|
|
|
- Polar Bear Dip. January 1, 2009. The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line on Perdido Key Beach hosts this popular, annual splash-around in the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards, everyone joins in a Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day and warms up with good music and beverages. More information: (850) 492-0611; www.florabama.com; info@florabama.com
- Polar Bear Plunge. Jan. 1. The emerald waters of Santa Rosa Sound are filled with those hardy souls who wade, swim and scurry to the finish line. Heaping bowls of black-eyed peas wait to warm participants. Entry fee benefits the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. 2 p.m. at Paradise Bar & Grill. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Pensacola Beach Run. Jan. 5.Presented by Pensacola Runners Association and hosted by the Hilton Pensacola Gulf Front. The race starts at 8 a.m. and proceeds along the waterfront on beautiful Pensacola Beach. The run includes a 5K, 10K and half-marathon course. The first 800 registered people are guaranteed a microfiber wind shirt. The post race party is in Flounder’s Chowder House. www.pensacolarunners.com.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. Jan. 19. Head to Downtown Pensacola to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. during a community parade, complete with throws. (850) 469-1299, www.africanamericanheritagesociety.org.
|
|
|
- Mardi Gras. Feb. 20-24. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts family-oriented Mardi Gras fun at parades on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, where crowds catch beads and moon pies tossed from floats, as well as various contests and culinary festivals. Special events are also held on Fat Tuesday. www.pensacolamardigras.com.
- Pensacola Double Bridge Run. February 7, 2009. A 15K course takes runners over two bridges crossing Pensacola Bay and Santa Rose Sound, from downtown Pensacola to Pensacola Beach. A 5K course welcomes both runners and walkers, and a Kids Fun Run wraps up the action along the Gulf of Mexico. More information: (877) 434-2800, www.doublebridgerun.com, jjoseph@pensacolasports.com
- Pensacola Marathon. February 15, 2009. A The USATF certified course features scenic views of a large portion of the beautiful bay and downtown Pensacola. This is one marathon weekend you'll want to attend year after year! With an average starting temperature of just 55 degrees, there's something on this course for everyone. More information: (850) 435-9222; www.pensacolamarathon.com ; info@pensacolamarathon.com
- Krewe of Lafitte Mardi Gras Parade. February 20, 2009. Marching bands, lighted floats and the only illuminated night time parade in Pensacola are featured in this festive kick off of the Pensacola Mardi Gras celebrations! More information: (850) 436-7368; www.pensacolamardigras.com. dannyzuf@aol.com
- Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade. February 21, 2009. One of the country's original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts this family-oriented Mardi Gras parade in th ehistorical downtown area. Crowds catch beads, doubloons and moonpies galore as they are thrown from floats! Pensacola, FL. More information: (850) 436-7638, www.pensacolamardigras.com; dannyzuf@aol.com
- Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade. February 22, 2009. The Krewe of Wrecks Parade will have the best floats throwing beads, candy, and doubloons. No one leaves the island beadless! After parade parties are everywhere and the biggest is on the boardwalk, at the shell, where the paraders wait for the results of the judges and trophies to be awarded. Of course the music is playing and partiers are dacning! More information: (850) 932-1500; www.kowrecks.com. webmaster@kowrecks.com
|
|
|
- Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire. March 7-8, 2009. This two day festival will feature medieval jousting knights, falconry, the King & Queen, swashbuckling swordsmen, storytellers, Arabian dancers, Gypsy dancers, Renaissance dancers, Irish dancers, magical wizards, medieval fighters, medieval musicians, sword swallowers, jesters, jugglers, fire breathers, renaissance food & drinks. Experience the thousands of renaissance wares, and crafts!! More information: (877) 429-8462; www.gcrf.net; email gcrenfaire@aol.com
- Gallery Night. March 20. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open late for this exciting event offered several times a year, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Courtesy trolley stops along the way. Free admission. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org.
