DOC’S TOP 20 EVENTS PENSACOLA MORE INFO

When you visit Pensacola, you should definitely check out Pensacon – the premier comic book and pop culture convention in the area since 2013! Their mission is to create a unique and inclusive multi-genre convention that caters to all types of fans from around the country.

Pensacon strives to bring in popular artists, actors, writers, and creators from various fandoms to allow fans to interact with them and create events that cater to everyone. They believe in providing a safe and welcoming environment free from bullying or harassment, so all types of fandom can express themselves and form a community.

Pensacon also makes an effort to work with the local community to create a unique experience that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. At Pensacon, you’ll find representatives from various fandoms interacting with each other and creating a fun and safe environment. They are guided by a set of principles that ensure a non-discriminatory policy regarding gender, sexual identity, age, race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, physical appearance, veteran status, or interest in any specific fandom. So, don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!

If you’re visiting Pensacola, you won’t want to miss the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade – the largest and most extravagant parade of the year! With hundreds of thousands of attendees and participants, it’s the biggest gathering in Downtown Pensacola all year. The parade features most of the Krewes from the area, local organizations, and companies, with everything from marching bands to Scout groups. Many participants come from out of town, making it a truly exciting and diverse event. With over 6000 people participating in the parade and more than 100,000 spectators, it’s an experience you won’t forget!

The Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration is another fantastic event that you should check out. Over the past 12 years, it has become a beloved tradition in Pensacola, and it’s not hard to see why! The celebration starts with a procession led by the New Orleans Ramblers around Jefferson Street and Government Street. Traditional New Orleans music and second-line bands will help kick-off the Mardi Gras season in style.

Although the event used to take place on Twelfth Night (January 6), it has since been moved to the first Friday after Twelfth Night. This change also led to a name change to the Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick-Off Celebration. The event has grown tremendously over the years, from just 10 floats and a couple of radio station vans to now hosting 40 floats!

The new location for the event is the East Garden District on Jefferson Street north of Garden Street, which makes it even easier to enjoy all the festivities. You’ll see the classic 2nd line escort of the costumed Krewes to where they will be blessed by Father, along with local dignitaries including elected and governmental officials. Each Krewe that is blessed will receive a certificate recognizing their commitment to the Mardi Gras spirit and authorizing their blessed participation each season. Don’t miss out on the exciting and vibrant culture of Mardi Gras in Pensacola!

If you are a lover of jazz music, you will not want to miss the Pensacola JazzFest, a two-day annual music festival presented by Jazz Pensacola. This festival is a gift to the community and features local school bands, regional acts, and national headliners.

The festival is made possible with support from a variety of corporate sponsors and community organizations, as well as the year-long work of Jazz Pensacola volunteers. The organization is grateful for the essential support of individual and corporate donors.

The festival takes place in the beautiful Seville Square, surrounded by historic live oaks and scenic views. The gazebo stage provides the perfect springtime setting for this free event.

While enjoying the music, visitors can also indulge in delicious food from local vendors, wine/beer, and soft drinks. Jazz merchandise and arts and crafts are also available for purchase, including JazzFest posters, jazzy shirts, and other memorabilia. All merchandise sales go towards supporting the festival and ensuring it remains free for loyal fans.

As a tourist or local, you won’t want to miss the Pensacola Crawfish Festival! This festival is all about indulging in Cajun cuisine, with thousands of pounds of boiled crawfish straight from Louisiana. Cordova Crawfish Company, a local Pensacola vendor, is responsible for bringing in this delicious seafood. There are many Cajun-inspired dishes to try, such as boudin, jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo, and more.

But don’t worry if crawfish isn’t your thing, there are traditional festival foods available too, including chicken baskets, hot dogs, po’boys, and even bloomin’ onions. Save room for dessert, as there are plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth like the best fried Oreos, ice cream, and funnel cakes that will transport you to the east of Cajun Country. After you’ve filled your belly, put on your dancing shoes and head to the Main Music Stage to boogie down to some great tunes!

Come to Downtown Pensacola and indulge in a variety of mouth-watering dishes from local food trucks during the Hot Wheels Truck Festival! The event is free and offers a diverse selection of signature dishes, live music, and a Hot Wheels Food Truck Tasting competition.

What’s more, this festival is not just about great food and entertainment. It is also a charity event that benefits the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity. By attending this festival, you are supporting the organization’s mission of building homes, community, and hope. Since 1981, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has been working to build energy-efficient homes in neighborhoods throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with the help of construction volunteers. They have built over 1,300 homes for local families in need.

