July Fourth weekend: Have a blast in Panama City Beach
PANAMA CITY BEACH — July Fourth weekend promises plenty of opportunities to catch the fireworks — by land, sand or boat.
“We picked July 2 to have another Shell-a-bration because the weekend of July Fourth is one of the most popular boating weekends of the year,” said Friends of Shell Island executive director Stephanie Somerset. “Everyone who can gets out on the water to enjoy the fireworks and their family.”
Friends of Shell Island is hosting a Shell-a-bration Fourth of July from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday with “I Belong on Shell Island” T-shirts and grilled hot dogs provided. Look for the banner on the boaters’ anchorage on the bay side of Shell Island at the dock area.
Donations of any amount, paid by credit card or cash — “wet or dry” — are requested for the nonprofit advocacy group, whose goal is to keep public access to the island.
Boardwalk Beach Resort is ready to Light Up the Gulf with live music from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 1, with Todd Sparks. The beach bash continues Saturday night with music by Jeff Brewer, and kids will be entertained with the 8 p.m. showing “Despicable Me 3: Minions” on the beach.
On Sunday, Boardwalk hosts Family Fun Day from 1-5 p.m. with Hermit Crab Races, followed by live music from Britt Landram III. The Light up the Gulf Fireworks Show is at 8:30 p.m., followed by a 9:30 p.m. showing of “The Lego Movie” on the beach.
On Monday, July Fourth, family fun continues with more Hermit Crab races and a beach concert from 6-10 p.m. with the Georgia Clay Band. Boardwalk guests will be able to see the Star Spangled Spectacular.
Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach is hosting a three day Fourth of July Bash beginning Saturday with a classic car cruise-in from noon to 4 p.m. with classics, antiques and specialty cars, retro pin-up girls, barbecue and beer for sale, free shoe shines and cruisin’ music.
On Sunday, Neal James will play live music on the Harley deck, and Monday, Swingtown, The Ultimate Steve Miller Tribute Band, hits the Harley Stage from 1-4 p.m. Guests can register throughout the weekend to win a new 2016 Harley-Davidson FXDLS Dyna Low Rider. The bike will be given away during the Fall Thunder Beach Bike Rally in Panama City Beach, scheduled for Oct. 19-23.
The Freedom Rocks Celebration returns to the Grand Lagoon on Sunday. Grab a seat at a waterfront restaurant for dinner and a view of the fireworks at 9 p.m., or bring a chair or blanket to the grassy lawn at Treasure Island Marina. See the fireworks from the water on Capt. Anderson III’s Rock the Boat Cruise from 8-9:30 p.m. Sunday or on the boat’s Family Fireworks Cruise from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday. The Capt. Anderson also is offering a fireworks cruise from 7-9:30 p.m. Monday with the addition of beer available.
The Star Spangled Spectacular returns to Panama City Beach from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, beginning with the Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony at Aaron Bessant Park. Live music will be simulcast by Powell Broadcast. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. from Russell-Fields City Pier.
Following weekend festivities, Panama City Beach residents and tourists are invited to the Beach Clean Up from 8:30-11 a.m. Tuesday at the beach across from Pier Park beside the Russell-Fields City Pier. Pier Park representatives will hand out trash bags and gloves to help collect trash from the fireworks show. Volunteers will receive complimentary pastries, coffee and a chance at giveaways.
BEACH JULY FOURTH CELEBRATIONS
Saturday
SHELL-A-BRATION FOURTH OF JULY: Noon to 4 p.m. with Friends of Shell Island “I Belong on Shell Island” T-shirts and grilled hot dogs, as well as a beach cleanup and information will be provided on seagrass protection and opening the East Pass. Donations requested. Look for the banner on the boaters’ anchorage on the bay side of Shell Island at the dock area.
FOURTH OF JULY BASH: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway. Classic car cruise-in from with classics, antiques and specialty cars; retro pin-up girls; barbecue and cold beer for sale; free shoe shines, and live music. Details: 850-334-0055 or PCBHarley.com
Sunday
FOURTH OF JULY BASH: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway. Free Bikini Bike Wash with the Harley Girls; live music by Neal James from noon to 2 p.m. Details: 850-334-0055 or PCBHarley.com
FREEDOM ROCKS CELEBRATION: 8 p.m. Sunday music broadcast begins, followed by 9 p.m. fireworks display over the water at the Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach; sponsored by The Grand Lagoon Coalition members and Visit Panama City Beach. Come early and dine at any participating waterfront restaurant, get a view from the Grand Lagoon bridge, or bring your chair/blanket to the grassy lawn at Treasure Island Marina. Area charter boats also will be offering specials. Capt. Anderson III is offering a Rock the Boat Cruise from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
LIGHT UP THE GULF FIREWORKS SHOW: 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9600 S. Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. Details: BoardwalkBeachResort.com
Monday
STAR SPANGLED SPECTACULAR: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday in Panama City Beach. Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony at Aaron Bessant Park, 500 Pier Park Drive, at 9 a.m.; Fireworks at Russell-Fields City Pier, 16201 Front Beach Road, at 9 p.m. Details: 850-233-5045 or PanamaCityBeachParksAndRecreation.com
FOURTH OF JULY BASH: 1-4 p.m. Monday at Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway. Live music from Swingtown Steve Miller Tribute Band; register to win a new 2016 Harley-Davidson FXDLS Dyna Low Rider. Details: 850-334-0055 or PCBHarley.com
FAMILY FIREWORKS CRUISE: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Monday aboard the Capt. Anderson III with DJ for kids; snack bar available. Reservations and pricing: CaptAndersonsMarina.com or 850-234-5940
FIREWORKS CRUISE: 7-9:30 p.m. Monday aboard the Capt. Anderson with DJ on top deck; snack bar and beer available. Reservations and pricing: CaptAndersonsMarina.com or 850-234-5940