- McGuire’s Irish Pub St. Patty’s Day 5K Prediction Run. March 8. This is not only Pensacola’s largest run with more than 8,000 participants, it is the nation’s largest prediction run. Awards go to the fastest as well as the most accurate in predicting the time it will take them to walk or run the 3.1-mile course. A post-race party features music by Rich McDuff, beer, Irish wakes, Irish coffee, soft drinks, water and Irish fare. Race begins at 9 a.m., (registration 6-8 a.m.). (850) 433-6789, www.mcguiresrunners.com.
|
|
|
- Festival on the Green. April 3-4, 2009. The University of West Florida Main Campus located at 11000 University Parkway hosts this two-day event that welcomes the Northwest Florida and South Alabama communities to the UWF campus. Festivities at this year's event will include a fine arts show and craft fair, dog agility showcase, musical performances, sporting events, food vendors, a children's fair and more. FREE and open to the public. More information: (850) 474-2658 http://www.uwf.edu/festival; email jcomeau@uwf.edu
- Pensacola Wine Festival. April 3-5, 2009. The first day of the event will consist of wine dinners and wine tastings, followed by the actual festival on the second day. This is a unique opportunity for wine lovers to try exquisite local dishes - prepared by some of Pensacola's finest chefs - and exciting wine varieties from all over the country. Only 1,000 tickets are available for this year's festival. All profits from the festival will go towards the promotion of Pensacola's downtown businesses. More information: (850) 434-5371 http://www.pensacolawinefestival.com
- Beulah Sausage Festival. April 3-5. This three-day music festival features some of Nashville’s hottest country music stars, more than 100 arts and crafts booths, carnival-style rides for the kids, games, and of course, great sausage. Admission is $8 per person per day. Children 7 and under get in free. Free parking. (850) 944-3167, www.beulahsausagefest.com.
- Pensacola JazzFest. April 4-5, 2009. Pensacola's historic Seville Square hosts this event filled with great jazz music performed by local and national talents. Free admission. For more information call: (850) 433-8382; http://www.jazzpensacola.com; jsop1@juno.com
- 6th Annual White Sands Music Festival. April 16-18, 2009. Chumuckla's Farmers' Opry hosts this annual event featuring 3 days of world class blue grass music. Jump into a jam session taking place in the campground or sit down to the table for some genuine southern cookin' featuring fresh-from-the-farm produce from local vendors. This event attracts thousands of music fans so be sure to get tickets early. For more information call: (850) 994-6000; http://www.farmersopry.com; sandy@farmersopry.com
- Pensacola Community Soulfest. April 18. Enjoy great soul music at this annual event held 10 a.m. to dusk in the West Pensacola Ballpark, 600 N. “W” Street. Tickets are $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. (850) 438-4882.
- Crawfish Festival on Portofino Boardwalk. April. Have fun in the sun with a ton of crawfish and live music throughout the weekend. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- 24th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss. April 24-26, 2009. The Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama State Line hosts this wacky annual tournament that has participants compete in an actual mullet toss. Live music, food, and drinks accompany this weekend. For more information call: (850) 492-0611; http://www.florabama.com; info@florabama.com
- Goombay Gulf Coast. April 25, 2009. Feel the rhythm of some of the best regional and international reggae, calypso, steel drum bands and Caribbean music around. Stilt-walkers, African dance and drum presentations and a variety of activities will celebrate grassroots ties to the local African American community. For more information call: (850) 207-0206; http://www.goombaygulfcoast.com; info@goombaygulfcoast.com
|
|
|
- Miguel Zapata Exhibit. Throughout May. In honor of Pensacola’s 450th anniversary and Spanish heritage, visitors can enjoy fine works by renowned Spanish artist at the Pensacola Museum of Art. Opening night May 1. (850) 432-1450, www.celebratepensacola.com.
- The Battle of Pensacola . May 8-9. History buffs are invited to commemorate the 1781 Revolutionary War battle that resulted in the British surrender of Florida. Enjoy a children’s day at Ft. George and “Torches in the Night” historic tour of Downtown Pensacola on Friday and then the Galvez reenactment on Saturday. (850) 470-8005, www.celebratepensacola.com.
