27 Things to do this February in Pensacola: From Pensacon to Mardi Gras
A new month means new opportunities.
February is packed with celebrations ranging from Mardi Gras to Pensacon.
Keep reading to plan your month accordingly.
Perdido Key Chamber Snowbird Hootenanny — Sweetheart Saloon
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 2
Where: Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive
Visiting snowbirds are invited to the Florida-Alabama State Line for a series of Snowbird Hootenanny events at the Flora-Bama.
The Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Title Sponsor VisitPensacola, is excited to once again host these popular luncheons for their winter guests. This event is dedicated to lovebirds of all ages. Attendees will be treated to an afternoon of great music, prize giveaways and games with Valentine's Day flair, followed by a delicious lunch provided by the legendary Flora-Bama chefs.
Admission for each event is $10 per person.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at www.VisitPerdido.com or in person at the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce; 15500 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola Mardi Gras 2023How to get the full Mardi Gras experience
Krewe of Avant Garde’s 40th Anniversary Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball
When: 6 to 11 p.m., Feb. 3
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 1144 Airport Blvd.
The Krewe of Avant Garde invites the community to its 40th Anniversary Masked Mardi Gras Ball at the Hilton Garden Inn Airport-Medical Center. The ball will show support for our military and guests can enjoy dancing with live band music by Wilk McKeen’s Dr. Breeze Band, dinner, fun, a court program and a cash bar. Reservations are required for this formal, black tie optional event.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour followed by dinner, court presentation and mask program and dancing. The event is free to paid Avant Garde members and $60 for guests. For information about the Krewe of Avant Garde Mardi Gras Ball and to make a reservation, contact Dean at estdean@cox.net or call (850) 458-7988.
Pensacola Double Bridge Run
When: 7 to 11 a.m., Feb. 4
Where: 101 W. Main St.
The Pensacola Double Bridge Run is back. As one of the premier 15K races in the country, the course carries runners over two bridges, across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. It will run from downtown Pensacola with a tour that includes the historic district, and picturesque Bayfront Parkway, a run through Gulf Breeze and onto Pensacola Beach.
The 5K invites both runners and walkers to travel from Gulf Breeze to beautiful Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands Seashore. There is much to see and lots to do in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach. Click here to register: https://pensacolasports.org/doublebridgerun/.
Sam Tallent at Vinyl Music Hall
When: 7 p.m., Feb. 4
Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.
YIKES Comedy presents Sam Tallent on Vinyl at Vinyl Music Hall on Feb. 4. Sam Tallent is a comedian that has performed more than 40 weekends every year for the past decade. His writing has appeared in Birdy Magazine, on VICE.com and he’s appeared on Comedy Central, TruTV and VICELAND. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $40 for VIP. You can purchase tickets here: shorturl.at/ehlmt.
Valentine's Day in PensacolaWhere to find dinner and lunch specials
Oyster Bash 2023
When: 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 4
Where: Sir Richard’s Public House, 2719 E. Cervantes St.
Join Sir Richard’s on Feb. 4 for an Oyster Bash. They will start serving fresh-shucked oysters at 6 p.m. and have live music from Adam Pearce, as seen on NBC’s The Voice. Drink specials include $4 for NUTRL, $8 for NUTRL Smash Cans and $14.50 for domestic beer buckets.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Mozart Madness
When: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 4
Where: First United Methodist Church, 6 E. Wright St.
The soaring stained-glass windows of First United Methodist’s sanctuary provide a beautiful setting for the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra's annual celebration of Mozart. This chamber orchestra concert features the composer’s Oboe Concerto with the PSO’s own Matt Fossa as soloist. Lost for more than one hundred years, Mozart’s only concerto for the instrument was rediscovered in 1920, reintroducing the world to its irresistible melodies.
Also on the program are Mozart’s Adagio and Fugue in C Minor and his light and witty Symphony No. 33. General admission tickets can be purchased for $10 here: shorturl.at/aclw6.
2nd annual Pawdi Gras
When: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 5
Where: Garden Street (closed), between Tarragona and Palafox streets
WolfGang's 2023 2nd Annual Pawdi Gras is presented by Perfect Plain + Urban South that will be a part of Pensacola's Mardi Gras celebrations. The event takes place in downtown Pensacola and will have vendors, adoptable dogs, music, contests and food trucks lining Tarragona and Palafox streets. The first 300 dogs to register will receive a swag bag.
