Category: Events

Pier vs Pier Weekly Fishing Tournaments [Weekly Prizes]

To showcase the world-class fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is luring avid anglers with weekend-long fishing tournaments this fall. Running from Sept. 23 to Nov. 13, the City Pier vs. County Pier Challenge guarantees a prize purse totaling more than $10,000.

The M.B. Miller Pier (County Pier) and the Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier) are twin piers, both of which are prized as prime fishing spots for anglers of all ages.  Extending more than 1,500 feet into the calm waters, the piers are two of the longest on the Gulf Coast. All visitors have the opportunity to cast a line for a local catch, with rod rentals and tackle available on site.

Tournament info

Each weekend during the contest, on Friday through Sunday, fishermen and women of all levels are invited to compete in the challenge.  There are four categories

  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Flounder
  • King Mackerel
  • Pompano

Every weekend, participants can win a top prize of $150 for each species, with a total of $1200 in prizes awarded. A $250 prize will be awarded for the heaviest catch of the entire challenge. Kids are welcome to participate in the Children’s Division tournaments, open to anglers 12 and under. Winners of the Children’s Division will receive rod and reel prizes.

Weigh-ins will take place at each pier and the winner will be announced on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Best of all, there is no entry fee required for the tournaments.

 

Christian Music and Film Fest Schedule

The Fun Never Sets Christian Music Festival is coming up next weekend featuring artists such as Toby Mac, Third Day, and Petra.  The weekend will be filled with uplifting music, short films and good weather (hopefully).

“We are thrilled to host such talented musicians for a weekend that is inspirational and uplifting,” states Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The fall is a wonderful time to visit, and our gorgeous sugar-white sand beaches and emerald green waters perfectly set the stage for three days of praise, worship and reflection.”

Friday, August 26

Petra (5:45 – 6:45 p.m.) The first Christian rock band to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Petra was undoubtedly the world’s most popular band in the contemporary Christian music genre throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Having released more than 20 studio albums, Petra was the first Christian band whose memorabilia was included in the Hard Rock Café restaurant chain. Several other artists have recorded tributes to the band, including country music sensation Tim McGraw.

Matthew West (7:15 – 8:15 p.m.) The Downers Grove, Illinois native is best known for number one hits “More,” “You Are Everything,” and “The Motions.” West, who says he has plumbed the depths of his soul for sweet inspiration, released his latest album, My Own Little World, in 2010. In addition to a successful solo career, the musician has worked as a songwriter for many other well-known artists including Point of Grace, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jo Dee Messina and Rascal Flatts.

Third Day (8:45 – 10:00 p.m.) Berthed amid a storm of personal crises and tragedies of those close to them, Third Day’s steely-eyed eighth album, Wherever You Are, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel album in 2006. The Atlanta-based rockers are on a mission to convey the hope and eternity of Christ through their music, from their encouraging “Rise Up” to the inspirational “Mountain of God.”

Saturday, August 27

Jamie Grace (3:00 – 3:30 p.m.) A hybrid mix of acoustic pop, hip hop, folk, and reggae, the newest addition to the TobyMac-founded label, Gotee Records, recently released a four-song collection titled Hold Me. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 11, Grace, now 19, shares her story of resilience and hope through what she calls her “heart songs.”

Peter Furler (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.) Raw talent combined with hard work has produced one of Australia’s biggest exports – not just in Christian music but in every genre. One of the few Aussies who can lay claim to writing, producing and singing more than 25 number one hits including classics “He Reigns,” “Shine,” and “Something Beautiful,” Furler’s performances are notorious for being as diverse as they are divine.

Family Force 5 (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.) Often referred to as a crunk rock band, Family Force 5 mixes a diverse set of music styles including punk, rap, R & B, funk, techno pop and more with positive lyrics. The band released their first full-length album titled Business Up Front/Party in the Back in 2006 and ventured onto the popular Vans Warped Tour the following year. The album, featuring several hit singles such as “Love Addict” and “Earthquake,” was an instant hit in both the Christian and mainstream markets.

Switchfoot (7:00 – 8:15 p.m.) This well-known American rock band hailing from San Diego, California, first gained momentum in the mainstream music market when several of their songs were featured in the 2002 movie A Walk to Remember. The Beautiful Letdown, the band’s album released in 2003, contained their best-known singles, “Meant to Live” and “Dare You to Move.” With its play on words, Vice Verses, the title of Switchfoot’s newest album, coherently suggests that everything has two sides.

