Beach Loving Music Fans from Around the Globe Converge on Panama City Beach for the 12th Annual Gulf Coast Jam Extravaganza

by Will Estell on April 8th, 2024

Gulf Coast Jam stage with crowd in front — Thousands attend the yearly Gulf Coast Jam to hear great music and have a great time.

If you’re a fan of country music, and America’s favorite beach communities, you probably already know about Gulf Coast Jam. What started as a medium-size outdoor music festival has grown into one of the top country music festivals in the United States. With attendance in the tens of thousands, this year’s Jam is proving to be more popular than ever. And it’s right around the corner, May 30 – June 2, 2024 in beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida.

Having attended and covered the festival for years, I can assure it will not disappoint. I’ve seen everyone from Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and Florida Georgia Line to Riley Green, Big & Rich, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Kid Rock. Every year the shows get better and the crowd of music lovers grows. And if great music isn’t enough — did I mention it all happens in the heart of Panama City Beach?

This year’s 12th iteration of the festival takes place at Panama City Beach’s Frank Brown Park. The fun starts in the early afternoon and goes well into the night. As the sun goes down and the music ramps up you can hear and feel the excitement in the air.

2024 Gulf Coast Jam Headliners

Gulf Coast Jam’s 2024 headliners include some of country’s most-popular artists, including Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll and Parker McCollum. Other well-known hitmakers include Billy Currington, Russell Dickerson, Nate Smith and Flatland Calvary.

Many others round out the 20+ artists taking the stage over the four-day event, including Shane Smith & the Saints, Priscilla Block, Chase Matthew, Corey Kent and Kidd G. The lineup also includes Austin Snell, Sadie Bass, John Morgan, Heartland, Peytan Porter, Deana Carter, Shelby Darrall, and Chandler Flint.

Friday night has been named ‘Merica Night to honor our great country and as a tribute to Toby Keith, who died Feb. 5 following a battle with stomach cancer.

A tribute to Toby Keith, shown raising a red solo cup, will be held on Friday night during the 2024 Gulf Coast Jam. — Gulf Coast Jam is planning ‘Merica Night for Friday night during which there
will be a tribute to Toby Keith who died in February of cancer.

Many returning festivalgoers anxiously anticipate Morgan Wallen’s performance as he was forced to cancel last year because of a vocal issue. Wallen, a CMA Award Winner, was named “the most wanted man in country” by The New Yorker. He scored a Double Platinum for “If I Know Me, Dangerous: The Double Album.” And he hit the top of 2021’s all-genre Billboard 200 Albums year-end chart with sales of more-than 4 million.

Sunset over aerial view of Gulf Coast Jam — Sun setting over an aerial view of Gulf Coast Jam.

Great Music at Affordable Prices

Having covered concerts by a wide array of artists I am in awe that even with today’s increasing ticket prices, Gulf Coast Jam’s producers offer such a remarkable and affordable package.

My friend, Craig Campbell, of Campbell Entertainment Group in Nashville, has played an instrumental role in many aspects of Gulf Coast Jam since its first year. He said the talent alone runs well into the multi-millions yearly. Not surprising, considering the level of artistry the festival continues to draw.

“It’s actually because of our great sponsorships, and the generous support of Panama City Beach that we are able to throw this level of music festival and keep the ticket prices where they are,” Campbell said. “That’s one of the aspects that Rendy Lovelady and Mark Sheldon [the festival founders and organizers] are most proud of — bringing great music to Panama City Beach and making it attainable to most everyone.”

A girl on a boy's shoulders partying at a previous Gulf Coast Jam. — Having a great time at a previous Gulf Coast Jam.

Tickets and Lodging for the 2024 Gulf Coast Jam

For additional information follow Gulf Coast Jam on Facebook and Instagram or visit online for t-shirts, hats, and festival merchandise. If you’re lucky, grab one of the few secondary sell tickets as they become available.

Visit our Panama City Beach vacation rentals to book the best hotels, condos, and beach houses in the area. Round out your trip by dining at fantastic Panama City Beach restaurants and planning other fun things to do in Panama City Beach with family and friends.

Come on down to the Gulf Coast Jam for a wonderful time filled with music and fun!

Will Estell originally wrote this blog in 2023, and it was updated by BeachGuide staff for 2024.