Pumpkin to Talk About
There’s something especially nice about fall in Panama City Beach: pumpkins and fall traditions, but you can still spend the afternoon outside in a swimsuit. From the Floating Pumpkin Patch and pumpkin-filled festivals to Oktoberfest, fall markets and outdoor events, October gives you plenty of ways to get into the season without giving up the sunshine, warm weather and easygoing pace that make fall here so good.
FEATURED EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Ranger-Led Nature Hike
St Andrews State Park | Panama City Beach
October 1, 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.
Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest
Various Venues | Panama City Beach
October 9-11, 2026
Calling all pirates, mermaids, and Renaissance revelers—the Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest returns to Panama City Beach for a free weekend packed with swashbuckling fun. Expect live entertainment, mermaid shows, fire circus performances, knight combat, Renaissance activities, and plenty of pirate-themed festivities throughout the weekend. Highlights include the Krewe of Dominique Youx Main Parade on Saturday, followed by a spectacular fireworks display, with even more events happening across multiple stages and festival areas. For the full schedule and event details, visit the official website HERE.
PCB Seafood Festival & Fishing Rodeo
Capt Anderson’s Marina | Panama City Beach
October 9-11, 2026
The PCB Seafood Festival & Fishing Rodeo returns for three days of fresh seafood, waterfront entertainment, and family fun, with free admission all weekend. Browse more than 80 local vendors, dig into everything from oysters and shrimp boils to fish tacos and crab cakes, and catch live music throughout the festival. The PCB Fishing Rodeo adds plenty of excitement with big fish weigh-ins, while kids can enjoy the dedicated Kids’ Zone with bounce houses. The weekend wraps up Sunday with the fishing rodeo closing ceremony followed by fireworks over Grand Lagoon at 8:30 p.m. Visit their website HERE for more information.
Floating Pumpkin Patch
Frank Brown Park Aquatic Center | Panama City Beach
October 10, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Forget the pumpkin patch—this one is in the pool. The PCB Aquatic Center turns its pool into a floating pumpkin patch for a fun fall afternoon where kids can grab their swimsuits, jump in and choose their own pumpkin. It’s a decidedly Florida take on a fall tradition, and a fun way to spend an October afternoon with the family.
Fright Nights: The Raven Queen
19E E 4th St | Panama City
October 15-17/22-25, 2026
Step into the dreams of the Raven Queen this October at Fright Nights, an immersive haunted experience that takes you through the darker corners of her memories - from her grandmother’s house and an eerie asylum to a sinister carnival and Iktomi’s lair. This year’s experience is recommended for ages 12 and up, with children under 12 required to attend with an adult. Proceeds benefit the Bay Arts Alliance and its mission to put “Art on Every Corner.” Ticketing information can be found HERE.
Oktoberfest
Aaron Bessant Park | Panama City Beach
October 16-18, 2026, 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Get your steins ready for PCB Oktoberfest, returning to Aaron Bessant Park October 16–18 for three days of German beer, traditional food, live music, and family-friendly fun. The festival takes over a massive Munich-inspired tent, along with two outdoor beer gardens and a VIP area. Expect brats, mettwurst, giant pretzels with beer-infused cheese, and plenty of beer to go around, plus live music throughout the weekend. Festivities also include stein-hoisting competitions, tug of war, an Alp Horn Blowing competition, a Best Dressed contest, bounce houses, face painting, and a photo booth. For the full schedule and ticket information visit their website HERE.
St Andrews State Park 75th Anniversary
St Andrews State Park Jetty Pavilions | Panama City Beach
October 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
St. Andrews State Park turns 75, and the celebration is bringing a full day of activities to the park. Expect ranger-guided hikes, environmental and historical talks, a sand castle competition, and hands-on activities from local groups and clubs showcasing the many ways to experience the park. The Friends of St. Andrews State Park will also have games of chance throughout the day. It’s a family-friendly way to explore the park, learn a little more about its history and natural environment, and celebrate 75 years of one of Panama City Beach’s favorite places. More information HERE.
Paws in the Park
Frank Brown Park Dog Park | Panama City Beach
October 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Paws in the Park brings a morning of four-legged fun to Frank Brown Park Dog Park, with Police K9 demonstrations, pet vendors, adoption opportunities and a pet costume contest. Bring your dog along to enjoy this free event, meet other local pet lovers and maybe even find a new furry family member.
Thunder Beach Fall Motorcycle Rally
Frank Brown Park | Panama City Beach
October 21-25, 2026
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally rolls back into Panama City Beach for four days of motorcycles, live music, vendors, demo rides and plenty of reasons to get out and explore the beach by bike. Seven official venues stretch across the city, each with its own lineup of entertainment and activities. At Frank Brown Park, expect Vendor Village, factory demo rides from Harley-Davidson, Indian and Can-Am, the Iron & Chrome Collective Museum on Wheels, bike shows, a biker rodeo, group rides and live music throughout the week. Whether you come for the bikes, the music, the people or simply the ride along Panama City Beach, Thunder Beach brings a lot of energy to the coast. For the full schedule and list of venues, visit their website HERE.
Youth Fishing Rodeo
Frank Brown Park Youth Fishing Pond | Panama City Beach
October 24, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Kids 16 and under can cast a line and compete for prizes at the Youth Fishing Rodeo at Frank Brown Park Youth Fishing Pond. Whether they’re picking up a fishing rod for the first time or already know their way around a reel, it’s a fun morning of fishing, family time and a little friendly competition. Sponsored by Fish Florida and other local organizations, the event also includes hot dogs from the Optimist Club and prizes across multiple categories. Bring the kids, enjoy some time outdoors and let them see what they can catch.
