April things to do in Pensacola: 30+ events including concerts, beer fests and goat yoga

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Growing up in the area before the revitalization of Downtown Pensacola, you’d frequently hear locals lamenting the lack of things to do.

Where are all of the arena concerts? The comedy acts? What’s there to do if you don’t want to go out to eat or drink alcohol?

As it turns out, all those things are all around us — they require just a little extra effort to track down.

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Don’t believe me? Coastal County Brewing is hosting goat yoga on April 17, and it’s exactly what you think it is. You, a few friends and a group of strangers just posing and petting goats. And they’re not even the only place that does it. Lazy Day Farm & Petting Zoo will bring yoga-loving goats to events all across the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and Florida.

You can find the details for goat yoga, Shrekfest 2023! and even a Gary Numan show below.

Foodie events

Pensacolians absolutely adore food. The Pensacola Foodies Facebook group has around 58,000 members, rivaled in size only by typical local juggernauts like buy/sell/trade groups and a couple of Pensacola Beach groups. Explore a new restaurant or rediscover an old favorite through a new menu launch, tasting event and more.

April Wine Social

  • When: 5 p.m., April 18

  • Where: DRIFT, 41 Fort Pickens Road, Floor 2, Pensacola Beach

Join Chef Andrew for DRIFT’s April Wine Social event. The event will feature over 20 different wines from around the world, expertly paired with Chef Andrew's live action hors d'oeuvres stations. The event includes three wine stations, two located inside and one outside, where representatives from RNDC, Breakthru and Maverick will be pouring selected wines throughout the evening.

Additionally, attendees can enjoy open bars and a retail store set up to purchase their favorite wines of the night to take home. Tickets are priced at $75 per person and interested parties are encouraged to find tickets soon. For tickets and more info: https://www.facebook.com/driftpcola.

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2nd annual Pensacola Beach Beer Fest

  • When: 4-7 p.m., April 22

  • Where: Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach, 2 Via De Luna Dr., Pensacola Beach

  • Tickets: $40 — https://bit.ly/40edVWd

The 2nd Annual Pensacola Beach Beer Fest will take place at the Hampton Inn on Pensacola Beach on April 22. Thirteen local craft breweries will be serving up their unique creations while overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Attendees can also enjoy Water Pig BBQ's delicious, slow-smoked barbecue and Piazza Pizza's "buonissima" oven-baked pizza available for purchase during the event. Live music from Blue Levy will be playing, and there will be door prizes, raffles and more.

Discounted room rates are available at the Hampton Inn by using code "BBF," and interested parties are encouraged to book their rooms today. Participating breweries include Alga Beer Co., Coastal County Brewing Company, Emerald Republic Brewing, McGuires Irish Pub, Odd Colony Brewing Co., The 5 Barrel, Props Craft Brewery, Ghost Train Brewing Co., Secret Sagittarius, St. Michael's Brewing Co., Ye Olde Brothers Brewery, Beardless Brewhaus and Tennessee Brew Works.

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The Krewe of Gatsby Girls 1st ever Crawfish Boil

  • When: 1 p.m., April 22

  • Where: The Bridge Bar and Sunset Lounge, 33 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze

The Krewe of Gatsby Girls is hosting its first crawfish boil. The inaugural celebration is open to the public. The krewe will start serving crawfish around 1 p.m. until they’re gone. The event is cash-only and will have a live performance by the Yard Lights at 2 p.m.

Things to do

The wealth of things to do in Pensacola changes with the seasons. As we head into spring and summer, you can bet you’ll find plenty of outdoor events, summertime festivals and more.

Home & Product Expo

  • When: 10 a.m. April 1 and 11 a.m. April 2

  • Where: Pensacola Interstate Fair Grounds, 6655 Mobile Highway.

With over 100 exhibitor spaces and dozens of ways to learn something new, the Home Expo is the place to simplify home building, remodeling or landscaping plans. All of these special products and services can be found under one roof for one weekend only. This helps eliminate the need to drive from store to store or make countless phone calls to compare prices or explore options. More info: westfloridabuilders.com.

Craft & Vintage Spring Market

  • When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 2

  • Where: Odd Colony, 260 N. Palafox St.

Head over to Odd Colony Sunday for its Craft & Vintage Spring Market — a celebration of old things, craft things, local vendors, food and more. Flour-ish Pizza Truck will be on deck to fill you up while you partake in the free photo booth. Bluejay’s Bakery and Lamonte Gelato will help satisfy your sweet tooth. Around 20 other vendors will be in attendance, including Saturn Collection Vintage, Nate Geo, Jade Tree Succulents and more.

Odd Colony with Mylo

  • When: 4-8 p.m., April 8

  • Where: Odd Colony Brewing Co., 260 N. Palafox St.

Odd Colony and The Mylo Foundation are teaming up on April 8 to present a relaxing event featuring man’s best friend. Come hang out and enjoy live music, meet new friends and pet dogs.