- Heritage Festival . May 9. Join multi-cultural groups in Downtown Pensacola for a day of history, food, fun and sharing. (850) 432-1450,www.celebratepensacola.com.
- 25th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival. May 1-3, 2009. Held in historic Bartram Park, the Crawfish Fiesta is an annual celebration of the Cajun influence in the Northwest Florida community. The event is one of the largest crawfish boils in the state, with authentic bayou country entertainment and an expanded children and families' activities area. For more information call: (850) 433-6512; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
- Bands on the Beach . May-September. During the summer season, enjoy the free Bands on the Beach concert series featuring an exciting line-up of bands performing each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Cox and Fiesta Children's Treasure Hunt. May 10. Children 10 and under hunt for toys and treasures at Bayview Park. In addition to hunting treasure, children will enjoy face painting, clown art and musical entertainment. Join us for this annual tradition where we celebrate Pensacola’s greatest treasure…our children. Free Admission. More information: (850) 433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org
- Gallery Night. May 15. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open late for this event offered several times a year, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Courtesy trolley stops along the way. Free admission. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org.
- 6th Annual Outside Art Fair. May 16-17, 2009. The Arts Council of Northwest Florida celebrates the warm spring weather with nearly 100 local artists, live entertainment, good food and children's activities at Bartram Park. Fre admission. For more information call: (850) 432-9906; http://www.artsnwfl.org; hholloway@artsnwfl.org
- Evenings in Olde Seville Square. May-August. This summer concert series fills historic Seville Square Thursdays in Downtown Pensacola with thousands of music fans and every type of music from big band to jazz to rock-n-roll. Bring a blanket or chairs. Free admission. (850) 438-6505.
|
|
|
- On June 3, the city will host a boat parade and welcoming ceremony as the Elcano sails into Pensacola Bay. The ship will be docked at the Port of Pensacola in Historic Downtown. Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the crew at public and private events.
- Bands on the Beach . May-September. During the summer season, enjoy the free Bands on the Beach concert series featuring an exciting line-up of bands performing each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Sounds of Summer. June-Sept. The beat goes on in Pensacola Beach with this free concert series most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Quietwater Shell on the Boardwalk. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Juan Sebastián de Elcano. June 3-9, 2009. The Juan Sebastián de Elcano, the world’s third largest tall ship, will visit Pensacola to help commemorate the 450th anniversary of the discovery of Pensacola. Pensacola was settled in 1559 by Spanish explorers, and the tall ship will represent this journey and honor the community’s Spanish heritage.
- 60th Annual Fiesta Days Celebration. June 4, 2009. Come feast on wonderful food and great regional entertainment as we kick-off Fiesta 2009. Historic Seville Quarter comes alive with decorations and food in five rooms, each representing one of the five countries that have governed Pensacola; Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American. Immediately preceding the Fiesta Days Celebration, take part in the Surrender of the City, at Plaza de Luna at Palafox Pier. More information: (850) 433-6512; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
- Fiesta Boat Parade and Landing. June 6, 2009. Decorate your boat or yacht and come be a part of one of the largest boat parades on Pensacola Bay. The parade ends at Quietwater Boardwalk. Following the Boat Parade, the DeLuna Landing Ceremony is a light-hearted re-enactment of what might have happened when Don Tristan DeLuna landed. More information: (850) 433-6512; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
- Fiesta Sand Sculpture Contest. June 7, 2009. One of the most popular sand sculpting events in the Southeastern United States takes place on Pensacola Beach. The contest is open to professional, amateur, and Corporate Cup sculptures. Open to all ages. Bring your family and make it a day! More information: (850) 433-6512; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
- Fiesta Day Parade. June 11, 2009. Fiesta hold the 60th Fiesta of Five Flags Celebration for double the fun! Join all the traditional groups while they parade down Palafox Street entertaining people of all ages. Special appearances will be made by DeLuna LX, his Queen and Court. Don’t miss this special event! More information: (850) 433-6512; http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org
- Bud light King Mackerel/Cobia Tournament. June 20-21, 2009. Come see the best fishermen in the area catch some of the largest king mackerel and cobia in the gulf. This is one of the largest two-day boat events in the Gulf of Mexico, with more than 1,000 anglers. Take-off and weigh-in will be at Flounder's Chowder House on Pensacola Beach. For more information call: (850) 393-1602; http://www.pensacolakingmack.com
- Boater's World Shallow Water Slam. June 20-21, 2009. Redfish, flounder and speckled trout are the game in this tournament. Fish this one alone, or register for the King Mackerel/Cobia Tournament at the same time. Take-off and weigh-in will be at Flounder's Chowder House on Pensacola Beach. For more information call: (850) 393-1602; http://www.pensacolakingmack.com
|
|
|
- 39th annual Pensacola International Billfish Tournament. July. The Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club hosts one of the country’s largest billfish tournaments at NAS Pensacola, which attracts nearly 600 anglers from across the Southeast. (850) 453-4638, www.pbgfc.com.
