Attractions and Events

Pensacola, Florida

 

Visiting Pensacola is always a big event, because there's always something special going on! From our beautiful beaches, gorgeously preserved historic district, great dining and fine array of colleges, to impressive performing arts venues, amusement parks, a zoo and even a fly-away fun spot like the National Aviation Museum, Pensacola has something for everyone.

Mardi Gras Celebration - February

Boasting the 3rd largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country behind New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL, the streets of Pensacola are filled with parades and revelry for 5 days each year during the Mardi Gras season. With parades in downtown Pensacola and on beautiful Pensacola Beach, there's something for everyone!

St. Patrick's Day - March

As to be expected, Irish eyes are smiling on Pensacola come St. Patrick's Day, with parties and celebrations taking place for kids of all ages all over the city – from the beach to the historic downtown area. Popular events include the McGuire's St. Patrick's Day 5K Run that starts and finishes at the acclaimed McGuire's Irish Pub.

Crawfish Festival - April

Celebrating the Cajun influence in the Pensacola community, the Crawfish Festival is one of the largest crawfish boils in the state, held at the waterfront in Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola. Throughout the three-day festival held in late April-early May, you'll enjoy some great music straight from the bayous of Louisiana.

Memorial Day Celebration - May

For many people, the summer officially begins on Memorial Day weekend. We think of it as a day to celebrate our many veterans, and with so many military bases nearby, we have no shortage of those we honor and remember. One of the must-see veteran's memorials is the Wall South, located in Veteran's Memorial Park.

Fiesta of Five Flags - June

One of the oldest and largest heritage festivals in Florida, the Fiesta of Five Flags is a 10-day annual celebration of the founding of Pensacola. In 1559, Spanish Conquistador, Don Tristan de Luna, established Pensacola as the first European settlement in the U.S. Since then, five different flags have flown over the city: Spanish, French, British, Confederate and American.

4th of July Celebration

One of the most spectacular 4th of July celebrations in the country can be found in downtown Pensacola at Sertoma's 4th of July Celebration. You can also hit Pensacola Beach, to see fireworks exploding dramatically over the Gulf of Mexico. There's simply no better place to celebrate our independence than with spectacle of fireworks overhead, soft sand crunching beneath your feet, and impromptu parties up and down the beach!

Blue Angels Air Show - July

Get ready to witness exhilarating stunts and heart-stopping maneuvers at the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The Navy's flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, along with civilian and other military aircraft perform aerial acrobatics over the Gulf of Mexico during a weekend of high-flying fun. Don't miss the Fall Homecoming Show at NAS Pensacola!

Seafood Festival - September

Held in historic Seville Square in downtown Pensacola each year, the Seafood Festival boasts a variety of dishes from 18 food vendors and over 180 arts and crafts vendors, making it one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in Northwest Florida. Also enjoy live musical performances by local and regional acts, cooking demonstrations, a 5Krun/walk, and more.

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival - November

One of the most highly regarded and popular arts festivals held  in America, this three-day event and juried art show is held in  historic Seville Square the first weekend in November. Each year the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival draws more than 200 of the nation's best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen, mixed-media artists and more.

Pelican Drop - December

The historic streets of Downtown Pensacola are closed to host a New Year's celebration like no other.  A giant illuminated Pelican will be perched above the celebration on a 100-foot platform, descending at the stroke of midnight, amidst a fireworks extravaganza show.  A family oriented celebration with live entertainment, food, and a host of children's activities take over Downtown Pensacola.

Hotel Sponsored Events are denoted with asterisk

From food and art festivals, national holidays with local flair, to wonderful air shows of the highest caliber-there's certainly no shortage of fun events and attractions in Pensacola, Florida.