Just Beachy Painting with Pints
When: 3 to 5 p.m., Feb. 5
Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road
Just Beachy Designs is back with another night of Paints with Pints. You can choose from six different 18-inch pre-styled designs and then make them your own with the paint scheme you want. The twist is that you get to do this while drinking from over 30 draft beers, ciders, seltzers and wines. Tickets are $55 per person, includes all of the necessary supplies and one draft pint of your choice. Sign up here: shorturl.at/zJZ07.
King cakes in PensacolaHere's where you can find this sweet treat
5th Annual Communi-Tee Cup: Mini-Golf Tournament and Fundraiser
When: 4 to 9 p.m., Feb. 9
Where: Goofy Golf Amusement Center, 3924 W. Navy Blvd.
Join Our Corner for the 5th Annual Communi-Tee Cup Mini Golf Tournament and Fundraiser at Goofy Golf on Navy Boulevard. This year, the event features two game times — a family game time at 4:30 p.m. and an adults only and Mardi Gras Krewe game time at 6:30 p.m.
This 18-hole event benefits Our Corner’s education programs, including classroom visits and demonstration materials for the upcoming year. Help educate more students in Escambia County on sustainability and on being good stewards of the environment by having a ball at an event filled with goofy golf, food, beer, drawing prizes and more. You can purchase tickets here: shorturl.at/dx238.
$5 Night at Pensacola Ice Flyers
When: 7:05 p.m., Feb. 10
Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.
Single-game tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at icefly.co/Tickets or in-person at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office.
Bike Pensacola’s February Slow Ride
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 11
Where: Alabama Square
Join Bike Pensacola for the most popular bike ride in town — the Slow Ride. Each month they explore the quiet, scenic streets of Pensacola's many historic neighborhoods for a fun and leisurely ride among friends. For much more information about the Slow Ride please visit Bike Pensacola on Facebook or call 850-687-9968 or bike@pensacolacan.org.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Cirque Spectacular
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Feb. 11
Where: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St.
Enjoy the magic of orchestral music played by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and the breathtaking skill of cirque-style acrobats and contortionists from Troupe Vertigo. Purchase tickets here: https://pensacolasymphony.com/product/pops-ii/.
Valentine’s Date Night Beer Dinner
When: 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14
Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a beer dinner at Coastal County Brewing. Executive Chef Raymond St. Pierre of Farmhouse Catering and Events is bringing patrons a five-course foodie extravaganza using locally-sourced products and ingredients. Tickets for the one-night Valentine’s Showcase are available for $75 per person. Get your ticket here: shorturl.at/oyJNT.
Original Snowbird Hootenanny
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 16
Where: Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive
Visiting snowbirds are invited to the Florida-Alabama State Line for a series of Snowbird Hootenanny events to be held at the Flora-Bama. The final Hootenanny of 2023 will be the “Original Snowbird Hootenanny” with a "Let the Good Times Roll" Mardi Gras twist. Foot-stomping music, plenty of throws, a delicious luncheon and more giveaways will be offered. Admission for each event is $10 per person.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at www.VisitPerdido.com or in person at the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, 15500 Perdido Key Dr., Pensacola, FL 32507.
Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade
When: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 17
Where: Downtown Pensacola
The first parade is the Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Mardi Gras Parade. What makes this parade special is that, as the name implies, it’s hosted at night, allowing the floats to be lit up. Parade floats are already impressive, but they look even cooler when they’re completely lit up.
This is a family-friendly event that starts at 7:30 p.m. and goes on for a few hours. You can catch candy, beads, toys, stuffed animals, bouncy balls, local swag and, of course, Moon Pies.
Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
When: 2 p.m., Feb. 18
Where: Downtown Pensacola
The 2023 Grand Mardi Gras Parade presented by Publix will start downtown around 2 p.m. The Grand Mardi Gras Parade is one of Pensacola’s biggest parades and events of the year, drawing in tens of thousands of people downtown and having thousands participate in a parade that runs through Garden Street, goes up North Palafox and circles back around.
Mardi Grass at Odd Colony
When: 6 to 9 p.m., Feb. 18
Where: Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox St.
Odd Colony is hosting a free bluegrass concert by the New Cahoots directly after the Mardi Gras Parade on Palafox. The New Cahoots is an acoustic group from Pensacola that formed in 2020 and has written a variety of music that blends folk, bluegrass and Americana.