- Bands on the Beach . May-September. During the summer season, enjoy the free Bands on the Beach concert series featuring an exciting line-up of bands performing each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Sounds of Summer. June-Sept. The beat goes on in Pensacola Beach with this free concert series most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Quietwater Shell on the Boardwalk. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Pensacola Beach Air Show. July. With Pensacola as its home base, the Navy’s world-famous Blue Angels perform two shows in Pensacola each year. Supported by civilian and other military performers, the Pensacola Beach Air Show is a must-see event. Free admission. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Sertoma’s Fourth of July Celebration . July 4. This family-oriented, patriotic celebration is the largest Fourth of July celebration on the Gulf Coast. The day-long activities begin at 10 a.m. in Seville Square and culminate n a huge fireworks display over Pensacola Bay. (850) 433-9866, www.pensacolasertomajuly4th.org.
- Gallery Night. July 10. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown arts galleries open late for this event offered several times a year, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Courtesy trolley stops along the way. Free admission. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org.
|
|
|
- Bands on the Beach . May-September. During the summer season, enjoy the free Bands on the Beach concert series featuring an exciting line-up of bands performing each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Sounds of Summer. June-Sept. The beat goes on in Pensacola Beach with this free concert series most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Quietwater Shell on the Boardwalk. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Jamaican Fest. August. Featuring live music, The Kids Zone, sidewalk sale and the “Anything that Floats” race in the Santa Rosa Sound. Portofino Boardwalk. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
|
|
|
- Gallery Night. Sept. 18. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown arts galleries open late for this event offered several times a year, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Courtesy trolley stops along the way. Free admission. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org.
- Bands on the Beach . May-September. During the summer season, enjoy the free Bands on the Beach concert series featuring an exciting line-up of bands performing each Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Sounds of Summer. June-Sept. The beat goes on in Pensacola Beach with this free concert series most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Quietwater Shell on the Boardwalk. Concerts are provided by the Santa Rosa Island Authority. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- 32st Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival. Sept. 25-27. Sample a variety of mouth-watering seafood dishes, enjoy continuous live entertainment in Fountain Park and start your holiday shopping early at more than 185 arts and crafts vendors. (850) 433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org.
|
|
|
- Greek Festival. Oct. 16 - 18. One of Pensacola’s largest and most
popular outdoor events celebrates its 49th anniversary this year.
Traditional Greek dances, gifts, entertainment and dishes such as
baklava, gyros and spanakopeta. Greek Orthodox Church of the
Annunciation, 1720 W. Garden Street. (850) 433-2662, www.annunciationgoc.org.
- Pensacola Interstate Fair. Oct. 22- Nov. 1. The Pensacola Interstate Fair features big-name entertainment in addition to games, rides, agricultural and education-oriented exhibits and displays. General admission: $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 ages 4-11, free for ages 3 and under. Admission price includes musical entertainment. 6655 Mobile Highway. (850) 944-4500, www.pensacolafair.com.
