New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop presented by Coca-Cola: Panama City Beach's annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza welcomes thousands of visitors to ring in the New Year, "Real. Fun. Beach." style – with not one but two countdowns, fireworks, live music and 10,000 inflatable beach balls raining down from the sky over the streets of Pier Park. For those who are too excited to wait until midnight or want to conduct the countdown twice, the 8:00 p.m. ball drop gives kids the chance to experience the fun before bedtime. More entertainment and live music will follow during the buildup to midnight, when a dazzling fireworks display will accompany the lowering of a giant LED-lit beach ball to signify the beginning of the new year.
Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival: Visitors and residents are invited to revel in the spirit of Mardi Gras Real. Fun. Beach. style at the annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival, taking place on January 26-27, 2024, at Pier Park. Combining the excitement of an authentic Mardi Gras celebration with spectacular views of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, the two-day festival features parades, live music and much more for the entire family to enjoy. In conjunction with the Krewe of Dominique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach parade, the free event features a jam-packed schedule of entertainment for families, including a kid’s fun zone and festival village, kids parade, a 5K run, live music, fireworks and more.