TobyMac (8:45 – 10:00 p.m.) TobyMac ranks among the most successful artists in Christian music history in terms of radio success, sales power and critical acclaim. His fourth studio album,

TONIGHT, was released in 2010 and centered on the belief that we all need God now – this morning, this afternoon, tonight. The songs on the album are typical TobyMac in many ways – an eclectic mix of rap, rock, pop and funk, all laden with catchy hooks and melodies just itching for airplay and audience singalongs.

Sunday, August 28

On Sunday at 10:00 a.m., Christian rock band DecembeRadio will lead a morning worship service to conclude a weekend of fellowship. Known for such musical hits as “Dangerous” and “Drifter,” DecembeRadio will delight fans with a short concert following the worship service. Tickets are not required for Sunday’s service or concert.

Photo from the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

2nd Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium

The 2nd Annual Women’s Work-Life Symposium is coming up in September and is being held at the FSU-PC Holley Academic Center.  Last year’s event was an enormous success and a huge buzz generator.  This year’s event is looking to be even better.

About the event

This day-long event will focus on helping women find practical solutions and strategies for creating a work-life balance.  The Symposium will present productive sessions with top-notch, motivating speakers all offering insight, inspiration and innovative ideas.

Attendees will be able to take part in:

  • Keynote sessions
  • Breakout workshops
  • A networking breakfast
  • Buffet lunch
  • Mix & Mingle wine reception following the Symposium

A special Exhibitor Showcase will stay open throughout the day featuring products and services relevant to professional women seeking a healthy work-life balance.  There will also be drawings, giveaways and Symposium Goody Bags.

Date and time

Friday, September 23rd, 2011 from 8 am to 5 pm

Location: FSU-PC Holley Academic Center

Special Presentation by Dr. Tererai Trent

Quoted as being Oprah Winfrey’s “favorite guest of all time,” her captivating presentation is a moving message of empowerment and change.  In it, she will share her experiences of growing up in rural Africa, overcoming humble beginnings to achieve her dreams and give back to others.

In May 2011 Oprah Winfrey stated, “[Tererai Trent] symbolizes everything I believe the Oprah Show stands for… her story encapsulates the essence of every lesson we’ve shared over the past 25 years: hope, your thoughts create your reality, gratitude, it doesn’t matter where you come from.  She proves you can keep reaching for your dreams, that one person can make a difference in the world—and above all, you have the power.”

Ticket information

Tickets are now on sale; Early Bird Registration lasts thru September 9 and tickets are $89 per person.  After September 9 tickets cost $99 per person.

TDC Organizes 3 Large Fall Wknd Concert Events

Every year, about the second week in August, school starts back, rent-rates drop and the beach slows down.  For some, it’s a welcome change, but for others, it’s the ‘so-long’ of the bustle of a busy season.

For years, local tourism officials have dreamed of that mythical unicorn – the annual tourism season – and fall events have always helped extend that season just a bit to keep the life-giving tourism dollar flowing.  This year we have some nice surprises amongst the great fall weather to keep bringing people to our beaches.

Weekend events, famous people and music.

The Tourist Development Council (TDC) has put together a very interesting sequence of events to drive fall tourism.  They’ve orchestrated three weekend events that range from a Christian Music Festival to a weekend-long pirate’s festival.  They’ve structured the whole series very interestingly.  The only way to get tickets to any of the events initially is by booking through one of the TDC accommodation partners.  Any accommodation provider that has a valid tourism tax account has access to this.  On all the events, around two weeks prior to the event, any remaining tickets will be available to the general public.

Fun Never Sets Christian Music Fest

  • Located at Aaron Bessant
  • August 26th (Friday) – Matthew West, Petra, Third Day (headliner) – doors open at 5 pm
  • August 27th (Saturday) – Jamie Grace, Family Force Five, Peter Furler (formerly of the News Boys), Switchfoot, Toby Mac (headliner) – doors open at 2 pm
  • August 28th – Worship service, no time yet, but will be at Aaron Bessant Park

Fun Never Sets Country Music Fest

  • Located at Frank Brown Park
  • September 23 – Justin Moore, Randy Rogers Band, Miranda Lambert (headliner) – doors open at 5:30 pm
  • September 24 – Opening acts yet to be named, Jason Aldean (headliner) – doors open at 2 pm

Fun Never Sets Explorer of the High Seas Fest

  • Event will be from October 7th – 9th at Aaron Bessant Park
  • Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly fame) in concert on the 9th at 2 pm
  • Krewe of Dominique Youx will host a pirate parade
  • There will be a Beach Ball Drop
  • Dueling fireworks show between County and Russell Fields Pier
  • Pirate Ships will be in the Gulf
  • Dubbed a wonderful family and kids festival weekend
  • More details will be available on this soon
Video promoting the fall.

