The Best Car Show in Florida’s Panhandle

Panama City Beach has something special for tourists in November and March: car shows. Some of the main perks when searching for vacation rentals for this time of year include smaller crowds, an easier experience reserving seats at restaurants, and the Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show.

If you’re a car fanatic, this is on the list of must-see car shows in Panama City Beach, Florida.

vintage car parked in a lot
Photo from Pixabay

Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show

The show’s theme is Hot Rods by the Beach. Fans of hot rods with bright colors and flames will not want to miss this show. These Panama City Beach car shows are sponsored by the city, and anyone with a hot rod can register their vehicle for the event.

The show is on 17 acres of land with park benches, restrooms and shade just a short walk away.

You’ll also be within walking distance of over 125 shops and stores.

The main types of vehicles at the show will fall into the following categories:

  • Classics
  • Hot Rods
  • Rat Rods
  • Motorcycles

The event has also started to include the muscle cars of today. You’ll find Mustangs, Corvettes, Camaros, and other muscle cars at the event.

You may even see other models and vehicle types.

The event will allow for other types of vehicles to be entered into the contest, but the vehicle will have to have at least five modifications to be entered. Family vehicles that you see on the road every day are not permitted.

When is the Event?

The event’s exact dates vary from year-to-year, but you’ll find the event in early March and early-to-mid November. The show spans over three days each time, so there is ample opportunity to fit a visit in during your vacation.

Plan Your Visit

Whether cars are your thing or you prefer relaxing evenings on the beach, Panama City Beach has it all. No matter what your group’s needs are, we have a property available that will be perfect for your vacation.

Live Music 

Live music is played each day, but the lineup will change. Several local bands will come out to play, but the music is just part of the atmosphere. You’ll feel the cool breeze of the ocean – just one block away – and enjoy a variety of other fun activities.

Expect to hear a lot of the classic car songs of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The Rip Chords were at the event last year and are a vocal group from the 60s.

Event holders prefer to use local talent to try and generate buzz for artists that may have otherwise not be heard. Every event has a unique range of talented performers.

Panama city beach emerald coast cruizin car show beach vacation

Frequently Asked Questions

The hot rods and music are only part of the fun. The event will also include:

  • Kick-off parties that allow you to unwind and meet new friends
  • 50/50 cash raffles that anyone can enjoy
  • Lots of kids activities
  • Alcohol will not be served or allowed in the venue
  • Food and drinks will be available for purchase
  • Pets are not allowed at the venue for safety reasons, but service animals will be permitted into the event
  • Bicycles, scooters and golf carts are not allowed
  • Handicap scooters are allowed at the event and there are scooter rental options available

Daily passes to the event are required if you’re not showing a classic vehicle. Kids under the age of 12 are free, but everyone else will have to pay $15 for the daily pass.

In 2019, there were over 1,000 vehicles that pre-registered for the event and had roughly 3,000 vehicles sign up. Additionally, almost a hundred vendors set up at the event.

Celebrities are also at the event, and many of them will sign autographs or even allow you to take pictures with them. The show is such a big hit that 85% of attendees are not from Panama City. People are willing to travel from all over the country to visit the show, so it’s an event that you won’t want to miss.

The show usually starts around 9 am, with the park opening at 8 am. The event will go on until the park closes, with the last event being the awards and cash giveaway on the main stage. Choose Panama City Beach condo rentals close to the show to be able to walk to the event and beat the parking rush. If you prefer not to walk, there are also several great options for renting a bicycle in Panama City Beach.

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