Craft Gourmet Bakery
5555 N Davis Hwy, Suite H Pensacola, FL 32503 (850) 332-5921
Explore Pensacola: An LGBTQ+ Travel Guide
Pensacola is proud to be a destination where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel at home.
From the iconic PRIDE Weekend gatherings that draw LGBTQ+ folks from all over the globe to our stunning, sugar-white beaches, to our rich history, including the pioneering Emma Jones Society, Pensacola’s “live and let live” spirit makes it the perfect place to come and be your authentic self.
You may already be familiar with PRIDE Weekend on Pensacola Beach, but outside of the peak season, there’s so much more to explore for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Embracing the Community
LGBTQ+ events in Pensacola are not just events; they are vibrant celebrations of our community’s diversity, inclusivity and unity.
Pawdi Gras
From LGBTQ+ owned event business Wolfgang Pensacola, don’t miss this ‘tail-waggingly’ delightful experience for dogs and humans alike during the Mardi Gras season. Other can’t-miss events from Wolfgang include Sip and Shop markets and Yappy Hours throughout the year.
PensaPride
Enjoy a family-friendly experience at this sober art market and festival held yearly in the heart of downtown. Featuring 100+ artist vendors, kids activities, food trucks, live performances and community joy – it’s an event that truly celebrates our unique tapestry.
Stamped Film Festival
This Pensacola treasure that has been taking place for over 10 years offers a full weekend of programming including films from near and far, all with an LGBTQ+ focus. From shorts to feature films, celebrity interviews and a family day, Stamped is a cornerstone of queer culture that you won’t want to miss.
Unwind in Our Welcoming Nightlight
For a night out on the town, you can’t go wrong by visiting gay bars Cabaret and The Roundup, or queer bar Betty’s on Belmont. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown, The Cabaret (or Cab as the locals call it) is a cozy bar where the pours are heavy and the entertainment is aplenty. Stop in on a weeknight for drag bingo, or visit closer to midnight for a classic drag show. The Roundup is your source for casual hangs around the pool table, complete with rustic decor and a spacious patio. For folks looking for pan-asian flavors in an inclusive space, stop into Betty’s on Belmont in the historic Belmont-Deviliers neighborhood for live music, performances, and mellow vibes.
Feast and Explore
For the daytime adventures, stop into Lesbian-owned Craft Bakery for some of the best bread and pastries in town. Need a caffeine fix? You can’t select any better than queer-owned Jitterbug Coffee Co., where you’ll also find a gluten-free pastry selection that’s too good to resist.
For authentic Filipino food that just so happens to be fully vegan, find LGBTQ-owned OG Lola’s food truck, or visit a pop-up from Steel Pony Chef for upscale diner fare.
Of course, Pensacola’s dining scene is diverse and inclusive, catering to all tastes. So follow your tastebuds wherever they lead. Personal favorites include George Bistro for lobster rolls, Five Sisters for the fish and grits, Saigon Market for pho, and MISU for Mexican-American flavors that will blow you away.
Satisfy your taste buds with these spots in Pensacola!
Jitterbug Beverage Co
2050 N 12th Ave Pensacola, FL 32503
George Bistro + Bar
6205 N. 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 (850) 912-4655
Five Sisters Blues Cafe
421 W. Belmont St. Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 912-4856
Celebrating Local Art
Pensacola is brimming with talented artists and makers, and art markets are where you can find the best of the best. Pensacola Arts Market is a monthly must-visit in Cordova Square for LGBTQ+ artists and their unique creations. Some of the best local queer artists include Natalie Allgyer (@nallgyer), Nate Schweigert (@Nate.geo), Poppy Garcia (@thepoppygarcia), Raylene Solis (@raylenesolis), Sanders Oddities (@sandersoddities) and Blue House Curio (@bluehousecurio).
Other queer-inclusive art venues include 309 Punk Project, a Punk House dedicated to preserving the South’s punk culture. The nonprofit organization frequently features art from queer artists in their monthly Artist in Residence program, as well as hosting shows and screenings.
Culture and Entertainment
Speaking of shows, whether you’re looking for a show, a concert or high-art performances, Pensacola has it all. Catch a show at Pensacola Little Theatre, a concert at Vinyl Music Hall, or a high-art performance from the Pensacola Ballet, Pensacola Symphony or Pensacola Opera at the Saenger Theatre. We’ve got all the high-class culture you could ask for.
Stay Active and Get Involved
Looking to get active? Or pretend to be active while you sip a beer? Book a pedal trolley tour from gay-owned Pensacola Pedal Trolley, or take your show onto the water with sister business Paddle Pub.
Supporting Local LGBTQ+ Businesses
For those looking to support local LGBTQ+ owned businesses, visit the ever evolving directory of LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses here. There you can explore businesses by category, including intersections like Black-owned and Veteran-owned. Your support means Pensacola can continue to grow as a more accepting and PROUD place for all!
In Pensacola, our LGBTQ+ community thrives, and we invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, unity, and the freedom to be your true self in this beautiful coastal city. Come and discover the heart of LGBTQ+ Pensacola today!
