APRIL/MAY 2026 | 15 Also new this year, local high school jazz bands and groups will perform in the food court dining tent. And, free water is available via two new Quench Buggy stations in the park. “ ese will o er chilled, ltered water for quick water ll-ups,” Carter said. “Please bring a clear empty sports bottle in.” As always, most of the artists will sign CDs a er their performance. And now that last year’s construction of the entrance has been completed, there’s a new Pavilion entrance building, which will house the Seabreeze merchandise store, where festival merchandise and bag chairs can be purchased. “We are back to the same footprint for entry we enjoyed over the past years,” Carter said. “Merchandise and cra vendors will again line the general admission entrance. And, the grass has been resodded in the park and looks amazing! We also o er a chair rental vendor inside the show in case general admission attendees would rather not have to travel with a chair.” ere has also been construction of more hotels and condos. As the popularity of the festival grew, so did the demand for accommodations, resulting in higher rates. With these developments, Carter said choices for places to stay have increased, and some rates have decreased. “ e key is nding the right accommodations—beach house, condo or hotel that is close to the show,” he shared. “ e key is always book early if you can, and maybe broaden your search to include condominiums, which makes up for over 50 percent of the Panama City Beach rental market.” One great source, according to Carter, is Panhandle Getaways, the o cial festival condo and vacation rental sponsor. “ ey are a local continued on page 16 Panama City Beach company that can help fans laser-focus on the properties and amenities that o er the best experience for the best price. ey actually have local vacation planners you can reach by phone that will assist,” he said. “Several of their properties, like Calypso Beach Towers, are within walking distance to the show. Also, vacation home rentals near the festival can be a better bargain than a typical hotel. “Another great resource is Visit Panama City Beach,” he added. “Visitors can call 1-800-PCBEACH (722-3224) for assistance and suggestions on their accommodations. If you are new to the Panama City Beach area, it makes sense to take advantage of resources like this.” Carter said that many festivalgoers stay at least a week to “spend time on the beach, sh in the Gulf, shop, dine and explore our beautiful local state parks.” He suggests that festivalgoers consider extending their trip to do the same. For those who missed out on buying tickets to this year’s festival, tickets for the 2027 Seabreeze Jazz Festival, scheduled for April 21-25, go on sale June 1, 2026, with Early Bird specials o ered throughout June. Carter strongly recommends buying tickets and booking your accommodations early. Whether you’re attending now or planning ahead, Carter’s goal remains constant: “To create a vibe that blends low-key relaxation of a beach vacation in the South, with a world-class lineup of top performers who, too, love performing at our venue,” he said. “Put away all of your worries, let your hair down, relax, enjoy the Florida sunshine, meet new friends and join together with other smooth jazz fans to celebrate life and the music we all love and connect with,” Carter concluded. Photo: Andrew Ficke Photography Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns: left to right: Leo P., Jeff Bradshaw, Dave Koz, Marcel Anderson, Marcus Anderson and Evan Taylor DW3 Left to Right: Mindi Abair, Eric Darius, Vincent Ingala and Adam Hawley Photo: Erin Blair Studio Photo: Aric Thompson Photo: Dan Boissy Photo: Bobby Quillard Photo: Kristie Schram
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