Bay County Florida Fairgrounds Events

The Bay County Fairgrounds sit on East 15th Street in Panama City, and the big event there is the Central Panhandle Fair, held in late September or early October. Recent years ran September 30 to October 4, 2025, and October 1 to 5, 2024. A fair listing shows the 2026 run as October 6 to 10, so this year’s fair has already ended.

If you’re searching for upcoming events, the short answer is that the next fair is likely a year out, but the grounds host other events too.

Overview of the Bay County Fairgrounds

Location

The fairgrounds are at 2230 East 15th Street, Panama City, Florida 32405. Panama City is the Bay County seat. I did not find a verified acreage or a map of the buildings.

Who Runs the Fair

The Central Panhandle Fair is a private operation with a fair director and general manager, not a county-run event. Recent news coverage quotes Fair Director Henry Goines and General Manager Bob Johnson. I could not verify the legal structure behind it.

How Long It Has Run

A listing says the fair has been part of Bay County since 1945. A local news report said the fair began in Springfield, then moved to Panama City after its organizers bought the land that is now the fairgrounds. A 2025 broadcast called it an 80-year tradition.

Why It Matters

The fair brings agriculture, livestock, home arts and crafts, and Fresh from Florida products to a county better known for beaches. For many families it’s the one week when the Panhandle’s farm side is on display in town.

Upcoming Events at the Bay County Fairgrounds

The Main Fair

Expect the Central Panhandle Fair again in late September or early October 2027. The organizers haven’t published a 2027 date that I could find, so treat any date you see elsewhere as unconfirmed until the fair’s own page lists it.

Other Events

The grounds also host non-fair events. A sports card show took place at the Bay County Fairgrounds on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 3 to 8 p.m. A “Panama City Mini Con” also appears in fair photo galleries. I did not find a verified calendar for rodeos, gun shows, swap meets, or motocross.

Finding the Schedule

The Central Panhandle Fair has its own website and photo gallery, and that is the authoritative source for dates and ticket prices. I did not verify a phone number, so I’m not publishing one.

Rentals

I could not verify facility rental rules. The card show and mini con suggest outside groups do use the grounds, but ask the fair management for rates.

The Central Panhandle Fair Itself

Dates and Hours

Central Panhandle Fair 2025: September 30 to October 4. 2024: October 1 to 5. 2026 (listed): October 6 to 10.

In 2025, gates opened at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday, at 4 p.m. on Friday, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday. In 2024, tickets stopped selling at 10 p.m. each night, but the fair stayed open until everyone left. In 2025, buildings closed at 10 p.m. Central time, and the midway closed when the crowd left.

Competitions and Exhibits

The fair describes exhibits and education in agriculture, livestock, home arts and crafts, and Fresh from Florida products. Animals reported at the fair include horses, sheep, and chickens. I did not find a verified list of judging categories, so ask for the exhibitor book.

Rides and Midway

In 2024 the fair listed 35 rides. In 2024, Tuesday and Wednesday tickets included rides, while Thursday through Saturday required a separate $35 ride ticket. In 2025, armbands were $35 until closing on Thursday through Saturday. I did not verify which carnival company supplies the rides.

Food and Entertainment

Reports mention food and drinks and a family atmosphere. I did not find verified grandstand acts, pageants, or a signature fair food.

Admission

Prices vary by year, so use these only as a guide:

• 2023: $15 on Tuesday and Wednesday, $10 for adults Thursday through Saturday. Military and seniors were free on Thursday, and students were free on Friday.
• 2024: $20 on Tuesday and Wednesday, $10 Thursday through Saturday.
• 2025: $25 pay-one-price on Tuesday and Wednesday, $15 entry on Thursday through Saturday, and $35 armbands.

Gate entry has been cash only in recent years, with cards accepted inside the midway. Re-entry was not allowed, and weapons were prohibited. Free parking wasn’t mentioned, and I could not verify parking fees.

Community fairs provide spaces for families, farmers, exhibitors, and local businesses to gather throughout the year. People interested in Bay County Florida Fairgrounds Events can explore agricultural exhibitions, seasonal activities, and family entertainment while also checking out Baker County Florida Fairgrounds Events.

Facilities and Grounds

The fair uses permanent grounds with exhibit buildings, animal areas, and a midway, but I could not verify building counts, barn names, arena seating, camping, ATMs, or accessibility features. Metal detectors were added at the gates in 2023, and local and county police were present. If you need ADA parking or have questions about the layout, call the fair office before you go.

Vendor and Exhibitor Information

The fair has a vendor and exhibitor component, but I could not verify application steps, booth fees, or deadlines. For competitive entries, ask for the exhibitor book. I could not confirm whether it is printed, posted online, or both. Contact fair management through the official site.

Getting to the Bay County Fairgrounds

The grounds are on East 15th Street in Panama City, in the eastern part of the city. From downtown Panama City, head east on 15th Street, which is also US 98 Business and State Road 30A in some stretches? I did not verify the route numbers, so rely on a current map. From Panama City Beach, expect to come across the Hathaway Bridge or take US 98 east. I found no public transit or shuttle service dedicated to fair week, and I did not verify rideshare drop-off arrangements.

4-H and FFA

I could not verify the Bay County 4-H club count, the FFA chapters exhibiting, or the junior livestock auction details. UF/IFAS Extension Bay County is the office to ask about youth programs. The fair’s own materials mention youth exhibits and contests.

Special Events Beyond the Fair

Verified non-fair events include the June 2026 card show. I did not find a verified rodeo, gun show, flea market, or motocross schedule.

History

The fair began in Springfield and moved to Panama City after its organizers bought the land for the current fairgrounds. A listing places its start in 1945. In October 2018, the fair ran just before Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle. The grounds were out of use for the fair for five years, and the fair returned to the fairgrounds in October 2023, with its director saying “the fun has been on pause for five years.” That is the notable cancellation story here. I did not verify the pandemic years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Bay County Fair in 2026–2027?

The Central Panhandle Fair was listed for October 6 to 10, 2026. A 2027 date hadn’t been announced as of this writing, but recent fairs have run in late September or early October.

What time does the fairgrounds open?

During recent fairs, gates opened at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. on Friday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Hours change by year.

Is there camping?

I could not verify it. Ask the fair office.

How do I enter livestock?

Contact the fair office for the exhibitor book, and ask UF/IFAS Extension Bay County about 4-H and youth entries.

Are dogs allowed?

No policy was verified. Weapons are prohibited, and you should ask about pets.

Where do I park?

Parking details were not verified. Expect lots at the fairgrounds on East 15th Street.

Who do I contact to rent the fairgrounds?

Start with the Central Panhandle Fair’s management through its official site.

How much does it cost to get into the fair?

In 2025, entry was $25 on Tuesday and Wednesday and $15 Thursday through Saturday, with $35 armbands. Cash was required at the gate.