THE 10: Opa! Bay County's got the 45th annual Greek Food Fest, hot air balloons and more

The News Herald/USA TODAY NETWORK
·5 min read

Your guide to the top 10 things to do, places to go for entertainment events, concerts, festivals, and activities in Bay County.

FRIDAY, Nov. 19

Date night? Somethin's Cookin' hosts renowned Chef Paul Albrecht

Chef Paul Albrecht will present a fine dining experience with a dynamic multi-course meal at Somethin's Cookin' on Friday evening.
Chef Paul Albrecht will present a fine dining experience with a dynamic multi-course meal at Somethin's Cookin' on Friday evening.

6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Somethin’s Cookin', 93 E. 11th St. Cost is $55 per person. Chef Paul Albrecht, one of the truly “greats” of the food industry, is renowned for his fabulous presentations at his internationally famous flagship restaurant in Atlanta; Panos & Paul’s. At this date night, he will create one of his favorite recipes from that great kitchen, which he replicated in his Carillion Beach restaurant, Chef Paul’s. On the menu: Artisan cheese selections, champagne Kir Royal or mimosa, selected hors d’oeuvres, salad, sea scallops/short ribs, roasted vegetables of the season, and a Somethin’s Cookin’ dessert selection.

At 2 p.m. on Nov. 20, Somethin's Cookin's Hannelore Holland will teach a kids class for brunch. She will teach her students how to make an easy do-ahead French toast and Christmas cooking. Price is $30.

Saddle up at Bay County Sheriff's Office 14th Annual Rodeo

Bay County Sheriff's Office 14th Annual Rodeo will take place Nov. 19-20 at the Fountain/Youngstown Ball Park.
Bay County Sheriff's Office 14th Annual Rodeo will take place Nov. 19-20 at the Fountain/Youngstown Ball Park.

7 p.m. nightly, Nov. 19-20, at the Fountain/Youngstown Ball Park, located at 12421 W. State 20 in Youngstown. Gates open at 5 p.m. This event, presented by the BCSO Mounted Search and Rescue team, will feature bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, break away roping, steer wrestling, team roping, calf roping, bull riding and barrel racing. Tickets $10, children 4 and under free. For additional information, call 850-747-4700.

Blues and rock with the Salt Rock Band at House of Bourbon

House of Bourbon inside of the Shrimp Boat Restaurant will host the bluesy-rock band Salt Rock Band.
House of Bourbon inside of the Shrimp Boat Restaurant will host the bluesy-rock band Salt Rock Band.

8 p.m. to midnight, Nov. 19 and 20, at the House of Bourbon, 1201 Beck Avenue, Panama City, located inside the Shrimp Boat Restaurant. The band will be playing rock, blues, country, Motown, dance, originals and more. There is no cover charge to attend and if you have a dinner at the Shrimp Boat you can receive a free pint at the House of Bourbon. For additional information, call 850-785-8706.

Opa!: Delicacies for sale at the 45th Annual Greek Food Fest

The 45th Annual Greek Food Festival will be held this weekend.
The 45th Annual Greek Food Festival will be held this weekend.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. at St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church, 136 W. Baldwin Road, Panama City. This event will feature a variety of Greek delicacies including pastitsio, dolmades, spinach and cheese pies, gyro sandwiches, Greek sweet bread, baklava, pastries and much more. Lunch will begin at 10 a.m. For more information, call 850-769-3616.

Emerald Coast Christmas Bazaar benefits Second Chance

The Emerald Coast Christmas Bazaar and Food Truck Festival, benefiting Second Chance, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel & Convention Center, 9600 S. Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach.
The Emerald Coast Christmas Bazaar and Food Truck Festival, benefiting Second Chance, will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel & Convention Center, 9600 S. Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 and 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel & Convention Center, 9600 S. Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. This event will feature 140 vendors with commercial merchandise, crafting with Santa, art, beauty, home décor, boutiques, children products, music with a DJ, food, drink and raffles. Three full days of holiday fun. Entry fee: $5, children under 12 free. Proceeds will benefit Second Chance of NW Florida Brain Injuries. For more information, call 850-630-7085 or email: emeraldcoastbazaar@gmail.com.