Bud N’ Boilin’ Crawfish
When: 11 a.m., Feb. 18
Where: O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown, 321 S. Palafox St.
O'Riley's Irish Pub will be cooking crawfish out front and selling platters while supplies last. Get a free Bud Light with your purchase of a plate. Grab some food and enjoy some drinks before the parade kicks off.
Krewe of Wrecks Parade
When: 2 to 11:30 p.m., Feb. 19
Where: Pensacola Beach
The Krewe of Wrecks Parade is the last parade of the season and it’s held on Pensacola Beach. This is a smaller parade that first happened in 1980. The parade starts off at Avenida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west and then disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach parking lot. After-parties are aplenty after the parade where judges will award trophies.
Pensacola Arts Market
When: 2 to 6 p.m., Feb. 19
Where: Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.
The Pensacola Arts Market sets up every third Thursday at Gary’s Brewery and Biergarten. The arts market showcases unique, handcrafted goods made by local artisans.
Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Feb. 19
Where: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St.
Visit the inaugural Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest at Community Maritime Park, downtown Pensacola. There will be food trucks and vendors selling chocolate and cheese items, as well as other vendor items. There is a $5 Entry fee and kids 12 and under are free.
Turtle Roll Ice Cream will feature all of the event's unique chocolate themed ice creams, as well as several chocolate/cheesecake themed shakes and specials.
Hot Glass, Cold Brew: Krewe du Brew
When: 5 to 9 p.m., Feb. 24
Where: First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St.
Hot Glass, Cold Brew: Krewe du Brew returns for a memorable evening celebrating art, community and supporting local artists.
Full admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Admission includes a handmade artisan glass or ceramic cup, entertainment for the evening, and two complimentary craft beers for adults 21 years old and older.
The collectible glasses and cups are limited and go fast, so come early. Cups are first come, first served.
Entertainment for the evening includes glass blowing and pottery demonstrations, live music, an art market, kids activities, a gallery opening showcasing works from First Coast Art Center’s Gallery 1060 artists, and more. You’ll also find some of Pensacola’s favorite food trucks serving up tasty fare.
Purchase Tickets here: http://bit.ly/3XHnACR.
Gallery Night Pensacola — Steampunk
When: 5 to 9 p.m., Feb. 24
Where: Downtown Pensacola
On the third Friday of each month, Gallery Night Pensacola will once again close Palafox Street (from Garden Street to Main Street) in Downtown Pensacola and provide open streets for patrons to explore and enjoy music, art, food and more.
Pensacon
When: Feb. 24-26
Where: Various venues in Downtown Pensacola
Pensacon is the area’s largest celebration of fandoms. Pensacon 2023 will take place from Feb. 24 to 26. The core event will take place at the Pensacola Bay Center, where guests will find celebrity autographs, photo ops, events and floor vendors. Other venues will include The REX Theatre and Pensacola Cultural Center, and will also feature things like panels and discussions from celebrities.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Verdi Requiem
When: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Feb. 25
Where: Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place
With soaring moments of joy and dramatic fanfare, Verdi’s Requiem is one of the most treasured choral works of all time. In a special artistic collaboration, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will join forces with four celebrated soloists and more than 120 voices from The Hattiesburg Choral Union for Verdi’s Requiem Mass, a monumental masterpiece of joy, hope, and passion.
In-person and virtual tickets are available here: shorturl.at/GRXY3.
Sun Belt Basketball Championship Games
When: Various times between Feb. 28 through March 6
Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.
The Sun Belt Conference basketball tournament will be played in Pensacola on starting Feb. 28.
Pensacola Habitat Food Truck Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Feb. 25; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 26
Where: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St.
Pensacola Habitat for Humanity welcomes families, food lovers, adventure seekers and Pensacola Habitat supporters to its seventh annual Food Truck Festival in support of its mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
This event features a diverse mix of food trucks featuring their signature dishes, live music, a food truck tasting competition and more. There will also be live entertainment during the entire weekend on two different stages.
Bring your own chairs and blankets and set up shop with some of the best food around.
Tickets are $3 a day or $5 for the weekend. Kids under 12 are free. Venue parking is $10 per vehicle and street parking is available for free.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola February events: Pensacon, Mardi Gras, Double Bridge Run
