The series, now in its seventeenth year, is held at Aaron Bessant Park adjacent to Pier Park, and is free. The event features all genres of music and brings out families with young children, dog owners and many picnickers. Food trucks are on site, offering a variety of menu options. No alcohol is sold but attendees can BYOB.

The event is especially popular among local residents.

“The last few years, attendance has been down a little and that really began in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cheryl Joyner, director of PCB Parks and Recreation which puts on the annual event. “We are very excited for this year’s series as we have a lot of talented musicians from all over, including several who are local. We appreciate all our sponsors, as we could not do this event without them.”

Concerts were on Tuesday nights last year, and officials hope the move back to Thursday will bring out more music fans. The community seemed to favor Thursday night for its “going into the weekend” vibe.

“The Summer Concert Series with live music is a great local event to bring the family to,” said Mayor Mark Sheldon. “Switching back to Thursday night is a great way to get an early start to a fun-filled weekend in our community. We love this event.”

This year’s series begins June 8 and runs through August 10. Concerts are from 7-9 p.m. In addition to the Parks and Recreation department and the City of Panama City Beach, sponsors include Visit Panama City Beach, Pier Park, Buffalo Rock and The St. Joe Company.

Here’s the lineup:

June 8: Dave Jordan and the NIA: A Roots Rock/Americana Jam band based in New Orleans June 15: The Rusty Wright Band: Blues band based in Winter Haven, Fla. June 22: Loud Planet: ‘80s Rock band based in Panama City, Fla. June 29: A Brother’s Revival: Southern Rock band based in south Florida July 6: The Copper Tones: A Soulgrass band based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. July 13: Anthony Peebles: Alternative musician based in Panama City, Fla. July 20: The Will Thompson Band: Multiple genre band based in Panama City, Fla. July 27: Natalie Brady: Country/Southern Rock singer based in Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 3: Sons of Saints: Rock ‘N Roll band based in Panama City Beach, Fla. Aug. 10: The Lee Boys: A Sacred Steel band based in Miami, Fla. For more information on the concerts, contact Parks & Recreation at (850) 233-5045.

Communications Director Debbie Ingram can be reached at (850) 233-5100, Ext. 2261.