One of the many things that make a trip the Gulf Coast area so memorable is the strong sense of tradition and the many unique events that are always taking place.
Palafox Market
Weekly
Fresh produce, live plants, baked goods, fine art and antiques are just a few of the items offered by vendors at Palafox Market in Downtown Pensacola. Items originate directly from onsite vendors who grow, make, or create the fruits, vegetables, herbs and art for sale.
Gallery Night
Monthly
Gallery Night takes ART to the streets each month with local artists, live music, food vendors, and downtown businesses coming together to celebrate creativity and community. Each event features a different theme and a lively, walkable atmosphere along Palafox Street.
First City Lights Festival
November — December 2025
Downtown Pensacola shines bright during the First City Lights Festival, when more than half a million white lights shine on Palafox Street. It’s a magical time to stroll, shop, and soak up the holiday spirit. The holiday fun starts November 5, when Downtown Pensacola comes alive with twinkling lights and seven weeks of festive cheer.
Snowball Derby
December 4–7, 2025
The Snowball Derby is a 300-lap super late model stock car race held annually at Five Flags Speedway, a half-mile paved oval track. This high-energy event draws drivers and fans from across the country for a weekend of racing excitement.
Pensacola Christmas Parade
December 13, 2025
The Pensacola Christmas Parade has been around for decades. The fun begins at 5:30 PM, so head to Downtown Pensacola and experience the magic of the holiday season at this parade.
Winterfest
November — December 2025
Family-fun activities including the elf parade, holiday shows, visits with Santa and Winterfest’s signature trolley tours that include a series performances along a two-mile route in historic Downtown Pensacola.
MLK Day Parade
January 19, 2026
The Pensacola Martin Luther King Jr. Parade has been rolling since 1987 and is a celebration to honor Martin Luther King Jr. This parade has become a powerful platform for fostering community pride, celebrating diversity, and honoring Dr. King's legacy by bringing together the citizens of Pensacola.
Double Bridge Run
February 7, 2026
The Pensacola Double Bridge Run is a scenic annual road race held in Pensacola that offers both a 15K run and a 5K run/walk option, typically scheduled for early February.
Pensacon
February 20–22, 2026
Pensacon is the Gulf Coast’s premier pop culture convention celebrating the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, cosplay, animation, video games, books and much, much more.
Mardi Gras
January — February 2026
One of the country’s original celebration sites, Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach host family-oriented fun with parades, beads and moonpies. Signature Mardi Gras events include the Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade, the Grand Mardi Gras Parade and the Krewe of Wrecks Pensacola Beach Parade.
Sun Belt Basketball Championship
March 3 — 9, 2026
Sun Belt Basketball Championship March Madness comes to Pensacola as NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s college basketball teams compete for the Sun Belt championship.
McGuire’s 5k Prediction Run
March 2026
Join in the nation’s largest prediction run with over 16,000 participants. At the post-run party, enjoy authentic Irish music, tastings of McGuire’s signature bean soup, Irish Wake and McGuire’s self-brewed beer.
Bands on the Beach
April — October
Set up your beach chairs and sink your toes in the sand on Pensacola Beach, as one of our talented local acts serenade you at Bands on the Beach.
Pensacola Crawfish Festival
April 24 — 26, 2026
Experience one of Florida’s largest crawfish boils and get your fill of fresh, spicy crawfish, authentic bayou country entertainment, and arts and crafts.
Interstate Mullet Toss
April 24 — 26, 2026
The Flora-Bama Lounge hosts this quirky annual competition, where participants compete in tossing an actual mullet across the Florida/Alabama state line.
Pensacola Beach Art and Wine Festival
May 9, 2026
Sip, stroll and shop your way around the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk when it turns into an artist and wine lover’s paradise at the Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival.
Pensacola Pride
2026
Pensacola Pride is an event located on Pensacola Beach at Park East. Typically taking place during Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola Pride offers a weekend on the sand with beach gatherings, live music, and fun.
Grand Fiesta Parade
May 29, 2026
Bring the entire family to one of Pensacola’s favorite Fiesta events. In addition to the dozens of local krewes parading, special appearances will be made by a masked DeLuna, his Queen and their court.
Pensacola Beach Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels
July 15–18, 2026
The Pensacola Beach Airshow takes place every July and is a fantastic event for locals and visitors alike.
Bulls on the Beach
September 10 — 12, 2026
The Flora-Bama hosts three exciting nights of live rodeo action featuring professional bull riders from around the country.
Gulf Coast Jazz Festival
September 18 — 20, 2026
Gulf Coast Jazz Festival invites you to groove to nonstop R&B, jazz, and Southern blues. This annual event brings together talented musicians, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere for music lovers in the Pensacola Bay Area.
Pensacola Seafood Festival
September 25 — 27, 2026
Indulge in delectable seafood, revel in diverse musical performances, and soak in the charm of historic downtown Pensacola at the Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival, organized by Fiesta Pensacola.
Pensacola Beach Songwriter’s Festival
2026
Pensacola Beach will be alive with the sounds of original music performed by the folks who wrote the tunes during the first week of October.
Taste of the Beach Festival
2026
Sample delicious island fare from local chefs at this open-air event on Pensacola Beach at Casino Beach.
Festa Italiana
2026
Festa Italiana in Pensacola features Italian food, live music, and cultural activities. The event takes place from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Fountain Park and celebrates Italian heritage with vendors, performances, and family-friendly entertainment.
Beach-O-Ween
2026
Get ready for a spooky good time at Beach-O-Ween! Grab your costumes and head down to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for a night of frightfully good fun you won't want to miss. See you there!
Pensacola Interstate Fair
October 22 — November 1, 2026
With plenty of exhilarating rides, food, games, and exhibits, the Pensacola Interstate Fair is fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, livestock shows, arts and crafts, and classic fair treats each fall.
Foo Foo Festival
October 30 — November 10, 2025
A 12-day celebration of events of high artistic and cultural caliber, delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication.
SEC Soccer Tournament
November 2 — 9, 2025
The SEC Soccer Tournament kicks off in Pensacola at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex. Celebrate Championship Game Day with the free FAN FEST featuring music, food trucks, and family fun for all ages.
Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow
November 6–7, 2026
The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow takes place in November over the skies of NAS Pensacola.
Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival
November 6–8, 2026
Browse more than 200 fine art and handmade craft exhibits from around the country in Downtown Pensacola’s historic Seville Square. ggaf.org
Pensacola Greek Festival
November 7–9, 2025
The Pensacola Greek Festival, held annually at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, features traditional Greek cuisine, lively music, and dancing, celebrating Greek heritage and culture in the community.
Pensacola EggFest
November 16, 2025
The event hosts BBQ teams and backyard cooks from all over the United States who share two things: a love of cooking and the joy of giving back to their communities.
Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival
November 6–16, 2025
Hear the stories behind the songs at the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Enjoy performances by emerging and legendary songwriters in venues throughout the Pensacola area and along the Gulf Coast.
There's always something going on in Pensacola. Check out the full event calendar for more.
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