Category: Events

Pensacola Poultry & Farm Animal Swap

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The Farm & Nursery Mart is hosting a Poultry & Farm Animal Swap for Pensacola and surrounding areas on January 6th from 8am-Noon. Located across from Five Flags Speedway, the event occurs on the first Saturday of each month. The Swap is a free event with vendor set up being first come, first serve. The Mart invites you to bring chickens, turkeys, bunnies, goats, quail, ducks, and small farm animals to sell, buy, swap, and trade with your fellows. There will also be plants, herbs, honey, and homemade jams to obtain. 

For more information, contact Rick Lipham at 850-287-2103. Farm & Nursery Mart is located at 7460 Pine Forest Road in Pensacola. 

Wakulla River Manatee Viewing

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Join Harry Smith Outdoors and fellow paddlers on a leisurely trip down the beautiful, spring-fed Wakulla River in search of manatees! The trip will be a 3 mile, 2.5 hour float perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned kayakers alike. For the price of $60/person, you get a knowledgeable guide, transportation (if needed), shuttle service, sit-on-top kayaks, a paddle, and a life jacket.
The trip begins at the “upper” bridge along Shadeville Highway and continues 3 miles down to the “lower” bridge where the shuttle will be waiting to transport everyone back. Please note: we recommend avoiding cotton in the cooler months. Additionally, we recommend bringing:
  • Water/weather-appropriate clothing & footwear
  • Wide-brimmed hat or ball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water or your drink of choice. There is plenty of room in the kayaks for a small cooler. Alcohol is not allowed.
  • Lunch and/or snacks depending on the length of trip
  • Waterproof camera
  • Small dry bag (Ziplocks work great!) for personal belongings (ie. keys, wallet, phone, etc.)
  • Any personal items you may want and/or need (ex. medication, inhaler, etc.)

We look forward to guiding you on a unique, enjoyable, safe, and memorable experience! Have questions? Contact the event host, Harry Smith Outdoors, by phone – (850) 559-3400 – or email at hsoutdoors@hotmail.com. 

Visit the Facebook event page to learn more or message Harry Smith Outdoors, LLC via Facebook direct message.

Winter Wonder Wagon Rides

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Panama City is hosting a Winter Wonder Wagon ride for all ages! Enjoy the beauty and picturesque holiday charm of Historic Downtown Panama City. Many of the small businesses have decorated their storefronts and the streets have been decorated with lights. Tomorrow, December 29th, is the LAST day to enjoy this charming experience. Tickets are required and are going fast. Click HERE to get your tickets now; each ticket is $5. Children 3 and under may ride, for free, on an adult’s lap. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in; meet in front of the fountain at Gateway Park. 

Japanese Language Club: TONIGHT

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The Bay County Library is hosting a Japanese Language Club. Young fans of Japanese games, anime, and culture will enjoy the beginner class. The program is geared towards ages 6 – 12, and focuses on teaching Japanese words and phrases for everyday life. Registration is required and opens 3 weeks before each class. Please call 850-522-2118 to register. See the Facebook event page for future dates and more information. 

New Year, New Hikes

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Florida State Parks are hosting a series of hikes on the first of January 2024. They want to help individuals, friends, and families start the new year off with a breath of fresh air. The walks are free with state park admission and are guided by rangers. Guests are encouraged to wear sensible shoes and bring binoculars, water, camera, bug spray, and sunscreen.

  • Anastasia State Park (Jan. 1, St. Augustine): Guided 2-mile hike on two of Anastasia’s iconic trails: the Marsh Trail and the Ancient Dunes Trail. 
  • Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park (Jan. 1, High Springs): A guided mile-long hike that educates on the importance of natural springs.
  • St. Andrews State Park (Jan. 1, Panama City Beach): Guided mile-long hike along the park’s Heron Pond Trail that includes a discussion on the park’s natural plants and wildlife. 
  • Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park (Jan. 1, Pensacola): Guided, leisurely mile-long hike along the ADA-accessible Tarkiln Bayou Trail that includes a discussion of the park’s native plants. 
  • T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (Jan. 1, Port Saint Joe): Guided 1.6-mile loop hike with views of St. Joseph Bay through the park’s various terrain.
  • William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area (Jan. 1, Port Saint Joe): Rather than a walk, the Rish Recreation Area would like to invite you to enjoy the first sunset of 2024 on the beach. Bring a chair, blanket, or towel. There will be games of cornhole, bocce ball, and more available for entertainment. 

Harborwalk Village New Year’s Eve

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Come out to the picturesque Harborwalk Village to enjoy a lovely New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st. There will be champagne, confetti, and two fireworks displays. Friends and family are invited to dance the night away on the waterfront with live entertainment by Strange Boy and The New Royals. The first fireworks display will take place at 8 p.m. The official ball drop and second fireworks display is at midnight. Learn more by visiting the Harborwalk Village event page here. 

Beach Ball Drop (2023)

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Panama City Beach’s annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop is coming up quickly. Join thousands of locals and visitors as they celebrate the end of the year and make wishes for the new year. Come out to Pier Park for an evening of fun on December 31st.

The first celebration starts at 5:35pm; the band, Saved by the 90’s, will be playing a free concert. There will be a Kids’ Beach Ball Drop; 10,000 colorful beach balls will be dropped into the crowd at 8pm. Following the first ball drop, there will be a fireworks display, a New Year’s Eve 5K Run/Walk, food, and love music. There will be a second ball drop at midnight. There will be a second ball drop and fireworks display at midnight. Visit Panama City Beach’s website to learn more. 

Panama City Christmas Parade RESCHEDULED

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Due to forecasted inclement weather, the Panama City Christmas Parade in Historic Downtown Panama City was RESCHEDULED to Saturday, December 16 at 6 p.m. The Parade will take place on Harrison Avenue; it will commence at the Panama City Marina and continue north on Harrison Ave to 13th Street. There will be lighted vehicles, local marching bands, sparkling dance groups, colorful floats, and festive costumes. At the end of the parade, Santa Claus will come to visit. For more information, please contact Parade Coordinator Angela Bates at abates@panamacity.gov. 

Altha Christmas Parade

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The Altha Parade will take place on December 16th. It will start at 6pm on Main Street. Highway 71 will be closed to ensure the safety of all those taking part in the parade or viewing it. After the Christmas Parade, there will be FREE hot dogs, cookies, and hot chocolate available at the Town Hall. 

The Artists’ Guild

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The Artists’ Guild of Northwest Florida will meet at the Historic 1st National Bank Multi-Use Facility today from 11 am-3 pm. The Artist Guild is a nonprofit visual and performing arts group focused on education, support, events, and community economic growth throughout Northwest Florida. They will be discussing the 2024 Gallery installations, events, and community workshops. All community members are welcome.

Learn more about the Guild and future meetings (held the second Saturday of every month) by visiting their website HERE.