Traveling for Halloween isn’t often thought about, but there are many good reasons to take a vacation for this holiday! Read on to see how to spend Halloween 2023 in Panama City Beach.
Little Village Halloween Bash and Costume Contest
This exciting and fun event on October 28th offers a friendly competition, live music, and good vibes that is the best way to kick off your Halloween weekend! Held on October 28th from 6-9 pm at Little Village in Panama City, FL, this Halloween Bash and Costume Contest features prizes, gift cards, and Woods the Band churning out live music all night long to keep the spirits high.
October Kids Cookie Decorating Class
You may have been to The Drop Coffee Co, earlier in your trip to have the perfect espresso jolt to zip you awake for the day, the smooth oat milk flat white to sip on after an intense workout class, or an iced mocha latte to cool you down during a hot day. But did you know The Drip offers classes and workshops for people of all ages? They do!
This fun and interactive coffee shop is a community hub right on St Andrews Boulevard in PCB that is great for meeting new friends and getting together with people who have like-minded interests. One of the best things to do this upcoming Halloween and ‘Spooky Season’ is to come here with your kids to sign up and have fun during the October Kids Cookie Decorating Class.
This 90-minute class is a great way for you, and your kids, to learn the basics and beginner tips of decorating and making sugar cookies. You don’t need any prior experience – this class is aimed toward beginners who want to learn more about practicing with Royal Icing, decorating and designing pictures and words for sugar cookies, and meeting other pols in the area. You can follow the in-person instructor to follow their tips and tricks and taste a few cookies along the way! And even if you have a toddler, bring them along.
This class is geared toward adults and children ages 3-10 years old who want to learn more skills and have fun with their parents. Every parent and their child will get to decorate three cookies and choose from a wide variety of icing colors, sprinkles, and tools to use to make their cookie truly one of a kind.
Walking Around the Historic District
Although you can do this all year round, we think the fall is one of the best times for you to get outside, enjoy the crisp fall breeze, weave your way through the beautiful streets, and sip on a coffee as you marvel at the gift shops, vintage stores, souvenir stalls, and everything in between. Once you are done shopping, wander around the Historic District to see the old-style buildings, ‘Old World’ Florida vibe that still exist today, and cool architecture.
Plus, during Halloween season, the Historic District’s beautiful homes will decorate their properties with spooky window artwork, hand-painted windows by local artists, DIY photo booths for you to use at your leisure, photo op chances along the street, and pop-up stalls and cafes to grab a souvenir or snack.
Attend Fall Fest
If you head to PCB early, the best event that is a must-visit during your time here is the Fall Fest Downtown in Downtown PCB! This family-friendly event is great for friends and family with kids of all ages to enjoy the unique decorations, fun vibes, fall decorations, and live music. This charming event located right in the heart of McKenzie Park offers a fall-themed farmer’s market to pick up local trinkets, produce, and vegetables for you to use in your dinner that night. You can also wander around the stalls and purchase a few artisanal crafts for your loved ones back at home, treats to snack on later in the day, and locally grown fruits to give your kids as healthy snacks.
Friday Nights Haunted House
If you are in PCB with older teenagers, the Fright Nights Haunted House at the Center for the Arts is a fun and exciting evening that is sure to scare your pants off – in a good way! The Fright Nights immersive experience is a great way to give back to the local community and provide an adrenaline-pumping event for you and your group that is going to be the focal point of your trip. Head to the Center of the Arts in Panama City on E 4th Street beginning on October 13th to curl up with your friends, shield one another from the scary ‘monsters’ (actors), and see if you can make it out of the haunted house alive!
Witches of St. Andrews Bike Ride
Last but not least, hop on the two wheels and head out on the Witches of St. Andrews Bike Ride. The legend of St. Andrews is a huge part of the culture in PCB, encouraging every local to get up, get out, and dress as the Witches of St. Andrews as they cruise through the historical streets of the town, chatting, singing, and bringing energetic vibes to the evening.
It’s true that the trees won’t be losing the last of their leaves, and we 100% agree that it won’t be necessary to wear your winter coat over your Halloween costume, but when you choose to spend the holiday in Panama City Beach, we can also guarantee that you will have an absolutely sensational celebration! Spend your days and evenings eating all the candy you can find or dressing up in your scariest costume and your nights sleeping without nightmares in our Vacations Perfected seasonal sanctuaries; this guide will give you all the information you need to have the time of your life!
2nd Annual Halloween Hustle Costume Run/Walk, October 16 Frank Brown Park
The holidays have snuck up on us again and if you find yourself snacking more than you should, this annual Halloween costume run could be the solution to your tightening waistband! It’s all for fun, of course, so walk, run, or sit on the sidelines and get some ideas for the new Halloween costume you have been contemplating for yourself! Offering a swag bag for all participants and a medal and tee shirt as well, you can choose between the Halloween Howl 5K run or the Halloween Howl 1-mile fun run and pre-emptively work off those holiday pounds that are bound to creep up on you!
Halloween Haunted Holidays PCB, October 30-31 at Splash Bar
You may not know it, but you have been waiting your whole life for a Halloween in Panama City Beach party that is this exciting! Offering a Haunted Holidays theme and featuring costume contests, drag shows, and dance parties that will be impossible to ignore as you shake your spooky groove thing and show off your creativity in your own Halloween costume. Seriously, this event is quite possibly the biggest party of the year and if you miss it, you may just regret it forever! Tickets can be purchased online.
Truck or Treat Food Truck Festival, October 30, St Andrews Grill @ the Salty Hobo
If you were to ask your children, trick or treating is the most important part of the Halloween in Panama City Beach holiday and they may be more than a little worried they won’t be able to do so during your Panama City Beach getaway, but the Truck or Treat Food Truck Festival proves otherwise! Offering delicious food, beverages, and all the candy your kids can eat, the opportunity to beg for treats safely is one your children will thank you for!
Happy Halloween from Vacations Perfected!
We welcome all witches, ghosts, and goblins—reserve your favorite holiday hideaway today!