Laser Show This Weekend at Pier Park

Looking for something different to do this weekend?  Try out the Laser Show that’s going down at Pier Park this weekend.  Sponsored by Miracle Strip at Pier Park and located right across from them at the Bookit.com Beach, this is something totally new to the area and should be a total blast for your kids, friends and family.

Event details.
  • The event is on July 15th, 16th, and 17th.
  • The gates open at Sunset each day
  • The show starts at 9:30 pm
  • Tickets are $5
  • Miracle Strip @ Pier Park Daily Armband Holders will get free admission.

Pier Park Festivities Schedule for July 4th

Well, it’s almost here, the pinnacle event of every Panama City Beach summer – July 4th weekend.  This is a weekend when almost all of Panama City Beach is full to the brim with people from all over the southeast.  I’ve been here since 2001 but I can’t hardly remember what July 4th was like before Pier Park.  But now that we have it, they’ve held a huge event every year with closed off streets, bands playing, festivities and a huge fireworks show.

All events are taking place on Monday, July 4th at the times listed. Here’s the schedule:

Main Stage

2:00 – 7:00 pm

Enjoy live performances by Almost There, Anthony Orio & the Goodfellers provided by Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 98th Army Band “Crossfire”, and Southeast Navy Band “TGIF”.

9:30 pm

After the fireworks, stick around for a special live performance by Matt Mason.

Bookit.com Beach

2:00 – 5:00 pm

The whole family is invited to the Children’s Crafts & Games at BookIt.com Beach.

Aaron Bessant Park

7:30 pm

The Panama City POPS Orchestra salute our troops and veterans, playing all the great American classics at Aaron Bessant Park.

9:00 p.m.

Join us for a spectacular fireworks simulcast by Clear Channel.

 

Pier Park Summer Concert Series Starts TONIGHT

Every summer you look forward to it:  chillin’ with friends, fresh salty breeze on your face, kids laughing and smooth tunes emanate from the amphitheater.  The 11 week summer Pier Park Concerts in the Park series begins tonight with Beach Mice.

The summer concert series is on Thursday evenings and starts at 7 pm.  They usually break about 8 pm for prizes and giveaways, the resume playing until around 9 pm.  In the past, they’ve rarely cancelled a show.

The series is located at the Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater.  Aaron Bessant park is adjacent to Pier Park – on the west side of the property.  Just follow the cars, music and people.

Summer Concert Schedule

June 2 – Beach Mice

June 9 – Rollin in the Hay

June 16 – Suite Caroline

June 23 – Boukou Groove

June 30 – Lee Griffin Band

July 7 – Heritage

July 14 – Heartbeat City

July 21 – Kevin Jacobs Band with Terry Brock

July 28 – Eric Lindell

August 4 – Bonerama

August 11 – Eric Heatherly

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Jazz Fest was UP 25% this year!

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival this year was a huge success.  The fun thing about this event is that it’s a ticketed event and with that we know exactly how many people attended.  This year there was approximately a 25% increase in attendance over last year.  There were 7200 people in Aaron Bessant Park on Saturday and 6900 on Sunday.  The Border’s Friday Free Sneek Peak netted around 250 attendees and resulted in patrons doing the electric slide in between the book shelves to tunes from Brian Culberson.

There’s no question this event is a huge asset to our area.

If you had a great visit and fun weekend, you’ll probably be interested to know that tickets for next years festival go on sale on Sunday May 1, 2011 – that’s right, this Sunday!  I’ve been told the VIP tickets are the first to go, so if you want ’em, you better get them soon.

Here are some more pictures – enjoy!

Seabreeze Jazz Festival [PICS]

Click here for a full schedule of the 2012 Seabreeze Jazz Festival! 

Wow, what a fantastic weekend.  The Seabreeze Jazz Festival was clearly more packed this year than it has ever been.  Crowds extended past the perimeter sidewalk and “into the forest.”  With artists from Bryan Culberson, Euge Groove and Eric Darius, the weekend was rocking, smoothing, and grooving and could be heard from miles away.

Continue reading “Seabreeze Jazz Festival [PICS]” →