Lobster Festival and Tournament in Panama City Beach

Ranked among the largest lobster fests in Florida and the top fall events in Panama City Beach, the annual Lobster Festival and Tournament promises fun for all ages and succulent seafood. This week-long event features more lobster you can eat, diving contests, live music and activities all day. Join thousands of lobster lovers and get the scoop.

Guide to Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament

Festival Dates and Location

The city’s lobster festival and tournament takes place annually in October at Schooners Last Local Beach Club. The seven-day event draws thousands of people from all over the Southeast for a week full of live music, friendly competitions and a sand-sculpting contest.

Tickets are sold on the day of the event, and each guest receives a wrist band. To register for the competition, guests must call or stop by Schooners to get their spot. In addition, proceeds benefit organizations and charities in Panama City Beach, including Florida Aquatic Marine Institute and Toys for Kids Foundation.

Schedule of Events

Monday: The event kicks off with all-day lobster specials served by Schooners and live music on the main stage.

Tuesday-Thursday: Lobster specials served all day with live music starting at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, professional sand sculpting begins on the beach where Schooners is located. Visit on Thursday to hear live music on the beach stage and enter a raffle.

Friday-Sunday: Welcome to the main events. Friday welcomes visitors to enjoy live music in the afternoon until midnight. Registration for divers begin, and guest enjoy more raffles and activities.

On Saturday, the fun starts around 8:30 a.m. when sand-sculpting experts and families start creating their works of art. In addition, guests can also hold and pet lobsters, listen to live music on two stages, and win prizes.

Sunday’s activities start around 10 a.m., and feature more live music, a beach party, auction and grand-prize drawing.

Week-long Lobster Specials

Schnooners knows lobsters and how to serve them. The restaurant offers specials all week, including burgers, chowder, poboys, enchiladas, dips, mac and cheese, and several more, all featuring lobster.

What to Bring

Visitors should dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hats, and pack beach gear. The event welcomes everyone to dress casually, and bring chairs, umbrellas, beach bags and towels. Don’t forget some cash, a hearty appetite and big smiles for photo ops.

Where to Stay: Vacation Rentals

Panama City Beach houses several hotels and rentals near Schooners. There are two top-rated vacation condo options located less than 2 miles from the lobster festival and tournament.

Seychelles, located next door to Schooners, offers one- and two-bedroom condos housed on 22 floors. The condo complex features Gulf views, TVs, private patios, space for everyone to spread out and home-like amenities. View available Seychelles rentals in Panama City Beach.

Located 2 miles away from the action is Dunes of Panama, which offers two- and three-bedroom rentals. Much of this condo resort overlooks large lagoon-style pools, the Gulf and lots of swaying palm trees. In addition to private patios and great views, Dunes of Panama rentals have TVs, ample space and offer easy access to the festival.

Check the Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament event schedule. Then read about more Panama City Beach signature events.