Panama City is Jam-packed with Events this Fall

This fall is chock-full of fun and exciting events in Panama City! Start the season off at Fall into the Arts on September 20, from 5-7 PM, in Historic Downtown Panama City. Shop your favorite stores, listen to live music, view and buy art from local artists. On September 30, cheer on the anglers as they compete in the final Emerald Coast Division tournament of the Florida Pro Redfish Series.

Kick off October at a two-day Oktoberfest themed extravaganza! This year's event will be held on Friday, October 6, from 6-10 PM and Saturday, October 7, from 1-6 PM. This fall festival, featuring authentic German and seasonal craft beers, food vendors, live music, and other fun, themed entertainment, will take place on the streets of Historic Downtown Panama City. The same weekend, Creative Con will be held at Panama City's Marina Civic Center on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8. A family friendly event, Creative Con features a star-studded guest list, including famous actors, producers, and animators from some of the world's most popular movies and TV series.

On Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, join the Ukulele Orchestra of St. Andrews for three days of four-string madness! The inaugural Strummin' Man Festival will feature Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel, Lil' Rev, Rachel Manke and Taimane, internationally renowned ukulele artists. Take lessons, enjoy concerts, participate in workshops, perform in open mics, and shop local music and food vendors!

Join the Panama City Pops Orchestra as they open their new season with an "Under the Sea" performance at the Marina Civic Center on Saturday, October 21, at 7:30 PM. Immerse yourself in Shostakovich's invigorating
Festive Overture, float on The Moldau and drift away on The Blue Danube.

Discover more events by visiting our website.

Panama City - Home to 2 National
Oyster Shucking Champions!

Panama City is home to not one, but two, national oyster shucking champions! Panama City native, Honor Allen, won the 2016 U.S. National Oyster Shucking Championship earning him a spot in the 2017 International Oyster Opening Championship in Galway, Ireland on September 22!

22-year-old Honor Allen was born and raised in Panama City, Florida and has been shucking competitively for about 3 years. He got his start in oyster shucking when he was only 12 years-old by watching employees at Hunt's Oyster Bar, a local oyster bar in historic St. Andrews district. Now, Honor works at the same restaurant where he shucks about 1,000 oysters a day. Stop in to wish him good luck and watch him in action while he displays the true mastery of his craft as he shucks fresh oysters from behind the bar.

Watch the Destination Panama City Oyster Trail video starring Panama City's Honor Allen!

Artists Brandy and Brent

Panama City's sparkling blue waters and breathtaking sunsets are the perfect inspiration for creativity. As a result, talented artists of all stripes and colors call Panama City home. Every month, we feature the handmade objects and inspiration of this creative core. This month, meet shoe makers Brandy and Brent, owners of McGraw's Shoe Repair and Southern Sole Sandals.

Meet PC Artists Brandy and Brent

How long have you been doing this and how did you get started?
We are a husband and wife team. After seeing some sandals in the Keys, I asked my husband, Brent, to make me a pair of my own. I wanted mine to be higher quality material. People saw me wearing them and it grew from there.

How did you learn the craft?
I learned from my parents, who bought the original McGraw's Shoe Repair in 1982. I was 10 years-old at the time and grew up watching them in the shop. In 2007, my dad trained Brent.

How has your work and technique evolved over time?
When we first started making the sandals, we were cutting everything by hand and it was very time consuming. We had a stencil that we traced onto the material then cut each one individually. We have since upgraded to die-cutting, and it speeds up the process.

What are your current focuses or themes?
We want to be a destination where people come to get handmade shoes. It's the ultimate dream where they come specifically for our sandals.

How do you source your materials?
We buy all of our materials brand new.

Are you a native of the area, or did you relocate here?
My dad was in the United States Army and after he retired, we came to Panama City. Brent was born and raised here.

The Destination Panama City Visitors Center is now open! Visit us at 1000 Beck Avenue for free local information.