The Ultimate 2025 Gulf Coast Jam Guide: Dates, Full Lineup, And 7 Must-Know Insider Tips For Panama City Beach's Country Festival
The "Panama City Country Festival" is officially known as the Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam, and the 2025 event is gearing up to be the biggest celebration of country music on the Emerald Coast to date. As of today, December 24, 2025, details for the upcoming four-day festival are locked in, promising an unforgettable Memorial Day Weekend experience for country music enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond. This comprehensive guide provides the freshest, most critical information—from the star-studded lineup to essential ticketing and lodging strategies—to ensure you’re fully prepared for the ultimate "Country on the Coast" party.
The Gulf Coast Jam is more than just a concert; it’s a full-scale destination music festival, blending world-class performances with the stunning backdrop of Panama City Beach's white-sand shores. With the 2025 dates set for May 29 to June 1, the event is a cornerstone of the Florida festival calendar, drawing massive crowds to Frank Brown Park to see the genre’s biggest names and hottest rising stars.
Gulf Coast Jam 2025: Key Festival Details and Star-Studded Lineup
The Gulf Coast Jam, often simply called the Panama City Country Festival by locals and repeat visitors, has established itself as a premier event for high-energy performances and a beach vacation vibe. The 2025 event is the 13th annual gathering, continuing its tradition of hosting multiple headliners over four days.
- Official Event Name: Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam (also referred to as the Country On The Coast Festival).
- 2025 Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Sunday, June 1, 2025.
- Location: Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach, Florida.
- Duration: Four full days of music and beach fun.
- Venue Details: Frank Brown Park is a massive outdoor venue perfectly suited to handle the festival’s large crowds, offering ample space for stages, vendors, and various ticketed sections.
The Confirmed 2025 Lineup: Headliners and Daily Schedule
The 2025 lineup is stacked with major country music entities, providing a powerful mix of chart-toppers and critically acclaimed artists. While the full schedule is always subject to minor changes, the main acts are confirmed to appear on the following days:
Thursday, May 29
- Headliner: Sam Hunt
- Featured Acts: Jordan Davis, NEEDTOBREATHE, Restless Road, Angie K
- Note: The day often kicks off with the Jim Beam Welcome Sessions Winner, showcasing emerging talent.
Friday, May 30
- Headliner: Lainey Wilson
- Featured Acts: Randy Houser, Tyler Farr, Darryl Worley, and more to be announced.
Saturday, May 31
- Headliner: Tyler Childers
- Featured Acts: Expect a mix of southern rock and traditional country artists supporting this powerhouse performer.
Sunday, June 1
- Headliner: Blake Shelton
- Featured Acts: A major closing day with a mix of country legends and new stars to round out the festival.
The sheer star power of artists like Sam Hunt, Lainey Wilson, Tyler Childers, and Blake Shelton ensures that the 2025 Gulf Coast Jam will be one of the most talked-about events of the year.
Ticket Tiers and VIP Packages: Which Pass is Right for You?
Securing the right ticket is essential for maximizing your Panama City Country Festival experience. Gulf Coast Jam offers multiple tiers, ranging from standard General Admission to ultra-exclusive Super VIP access. Prices for a four-day pass can start as low as around $198 for General Admission, but quickly escalate depending on the amenities you desire.
General Admission (GA)
This is the standard four-day pass, providing access to the main festival grounds, all performances, food and merchandise vendors, and general restroom facilities. It’s the perfect option for budget-conscious fans who don't mind standing in the main viewing area.
VIP and Super VIP
For a significantly upgraded experience, the VIP and Super VIP packages offer a host of premium amenities. These can include:
- VIP Access: Dedicated VIP entrance, private air-conditioned restrooms, shaded lounge areas, and exclusive food and beverage vendors.
- Super VIP Access: All VIP amenities plus access to an elevated viewing deck, complimentary beverages (beer, wine, and cocktails), and catered meals.
- Crossover Walkway: A unique feature allowing VIP and Super VIP holders to quickly move between the main stage area and other amenities.
Insider Tip: While single-day GA tickets can cost over $1,600 on resale sites closer to the event, the four-day passes purchased early offer the best value.
Lodging, Travel, and Essential Festival Survival Tips
The location of the Gulf Coast Jam—just steps from the beautiful Panama City Beach—makes lodging and travel a crucial part of the planning process. Unlike many remote country festivals, Gulf Coast Jam does not offer on-site overnight camping at Frank Brown Park, meaning attendees must secure accommodations nearby.
Where to Stay: Condos, Hotels, and RV Resorts
Panama City Beach offers endless lodging options, but booking early is non-negotiable, especially since the festival falls over the busy Memorial Day Weekend.
- Beachfront Condos and Vacation Rentals: Companies like Vacasa and Southern Vacation Rentals offer properties minutes from the festival grounds. These are ideal for groups and provide a true vacation experience.
- Hotels: Hotels near Pier Park, such as La Quinta Pier Park and Candlewood Suites Pier Park, are within walking distance or a short ride to Frank Brown Park, making them a highly convenient choice.
- RV Camping: While no tents are allowed at the festival, RV enthusiasts can book spots at nearby luxury RV resorts like Panama City Beach RV Resort, which offer full hookups and amenities.
The Panama City Beach Experience
Attending the Gulf Coast Jam is as much about the beach as it is about the music. The festival's "Country on the Coast" theme encourages attendees to enjoy the daytime sun and sand before heading to Frank Brown Park in the late afternoon. Panama City Beach is famous for its Pier Park shopping and dining complex, which offers a perfect pre-show destination. The Gulf of Mexico provides a refreshing escape, making the four-day event feel like a true vacation.
7 Essential Gulf Coast Jam Insider Tips
- Hydration is Key: Florida weather in late May is hot and humid. Utilize water refill stations and prioritize hydration throughout the day.
- Master the Shuttle: Learn the official shuttle routes and schedules early. Traffic and parking around Frank Brown Park can be challenging, so the shuttle is often the most efficient way to get to and from your lodging.
- Dress for Comfort: While cowboy boots and hats are tradition, prioritize comfortable footwear. You’ll be on your feet for hours.
- Secure Your Spot Early: For headliners like Sam Hunt or Blake Shelton, the main viewing areas fill up quickly. Arrive at least an hour before your must-see act to get a good vantage point.
- Explore the Emerald Coast: Take advantage of the morning to relax on the beach or explore local attractions before the music begins in the afternoon.
- Utilize the Crossover Walkway (If Applicable): If you have a VIP or Super VIP pass, the dedicated Crossover Walkway is a massive time-saver for moving between the main stage and the VIP tent.
- Plan Your Exit Strategy: The rush after the final headliner is intense. Have a pre-determined meeting spot and be patient, or consider leaving a few minutes early to beat the crowd.
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