1. Cirque Dreams Illuminations 7:30PM – Marina Civic Center

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

2. Playhouse Disney Live: Mickey, Pooh, Handy Mandy and the Little Einstiens – 3-6PM – Marina Civic Center

Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals in “Playhouse Disney LIVE!”. In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party – with the help of Rocket, of course! Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

3. Scarecrow Festival

Pack up the entire family and head down to Historic St. Andrews Waterfont and design your own scarecrow.

The scarecrow festival starts Friday, October 9th with scarecrows displayed in Beck Avenue storefronts and public spaces. Stroll through our beautiful downtown and view the whimsical scarecrows that businesses, organization and individuals have created. Then, on October 24th, be sure to join us for the judging of the scarecrows and the many activities planned throughout our waterfront district from 11am – 6:30 pm.

4. Ghost Walk and History Tour – Saturday Oct 10

Camp Helen State Park and the Friends of Camp Helen invite everyone to the Fourth Annual Halloween Ghost Walk and History Tour. Camp Helen has a long and varied history, stories and spooky lore that will be shared with visitors while touring the newly restored park buildings.

Ghosts, Indians, Pirates and members of the Hicks and Comer families will be brought to life through story and song. Parking will be located at the Winn Dixie parking lot, 1 mile east of the park at the junction of US 98 and Alt US 98. Free shuttle buses will run all evening during the event. Parking within the park will be limited to handicapped visitors only. Please be aware that the ground is rough in some places. Flashlights are recommended and children are welcome and encouraged to wear costumes. Spooky treats of Shipwreck Cookies and Witch’s Cauldron Punch will be served to all who attend!

5.Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar Blues Concerts

Performing live this weekend at Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar, two amazing blues bands, the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and The Nouveaux Honkies.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band crosses the barriers between indie rock/punk rock kids, scenesters, and traditional blues fans. At a BDB show, one is likely to get a taste of a myriad of genres fraternizing under one immensely eclectic umbrella. Frequent touring has allowed the Reverend’s band to perfect their bluesy show, giving showgoers a full-on experience they’ll be talking about for years.

The Nouveaux Honkies is not your typical blues band. They are musical mayhem concealed by a smooth delivery. They are tattoos under an evening dress. They are a bandwagoned sound what will leave you cheering and speechless at the same time.

For more information and show times, check out www.willyspierbar.com

Weekend Wednesday is all about giving you an early start on the weekend. All the events and specials throughout the weekend all in one place and posted on hump day so you may plan accordingly. Below is enough fun to keep your weekend full and exciting.

Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Schedule of Events – And a Few Alternatives

Weather Report

Friday, High 88 – 30% Chance of Rain

Saturday, High 82 – 30% Chance of Rain

Sunday, High 81 – 40% Chance of Rain

Here is the schedule, for more information, visit www.panamacitybeachfest.com.

Note: I forgot to mention that if you need to buy tickets, please use promo code pcbdaily to get a discount.

Friday October 9th 4pm to 11pm

4 pm: Gates Open

7 pm: Julianne Hough goes on stage

9 pm: John Anderson goes on stage

Saturday October 10th 11am to 11pm

11 am to 3 pm: Family Fun Days – includes gymnastics shows, family yoga, hands on art, free bouncer village by Beach Bouncers, balloon art, family activities, clowns, stilt walkers and more

Grand Wine Tastings (time TBD)

3 pm to 6 pm: Watch local chefs prepare their signature dishes in the exhibition kitchen built on-site. Free recipe cards.

Non-stop live music from open to close

9 pm: Styx

Emerald Coast Cruizin Car Show Preview

Sunday October 11th 11 am to 11 pm

11 am to 3 pm: Family Fun Days – includes gymnastics shows, family yoga, hands on art, free bouncer village by Beach Bouncers, balloon art, family activities, clowns, stilt walkers and more

Grand Wine Tastings (time TBD)

3 pm to 6 pm: Watch local chefs prepare their signature dishes in the exhibition kitchen built on-site. Free recipe cards.