Proceeds from the event will be used to further Pensacola Habitat for Humanity’s work in organizing and improving existing homes and neighborhoods through neighborhood revitalization efforts. So, come and enjoy the festival, and at the same time, invest in the local community’s future!

Every Memorial Day Gay weekend, Pensacola Beach in Florida becomes a hub of activity as the LGBTQ community flocks to the area. Visitors from all over the US and beyond arrive early to set up their beach tents with elaborate decorations, music, and free drinks to outdo the others. The lineup of

tents extends over a 1.5 mile span and soon becomes a runway for the latest speedo trends and costumes.

During this weekend, the parties take place at Parking lot 2G on the beach, just a short walk from the Portofino Hotel. There are daily beach tea dances from 1 pm to 5 pm and nightly parties from 9 pm to 3 am, all located at Park East, Pensacola Beach.

Pensacola is becoming increasingly popular with the LGBTQ community, especially during late May, Memorial Day weekend. There are two LGBT nightclubs, the Roundup and Cabaret, which have special events and entertainment during this weekend, as do many mainstream establishments. In recent years, Capt’n Fun Beach Club and Flounder’s Chowder House on Pensacola Beach have served as hubs of much of the Memorial Day weekend fun.

The Cabaret, located just steps from downtown’s beautiful Seville Square and adjacent to the historic Saenger Theatre, is sophisticated but welcoming, a cheerful spot for gay men, lesbians, and friends to congregate during daily happy hours (3 until 8 pm), during the Friday gallery nights, before or after a show at the Saenger theatre, or during the popular karaoke events.

Upwards of 100,000 revelers attend the various Pensacola Gay Memorial Day LGBT events in Pensacola Beach, with especially strong attendance from the Atlanta, New Orleans, Jacksonville, and Orlando areas. This event is a celebration of the LGBTQ community and a time to meet new friends, enjoy great music, and make unforgettable memories.

The Fiesta Pensacola celebrates the founding of Pensacola, America’s First Settlement, by Spanish Conquistador Don Tristan de Luna in 1559. The Fiesta organization plans and produces over 20 events throughout the year with the help of dedicated volunteers. These events are designed to promote tourism and appeal to all ages and interests. Fiesta is a major celebration for the Pensacola Bay Area, and the 10-day heritage celebration, held in the first two weeks of June, is one of the oldest and largest heritage festivals in Florida.

Fiesta Pensacola hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Pensacola Crawfish Festival, Fiesta Children’s Treasure Hunt, Fiesta Celebration, Pensacola Seafood Festival, and many more! They are proud to partner with other community organizations and their events. One of the highlights of the Fiesta is the Surrender of the City in Phineas Phoggs, where local dignitaries such as the Mayor, Fire Chief, Supervisor of Elections, Escambia County Sheriff, and Pensacola Naval Air Station Commanding Officer surrender the City of Pensacola and its citizens to DeLuna and his Queen for the Fiesta Season.

Families can enjoy the Treasure Hunt, which is a leisure activity for children ages three to ten years old, with prizes such as bicycles, tricycles, summer camp sessions, water activities, art easels, Sky Zone passes, sporting event tickets, and more! The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. and features dozens of local krewes and special appearances by a masked DeLuna LXXII, his queen, and their court. So, come catch some beads, enjoy the sounds of local high school marching bands, and watch the beautiful floats parade through downtown Pensacola with your family during one of Pensacola’s favorite Fiesta events.

The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, known for their breathtaking aerial displays. Every July, the Blue Angels come to Pensacola Beach for a series of thrilling flying demonstrations that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. The roar of the engines, the streamers of smoke, every formation in perfect symmetry. As the home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Pensacola not only gets the distinct honor of weekly practice March – November, it has not one, but TWO airshows. The week following Independence Day, Dubbed “Red, White, and Blues Week”, the Santa Rosa Island Authority hosts the Pensacola Beach Airshow Featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Veteran’s Day weekend, the Blue Angels close the official touring season at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Visitors to Pensacola Beach can enjoy the Blue Angels’ flying demonstrations from a variety of vantage points. One popular option is to watch the show from the beach itself, where spectators can lay out on the sand and enjoy the spectacle overhead. Another option is to view the show from a boat out on the water, which can offer a unique perspective on the aerial maneuvers.

For those who want an even closer look, it’s possible to purchase VIP tickets to the show. These tickets provide access to a special seating area where visitors can watch the Blue Angels’ performance up close and personal.

