A Feast of Fall Fun
There’s a lot to gobble about on the Emerald Coast, from barbecue festivals and culinary experiences to scenic Turkey Trots, live music, and art under the stars. Add in the first holiday celebrations of the season, and the calendar is serving up plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Panama City Beach and beyond.
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Nature Through the Looking Glass
St Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach
November 3, 2026, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Join park staff at the Gator Lake Boardwalk at St. Andrews State Park for a chance to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat. Binoculars and spotting scopes will be provided to help you spot native species, including Great Blue Herons and American alligators. The program is free with paid park entry: $8 per vehicle for two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and additional passengers. Visit the park’s website HERE for details.
Ranger-Led Nature Hike
St Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach
November 5, 2026, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Explore St. Andrews State Park on a ranger-led hike along one of the park’s scenic nature trails. Nature’s Story offers a closer look at the park’s natural surroundings and the flora and fauna found along the way. The program is free with paid park entry: $8 per vehicle for two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, or additional passengers. Visit the park’s website HERE for details.
30A BBQ Festival
Grand Boulevard | Miramar Beach
November 6, 2026, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Bring your appetite to the 30A BBQ Festival, returning to Grand Boulevard for an evening of smoky barbecue, live music, and friendly competition, all benefiting The Sonder Project. Local restaurants and pitmasters from across the Emerald Coast will fire up their grills as guests sample all-you-can-eat barbecue and vote for “30A’s Best BBQ.” Enjoy live music by River Dan, plus a photo booth, silent auction, raffle, and beer and wine from local favorites. General admission tickets are $70 and include all-you-can-eat BBQ and unlimited beer and wine for guests 21 and older, while VIP tickets offer early entry, an exclusive area, dessert, a special gift, and an open bar. Discounted $20 tickets are available for children 12 and under. Visit the event website HERE for tickets and details.
Panama City Songwriters Festival
Historic Downtown| Panama City
November 6-7, 2026
Songwriters take center stage at the 8th Annual Songwriter Festival in Panama City, bringing two days of live music, original songs, and the stories behind them. Featuring local, regional, national, and international talent, the festival spans multiple venues within easy walking distance of one another, making it easy to explore downtown while catching performances throughout the event. The festival also supports youth programs through the arts. General admission tickets are $60, while $100 VIP tickets include access to all venues, two drink tickets per day, VIP seating where available, and access to after-parties. Visit the festival website HERE for tickets and details.
Public Eye SOAR
Gulf Coast State College | Panama City
November 6-7, 2026, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
See Panama City come alive with light, color, and creativity at the 13th Annual Public Eye SOAR, a free, family-friendly celebration of projection art and visual storytelling at Gulf Coast State College. Featuring work from artists around the world, the two-night event transforms the campus into an immersive experience with large-scale projections, live performances, short films, animation, photography, interactive activities, sand art, and more. With artists representing more than 45 countries and territories over the years, SOAR offers a colorful mix of global perspectives and local creativity. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. More HERE.
WaterColor Mountainfilm on Tour
WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater | Santa Rosa Beach
November 6-7, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
The 26th Annual Mountainfilm on Tour brings a curated collection of documentary short films exploring adventure, culture, environmental conservation, and stories that inspire change. Enjoy thought-provoking films from the acclaimed Telluride festival under the stars, with a Mountainfilm presenter offering insights into the filmmakers and stories behind the screen. Bring a blanket or low-back chair for seating; food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $50 for Friday or Saturday and $90 for a weekend pass. Children 8 and under attend free, though some films may contain adult language or loud sound levels. Visit the event website HERE for tickets and details.
Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida
Russell-Fields Pier | Panama City Beach
November 7, 2026, 5:40 a.m.
One of the most iconic races on the North American triathlon calendar, Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida brings athletes and spectators to the Emerald Coast for a challenging day of competition against a beautiful coastal backdrop. First held in 1999, the race is known for its flat, fast course, making it a favorite for personal-record seekers and first-time IRONMAN competitors alike. With emerald Gulf waters, white-sand beaches, and mild fall temperatures, it’s also an ideal time to turn race weekend into a Panama City Beach getaway.
