Count the Ways: 18 events coming in 2017

PANAMA CITY BEACH — With 27 miles of white sand beach, multiple state and beachfront city parks, nearly 100 public beach access points and an untouched 7-mile-long barrier island, Panama City Beach is a natural destination during the height of the summer season.

But the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau is counting even more reasons to love the beach in this new year, looking ahead to 18 big beach events in 2017 — from concerts to festivals to sports.

“Our community takes great pride in helping families make unforgettable memories at the beach,” Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, said in a news release. “From music festivals to national athletic competitions, there’s something for every visitor coming to Panama City Beach, whether it’s in winter, spring, summer or fall.”

The fun has already started, as winter visitors might attest. (Unless otherwise noted below, you can find more details on the events at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com.)

1) Winter Resident Events: The Homecoming Social is Jan. 17; Senior Prom, Feb. 7; and Grand Finale, Feb. 20. This series of special occasions caters to winter residents, offering them time for fun and socializing in a sunnier clime.

2) Mardi Gras & Music Festival: This family-friendly two-day event, Feb. 24-25, takes place in and around Pier Park and includes a Kidz Zone, float tours and Fat Tuesday Street Fair. Live music will include headliners Victor Wainright and the WildRoots, and Sammy Kershaw.

3) Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show: Though based on dry land, this March 3-5 show features boating displays from all of the major manufacturers and top dealers, including the latest in high-tech engines, electronics and marine accessories, as well as everything for the active, outdoor and beach lifestyle. "Locals Day" is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 3, and "Ladies Day" is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 4. The event concludes 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, and free for children 12 and younger. Two-day passes are $15.

4) UNwineD: Vines to Steins: The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce's event March 24-25 celebrates wine, craft beer, gourmet coastal fare and live music. Visit UnwinedPCB.com for the lineup when it becomes available.

5) Scottish Festival and Renaissance Faire: The longstanding Panama City Scottish Festival and Highland Games will combine forces with the Northwest Florida Renaissance Faire (in its second year) to celebrate all things Celtic, Gaelic, Welsh and English on March 4 at Frank Brown Park. Master of ceremonies will be Scottish comedian Bob Valentine. Details: PCScotFestival.com 

6) Seabreeze Jazz Festival: Named a Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA by JazzIZ Magazine, the music returns April 19-23, featuring the top national smooth jazz artists. The event attracts fans from across the USA, Canada and Europe for the ultimate performance-packed weekend of jazz. Details and tickets: SeabreezeJazzFestival.com.

7) SpringJam Music Festival: This two-day country and pop music festival kicks off the spring season April 28-29, with headlining acts including Sheryl Crow and Darius Rucker. Tickets and lodging packages are on sale now at SpringJamPCB.com.

8) Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast: The ultimate test of endurance returns May 13, as athletes open the day with a 1.2-mile open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico, followed by a 56-mile bike ride through the rural areas of Bay County and Panama City Beach. The final leg of the race consists of a 13.1-mile run. Details: Ironman.com

9) Free Summer Concerts: Throughout the summer, visitors and locals alike gather for the free summer concert series at Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater, where live performances every Thursday evening in the open air will set the tone. In addition, the Groovin’ on the Green series brings music to the air on Monday nights at the Carillon Beach neighborhood.

10) Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam: This Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, the best of today’s country music performers take the stage at Frank Brown Park. Details and advance tickets: GulfCoastJam.com

11) 27th Annual Lobster Festival and Tournament: Schooners hosts the largest lobster bash in Florida each year in September (dates and times for 2017 to be determined). Divers will compete in a variety of categories including Spiny lobster, Shovelnose lobster and Big 6. Weigh-ins begin on Saturday and end Sunday with grand prizes and a Lobster Feast featuring dozens of dishes. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest, now in its 19th year, takes place on the beach. Details: Schooners.com

12) Chasin’ the Sun Music Festival: This laid-back beach concert will return for its fourth year in September (dates and times to be determined), featuring big-name musical acts for a weekend of concerts at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater.

13) Pirates of the High Seas Festival: Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 6-8, will see a treasure trove of fun-filled adventures taking place throughout the community. The festival includes an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, culminating with a dueling fireworks display between the piers reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas.

14) Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally: The spring rally is May 3-7, and the fall rally is Oct. 19-23. Known as "the most biker-friendly" free rally in the United States, this event welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country to enjoy scenic rides, live entertainment and local cuisine. Details: ThunderBeachProductions.com

15) Ironman Florida: Returning Nov. 4, what began as a challenge between groups of U.S. Navy Seals has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Details: IronmanFlorida.com

16) Emerald Coast Cruizin’: Now expanded to a semi-annual event, the car show will take over Aaron Bessant Park March 8-11 and Nov. 8-11. The show features thousands of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks, as well as live musical entertainment. Details: EmeraldCoastCruizin.com

17) Beach Home for the Holidays: Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing through Christmas, this season of celebration is a new holiday tradition for the family. It kicks off with free holiday concerts at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, free seasonal-themed events like campfires and s’mores, meeting with Santa, a Christmas tree lighting and more.

18) Tenth Annual Beach Ball Drop: Families are invited to celebrate New Year's Eve on the beach again next Dec. 31. A kid-friendly countdown at 8 p.m. culminates with fireworks and 10,000 beach balls released over the crowd. Then, as the seconds tick down to midnight, thousands of revelers watch as an 800-pound glowing beach ball descends from the sky signifying the start of a New Year and igniting a second round of fireworks. 

For more information about these or other events coming to Panama City Beach in 2017, check with the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 850-233-5070, visiting the website at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com, or following the CVB on Twitter @Visit_PCB and Facebook.com/visitpanamacitybeach