Non-stop live music from open to close

7 pm: Grand Funk Railroad

Emerald Coast Cruizin Car Show Preview

A Few Alternatives for the Weekend:

1. Cirque Dreams Illuminations 7:30PM – Marina Civic Center

Cirque Dreams Illumination is a bustling city of generalities set in a landscape of dreams, towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination.

City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. Cirque Dreams Illumination will surpass its jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle proclamation by the Los Angeles Times and exhilarate audiences of all ages.

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

2. Playhouse Disney Live: Mickey, Pooh, Handy Mandy and the Little Einstiens – 3-6PM – Marina Civic Center

Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals in “Playhouse Disney LIVE!”. In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party – with the help of Rocket, of course! Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!

For more information http://www.marinaciviccenter.com

3. Scarecrow Festival

Pack up the entire family and head down to Historic St. Andrews Waterfont and design your own scarecrow.

The scarecrow festival starts Friday, October 9th with scarecrows displayed in Beck Avenue storefronts and public spaces. Stroll through our beautiful downtown and view the whimsical scarecrows that businesses, organization and individuals have created. Then, on October 24th, be sure to join us for the judging of the scarecrows and the many activities planned throughout our waterfront district from 11am – 6:30 pm.

4. Ghost Walk and History Tour – Saturday Oct 10

Camp Helen State Park and the Friends of Camp Helen invite everyone to the Fourth Annual Halloween Ghost Walk and History Tour. Camp Helen has a long and varied history, stories and spooky lore that will be shared with visitors while touring the newly restored park buildings.

Ghosts, Indians, Pirates and members of the Hicks and Comer families will be brought to life through story and song. Parking will be located at the Winn Dixie parking lot, 1 mile east of the park at the junction of US 98 and Alt US 98. Free shuttle buses will run all evening during the event. Parking within the park will be limited to handicapped visitors only. Please be aware that the ground is rough in some places. Flashlights are recommended and children are welcome and encouraged to wear costumes. Spooky treats of Shipwreck Cookies and Witch’s Cauldron Punch will be served to all who attend!

5.Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar Blues Concerts

Performing live this weekend at Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar, two amazing blues bands, the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and The Nouveaux Honkies.

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band crosses the barriers between indie rock/punk rock kids, scenesters, and traditional blues fans. At a BDB show, one is likely to get a taste of a myriad of genres fraternizing under one immensely eclectic umbrella. Frequent touring has allowed the Reverend’s band to perfect their bluesy show, giving showgoers a full-on experience they’ll be talking about for years.

The Nouveaux Honkies is not your typical blues band. They are musical mayhem concealed by a smooth delivery. They are tattoos under an evening dress. They are a bandwagoned sound what will leave you cheering and speechless at the same time.

For more information and show times, check out www.willyspierbar.com

Have a happy weekend everyone and remember if you want to add an event to Weekend Wednesday just email me cebo@toocreative.com

The idea behind the Seafood Wine and Music Festival is simple – a celebration of the wonderful array of local area seafood prepared by local chefs merged with local and area wines, entertainment and vendors with a special focus on families. The event will be loaded with retail vendors, wine tastings, chef exhibitions, rides for the family, car show, live music from local musicians plus Grand Funk Railroad, Julianne Hough, John Anderson and Styx!

Let the Festivities Begin!

8. Family Fun Day – Saturday and Sunday there will be a special focus on family activities and events from 11am-3pm both days – 2008′s festival included a “Kids Lunch With Spongebob Squarepants” & special Kid’s Concerts, Gallagher’s Gymnastics Team, Creole For Kids with Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Steve’s Kazoo Crew Band, there will also be face painting, special appearances by your favorite cartoon characters, plus other activities designed especially for the family and children. 2008 was the first year for the special family budget friendly daytime only ticket – and it is available again for the 2009 festival.

7. Emerald Coast Cruzin Car Show – Panama City Beach favorite car show, filled with hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, custom cars and trucks will line Frank Brown Park on Saturday and Sunday giving you a free sneak peak at this year’s hottest rides.

