Summer in Panama City Beach is more than just sun and surf. It’s a season packed with concerts, food festivals, fireworks, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh ways to enjoy the coast or a visitor planning your dream beach vacation, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do in PCB in 2025. One of the best ways to experience these Panama City Beach summer events is by boat. Skip the traffic, enjoy the ocean breeze, and create your own VIP front-row seat on the water by renting a pontoon.
Below, we’ll walk you through some of the top summer events in Panama City Beach for 2025 and show you how a 4th of July boat rental or pontoon cruise can take your vacation to the next level.
Date: July 4, 2025
Best Viewed From: The water on your rented pontoon boat
The 4th of July in Panama City Beach is legendary. Every year, the skies above the Gulf Coast light up with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southeast. Thousands gather along the shoreline to watch the bursts of red, white, and blue, but that means traffic, packed beaches, and long walks back to your car.
Instead, book a 4th of July boat rental in PCB and head out to Shell Island or drop anchor in St. Andrews Bay. From the deck of your pontoon, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of multiple fireworks shows reflecting off the water. Bring a cooler, a Bluetooth speaker, and your favorite crew, and you’ve got an Independence Day celebration like no other.
Pro tip: This is the most popular weekend of the summer, so book your pontoon rental early to lock in your ideal time.
Dates: June 5–8, 2025
Location: Frank Brown Park
Country music fans won’t want to miss the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, a three-day concert festival that brings some of the biggest names in country music to Panama City Beach. Previous years have seen stars like Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan take the stage.
Parking near the venue can be hectic, and many people stay nearby to avoid the drive. But with a pontoon boat rental, you can create your own pre- or post-concert hangout. Cruise the coast during the day, soak up the sun, then head back to shore in time for the music.
If you’re renting a beach condo or house close to the bay, your pontoon can become your mobile basecamp. Spend the mornings exploring Shell Island, then come back, freshen up, and head to the show.
Dates: Every Thursday evening, June through August
Location: Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater
Looking for free things to do in PCB in 2025? The Summer Concert Series at Aaron Bessant Park is a must. Every Thursday evening, families and friends gather on the lawn with beach blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy live music under the stars.
While the concert series is on land, a pontoon rental earlier in the day sets the perfect tone. Spend the afternoon boating, swimming, and spotting dolphins before heading in for a relaxed evening of music. With no need to stress about parking, you can go from boat to concert without hassle.
Dates: July 19–20, 2025
Location: Frank Brown Park
Foodies, this one’s for you. The Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival brings dozens of gourmet food trucks and breweries to Panama City Beach. Sample local seafood dishes, southern BBQ, international flavors, and ice-cold craft brews in one tasty weekend.
Pair your culinary experience with a day on the water. Grab your favorite food to go, bring it on board your pontoon, and enjoy lunch surrounded by emerald water and white sand. You’ll beat the crowds and enjoy a meal with one of the best views in town.
Dates: August 22–24, 2025
Location: On the beach near Russell-Fields Pier
SandJam is a rock music festival that sets up right on the sand. With waves crashing nearby and the stage overlooking the Gulf, it’s a concert experience like no other. The beach will be buzzing all weekend long, and traffic in the Pier Park area can get congested.
Arrive in style with a pontoon rental. Spend the day cruising along the coast, then anchor off the beach or head in to catch your favorite acts. It’s the perfect way to balance high-energy fun with relaxation on the water.
Dates: October 11–13, 2025
Location: Pier Park and various PCB beaches
While technically in early fall, this event still fits the summer vibe in Florida. Pirates of the High Seas Fest is a family-friendly celebration of all things nautical. The festival includes pirate parades, treasure hunts, fireworks, and a beachside reenactment of a pirate invasion.
The best part? It’s the perfect excuse to dress up, rent a pontoon boat, and live out your pirate fantasies on the high seas of Panama City Beach. Families can cruise along the shoreline and watch the fireworks from their private floating hideout.
Renting a pontoon boat is more than just a way to avoid traffic. It turns your day into a full-blown adventure. Here’s why it’s one of the best ways to attend Panama City Beach summer events:
With spacious decks, easy-to-drive navigation, and room for groups, pontoon rentals are ideal for couples, families, and friend groups looking to make memories on the water.
Whether you’re planning your 4th of July fireworks experience, a day of pre-concert fun before Gulf Coast Jam, or a floating feast after the Food Truck Festival, Salty Pontoons has the perfect boat waiting for you.
We make it easy to rent a clean, well-maintained pontoon and get out on the water. Our team provides a map, safety gear, a Bluetooth radio, and tips to make your experience smooth and memorable. All you need to bring is your crew and your sense of adventure.
Book early—especially for holiday weekends and major events—and let us help you create the ultimate summer experience in Panama City Beach.
Ready to cruise? Reserve your pontoon today and experience the top Panama City Beach summer events in style
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