Winter along 30A has a rhythm all its own—quieter, more reflective, and full of hidden gems that locals quietly look forward to each year. One of the most anticipated is the Americana Concert Series in the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park, returning this season with an intimate lineup of singer-songwriters and roots musicians in one of the area’s most historic settings.
If you’ve never been to Camp Helen State Park, this concert series is the perfect introduction. If you have, you already know there’s nothing quite like live music in the Lodge.
Discovering Camp Helen State Park
Tucked along the western edge of Panama City Beach—right at the Bay and Walton County line—Camp Helen State Park is a rare and beautifully preserved slice of Old Florida. The park sits between the emerald Gulf waters and Lake Powell, one of the largest and rarest coastal dune lakes in the world, creating a landscape that feels both serene and timeless.
Originally developed in the early 1900s as a company retreat, Camp Helen’s historic Lodge remains the heart of the park. With warm wood interiors, vaulted ceilings, and an inviting atmosphere, it offers an ideal setting for acoustic music and storytelling—making it a natural home for the Americana Concert Series.
Americana Concerts in the Lodge: 2026 Schedule & Details
The Americana Concert Series takes place every other Saturday evening during the winter season, offering a relaxed, listening-room experience that’s a refreshing change of pace from larger venues. Each performance is held inside the historic Lodge at Camp Helen State Park, just a short distance from the Visitors Center, where intentionally limited seating preserves the intimate atmosphere that makes these shows so special.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, with music beginning at 6:30 PM.
The 2026 Americana Concert Series lineup includes:
- January 10 – Reckless Saints
- January 24 – Dean Johanesen
- February 7 – Rough & Tumble
- February 21 – The Honey Badgers
- February 28 – Wyatt Espalin
Each evening showcases thoughtful songwriting, rich harmonies, and roots-driven sound—perfectly matched to the Lodge’s warm acoustics and historic setting.
Tickets & Important Information
Tickets for the 2026 Americana Concert Series are on sale now and must be purchased in person.
- Price: $20 per concert
- Payment: Cash only
- Where to Buy: Camp Helen State Park Office
- Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Due to the limited seating inside the Lodge, tickets are expected to sell quickly. Planning ahead is highly recommended, especially for visitors timing a winter beach getaway around a specific show.
Why This Series Is a Winter Favorite
These concerts offer something rare: a space where the music—and the musicians—are the focus. No crowds, no distractions, just a room full of people listening closely in a setting steeped in history and surrounded by protected natural beauty.
It’s the kind of evening that pairs perfectly with cooler coastal nights, a slower winter pace, and the simple joy of discovering something truly local.
Visiting Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, just west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge. The park is easily accessible from Panama City Beach and Scenic 30A, making it an easy evening outing for winter visitors staying anywhere along the coast.
For additional information:
- Call (850) 233-5059
- Visit friendsofcamphelen.org
- Follow Friends of Camp Helen State Park on Facebook
- Email camphelenfriends@gmail.com
A Perfect Addition to a Winter Beach Stay
Winter is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Emerald Coast, and the Americana Concerts at Camp Helen capture that season beautifully. Long valued by locals and returning winter guests, this intimate concert series highlights the quieter cultural side of the coast—one that often goes unnoticed by first-time visitors. As a locally based team that lives and works in South Walton year-round, Rivard by Ocean Reef regularly points guests staying in our 30A vacation rentals toward experiences like this—events we return to ourselves and consistently recommend to winter guests looking to experience the area beyond the beach. Hosted in a protected state park and curated by the Friends of Camp Helen, the concerts feel authentic, thoughtfully produced, and deeply rooted in place—proof that some of the most memorable vacation moments happen off the beaten path, often with a great soundtrack.