In addition to the flying demonstrations, visitors to Pensacola Beach can also enjoy a variety of other activities during the Blue Angels’ show. The show starts in the morning with flying demonstrations of numerous airplanes, aerobatics, Fat Albert and others.

Overall, the Blue Angels’ July flying demonstrations are a must-see event for anyone visiting Pensacola Beach during July. With their incredible aerial displays and thrilling maneuvers, the Blue Angels are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages.

Join the Sertoma Fourth of July Celebration in downtown Pensacola and celebrate Independence Day with live music performances starting at 4:30 pm. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy a fantastic fireworks show over the bay at 9 pm. Tune your radio to Cat Country 98.7 for the special 4th of July music accompanying the fireworks display.

Get into the patriotic spirit with Pensacola Beach this Independence Day. Feel the sugar-white sands under your feet while gazing at the night sky for a stunning fireworks display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The show kicks off at 8:30 pm, so make sure to arrive early and claim your spot on the sand or the Boardwalk.

As a visitor to Pensacola, don’t miss out on the Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival, brought to you by Fiesta Pensacola. This festival is a must-visit if you’re a fan of delicious seafood, great music, and the historic downtown area. With over 150 artisans and craftsmen coming from all over the country to participate, it’s also one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in northwest Florida.

At the festival, you can enjoy a wide variety of seafood dishes, including fried, grilled, and blackened options, as well as burgers, chicken, fried fair food, ice cream, and shaved ice. You’ll find local

restaurants and caterers serving tapas-sized portions of their signature dishes, so you can taste a little bit of everything.

The Pensacola Seafood Festival has also featured many talented musical acts over the years, including Grammy award-winning artists like Brothers Osbourne, Chris Stapleton, and Ashley McBryde. The festival brings you these acts for free, but please note that coolers and pets are not allowed. In addition to the food and music, the festival also has over 150 artisans and craftsmen showcasing their unique wares, such as jewelry, metalwork, pottery, paintings, and much more. Make sure to stop by and check out all the offerings.

Stamped Film Festival, Pensacola’s LGBTQ Film Festival — was inspired by efforts of the LGBTQ community in the mid-1990s to highlight the impact of LGBTQ tourism. After some local officials and business owners spoke out against gay and lesbian visitors, including annual Memorial Day Weekend activities which draw tens of thousands of people to the area, many LGBTQ residents and visitors began to stamp the cash they spent with the words “GAY MONEY” and/or a pink triangle. That year, Christopher Street South, a local LGBTQ publication, estimated that gay and lesbian tourists spent $25 million annually in the area.

The Stamped Film Festival highlights the artistic contributions both nationally and internationally of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) films and filmmakers. The unique ability of film to transcend stereotypes and relate to the viewer opens the door to a dialogue about the LGBTQ experience, building a stronger and more open Pensacola.

Stamped Film Festival was spearheaded in 2012 by Sara Latshaw as a means to create a more accepting, safe, and educated community in our small Gulf Coast town of Pensacola, FL. The film festival board and organization has continued to grow over the years with increased attendance at the annual film festival and by hosting other outreach activities. Stamped showcases the artistic contribution of LGBTQ film and filmmakers from all over the world. In 2015 the film festival re-branded itself from Pensacola LGBTQ Film Fest to ‘Stamped Film Festival’, a name paying homage to the days when Memorial Day Weekend LGBTQ tourists stamped their money to demonstrate their significant impact on the local economy. Likewise, Stamped hopes to continue the tradition of raising awareness of the LGBTQ community.

Experience the magic of the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, where you’ll be introduced to the talented individuals who craft the songs that touch our hearts and souls. From heartwarming ballads to upbeat anthems, these songs have the power to evoke a range of emotions, bringing smiles to our faces and tears to our eyes. In fact, many of us find solace and healing in the words and melodies of our favorite tunes.

At the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to hear the personal stories behind these songs and discover the inspiration that led to their creation. You may be surprised to learn that the artist performing the song may not be the original songwriter. The festival brings together a diverse group of songwriters, each with their own unique style and background, much like the countless grains of sand on our beautiful beaches.

The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is a chance for you to connect with these talented writers and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of songwriting. And what better place to do so than on the stunning white sands of Pensacola Beach? The combination of this natural wonderland and the creative energy of the festival creates a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed. So join us in October and discover the magic of the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival.

The Pensacola Greek Festival is an annual cultural event that celebrates Greek heritage and traditions. The festival typically takes place over a weekend in October and is hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Pensacola, Florida.