6. Bouncer Village & Family Yoga - Brought to you by Beach Bouncers on Panama City Beach, kids get to enjoy a full Bouncer Village, featuring over a dozen giant bouncy experiences for them to bounce themselves silly. For those looking to relax, family yoga classes and exercises will be available Saturday and Sunday.

5. Frank Brown Park – There is simply no better venue to host Panama City Beach’s signature event than Frank Brown Park. With loads of space, on site restrooms, power and wi-fi and even a world-class pool if you need to cool off. If you’ve never been to the festival, you’ll love every second and want to come back to enjoy what is an expansive and beautiful park.

4. Arts, Crafts, Antique Vendors – The Panama City Beach Festival will feature select arts & crafts vendors, retail vendors, antique dealers, and various community/charity vendors. Specialty jewelry, wood crafts, wine racks, pottery sales & demonstrations, glass art & demonstrations, stained glass, ceramics, quilts, folk art, and more.

3. Daily Wine Tastings – Wine? Yes, pleas. The festival offers three full-bodied days of wining, dining and socializing amid several local, domestic and international wines.  Florida’s own Republic National will serve as the exclusive wine partner. They will host rare wine auctions, present celebrity winemakers, top vineyards, wine tastings each day and more. Beginners will have an opportunity to sample the wines, learning about the make-up and the regions they come from while wine experts will have an opportunity to sample some of the rarer wines they might not otherwise get a chance to try. Wine Tastings are Included with General Admission & VIP tickets, for adults 21+. Beer and wine will be available for sale from gates open to gates close.

2. Celebrity Chef Exhibitions – Local and area celebrity chef’s from some of the legendary Panama City Beach restaurants including Breakers, Saltwater Grill, Firefly, Hammerhead Fred’s, Boatyard, and more will perform special exhibitions over the 3 day event. You’ll see and taste some of the most creative and delicious seafood dishes in America all paired with the various (and copious) amounts of wine. Come hungry.

1. The Food, The Wine and, well, The Music – The Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival is designed to reflect a true taste of the coast, a true toast to the coast and some of the world’s best entertainment. What you get then is the coast’s best array of food, never-ending glasses of wine and awesome family entertainment. How good is the entertainment? From the beginning of the festival on Friday to the very end on Sunday, the music and entertainment will never end. 2009′s festival headliner entertainment is bigger and better than ever: Young & Classic Country Friday Oct 9th with Florida’s own country legend JOHN ANDERSON with special guest ACM New Country Artist of the Year Julianne Hough in support of her self-titled country album, see one of the top rock bands of all time, STYX, performing Saturday Oct 10th, and Celebrating 40 Years of Rock Sunday Oct 11th with GRAND FUNK RAILROAD The American Band!

More Information:  www.panamacitybeachfest.com

Frank Brown Park – on Hwy 98 (Back Beach Rd) across from Pier Park
Tickets on sale now. Save time (avoid the lines) and save money when you buy online in advance. Full price gate admission will go into effect @4pm Friday October 9, 2009. click here to purchase advance discount tickets now
Children & Pets

ALL NEW FOR 2009 – Kids 12 and under admitted FREE
No pets allowed inside venue.
Seating

Bring a lawn chair or a blanket as festival area is grass field.

Gates

Open Friday at 4pm-11pm
Saturday 11am-11pm
Sunday 11am-11pm

Parking

Parking available at the Frank Brown Festival site directly north of Pier Park. Parking is $5 per car, per day. Special VIP Parking is included with VIP tickets.
Coolers

NO COOLERS ALLOWED. Water, soft drinks, juice, beer & wine are available for sale. Please note a cash bar will be available inside the venue along with a variety of food vendors.
Umbrellas

NO UMBRELLAS ALLOWED. Please wear a hat and bring sunscreen. Shade is available under various entertainment and food tents throughout the festival grounds.
Smoking

No smoking will be allowed under the tented areas. Smoking is allowed in designated areas only – these areas will be well marked. Please be considerate of your non-smoking colleagues.
CD Sales and Merchandise

