REAL.FUN.BEACH

Long known for its emerald-green waters and sugar white sandy shores, Panama City Beach continues to thrive as a truly year-round destination hosting events throughout the year appealing to visitors of all ages – to be enjoyed on land, sand and sea. Below is a taste of what can be expected in Panama City Beach for the rest of 2013, along with more information on REAL.FUN.BEACH:

Winter Residents' Senior Prom, February 7

The Second Annual Senior Prom will be held at Edgewater Beach Resort on February 7, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Enjoy an evening with friends listening to music by Go Big or Go Home. This year the Senior Prom will have a Mardi Gras theme, and the 2013 King and Queen will ride in the Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Pier Park. The crowned couple will also receive a grand prize. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

Fifth Annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras Festival and Parade, February 8-9, 2013

This family-friendly festival presented by The Krewe of Dominique Youx is a terrific alternative for travelers hoping to experience the culture and celebration of Mardi Gras, while enjoying a seaside vacation. The renowned festivities of Bourbon Street come to Panama City Beach's Pier Park for two days of fabulous floats, masked performers, colorful costumes, a signature parade and street party, Cajun food and fireworks. For more information go to www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

15th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 17-21, 2013

A full lineup of award-winning artists take the stage for a jazzy, all-star weekend featuring the smooth sounds of contemporary jazz.  The event attracts more than 20,000 fans from all over the world and offers three days of continuous jazz, a themed dinner cruise and much more.  For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com

Annual Thunder Beach Rally, May 1-5/ Fall Dates TBD, 2013

Known as "The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach during the first weekend in May and mid-October. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.

Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park, July 4, 2013

Panama City Beach celebrates Fourth of July in style at Pier Park. Families can enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, children's activities, tasty food and drinks, as well as a breathtaking fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. 

Gulf Coast Horse Shows & Music Festival, April 25-27, 2013

The 15th Annual Gulf Coast Charity Celebration features three days of horse shows and music at Frank Brown Park. Amusement rides for children are also offered, and the event is fun for the whole family! This year the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Bay County.  For more information, visit www.gulfcoasthorseshow.com  

Annual Thunder Beach Rally, May 1-5/ Oct. 2-6, 2013

Known as "The Most Biker Friendly FREE Rally in the United States,” the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly in Panama City Beach during the first weekend in May and mid-October. Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.

2013 REAL.FUN.BEACHFEST

The first annual REAL.FUN.BEACHFEST will feature pop artists The Wanted and Cody Simpson along with more up-and-coming talent on Saturday, June 1, 2013.  This concert promises to provide a memorable family experience in an open-air setting just steps from the white sandy beaches of Panama City Beach at the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater.

Star Spangled Spectacular at Pier Park, July 4, 2013

Panama City Beach celebrates Fourth of July in style at Pier Park. Families can enjoy a day filled with live entertainment, children's activities, tasty food and drinks, as well as a breathtaking fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. 

Lobster Festival and Tournament – September 19-22, 2013

Schooners will host the 24th Annual Lobster Festival & Tournament, known as “The Largest Lobster Festival in Florida.” The Lobster Tournament divers will be competing in a variety of categories including Spiny lobster, Shovelnose lobster and Big 6. Weigh-ins begin on Saturday and end Sunday, when the grand prizes will be awarded and spectators can enjoy a Lobster Feast. The popular Sand Sculpting Contest is now in its 15th year which takes place on the beach behind Schooners. For more information, visit www.schooners.com.

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, September 26-28, 2013

Comprised of six stages, the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will provide the best of today's country music for an audience of more than 15,000 people on the coast. During the day, three beachfront stages will be hosted by Edgewater Golf & Beach Resort, The Boardwalk Beach Resort and Seahaven Beach Resorts. Festival-goers will watch their favorite performers as they stand on the white “sugar sand” beach and dip their toes in the water. As the sun begins to set, patrons will ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. Once Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert and Trace Adkins close out their respective nights, the fun will continue at various venues across the destination.  For more information, visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.

Pier Fishing Challenge, October 2013

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 throughout the month of October, the City Pier vs. County Pier Challenge guarantees a prize purse totaling $7,500.  Extending more than 1,500 feet into the bountiful waters, the M.B. Miller Pier (County Pier) and the Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier) are two of the longest on the Gulf Coast and are prized as prime fishing spots for anglers of all ages. All visitors have the opportunity to cast a line for a local catch, with rod rentals and tackle available on site.

Pirates of the High Seas Festival, October 11-12, 2013

Columbus Day weekend will bring a wave of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the coastal community, the festival will include an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, culminating with a dueling fireworks display reenacting The Battle of the Seven Seas. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

Seafood and Music Festival, October 17-20, 2013

The Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association are hosting the 2013 Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival. The festival will celebrate seafood, fishing, culinary arts, music, entertainment, arts and culture in Panama City Beach.

Ironman Florida, November 2, 2013

What began as a challenge between groups of Navy Seals has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. The Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, with the Florida edition of the challenge serving as one of the most popular races on the circuit. For more information, visit http://ironmanflorida.com. 

Panama City Beach's Biggest Loser Half Marathon/5K RunWalk, December 30, 2013

The REAL.FUN.BEACH has partnered with Dan and Jackie Evans, season five contestants on NBC's hit show “The Biggest Loser,” to offer the RunWalk as a non-intimidating environment for all participants. Taking place on December 30, participants will walk, jog and run the course with the stunning emerald green waters and sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico serving as a backdrop. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

Sixth Annual Beach Ball Drop

On December 31, the countdown celebration will begin seconds before midnight, where an 800-pound glowing beach ball will descend, lighting up at the stroke of midnight to signify the New Year. The multi-generational portion of the event is held earlier in the evening with fireworks and a family ball drop, consisting of 10,000 inflatable beach balls dropped from the sky. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.

About Panama City Beach:

Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge.  With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers.  These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. Panama City Beach recently opened the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, offering non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines. For more information, call 850-233-5070 or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:     

Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau

Susan Estler, 850-233-5070, sestler@visitpanamacitybeach.com

David Demarest, 850-233-5070, david@visitpanamacitybeach.com

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Lou Hammond & Associates

Gina Stouffer, 843-408-4360, ginag@lhammond.com

Mike Hicks, 561-655-3836, michaelh@lhammond.com