PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (April 15, 2008) – Predictably sunny skies and glistening, emerald seas provide a perfect backdrop for a full calendar of events in Panama City Beach. From outdoor festivals and historical celebrations to concerts and boat races, visitors discover something for every member of the family. Fun and sun reign year-round in one of America’s top beach destinations.

April – August

Groovin’ on the Green Concert Series Kickoff – The bluegrass tunes of the Waco Ramblers launch the “Groovin’ on the Green” free concert series starting at 7:00 pm in downtown Carillon Beach. Bring a beach blanket or lawn chair and sway into summer. The concert series continues with popular bands on select Mondays throughout May, June and August. Check listing at www.thebeachloversbeach.com.
Location: 100 Carillon Market Street, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 800.PCBEACH or www.thebeachloversbeach.com

April 24 – 26

Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show & Music Festival – This award-winning charity fundraiser draws more than 500 horses and exhibitors from across the country. Annual highlights include live music, arts, crafts, food, children’s pony rides and more.
Location: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.914.9030 or www.gulfcoasthorseshow.com

May 1 – 4

Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally – Bikes galore! Known as the “the Most Biker-Friendly, Free Rally in the United States,” this event features a weekend of concerts, custom bike show, parade and motorcycle fun for the people who “ride to live and live to ride.”
Location: Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 888.396.1638 or www.thunderbeachproductions.com

May 10

Gulf Coast Triathlon – More than 1,800 athletes from 36 states and 15 countries, engage in this hot competition with even hotter celebrations.
Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9450 S. Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.235.0720 or www.gulfcoasttriathlon.com

May 16 – 18

National Shrimp and Oyster Festival – Sample local seafood straight from the Gulf of Mexico: plump shrimp skewers, crab cakes and other seafood delights, as well as traditional favorites like corn on the cob and funnel cake. Features arts & crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, and a grand fireworks display.
Location: Carl Gray Park, 5230 West Hwy. 98, Panama City, Fla.
Info: 850.784.9542 or www.emeraldcoastevents.com

May 29

Pier Park Concert Series Kickoff – Summer rocks with this free concert series, running every Thursday, May 29 – Sep. 3, 2008. Live performances start at 7:00 p.m. and range from rock and country to jazz and blues. Bring a beach blanket and enjoy live music under the stars. Concerts take place in the Pier Park Amphitheatre, located across from the City Pier. Schedule is subject to possible change.
Location: 16000 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 800.PCBEACH or www.thebeachloversbeach.com

July 9 –13

Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament – Get those rods and reels ready for the Gulf’s premiere invitational tournament. In 2001, Conrad Hawkins, aboard the Lucky 2, set a new Florida record with a 1,046 pound Blue Marlin in this tournament. Who knows what contestants will reel in this year.
Location: Bay Point Marina, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.233.1633 or www.baypointbillfish.com

August 20 – 24

Grand Lagoon National Saltwater Fishing Tournament – Poised to become one of the nation’s largest, most inclusive sport-fishing tournaments, the Grand Lagoon National boasts six competitive divisions at four marinas for a $1 million purse. More than 400 boats and 2,000 anglers from across the country are expected.
Location: The Grand Lagoon, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.522.0955 or www.grandlagoonnational.com

September 25 – 28

Thunder Beach Fall Motorcycle Rally – Bikes galore! Thunder Beach draws tens of thousands of bikers and their families from across the country. A weekend of motorcycle fun with concerts, custom bike show, bike parade and Poker Run.
Location: Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.249.7627 or www.thunderbeachproductions.com

October 3 – 5

Super Boat Florida/National Championship – It’s adrenaline on emerald-green seas with the culmination of the Super Boat Grand Prix national series. With boat parades, awards, parties and more, it’s an action-packed weekend for the entire family.
Location: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 305.296.6166 or www.superboat.com

October TBA

Indian Summer Festival – One of the Southeast’s largest festivals, showcasing the region’s bounty of arts, crafts and tasty local cuisine. Highlights include nationally renowned musicians performing on two stages during three days.
Location: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, Fla.

October 24 – 26

Southeastern Blues & BBQ Festival – It’s a finger lickin’ good time as barbeque teams from across the country compete to qualify for the World Championship Barbeque Contest in Memphis, Tenn. Enjoy blues music, children's activities, carnival rides and more.
Location: Carl Gray Park, Panama City, Fla.
Info: 850.784.9542 or www.emeraldcoastevents.org

November 1

Ironman Florida Triathlon – Qualifying event for Ironman World Championship.
Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9450 S. Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.234.3484 or www.ironmanflorida.com

November 3 – 8

Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Event – Calling all car and hot rod enthusiasts: This classic car and hot rod show has a vendor marketplace, swap meet, music and prizes.
Location: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 888.299.7892 or www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com

November 6 – 9

Holly Fair – Unwrap plenty of holiday cheer at this unique shopping and entertainment extravaganza. Unique merchandise from around the country, with live entertainment featuring the sights and sounds of local choirs, ensembles, dance groups and bands.
Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9450 S. Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, Fla.
Info: 850.785.7870 or www.jslpanamacity.org

December 13

22nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights – St. Andrews Bay sets the stage for a magical celebration at sea as boats of all shapes and sizes dress up in grand style for this festival of twinkling lights.
Location: St. Andrews Marina, Panama City, Fla.
Info: 850.872.7208 or www.historicstandrews.com

About Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, The Travel Channel, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH or 850-233-6503, or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://ww.thebeachloversbeach.com.