Shell Yeah, It’s May in PCB!
May in Panama City Beach is bringing the heat - and not just from the sun. From lightsabers to lawn chairs, this month is packed with everything from galactic celebrations and gourmet wine pairings to fish fries, foot races, and full-blown festivals. Whether you're jamming out at Gulf Coast Jam, getting your socks ceremoniously torched at the Blessing of the Fleet, or chasing Baby Yoda through downtown Panama City, there’s something happening nearly every day. So mark your calendars, grab your flip-flops (or Jedi robe), and get ready to explore all the fun the Emerald Coast has to offer this May.
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Ranger-led Nature Hike
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
May 1, 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. Visit their website HERE.
May the 4th Be With You
Historic Downtown | Panama City
May 1-4, 2025, 2:30 p.m.
Star Wars Week returns to Historic Downtown Panama City from April 30 to May 4, 2025, for a five-day celebration filled with games, immersive experiences, and galactic fun for fans of all ages. Hosted in support of Bay Arts Alliance, this one-of-a-kind event transforms the city into a galaxy far, far away with themed happenings like Dark Side Bingo, Star Wars Trivia and Costume Contests, a Baby Yoda scavenger hunt, pinball tournaments, and even a Star Wars-themed pub crawl. Don your best Jedi robes or Sith cloaks, encounter roving characters, enjoy interactive installations, and experience the magic of Art After Dark at the Panama City Center for the Arts, reimagined as a cantina and trading outpost. With themed music, creative programming, and an atmosphere that celebrates imagination and community, Star Wars Week is the ultimate way to honor the Force. Visit maythe4thday.com for the full schedule and ticket info—see you in the stars!
Spring Concert Series
Sharon Sheffield Pk | Lynn Haven
May 2/9/16, 2025, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The 2025 Spring Concert Series kicks off in Lynn Haven with live music every Friday night at Sharon Sheffield Park from March 28 to May 16 (excluding April 18). Enjoy great food and performances from bands like Scratch2020 (May 2), Ben Loftin & The Family (May 9), and Thomas Merritt Band (May 16) in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bring your chairs, blankets, and loved ones for a perfect spring evening of music and community fun!
History Tour
Camp Helen State Park | Panama City Beach
May 3, 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.
Blessing of the Fleet, Fish Fry & Burning of the Socks
St Andrews Marina | Panama City
May 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The 28th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, Fish Fry & Sock Burning returns to St. Andrews Marina on Saturday, May 3, 2025, offering a day full of local flavor and waterfront tradition. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can enjoy a fish fry (while supplies last), browse local vendor booths, and enjoy live music. At noon, the processional of water vessels will begin, followed by the quirky and beloved sock burning ceremony. Plates are $12 and can be purchased in advance HERE. Proceeds support Second Chance of Northwest Florida, a nonprofit serving brain injury survivors and their families.
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival
Grand Boulevard | Sandestin
May 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The 37th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival takes over Grand Boulevard Town Center on May 3rd and 4th, 2025. This celebrated event features over 100 artists from across the country, offering a variety of original works in categories like ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculpture, and more. The festival also includes live music, art demonstrations, and interactive installations, making it a great experience for art lovers of all ages. New this year, a VIP Package gives you exclusive access to a Sip & Shop, meet-and-greet with featured artist Gerard Frank, and a private lounge with snacks and drinks. The festival is rain or shine, with a $5 admission donation encouraged to support the arts. More HERE.
Destination Panama City Tourism Appreciation Day Cookout
Hotel Indigo and Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar Green Space | Panama City
May 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Destination Panama City is kicking off National Travel & Tourism Week with a special 10-year anniversary celebration on Monday, May 5, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hotel Indigo & Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar green space. Locals and tourism partners are invited to enjoy a free community cookout featuring burgers, hot dogs, fries, soft drinks, and live music by Janelle Frost. The event is a thank-you to those who help make Panama City a standout destination. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to pre-register to skip the line and receive a free meal ticket by signing up for the Destination Panama City newsletter HERE.
