulevard Town Center| Miramar Beach
May 2-3, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Browse and shop original works from more than 120 artists across the country at this annual juried fine arts festival, featuring everything from painting and sculpture to jewelry, glass, and mixed media. Set within Grand Boulevard Town Center, the event blends art, music, and community with live entertainment, artist demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and a dedicated kids’ area. Guests can also explore a student showcase, public art installations, and a silent auction, while $10,000 in cash prizes are awarded to standout artists. The festival is open to the public with a suggested $5–$10 donation at entry, supporting the continued growth of arts programming in the community. Visit their website HERE for more information.
Ranger-led Nature Hike
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
May 7, 2025, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Get outdoors and go on a guided tour of Camp Helen State Park! Led by park ranger staff, you’ll learn information about the flora and fauna throughout the park. Dress appropriately for the weather and have a water bottle and insect repellent available. The program is free with paid park entry of $4 per vehicle. Visit their website HERE.
IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast
Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort | Panama City Beach
May 9, 2025, 5:40 a.m.
Set against the emerald waters and white-sand beaches of Panama City Beach, IRONMAN 70.3 Gulf Coast brings together endurance, scenery, and coastal energy in one iconic race weekend. Athletes take on a 1.2-mile Gulf swim, a 56-mile bike through Florida’s pine-lined roads, and a fast 13.1-mile run along the shoreline, all framed by a lively spectator atmosphere and a beach town known for its welcoming, laid-back vibe. Whether you’re chasing a first 70.3 finish or interested to cheer competitors on, this early-season race blends challenge and coastal beauty in a way that makes it a standout on the IRONMAN calendar. Full event schedule and registration HERE.
Florida Jeep Jam
Various Venues | Panama City Beach
May 11-16, 2025
Florida Jeep Jam brings together thousands of Jeep owners and hundreds of clubs for an extended week of beachside adventure, live entertainment, vendor showcases, and off-road experiences across the dunes and coastline. From obstacle courses and guided Dunes Day excursions to beach crawls, concerts, and community gatherings, the event turns Panama City Beach into a full-throttle Jeep destination. With more than 2,000 Jeeps expected and a nonstop lineup of activities for all ages, it’s a high-energy celebration of coastal lifestyle and off-road culture. Registration is $89, with full details and tickets available HERE.
Digital Graffiti
Alys Beach | Alys Beach
May 15-16, 2026
Step into a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience as Alys Beach transforms into an open-air gallery during this internationally recognized digital art festival. Dozens of works are projected onto the town’s iconic white architecture, creating an immersive blend of art, technology, and design that unfolds across pathways and courtyards. The weekend includes a range of ticketed experiences—from a guided Art + Architecture Walking Tour and a Friday night awards celebration to an all-inclusive adult-only opening night and a Saturday evening finale open to all ages. As a juried exhibition, standout works are honored with awards including Best in Show ($5,000), making this visually striking, after-dark event as inspiring as it is unforgettable. For more information and tickets visit their website HERE.
Sinfonia Salutes
Alys Beach Amphitheatre | Alys Beach
May 24, 2026, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Close out Memorial Day weekend with a powerful evening of music and light at Alys Beach Amphitheatre as Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents a free, open-air patriotic concert under the palms. This community tradition features orchestral favorites and patriotic selections, followed by a stunning drone show that illuminates the night sky in tribute to military heroes. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs and settle in for a meaningful coastal evening that blends music, reflection, and celebration in one unforgettable experience.
Gulf Coast Jam
Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
May 28-31, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for four days of music, beach vibes, and nonstop energy as Gulf Coast Jam returns to Panama City Beach at Frank Brown Park. One of the Southeast’s premier country music festivals, this year's event brings together some of the biggest names in country and southern rock, including Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, and Riley Green. For more information, full lineup or tickets visit their official website HERE.
Jam on the Coast 5K
Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
May 30, 2026, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
Kick off the Gulf Coast Jam weekend with the Jam on the Coast 5K, a fun community race that winds through Frank Brown Park and Gayle’s Trails before finishing at the Gulf Coast Jam entrance. Open to runners of all levels, the event pairs a scenic course with festive race-day energy, plus perks like a moisture-wicking race shirt, finisher medal, and exclusive Gulf Coast Jam merchandise coupon. Registration is $45 ($30 for ages 5–13). There is a 450-runner cap and no race-day registration, only online HERE.
