Pensacola Beach Area Events

Two of Pensacola’s annual events celebrate the city as the Cradle of Naval Aviation. The Pensacola Beach Air Show, featuring the Blue Angels flight demonstration team, is held every July and always attracts a crowd. The Blue Angels Air Show, held in November, is the final air show of the season for the Angels, who spend much of the year traveling the nation with their precision jet performances.

Another yearly event, the Pensacola Crawfish Festival, celebrates the Creole influence on the area. It’s also one of the largest crawfish boils in the state and includes authentic bayou country entertainment.

Pensacola is also the site of what has become one of the country’s largest billfish tournaments. Hosted by the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club, the Pensacola International Billfish Tournament generally attracts around 500 anglers.

The fruits of the sea are also the focus of the Pensacola Seafood Festival. Samples of seafood dishes, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and more than 150 arts and crafts vendors attract thousands to Seville Square, Fountain Park, and Bartram Park for this free event, which has been consistently recognized as one of the top 20 festivals in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Probably one of the most unusual area events is held in nearby Perdido Key. The annual Mullet Toss takes place the last full weekend of April at the Flora-Bama Lounge. This quirky contest, which regularly attracts several thousand visitors, requires participants to throw a mullet from a designated spot in Florida across the state line to Alabama. In addition to the Mullet Toss, the weekend event includes plenty of music, food, drink, and other fun activities. It’s all in a good cause, too, because a contribution for each fish flung goes to local youth charities, and the event raises around $20,000 annually.

Other special events throughout the year include sailing regattas, sand-sculpting contests, concerts on the beach, and a Mardi Gras celebration.

Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what’s going on while you’re in town.

October 2025

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Taste of the Beach Festival

Sample the best of Pensacola Beach dining at the Taste of the Beach Festival! This daylong event will feature showcase dishes from iconic restaurant alongside a free concert, beer tastings, a team cooking challenge, souvenir sales and more. 

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Oct 09 - Oct 11, 2025

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Monday Night Spaghetti Sessions

Start your week the Italian way with Spaghetti Sessions—a FREE relaxed Monday night musical event at V. Paul’s. Enjoy authentic Italian bites, including our spaghetti and meatball from the Monday night menu and attend the perfect excuse to slow down, sip, and savor authentic flavors in downtown Pensacola. You have to come hear the band for yourself as they play every Monday night! 

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Oct 13 - Dec 29, 2025

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Pensacola Interstate Fair

The Pensacola Interstate Fair is one of the largest events on the Gulf Coast that has attracted thousands of visitors for years. Boasting over 60 rides, loads of food and a variety of exhibits, the fair is always bustling with excitement. Don't miss out on a memorable, fun-filled eleven days as you wander from booth to booth featuring everything from classic eats, top-name performers and engaging exhibits. 

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Oct 16 - Oct 26, 2025

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Beach-O-Ween

Beach-O-Ween offers spooky Halloween fun for all ages! Grab your best costume and head down to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk for incredible amounts of candy and festive activities. There will also be a costume contest with a trophy for 1st and 2nd place. 

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Oct 27, 2025

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Grand Scotch Tasting Experience

Join V. Paul’s and Republic National Distributing Company—the premier force in fine spirits—for an unforgettable evening of education and indulgence at our exclusive Grand Scotch Tasting. Dive into the timeless history and masterful evolution of Scotch whisky as you explore two iconic expressions of its artistry. Guests will enjoy guided tastings of five exquisite pours from legendary houses Dalmore and Macallan, complemented by heavy hors d’oeuvres included at no extra charge. A sophisticated evening for enthusiasts and newcomers alike—where heritage, flavor, and craftsmanship converge in true V. Paul’s fashion.

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Oct 28 - Oct 28, 2025

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Foo Foo Fest 2025: Afterburn

Afterburn is a unique, colorful aerial art instillation that will fly high above Intendencia Street in historic downtown Pensacola. Created by the world-renowned artist Tomislave Topic, the addition to the 2025 Foo Foo Festival pays homage to Pensacola's Blue Angels demonstration flight team and their ability to shift and move with the breeze. 

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Oct 30 - Nov 10, 2025

November 2025

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Foo Foo Festival 2025

The Foo Foo Festival is a 12-day cultural celebration showcasing artistic and creative happenings. The festival includes a variety of art, history, musical and culinary events along with more eclectic cultural showings that come together and contribute to the fantastic celebration. Some events are free while others require a ticket, but simply look at the event’s specific page for more information.

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Nov 01 - Nov 10, 2025

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41st Annual Frank Brown Songwriters' Festival

In its 41st year, the songwriters' festival will feature over 200 nationally acclaimed songwriters across different venues in the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast. Learn the stories behind the words in a way that can only be taught by the authors themselves at this highly anticipated event.  

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Nov 06 - Nov 16, 2025

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NAS Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show

One of Pensacola's largest events, this free air show offers aerobatic performers and Pensacola's very own Blue Angels. Gates open at 8:00 AM, and the show begins at 9:30 AM. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own seating but paid seating is also available for purchase.

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Nov 07 - Nov 08, 2025

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Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival

One of the most popular arts festivals in the United States, this event is a three-day juried show that attracts over 200 artists nationwide. The festival offers live music, performances, a student art show, and even a Children’s Art Festival with activities for the kids to enjoy. Enjoy free admission and a day full of fun!

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Nov 07 - Nov 09, 2025

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Vino Magnifico - Monthly Wine Experience

Join V. Paul's Italian Ristorante for Vino Magnifico, a signature monthly wine tasting event celebrating Italian varietals and global selections. Each session features curated pairings, small plates, and insights from the sommelier team. A must-attend evening for Pensacola wine lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike!

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Nov 11, 2025

December 2025

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Snowball Derby

One of the biggest pavement short track racing events, the 58th annual Snowball Derby returns to the Five Flags Speedway for another exciting weekend. 

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Dec 04 - Dec 07, 2025

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The Lighted Boat Parade

Celebrate the holidays with the dazzling Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Pensacola Beach, Florida! Watch boats of all sizes, shapes and colors compete in the annual contest as they cruise through the canal. The parade begins around Little Sabine at 6:30 p.m. and ends at Quietwater/Soundside and after, stay for Santa’s grand arrival in his sleigh. Prizes will be awarded to the "Most Merry" and "Best in Show" boats. 

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Dec 05 - Dec 05, 2025

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Pensacola Christmas Parade

The festive Pensacola Christmas tradition is here once again! The iconic parade brings the magic of the holiday season and fun for the entire family. With several float entries, bands and a demonstration from Pensacola's very own Blue Angel flight team, this event is a local classic. 

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Dec 13 - Dec 13, 2025