With fall just around the corner, Panama City Beach is getting ready with an entire menu of family-friendly activities just right for your little ones that won’t take a bite out of your budget.
The area, which claims a near 320 annual days of sunshine, 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and inviting emerald green water, is located where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge.
The fun kicks off on Labor Day weekend, when visitors can say goodbye to summer with some of country music’s A-list stars at the destination’s seventh-annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. Headliners will include Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and Kid Rock at Frank Brown Park, accessible via free shuttles. The Panama City Beach Oktoberfest, Oct. 4–6, is a great fit for parents of young adults. Authentic German beer and brats will be available, and activities will include stein hosting competitions, live music and plenty of activities for younger kids. And don’t be surprised to see a few festival-goers wearing lederhosen
.
On Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 11–13, families can take part in a Pirates of the High Seas Fest, to take place throughout the Grand Lagoon and in Pier Park. The fun includes everything from parades and sword-swinging showdowns to a pirate invasion, a Treasure Drop and fireworks display.
Love lobster? Head to the Schooners Lobster Festival & Tournament Oct. 14–20 at Schooners Last Local Beach Club. The weeklong event mixes live music, contests and, of course, plenty of Florida lobster.
Schooners Lobsterfest. Photo: Visit Panama City Beach
On Oct. 19, the Bloody Mary & Music Festival is geared toward visitors aged 21 and older and features 20 local businesses competing to determine who makes the best Bloody Mary in Panama City Beach. The winner will be crowned “Big Tomato” and awarded a four-foot, tomato-topped trophy to keep until next year’s event.
Or stay for the Thunder Beach Autumn Motorcycle Rally Oct. 24–27, known by locals as “The Most Biker Friendly Free Rally in the United States.” Held twice a year in Panama City Beach — during the first weekend in May and in mid-October — the event draws bikers from around the country for scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, accompanied by live entertainment and local cuisine.
The fun continues into November with a Beach Home for the Holidays festival Nov. 29–30. A holiday tradition for the entire family, guests can kick off the Christmas season with free holiday concerts at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, seasonal-themed events like campfires and s’mores, a meet-and-greet with Santa and a Christmas tree-lighting celebration.
Christmas concert at the Beach Home for the Holidays Festival. Photo: Visit Panama City Beach
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Take on This New Glaciers & Grizzlies Alaska Adventure from Gondwana Ecotours
Gondwana Ecotours invites family travelers to embark on a one-of-a-kind summer trip — Glaciers & Grizzlies Adventure. This nine-day ecotour caters up to 16 guests, offering unparalleled access to Alaska’s most iconic landscapes such as Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Fjords National Park and Katmai National Park.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
North America
Jul 16, 202613 U.S. Lighthouses to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these lighthouses with us.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 2026Ogunquit: Maine’s Perfect Beach Town
Maine’s south coast has beaches for every taste. There’s Old Orchard for the razzle-dazzle of an old-school pier and oceanside amusement park, Parson’s Beach in Kennebunkport for those who like just sand and dunes, and York’s Long Sands for surfers.
North America
Jul 15, 2026Grand Canyon West Launches Kids Free Offer, July Discount to Celebrate America’s 250th
It’s not too late for family travelers to take advantage of America’s 250th savings, even if the Fourth of July has passed. Grand Canyon West offers families a fun, affordable getaway with a Kids Free promotion and a special July promotion to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Destinations / North America
Jul 15, 2026The Best NYC Neighborhoods to Book (And Not to Book) a Family Stay
New York City can be a lot for tourists, especially if they’ve never been there before. The city feels massive and confusing at times, and it can be hard to decide which neighborhood is the best place to book your stay — especially if you’ve got kids. To mak planning a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of neighborhoods that are great, and not so great, options.
ShareThis