Veterans Day Fall Food Truck Festival
St Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach
November 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Head to the jetties at St. Andrews State Park for a weekend of good food and waterfront views. The park’s concessionaire is bringing five to eight food trucks to the jetty parking lot for a flavorful gathering the weekend before Veterans Day. Stop by to sample a variety of eats while enjoying one of Panama City Beach’s scenic coastal spots. Park entry fees apply: $8 per vehicle for two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and additional passengers.
Park After Dark
St Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach
November 7, 2026, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Look up after dark at St. Andrews State Park during Park After Dark, an evening of stargazing hosted by the Friends of St. Andrews State Park. Professional telescopes will be available to help you get a closer look at the planets and constellations, offering a chance to explore the night sky from the park’s scenic jetties. A $5 donation is requested, with proceeds benefiting the park. More information HERE.
Crafted
Various Venues | Alys Beach
November 11-15, 2026
Spend a weekend indulging in culinary creativity, craft beverages, and artisanal finds at Crafted in Alys Beach. This multi-day celebration brings together chefs, makers, and beverage creators for a series of distinctive experiences, from rare cask ales and chef-paired bites at the Firkin Fête to cocktails, live music, and culinary delights at the Spirited Soirée. Browse the Holiday Makers Market for handmade goods, fine crafts, and seasonal gifts from talented artisans. With a mix of tastings, shopping, and memorable gatherings, Crafted offers a flavorful way to enjoy the season along 30A. Visit the event website HERE for the full schedule and ticket details.
Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show
Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach
November 12-14, 2026, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and custom trucks take over Aaron Bessant Park for Emerald Coast Cruizin’, Panama City Beach’s annual automotive festival known as “The South’s Best Blast from the Past.” Browse thousands of vehicles on display, explore the Vendor Market Midway, and enjoy live music, DJs, special guests, and awards throughout the event. This year’s entertainment includes Salt Rock Revival, Greye, and Loud Planet, along with a charity auction. Located just across from Pier Park, the festival also puts more than 125 shops and restaurants within easy reach. Spectator admission is $20 per day, with children under 12 admitted free. Visit the event website HERE for details.
Winter Wonderland
Lynn Haven Sports Complex | Lynn Haven
November 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Get a head start on holiday shopping at Winter Wonderland at the Lynn Haven Sports Complex, featuring approximately 300 vendors offering handmade crafts, gifts, holiday décor, food, and more. Browse local businesses and artisan displays while enjoying live music and dance performances from community groups. Families can also look forward to festive photo opportunities and story time with Mrs. Claus, making it a fun way to get into the holiday spirit while supporting local vendors.
30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races
Barrett Square | Rosemary Beach
November 26, 2026, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Work up an appetite before the Thanksgiving feast. Voted one of the South’s top 10 Turkey Trots by Southern Living magazine, the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Race Series offers a choice of 10K, 5K, or one-mile fun run/walk, with a flat, scenic route showcasing South Walton’s architecture and coastal dune lakes. The 10K is also the 2026 RRCA Florida State Championship race, attracting runners ready to compete for top honors. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a post-race celebration with breakfast, a DJ, local vendors, and complimentary mimosas and Bloody Marys for participants. The event supports local charities and has raised more than $1 million for families and children in need. Registration is $95 for the 10K or 5K and $45 for the one-mile fun run. Visit the race website HERE for registration and details.
Beach Home for the Holidays
Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach
November 27-28, 2026
Trade Thanksgiving leftovers for holiday lights and music at Beach Home for the Holidays in Panama City Beach. Aaron Bessant Park transforms into a festive gathering place with Christmas tree lighting, carol-themed concerts, s’mores, family activities, and a visit from Santa. This year’s entertainment includes country favorites The Band Perry, along with a special holiday performance by the Panama City Symphony and Panama City Ballet featuring music from The Nutcracker and other seasonal classics, ending with fireworks. It’s a festive way to welcome the holiday season with family and friends. Visit the event website HERE for the full schedule and details as they become available.
