Panama City will celebrate a new cultural milestone with the launch of Bluegrass by the Bay, the city’s first annual downtown bluegrass festival, bringing together exceptional live music, local flavor, and community connection in the heart of downtown. The event will take place on March 14, 2026, at McKenzie Park.
The festival lineup features a blend of regional talent and nationally recognized artists, including local favorites Chris Woods and the Eight Fifty and Black Creek String Band. The headliners, Yonder Mountain String Band, are one of the most influential and celebrated acts in modern bluegrass music.
Bluegrass by the Bay will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering an afternoon of live music suitable for all ages. Attendees can enjoy a variety of local food vendors, highlighting Panama City’s downtown culinary scene.
Tickets are $40 plus taxes and fees. Seating is general admission, and patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the performances. Children ages 12 and younger are free! This event will take place rain or shine.
The event is presented by Pearl Entertainment & Productions, a locally owned and operated performing arts organization, in partnership with PC Downtown Renaissance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and supporting downtown Panama City. The festival is also sponsored by the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board and Shepard Law, with additional support from media sponsors iHeart Media, WFLA Panama City, and 92.5 WPAP.
“We created this event to celebrate the intersection between music and community, and to deliver a high-quality cultural event based in downtown Panama City. There’s nothing quite like it here and we’re so excited to share this bluegrass festival with everyone,” said Jennifer Wright Shepard, President/CEO of Pearl Entertainment & Productions, LLC.
Created to address the growing need for high-quality arts and cultural programming in the area, Bluegrass by the Bay is designed to bring the community together while generating meaningful economic activity for downtown Panama City. Sponsor support helps ensure the event remains accessible and affordable for attendees.
“Bluegrass by the Bay is about more than music – it’s about bringing people downtown, supporting local businesses, and creating shared experiences that strengthen our community,” said Lex Benedict, President of PC Downtown Renaissance, Inc. “We’re proud to help launch an event that celebrates great music while contributing to the long-term vitality of downtown Panama City.”
Bluegrass by the Bay is poised to become a signature annual event celebrating music, community, and the vibrant spirit of Panama City.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bluegrassbythebay.com.
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