Panama City has several events where residents and visitors alike can go and experience live musical performances on a recurring basis. These range from open mics and local showcases to more prestigious songwriters’ festivals and even a worldwide annual music event that gets its own feature locally. The city consistently offers opportunities to hear a wide range of musical styles, ensuring there is almost always somewhere in town to hear local talent that appeals to an individual’s music preferences.

One of the most well-known events for local music is Monday Night Little Fest at Moseys Downtown. In addition to serving great pizza, Moseys Downtown is a hub for music enthusiasts and musicians, thanks in part to events like Monday Night Little Fest.

Each Monday, a local host compiles a bill with local musicians, to provide in-house entertainment for no cost at Moseys. Acts on these bills can range across genres and differing levels of experience, making each Monday its own unique and standalone event. Every third Monday Night Little Fest is an open mic, as well, to allow new talent to test their skills and songs out on stage if they don’t have enough material to fill out a full set.

This event serves as an accessible starting point for aspiring musicians because it acts as an entry level gig that is, in theory, open to any aspiring talent who has a free Monday in their schedule. While musicians aren’t paid directly for their performance, they are given a generous tab and get to keep any tips they make during their set. 

Another great spot with recurring music that you can catch for free is at Thistle and Thorne. Every Wednesday evening Nicky Sunflower, a local singer songwriter, hosts their open mic night. This open mic is more tailored towards a speakeasy crowd, offering background entertainment while you enjoy any of the great beverage selections at Thistle and Thorne. Singer-songwriters frequent this event to help fill out the lineup, and each week offers a great selection of music to quietly enjoy in the space. You never know who might perform or what kind of act you might hear, for example, last week, a harpist even appeared at Thistle and Thornes open mic. For performers, the event provides another low-pressure opportunity to share their music with a live audience. While unpaid, musicians can keep any tips earned and get to perform their art for an audience in a laid-back setting. Performers typically sign up in person prior to the event, with Nicky, the host.

In addition to some great options for open mics, there are some annual events in town that are worth checking out for some music as well. One of these, and probably the one with the widest range of talent, from local artists to well-known regional acts, is the annual Panama City Songwriters Festival. This multi-day festival, held every fall in town, features a wide range of genres and artists to check out, with shows occurring at multiple local venues over the course of the festival. While not a free to attend event, this low cost festival is an affordable way to gain access to live entertainment.

For audiences, it provides a chance to hear local talent while supporting the businesses that host the performances. On the other hand, for musicians, the event offers exposure and often a small performance fee while contributing to a community-driven celebration of music. They even have had local spotlights during the event, to specifically highlight Panama City locals.

Lastly, one other great option for music on an annual basis is the yearly Play Music on the Porch Day. This worldwide celebration of music has its own special celebration in town, where downtown businesses work together with local musicians to fill up their patios and porches with music.
Always free to attend, this is a great opportunity for locals to get out and hear some talent from our own area, as well as highlight the local businesses who help support the event.

In addition to being a great event to attend, this is a great opportunity for local musicians to get exposure and some pay, while also helping support a good cause. Additionally, the event is pretty accessible, allowing as many performers as there are willing businesses with space for them to play.

Overall, Panama City has several great options for music enthusiasts and musicians alike to get out and enjoy themselves or perform their material. Together, these events highlight how Panama City’s music community creates regular opportunities for performers and audiences to connect. Through weekly showcases, open mics, and annual festivals, local musicians continue to shape the city’s cultural landscape.