Panama City Beach Balloon Glow returns

Panama City Beach Balloon Glow 2021 will take place Nov. 19-21 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach.
Panama City Beach Balloon Glow 2021 will take place Nov. 19-21 at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach.

5-9 p.m. nightly Nov. 19-21 at Aaron Besant Park, 500 W. Park Drive, Panama City Beach. This event will feature tethered hot air balloon rides, local food and retail vendors, bounce houses, and optional ticket upgrades for an elevated experience. The main event will be the hot air balloons glowing after dark. Picnic blankets and camping chairs are permitted.

Admission is $9.95 for adults (16 years and older) and $2.95 (children 15 and younger). Gates open at 5 p.m.; guests are encouraged to arrive by 7 p.m. for traffic safety purposes.

Tickets must be used on the day specified during purchase. Other add-on experiences are available such as Tethered Flight Experience, Private Couple Tethered Flight Experience and Balloon Pilot Experience. These tickets range from $25 to $250. Tickets are non-refundable and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panama-city-beach-balloon-glow-2021-tickets-196009328177?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse. For additional information, visit www.balloonglowtour.com

SATURDAY, Nov. 20

Skate Pajama Party and PJ contest

Skater's Choice holds themed skate party.
Skater's Choice holds themed skate party.

5-9 p.m. Nov. 20 at Skater's Choice, 5413 Hickory St., Panama City. At this event you can wear your comfy pajamas and participate in a pajama contest. Admission is $12 and skate rental $4. Wear appropriate pajamas and receive $1 off admission. For more information, call 850-763-8551 or visit: www.iskatepc.com.

SUNDAY, NOV. 21

Class in session: Beer Tasting 102

Dan Magner pours two glasses of McKenzie Brothers Fizzy Water at the History Class Brewing Co.
Dan Magner pours two glasses of McKenzie Brothers Fizzy Water at the History Class Brewing Co.

3-4 p.m. Nov. 21 at History Class Brewing Company, 6 E. Fourth St., Panama City. This fun and educational beer tasting event is for craft beer connoisseurs who want to know a little more about the beer made at this downtown brewery. You will sample four History Class brews while Jessica walks you through the specific ingredients in each brew, how to detect subtle flavors, and more fun facts about how beer is made at History Class. Following the tasting, you will receive a free pint of your favorite craft.

Tickets are $25 and include a free pint of your favorite beer on tap. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beer-tasting-102-at-history-class-tickets-208039661227?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. For more information call 850- 801-2337

TUESDAY, Nov. 23

Paint & Pours Wreath painting

Paint & Pours Wreath painting is set for Nov. 23 at Barracuda Beach.
Paint & Pours Wreath painting is set for Nov. 23 at Barracuda Beach.

6-8 p.m. Nov. 23 at Barracuda Beach, 6628 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. At this event, Sara Gramlich will provide step-by-step instruction to create a wreath masterpiece. All painting materials are provided and first-time painters are always welcome. Food and drink specials will be offered from the venue.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-pours-barracuda-beach-wreath-tickets-200028971037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. For more information, call 850-249-3343.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 24

Dueling DJ’s

Splash Bar presents a dueling DJ event with DJ Krush vs DJ Scenario.
Splash Bar presents a dueling DJ event with DJ Krush vs DJ Scenario.

8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Nov. 24, at Splash Bar, 6520 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach. This Thanksgiving Eve Legendary party will feature two of the area's best DJs, DJ Krush vs DJ Scenario, battling it out on the dance floor. Additional parking will be available next door in the Coral Reef overflow parking. For more information, visit SplashBarFlorida.com or 850-236-3450.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County Florida's top 10 things to do this week