At the festival, attendees can expect to find a wide range of Greek cuisine, including traditional dishes like gyros, spanakopita, and baklava. There are also food vendors selling Greek pastries, coffee, and wine. In addition to the food, there are various activities and events throughout the weekend, including live music, dancing, and cultural demonstrations.

Visitors can tour the church and learn about the Greek Orthodox faith, as well as purchase Greek-themed merchandise like t-shirts and jewelry. Children can enjoy a variety of activities, including face painting, bounce houses, and games.

The Pensacola Greek Festival is a popular event in the community, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It provides an opportunity for people to experience Greek culture and hospitality in a fun and festive atmosphere.

The Pensacola Bluegrass Festival is an annual event that celebrates traditional bluegrass music with a lineup of talented performers and a festive atmosphere. The festival typically takes place in the fall, usually in late October or early November, and is held at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds.

The festival features multiple stages, with different bluegrass bands and performers playing throughout the day and into the evening. The lineup usually includes both local and national acts, with a mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass music.

In addition to the music, the Pensacola Bluegrass Festival offers a variety of activities and attractions for attendees. There are typically food and drink vendors, arts and crafts booths, and other vendors selling a range of merchandise. There may also be workshops and demonstrations on bluegrass music and related topics.

Overall, the Pensacola Bluegrass Festival is a fun and family-friendly event that showcases the best of traditional bluegrass music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable weekend activity, the festival is a great way to experience the vibrant music culture of Pensacola.

The Pensacola Interstate Fair is an annual event that takes place in late October at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. The fair is a beloved tradition in Pensacola and draws visitors from all over the region with its diverse range of attractions, rides, food, and entertainment.

As a visitor to the Pensacola Interstate Fair, you can expect to experience a variety of different activities and attractions. There are typically dozens of rides and games, ranging from classic carnival games to thrilling roller coasters and other amusement park-style rides. The fair also features numerous exhibits showcasing local agriculture, arts and crafts, and other attractions.

One of the highlights of the Pensacola Interstate Fair is the food. There are typically hundreds of vendors offering a wide variety of tasty treats, from classic fair food like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and corn dogs to more exotic offerings like deep-fried Oreos and fried gator bites. Many of the vendors also offer local specialties and regional favorites, so it’s a great opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine that Pensacola has to offer.

In addition to the rides and food, the Pensacola Interstate Fair also features a range of live entertainment, including music, comedy, and other performances. There are typically several stages set up throughout the fairgrounds, with different acts performing throughout the day and into the evening.

To attend the Pensacola Interstate Fair, you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance or at the gate. There are typically different ticket options available, including single-day and multi-day passes, as well as VIP packages that offer perks like early entry and access to exclusive viewing areas.

Overall, the Pensacola Interstate Fair is a fun and festive event that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, delicious food, or live entertainment, the fair is a great way to experience the vibrant culture and community of Pensacola.

The Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival is an annual event that takes place in Pensacola, typically in early November. The festival celebrates the arts and features a wide variety of artists and performers from across the region and beyond.

As a visitor to the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival, you can expect to experience a range of different art forms and styles. There are typically dozens of artists displaying their work, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Many of the artists are local to the Pensacola area, but there are also many who travel from other parts of the country to participate in the festival.

In addition to the visual arts, the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival also features a variety of live performances. There are typically several stages set up throughout the festival grounds, with different musical acts and other performers playing throughout the day. The performers represent a range of genres and styles, from traditional folk and bluegrass to jazz, blues, and rock.

One of the highlights of the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival is the food. There are typically dozens of vendors offering a wide variety of tasty treats, from classic fair food like funnel cakes and corn dogs to more exotic offerings like sushi and crepes. Many of the vendors also offer local specialties and regional favorites, so it’s a great opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine that Pensacola has to offer.

Overall, the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival is a vibrant and exciting event that showcases the best of the arts and culture of the Pensacola area. Whether you’re a longtime art lover or simply looking for a fun and festive weekend activity, the festival is a great way to experience the creative energy and community spirit of Pensacola.

The Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival is an annual event that takes place in Pensacola Beach, typically in late September or early October. The festival celebrates the arts and offers visitors the opportunity to sample a wide variety of wines from around the world.

As a visitor to the Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival, you can expect to experience a range of different art forms and styles. There are typically dozens of artists displaying their work, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, and more. Many of the artists are local to the Pensacola area, but there are also many who travel from other parts of the country to participate in the festival.

