Downtown Panama City Calendar of Events: Fall & Winter 2012

The Panama City area has long been known for its beautiful white beaches, emerald green waters and amusement parks.  The reputation has remained and grown over the years.  Many people who come here for our beaches are unaware that on the "town" side of the bridge lies an area filled with great restaurants, boutiques, a busy marina and an arts district.  The downtown core of Panama City has been a regional draw for over a hundred years.  Many of us who grew up within driving distance remember coming to Panama City to go shopping at JC Penney, Woolworth, Cogburn's or Smith's.

The Downtown Improvement Board was established to bring the shine back to downtown Panama City after a prolonged death spiral all but dried up the downtown area shopping and professessional businesses.  All that remained for many years before the DIB was put into place was Bay Bank, a cluster of attornies's offices and two or three staple long term retail storefronts.  With all the activities planned for the balance of 2012 and the projected renovation of the city marina, Panama City may return to it glory days in the very near future. 

Check out all the activities planned for the Fall and Winter 2012 in Downtown Panama City. 

Friday Fest:

First Friday of every month until November in Downtown Panama City from 6 – 10 PM. This street festival includes food and entertainment with show cars, vendors, live bands, and shopping at local stores and restaurants. More information at https://www.pcfridayfest.com/

Art-Tique:

This popular art walk takes place on the second Saturday of each month between April and October from 10AM to 3PM. Located in Vintage Market, the Art-Tique offers visitors exposure to local art and artists, galleries, and antique shops. There are free workshops, entertainment, and refreshments each month. More information at https://www.art-tiquepc.com/

Hogs & Grogs:

Taking place between March and October on the second Thursday of the month, is the Hogs & Grogs street event. This biker-themed event offers music, beer, and great food on Harrison Avenue from 6 – 10 PM.

Baybreeze Concert Series:

On the 3rd Thursday of each month from May to September, visitors to the downtown area can enjoy the Baybreeze concert series from 6:30 – 9PM at the Downtown Panama City Marina. The concert on September 15th features Panama Redd, an acoustic classic rock band.

Oktoberfest 2012:

Downtown Panama City is hosting Oktoberfest on Harrison Avenue, Oct 13th. Visitors will enjoy a variety of Bavarian food, a great beer garden, extended shopping hours, live music, and many other family activities.

Festival of Nations:

Taking place on November 10th between 10AM and 8PM, this street event offers a variety of food and music from a wide variety of cultures.

Winterfest:

Winterfest is a new event for us this year. Located at the Downtown Marina on November 24th from 4-7PM

A Dickens of a Christmas:

This annual event will be held this year on December 7, 14, & 21 from 5 – 8PM. The downtown area will play host to a variety of family activities. In years past, this event has included a Christmas tree lighting, “ice skating”, a craft sale, pictures with Santa, caroling, cookie decorating, and horse drawn carriage rides.

For more information about any events happening in Downtown Panama City, check out the Improvement Board's website.