The sold-out 2024 Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam wrapped up with stars glistening and music blaring. When the last note of Morgan Wallen’s rousing set rang through the speakers, approximately 120,000 country music fans filled the festival grounds over four days to witness previous day’s headliners Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson and Parker McCollum and more than 20 other artists. Jammers from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries descended on beautiful Panama City Beach for stunning beaches and the best country music.
Each evening, 300 lighted, choreographed drones lit up the night sky with messages celebrating country music, patriotism, and even spelled out the first headliner for 2025. Listed by Billboard as one of “The 10 Best Country Music Festivals,” the Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam launched in Panama City Beach in 2013. Organizers added an extra night of entertainment in 2022 to commemorate the festival’s 10-year anniversary, which is now a permanent part of the schedule.
“We are so thankful to the artists, their teams, our crews who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and especially our Jammers for giving us a sold-out festival,” said Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We had an incredible four days and nights of music, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!”
Parker McCollum headlined a beautiful opening night on Thursday and was preceded by Flatland Cavalry, Corey Kent, Sadie Bass and 2023 Jim Beam Welcome Sessions winner Midnight South. Jelly Roll’s incredible Friday night performance showed why the music industry and fans are embracing his music and story. Russell Dickerson, Chase Matthew, Kidd G, Heartland and Shelby Darrall hit the stage earlier in the day.
After torrential rains drenched the festival grounds Saturday morning, Cody Johnson brought out the cowboy hats and country music with a rousing non-stop set that night. Billy Currington showed his staying power with a hit-filled set after Priscilla Block and Austin Snell performed. The weather unfortunately forced the cancelation of Peyton Porter and Chandler Flint’s sets. Before Currington’s show, Rendy Lovelady and Mark Shelton were joined on stage by Jim Beam’s Eighth Generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe for a celebratory toast.
The festival grounds were packed wall-to-wall for Morgan Wallen’s Sunday night performance. After vocal issues forced the rescheduling of Wallen’s headline show last year, he did not disappoint with a 90-minute set. Nate Smith, Shane Smith and the Saints, John Morgan, Deana Carter and 2024 Jim Beam Welcome Sessions winner Gage Cowart rounded out the lineup.
Friday afternoon, Gulf Coast Jam hosted Maj. Gen. Michael A. Valle, Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) and First Air Force (Air Forces Northern & Air Forces Space) from Tyndall Air Force Base, as he administered the oath of enlistment to 15 new Airmen and Guardians on the massive stage.
Following the oath-taking, Valle introduced Technical Sgt. Melissa Lackore from the USAF Heritage of America Band from Langley AFB to sing National Anthem as the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Eglin Air Force Base executed a spectacular flyover, featuring F-16 and F-15 fighter jets.
“This amazing team braves crazy Florida storms and heat to put on this incredible event,” said Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam COO Mark Sheldon. “We are thankful to Jim Beam and all of our sponsors, VisitPamanaCityBeach.com, and especially the city of Panama City Beach and our wonderful residents for supporting us year after year.”
Four-day tickets for the 2025 Gulf Coast Jam are currently on sale at www.gulfcoastjam.com. Headliners and the full lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.
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