Tourism Appreciation Day
M.B. Miller County Pier | Panama City Beach
May 7, 2025, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Panama City Beach will celebrate Tourism Appreciation Day with a Real. Fun. Celebration. on Wednesday, May 7th at 4:00 PM at the M.B. Miller County Pier. This free event welcomes locals, visitors, and all those who contribute to making PCB a favorite beach destination. Expect an afternoon of live music, games, food, ice cream, and more as the community comes together to recognize the value of tourism during Florida’s Tourism Appreciation Week.
Southern Tapas & Wine
Duplin Winery | Panama City Beach
May 7 & 9, 2025, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Duplin Winery’s Savoring the South event offers a delicious lineup of six wine and Southern-inspired tapas pairings, featuring dishes like pepper jelly over cream cheese, bourbon chicken, kale salad, meatballs, and even wine-infused brownies. Each bite is paired with one of Duplin’s popular wines, showcasing the flavors of the South with a gourmet twist. Guests are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. More information HERE.
2nd Annual Margarita Ball
Shaddai Shriners | Panama City
May 10, 2025, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
The Gulf Coast School for Autism Margarita Ball returns on Saturday, May 10th, promising an unforgettable night of fun, flavor, and fiesta. Guests can expect an evening filled with cocktails, dancing, and celebration—perfect for margarita lovers and anyone looking to enjoy a lively night out. Proceeds from the event support the creation of a unique interactive sensory room for students, designed to promote emotional well-being through engaging sound, movement, and texture-based activities. It’s a great way to have fun while making a meaningful impact.
62nd Bay Annual Competition & Exhibition
Center of the Arts | Panama City
May 10, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Bay Arts Alliance presents the 62nd Bay Annual Competition and Exhibition, opening Friday, May 10 at the Center for the Arts in downtown Panama City. The public is invited to the opening reception and awards ceremony on Saturday, May 10 from 5–7 p.m., with awards announced at 6 p.m. This long-standing tradition, originally started by the Panama City Artist Association, highlights outstanding work from across Northwest Florida. More than 100 entries are submitted each year, with a juried selection featured in the exhibition and six pieces receiving awards. The exhibition will be on display May 2–31. Artists interested in participating can find details and submission guidelines HERE.
Florida Jeep Jam 2025
Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
May 12-17, 2025
Celebrate 10 years of Jeepin’ fun at the Florida Jeep Jam, happening May 12–17, 2025, in Panama City Beach! This milestone event brings together Jeep enthusiasts from across the country for a full week of off-road trail rides, obstacle courses, beach cruises, live music, and more than 100 top vendors. From daily activities to weekend concerts, there's something for every Jeep fan in the family. Pre-register by March 31st to lock in early bird pricing and score a limited-edition 2025 event flag. More details and registration information HERE.
Summer Splash
E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
May 17, 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kick off the summer with a splash at the Summer Splash event on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center! This family-friendly event features interactive animal chats, yard games, bounce houses, and raffles—fun for all ages! Enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks like The Rican Vegan, Bang’n Bowls, Pressed, and Sea & Snow Shaved Ice. If you’re feeling adventurous, join in the water games, so be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes. Tickets at the door are $7 for kids (4+), $10 for adults, and free for members HERE.
Gulf Coast Jam
Frank Brown Beach | Panama City Beach
May 29-31, 2025, 2:30 p.m.
Gulf Coast Jam 2025 returns to Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach from May 29 – June 1, bringing four days of high-energy performances and summer fun. Set just minutes from the Gulf, this year’s festival features an all-star lineup including Blake Shelton, Tyler Childers, Lainey Wilson, Sam Hunt, Jordan Davis, and more. With world-class music, a beachside backdrop, and an unbeatable atmosphere, Gulf Coast Jam continues to be one of the South’s top country music festivals. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! Visit the official website HERE.
Jam on the Coast 5K
Frank Brown Beach | Panama City Beach
May 31, 2025, 7:00-9:00 a.m.
The 5th Annual Jam on the Coast 5K returns to Panama City Beach on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in partnership with Gulf Coast Jam and the Panama City Beach Chamber. This fun run kicks off at the Gulf Coast Jam gates and winds through Frank Brown Park and Gayle’s Trails. Participants will receive a moisture-wicking race shirt, a finisher medal, and an exclusive Gulf Coast Jam merchandise coupon. It’s a great way to start your day with some movement and music-themed motivation! Register HERE.