Each national headliner entertainers cds will be on sale the night they perform in the Merchandise Tent near the stage. Festival shirts, and other festival items will be available in the marketplace area.
Food Vendors / Beer & Wine Sales

A variety of food vendors will be located the the Food Court area. Beer, wine & soda will also be available at designated beverage tents only.
Arts & Crafts Vendors

A wide variety of vendors will be on site for shopping all weekend.
ATM Available on site

1. Don’t Miss The Seafood, Wine & Music Festival.

Starting on October 9^th and ending on October 11^th, Panama City Beach’s premier festival is back, and promises to the best yet! There will be incredible live performances by big names such as Julianne Hough, John Anderson, Grand Funk Railroad, and the legendary Styx. Local chefs from some of Panama City Beach’s top restaurants will exhibit their signature dishes, and guests will have the opportunity to sample the cuisine in addition to many fine wines. There will be art, craft and antique vendors, plus the Emerald Coast Cruzin’ car show. Book discounted tickets in advance at the official website.

2. Visit Camp Helen State Park.

For an idyllic day at the beach, Camp Helen State Park is a breath of fresh air – literally. Situated just west of Carillon Beach, Camp Helen State Park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell– one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. The beach itself is a sweeping expanse of soft, white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for walking, swimming, fishing, or just relaxing. There are nature trails throughout the park and rocking chairs at the lodge – perfect for gazing out at beautiful Lake Powell. Even during the summer months Camp Helen stays quiet – visit in the fall and you may just have the whole place to yourself.

3. Dine at Firefly Restaurant.

Looking for somewhere to enjoy an intimate dinner for two? Firefly Restaurant is a casual fine dining establishment located in the Edgewater Shopping Plaza. Step through the doors and you will feel as though you have been transported to a Mediterranean bistro, thanks to the graceful, warm ambience and romantic outdoor setting under a grand oak tree. Firefly serves up fresh, local seafood, succulent meat dishes, handmade pastas and imported specialties, all of which are beautifully presented. Try the mint pesto crusted Australian rack of lamb, the apple wood bacon wrapped shrimp, or the sautéed gulf grouper. Exquisite desserts and a fine wine list complement the experience.

4. Rent a Pontoon Boat.

Simple to operate, a pontoon boat will give you the freedom to get out on the open water and see a whole new side of Panama City Beach. Pack a picnic, and head out to Shell Island, an undeveloped natural island where you can swim, collect shells and stroll the powder-soft sands hand in hand. Go at your own pace, and enjoy the warm breezes and the fresh sea air on your own private cruise for two. Call Adventures at Sea for more details on renting a pontoon boat at (850) 235 0009. The only others you may encounter will be the friendly dolphins that stop by your boat to say hello.

5. Indulge in Some Retail Therapy.

Whatever you have on your shopping list, Panama City Beach is not short on places to find exactly what you need. (And plenty of what you don’t!). Pier Park is a shopping Mecca with something for everyone, but there are a multitude of smaller boutique stores, galleries and beach inspired stores that are most definitely worth checking out. In historic downtown Panama City, visit renowned Florida artist Paul Brent’s lovely gallery for a beautiful selection of watercolors of coastal life and nature. Back on the beach, Liz and Jane’s clothes is located at 15616 Front Beach Road, and offers a selection of casual, vibrant apparel, accessories and jewelry for women. Liz and Jane are two local women who have been creating these popular Panama City Beach fashions since 1992. Or, if you’re planning to hit the beach, try Beach Scene at 10059 Hutchinson Blvd where you can find literally thousands of swimsuits, plus beach apparel, gifts and souvenirs.

6. Play a Round of Golf.

Panama City Beach is home to many spectacular golf courses, each offering its own unique attributes and beautiful setting. The elegant community of Bay Point features the Meadows, a country club style course, and the Nicklaus course, the first Nicklaus design course in northwest Florida. On the west end of Panama City Beach Parkway within the Wild Heron community, the Shark’s Tooth course was designed by Greg Norman and sits overlooking the shores of Lake Powell. Hombre Golf Club features three courses – the good, the bad and the ugly, and hosts the annual PGA qualifying school. These, plus the many other additional golf courses throughout the destination make Panama City Beach a golfer’s paradise, and the perfect spot to perfect your game in style.

