Sure hope to. Looking forward to it.Panama City Beach Theater and Arts
Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Panama City Beach for many reasons: snow white sandy beaches, beautiful state parks, hot night spots, exciting attractions and . . .a fine arts community!
Yes, you heard right, Panama City offers a nice balance of many performing and visual arts interests. In fact, Panama City is among the top ten "Best Small Art Towns in America," number six to be exact.
There are many aspects to the art community that exists in Panama City, wether it be a quaint and cozy art gallery or a professional theatrical presentation at the Marina Civic Center.
In fact, Panama City is among the top ten "Best Small Art Towns in America," number six to be exact.
The Civic Center provides a 2,500 seat auditorium for state-of-the-art performances of dance, jazz, and touring Broadway musicals bringing culture and sophistication to the heart of Panama City. The Bay Arts Alliance controls the operation of the auditorium and oversees its role as a pivotal part of the restoration of the Downtown area.
Galleries and Theaters are scattered throughout the downtown area, one of which is a restored 469 seat-art-deco palace, The Martin Theater. The Martin has its own company that brings excitement to the stage but also offers a wide range of nationally known touring music and dance acts.
Just across the street, in what used to be the city hall and jailhouse, is the Visual Arts Center. The center offers classes to children and adults, therefore, bringing new faces to the constantly growing art scene. It also houses a library, classroom, lecture hall and coordinates the region's artist-in-residency program at public schools around the area.
The Visual Arts Center isn't the only place where beginning artists can go to learn more, the Panama City Institute of Art also offers art classes to all who are interested. It is this interest in the youth of Panama City that brings about more additions to the creative community in the future.
The image of the starving artist is shattered by a well-known watercolor master who calls Panama City home, Paul Brent. Brent's known the world over for his original watercolors and limited edition prints.
He specializes in depicting the natural beauty of local scenery and tropical images and wildlife, but his work has diversified into original jewelry and pottery.
His designs are featured on everything from beach towels to stationary, and you can find it all in his gallery on Beach Drive in the historic downtown area. Brent's gallery occasionally spotlights individual artists and their work, as well.
Not all galleries are as well-known as the Paul Brent Gallery, yet, they each have their own unique characteristics and serve as an integral part of the fine arts community.
We've saved the best for last… that's right food, food, food! Some of the finest restaurants on Panama City Beach will be there: Hammer Head Fred's, Shuckum's, Mariner Restaurant, Crazy Marlin's, A.J.'s Restaurant, the Outback Steak House, Pizza Hut…. You get the picture. If it's seafood, it's here.
But the Indian Summer Seafood Festival wouldn't be the same without some old favorites, including hot dogs and alligator on a stick. Alligator! That's right, fried alligator skewed onto a stick. Turn the tables on the wily reptile, and enjoy a surprisingly light, tasty meal.
Parking is available at the Park for $5 per vehicle, but space is limited.
There will also be parking and a shuttle service at Frank Brown Park on Back Beach Road (Hwy 98), which also costs $5. Tickets are $8 for a one day pass, or $20 for all three days of the Festival. They are available at the gate, or you can buy them from many hotels and motels on the Beach.
Whatever you're looking for in the way of fun, sun and late summer entertainment, the 18th Annual Indian Summer Seafood Festival has it! Rides, exhibits, arts and crafts, seafood and music for the whole family. Don't miss out on one of the last opportunities of the summer to have a great time with your friends and neighbors under a warm, pleasant sun!
It's no surprise that such a beautiful setting would
serve as the home to such beautiful work. Don't miss out on the
finer things Panama City has to offer... there is a world of color
and creation just waiting to be discovered... 