One of the highlights of the Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival is the wine tasting. There are typically hundreds of different wines available for tasting, ranging from classic red and white wines to more exotic varieties like mead and fruit wines. The festival also offers educational seminars and presentations on wine tasting and pairing, so visitors can learn more about the art and science of wine.

In addition to the art and wine, the Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival also features a range of live entertainment, including music, dance, and other performances. There are typically several stages set up throughout the festival grounds, with different acts performing throughout the day and into the evening.

One of the other highlights of the Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival is the food. There are typically dozens of vendors offering a wide variety of tasty treats, from classic festival food like hot dogs, burgers and funnel cakes to more upscale offerings like gourmet cheeses and charcuterie boards.

Overall, the Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival is a fun and festive event that celebrates the arts and culture of Pensacola Beach. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and enjoyable weekend activity, the festival is a great way to experience the vibrant community and creative spirit of Pensacola Beach.

The Foo Foo Fest is an annual arts and culture festival that takes place in Pensacola, typically in late October or early November. The festival is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse arts and cultural scene of the Pensacola area, featuring a wide range of events and performances that showcase everything from music and dance to visual arts and culinary delights.

As a visitor to the Foo Foo Fest, you can expect to experience a wide range of different events and performances. The festival features dozens of events across multiple venues, including outdoor stages, theaters, galleries, and other unique spaces throughout Pensacola.

One of the highlights of the Foo Foo Fest is the live music. There are typically dozens of different musical acts performing throughout the festival, representing a wide range of genres and styles, from rock and pop to jazz, blues, and country.

In addition to the music, the Foo Foo Fest also features a range of other performances, including dance, theater, and comedy. There are also a variety of visual arts events, including exhibitions, installations, and other interactive experiences that showcase the work of both local and national artists.

One of the other highlights of the Foo Foo Fest is the food. The festival offers a range of culinary delights, from traditional Southern favorites to more exotic and international flavors. There are typically dozens of food vendors on hand, offering everything from BBQ and seafood to tacos and sushi.

Overall, the Foo Foo Fest is a fun and exciting celebration of the arts and culture of Pensacola. Whether you’re a longtime arts enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and festive weekend activity, the festival is a great way to experience the creative energy and community spirit of Pensacola.

The Blue Angels’ Homecoming performance takes place on the grounds of the Naval Air Station Pensacola. The demonstrations are held on select date in November, and typically last for about an hour. Prior to the Blue Angels, numerous airplanes, aerobatics, Fat Albert and others put together an amazing air show. The roar of the engines, the streamers of smoke, every formation in perfect symmetry.

As the home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Pensacola not only gets the distinct honor of weekly practice March – November, it has not one, but TWO airshows. The week following Independence Day, Dubbed “Red, White, and Blues Week”, the Santa Rosa Island Authority hosts the Pensacola Beach Airshow Featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Veteran’s Day weekend, the Blue Angels close the official touring season at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

The Naval Air Station Pensacola offers a variety of tours and exhibits, including the National Naval Aviation Museum, which houses an impressive collection of historic aircraft and other artifacts.

Gallery Night is a monthly event that takes place in Pensacola’s downtown area, typically on the third Friday of each month from 5pm-10pm. The event is a celebration of the arts and culture of the Pensacola area, featuring a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and activities for visitors of all ages.

As a visitor to Gallery Night, you can expect to experience a wide range of different events and activities. The event features dozens of different galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions throughout downtown Pensacola, with many of them offering free admission during the event.

One of the highlights of Gallery Night is the art exhibitions. There are typically dozens of different artists displaying their work, representing a wide range of styles and mediums. Visitors can browse through the galleries and view the artwork, and many of the artists are on hand to answer questions and discuss their work.

In addition to the art exhibitions, Gallery Night also features a range of live performances, including music, dance, and theater. There are also several street performers and other entertainers throughout the downtown area, providing a festive and lively atmosphere for visitors.

One of the other highlights of Gallery Night is the food and drink. There are typically several food and drink vendors set up throughout the downtown area, offering a range of delicious treats and refreshments. Many of the restaurants and bars in the area also offer specials and discounts during the event, making it a great opportunity to sample some of Pensacola’s best cuisine.

To attend Gallery Night, there is no need to purchase tickets in advance. The event is free and open to the public, with many of the galleries and other cultural institutions offering free admission during the event. Visitors are encouraged to park in one of the many downtown parking lots and walk to the different venues.

Overall, Gallery Night is a fun and festive celebration of the arts and culture of Pensacola. Whether you’re a longtime arts enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and enjoyable night out, Gallery Night is a great way to experience the creative energy and community spirit of Pensacola’s downtown area.