Panama City Beach Air Show Food Guide

From Food Trucks to Beachfront Bites: Where to Eat During the Air Show Weekend in Panama City Beach

A foodie's guide to the best eats near the STEM Zone at Aaron Bessant Park and Russell-Fields City Pier

While the skies were filled with high-flying action, the ground level had its own kind of excitement, incredible food.

During the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show weekend, visitors weren’t just treated to the roar of jets, but also a variety of food trucks, quick bites, and local restaurants that kept everyone fueled throughout the day.

🌮 Food Trucks & Quick Bites at the STEM Zone

At Aaron Bessant Park, the STEM Zone wasn’t just about science, it was also a hotspot for food truck favorites.

Families exploring hands-on exhibits could grab:

Freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs 🍔
Tacos and street-style eats 🌮
Lemonade, shaved ice, and sweet treats 🍧
Classic festival snacks perfect for kids

The setup made it easy for families to:
👉 Learn, explore, and grab a bite without leaving the park

It created a laid-back, festival-style vibe where kids could go from building STEM projects to enjoying their favorite snacks within minutes.

🌊 Beachfront Vendors Near the Pier

Closer to Russell-Fields City Pier, food vendors lined the beach access points, offering convenient options for those who didn’t want to miss a second of the air show.

You’ll find:

Quick grab-and-go beach food
Famous Korean Corn Dogs
Ben’s Soft Pretzels. “Best Pretzels I ever had” It was fun watching him twist the dough as well.
Ice-cold drinks, a lot of lemonade and other flavors to beat the Florida heat 🥤
Florida’s Best Caribbean Seafood and Greek Gyros. “One of my favorites”
Fries, Chicken Tenders and other Snacks perfect for sitting back and watching the show

👉 The best part?
You could stay right on the sand, eat, and watch the Thunderbirds overhead.

🍤 Local Restaurant Favorites Near Pier Park Drive

For those looking to step away from the crowds and enjoy a full meal, the restaurants around Pier Park Drive delivered.

Here are some go-to spots that stayed busy throughout the weekend:

🍤 Pompano Joe’s Seafood House

https://www.pompano-joes.com/

A local favorite for fresh Gulf seafood and tropical flavors, Pompano Joe’s offers a relaxed, beachy atmosphere perfect after a long day in the sun.

🏖️ The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

https://www.theback-porch.com/

Known for its oceanfront views and classic seafood dishes, this is a great place to unwind while still catching glimpses of the action.

🍹 Margaritaville

https://www.margaritavillepanamacitybeach.com/

If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy vibe with drinks and island-inspired food, Margaritaville is always a crowd favorite.

🎮 Dave & Buster’s

https://www.daveandbusters.com/us/en/about/locations/panama-city-beach

Perfect for families, this spot combines food, games, and entertainment, making it a great option after the show wraps up.

🍴 A Perfect Mix of Food + Fun

What made this weekend stand out wasn’t just the air show, it was how easy it was to turn it into a full-day experience:

Morning at the STEM Zone
Afternoon on the beach watching the show
Evening at a local restaurant

👉 Food played a huge role in keeping the energy going all day long

💡 Pro Tip for Next Year

If you’re planning ahead for future events:

Arrive early to beat food lines
Bring cash for faster purchases at food trucks
Plan a restaurant stop to cool off and recharge

Did you grab food from a truck or eat at a local restaurant during the air show? Drop your favorite spot in the comments, we're always looking for new places to try!