We wouldn’t have earned the nickname “Festival City of the South” if we didn’t know how to have a good time. From large-scale food and art festivals to intimate dinners, shows, and markets, the Pensacola Bay Area has events that are sure to get you up on your feet and out of the house. This is why we've compiled a list of, not 10, but 20 of our top annual events held here in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. To view more info on each event, click here.
Doc's Top 20 Annual Events
1. Pensacon
February / March
A comic and pop culture convention that draws thousands of attendees to the area.
2. Mardi Gras Celebrations
February / March
Several parades and events are held in the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.
3. Pensacola Jazz Fest
April
A free jazz festival held in downtown Pensacola.
4. Pensacola Crawfish Festival
April
A celebration of crawfish and Cajun music in downtown Pensacola.
5. Pensacola Hot Wheels Food Truck Festival
April
A festival featuring food trucks, hot rods, and live music.
6. Memorial Day Gay Fest
May
Thousands of LGBTQ folks visit the Emerald Coast Beaches and have crazy fun, music, great food.
7. Fiesta Pensacola
June
A celebration of Pensacola's history and culture featuring parades, parties, and events.
8. Pensacola Beach Blue Angels Air Show
July
A popular air show held over the beaches of Pensacola.
9. Fourth of July Celebrations
July
Fireworks displays and other events are held downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.
10. Pensacola Seafood Festival
September
A celebration of seafood and live music in downtown Pensacola.
11. Stamped Film Festival
September / October
A festival dedicated to films with a focus on the LGBTQ community to foster awareness, inclusion, and diversity.
12. Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival
October
A festival featuring songwriters from around the country.
13. Greek Festival
October
A celebration of Greek culture featuring food, music, and dancing.
14. Pensacola Beach Bluegrass Festival
October
An annual festival featuring bluegrass music and food vendors.
15. Pensacola Interstate Fair
October
A two-week fair featuring rides, games, and fair food.
16. Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival
October
An annual festival featuring local artists and wineries.
Overall, the Pensacola Beach Arts and Wine Festival is a fun and festive event that celebrates the arts and culture of Pensacola Beach. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking for a fun and enjoyable weekend activity, the festival is a great way to experience the vibrant community and creative spirit of Pensacola Beach.
17. Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival
November
An annual festival showcasing art from around the country.
18. Foo Foo Fest
November
A 12-day festival featuring a variety of art, music, and cultural events.
19. Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show
November
An annual air show held by the famous Blue Angels flight demonstration team on Pensacola Naval Air Station.
20. Gallery Night
Monthly
A monthly event held every third Friday in downtown Pensacola featuring local artists and musicians.