- 19th Annual Historic Haunted House Walking Tours. Oct. 16-17, 23-24. A family favorite for Halloween, the narrated tours are led by costumed guides, visiting more than 50 different sites around the Seville and North Hill historic districts. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Make reservations early by calling the Pensacola Historical Society. (850) 433-1559, www.pensacolahistory.org/ghostwalk.htm.
|
|
|
- Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival. November 12-22. Musicians from across the globe bring magical music to the Gulf Coast. Participating venues range from Pensacola to Magnolia Springs, Ala. Music of all genres will be performed throughout the festival, which serves as a time for hit writers, aspiring newcomers and an audience that appreciates great music to come together. (850) 492-7664, www.fbisf.com.
- Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. Nov. 6-8. Hosting more than 200 fine art and handmade craft exhibitors from around the country, this festival attracts 150,000 art fans to Pensacola’s historic Seville Square in Downtown Pensacola. Also features a children’s arts festival and exceptional food and drink. Consistently ranked in the top 100 fine art and craft shows in the Art Fair Source Book. Free admission. www.ggaf.org.
- 17th Annual Old Farmhouse Christmas Arts, Crafts and Antiques Show! Nov 6-8. Enjoy live music and holiday shopping with more than 100 vendors featuring everything from pottery to water fountains to antiques and baked goods. Families love the cow tour on hayrides available each day. Pony rides available Saturday and Sunday. Parking and admission are free. 9615 N. Loop Road (off Blue Angel Pkwy). (850) 492-7502.
- Blue Angels Air Show. November 13 - 14. With Pensacola as its home base, the Navy’s precision flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, performs its final show of the season at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Free admission. (850) 452-BLUE (2583), www.blueangels.navy.mil.
- Marketbasket. Nov. 19-22. It’s a holiday shopping extravaganza at the Pensacola Civic Center. The Junior League of Pensacola’s Marketbasket fund-raiser has selected 45 merchants from throughout the Southeast to provide holiday shopping for specialty items. Adults $5, Children 7-12 years $3, 6 years and under are admitted free. (850) 433-4421.
- Gallery Night. November 20. Enjoy an evening of arts and culture by touring downtown art galleries open late for this event offered several times a year, sponsored by the Arts Council of Northwest Florida. Courtesy trolley stops along the way. Free admission. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org.
- Creek Indian Tribe Indian Day Celebration. Nov. 21-22. An annual Creek pow-wow in Pace featuring Native American dances, traditional food dishes and Native American vendors with authentic crafts. (850) 994-4882.
- Winterfest Trolley Tours. Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-24. Trolleys and double-decker buses act as theaters taking passengers to a series of interactive performances at 22 locations along a 2-mile route in historic Downtown Pensacola. Dozens of local businesses and residents bring to life favorite characters of the season. Tours available from 5–8:30 p.m. www.pensacolawinterfest.org.
- Holiday Evening in Olde Seville Square. November/December. An all-holiday music concert featuring the Pensacola Civic Band, McGuire’s Pipe Band, Clark & Company, caroling by candlelight and a special reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Hot chocolate and chili available. Presented by the Pensacola Heritage Foundation and the City of Pensacola. (850) 438-6505.
|
|
|
- Lighted Boat Parade. December. This sparkling spectacle of decorated vessels parading against the dark December sky delights those watching from the shores along the Portofino Boardwalk on Pensacola Beach. Boat captains compete for prizes as the nautical parade officially delivers Santa Claus to the Island. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- Surfing Santa Beach Parade. December. Holiday floats wind their way down Santa Rosa Island’s main street sharing holiday joy, candy, beads and trinkets. Santa oversees the festivities from high atop his bright red fire engine, which will deliver him to the Gulfside Pavilion to visit with children following the parade. (850) 932-1500, www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
- 42nd Annual Snowball Derby. December 2-6. The Five Flags Speedway Snowball Derby is a race drivers and fans mark on their calendars each year. As one of the nation’s premier short track events, more than 30,000 race fans gather to see some of the biggest names in motorsports competing in a 300-lap race. (850) 944-8400, www.5flagsspeedway.com.
|
|
|
|
|