7. Set Sail on a Dining Cruise

The Lady Anderson dining yacht is one of Panama City Beach’s top attractions, and makes for a very memorable and romantic experience. Located on Grand Lagoon adjacent to the award winning Captain Anderson’s restaurant, the Lady Anderson offers a scenic cruise, live entertainment, and an excellent seafood, shrimp and prime rib buffet – all in one. Choose from a sunset dinner dance cruise, a country comedy dinner cruise, a gospel music dinner cruise and more. Call (850) 234 5940 for reservations and more information.

Along with many beach residents, I have spent the whole of summer’s slow decline anxiously anticipating the Fall Season. I love the cool weather, the colors and the ripples of pumpkin spice in the air. In my opinion, fall is Panama City Beach’s very best season, transforming our town from a hot, tourist-filled circus to a quiet and festive jewel of home for anyone who lives in this great city. There are a number of reasons to be excited about the season from something as simple as less traffic in the streets to traditions as beloved as Halloween and Thanksgiving. But, in Panama City Beach there are even more reasons to get excited about the season to come; here are 5 of them

Fall Art Show September 18 – 20 – Pier Park

If you like art and enjoy seeing totally unique creations, the Fall Art Show will be an exciting place for you this fall. Throughout Pier Park you’ll see artwork on display and being created various artists. While you’re there enjoy Pier Park’s great restaurants and shopping.

Thunder Beach Fall Rally – September 24 – 27

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally is held twice yearly on Panama City Beach and the fall event may very well be the best of its kind during the season. Bikers, vendors and exhibitors from around the country descend on Panama City Beach, Florida for Panama City Beach Bike Week and locals get to ride into all the fun. They share stories, see great bands and live entertainment, find the hottest custom motorcycles and motorcycle accessories available, and to experience a scenic ride on The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches!

Taste of the Beach – November 6 – Pier Park

Wine enthusiasts and aficionados, gourmets and gourmands, philanthropists and successful friends will combine talents and passions to create an unparalleled 4 day gala at the “Taste of THE Beach-Wine.Dine.Donate”. This 4-day extravaganza will be held in the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, also referred to as THE Beach

This fabulous venue will hit Panama City Beach with an international wine tasting experience with over 300 wines to taste and food samplings from various Pier Park restaurants.

Oktoberfest – October 2 – 4 – Downtown Panama City

The Annual Oktoberfest transforms quaint downtown Panama City into a bustling German-style village. From accordion players to carnival rides and sausage eating contests, this Uber-Strassen-Fest has it all. Large food tents are concentrated near the bandstand.

Food enthusiasts will be serenaded by local musicians of a variety of styles, so practice your polka. Oktoberfest offers plenty to keep the little ones busy, while the adults savor a huge selection of beer. Carnival rides, face-painting, clowns and other family activities are part of the fun. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the event, from the ceremonial tapping of the kegs to the Oom-Pah-Pah band concerts.

Seafood Wine and Music Festival – October 9 -11 – Frank Brown Park

If this event doesn’t get you excited about the season, nothing will. Panama City Beach’s signature Festival will be held during Columbus Day weekend and could be the most fun you will have all year.

Enjoy fantastic entertainment including performances by country singer and Dancing with the Stars’ Julianne Hough, the legendary Styx, plus John Anderson and Grand Funk Railroad. Sample delicious culinary treats and fine wines from around the world, and take part in fun activities for the whole family.

Honorable Mentions: EVP Pro Tour Labor Day Festival – September 5 – 6, Jazz by the Bay – October 16 -17, Holly Fair – November 12 – 15, Iron Man Triathlon – November 7, Emerald Coast Cruzin Car Show – November 9 – 14