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The city of Gulf Breeze Spring Festival

  • When: 2 p.m., April 15

  • Where: 800 Shoreline Dr., Gulf Breeze

The city of Gulf Breeze is hosting its annual Spring Festival on April 15. The free community celebration will feature laser tag, bounce houses, archery and animal exhibits. Over 100 vendors will be there to showcase arts and crafts, food trucks will be on deck for food, concession stands will be around for some quick pick-me-ups, a beer wagon will provide alcoholic beverages and there will be live music, too. It all ends with a bang with an 8 p.m. fireworks show.

Goat Yoga at Gary's Brewery & Biergarten

  • When: 2 to 3 p.m., April 16

  • Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road

  • Tickets: $28 — http://bit.ly/40gCFNB

So, about those goats.

Join Lazy Day Farm at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten for a yoga class with a twist: baby goats. This beginner’s session is perfect for yoga practitioners of all ages and skills. All you need to bring is a mat or towel and a ticket. Tickets for the event are $28, plus tax and fees, and include a free beer, seltzer, wine or cider of your choosing after the session or fountain drink for anyone under 21.

Fred Levin Way Fest Celebration of Giving

  • When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 16

  • Where: Museum Plaza, 120 Church Street, downtown Pensacola

  • Cost: Free

Fred Levin Way Fest returns after an overwhelmingly successful 2022 event to honor the late Fred Levin. The Celebration of Giving, hosted by the Fred Levin Way Foundation, features free fun for the entire family with kids activities, prizes, food trucks, car show, live DJ, free children's museum entry and free swimming and basketball at the YMCA.

Nonprofits at 50 booths will provide information about their services and also will be giving away blankets, diapers, school supplies, socks, toilet paper, books, pet food, hygiene kids, underwear and much more. For more information, visit https://fredlevinfest.com.

Goat Yoga at Coastal County Brewing Company

  • When: 6 to 7 p.m., April 17

  • Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road

  • Tickets: $28 — http://bit.ly/40tC4Yq

Can’t make it Sunday? Head over to Coastal County Brewing for a second shot at goat yoga after work on Monday. All you need to bring is a mat or towel and a ticket. Tickets for the event are $28, plus tax and fees, and include a free beer, seltzer, wine or cider of your choosing after the session or fountain drink for anyone 21 and under.

Shrekfest 2023!

  • When: 2 p.m., April 22

  • Where: Perfect Plain Brewing Company, 50 E. Garden St.

Mark your calendars for the first Shrekfest, a celebration of all things Shrek! The event will take place on April 22 and promises to be a day-long extravaganza of Shrek-themed decor, cocktails, swamp animal shows, vendors, face painting and more. Attendees can also look forward to a Shrek Rave featuring DJ HDYCVT.

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Plantapalooza

  • When: Noon to 5 p.m., April 22

  • Where: Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten, 208 Newman Ave.

Celebrate Earth Day with Plantapalooza. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better with over 40 plant-related vendors, two food trucks, adult beverages from Gary’s Brewery and more. Pets and kids are welcome.

Croquet & Rose' On The Bay

  • When: 2-6 p.m., April 22

  • Where: Pensacola Museum Plaza, 157 Church St.

  • Tickets: Start at $75 — http://bit.ly/42D64mu

The Bread & Table Club is inviting everyone to don their whites and sip Rose' while enjoying a game of croquet to help fund their passion in supporting The Children’s Backpack Program in a unique and exciting way.

To celebrate its fifth year, the club is taking attendees "Down the Rabbit Hole" because "we are all mad here!" Attendees will be treated to specially themed food by Nancy’s Catering & Events along with an incredible dessert display while cheering for their favorite team.

In keeping with traditional croquet rules, all participants and observers are asked to wear white. Spectator tickets are priced at $75 and include food, a welcome cocktail and a commemorative Croquet & Rose’ cup. There will be a limited number of reserved tables for six available for an additional $120. Those who wish to play may opt to join the croquet team for $500, which includes four tickets, welcome cocktails and commemorative cups.

Tall Ships

  • When: Various times April 27-30

  • Where: Plaza de Luna, Downtown Pensacola

Tall Ships return to Pensacola as the last stop on their three-port tour from April 27-30, 2023.
Tall Ships return to Pensacola as the last stop on their three-port tour from April 27-30, 2023.

The Tall Ships Pensacola festival is back in April as Tall Ships America announced that Pensacola would again be designated as an "official port." The Tall Ships Pensacola festival will take place April 27-30 at Plaza de Luna, and will serve as the final stop on the Tall Ships Challenge Gulf Coast Series, which also includes St. Petersburg and Galveston, Texas. Guests are free to come out and take a look at the fleet, head onboard for tours, sailing adventures, private parties and more. For more information, including pricing for ship tours and more, click here: http://bit.ly/3nv1Nlb

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Big Screen on the Bayou

  • When: 7:30 p.m., April 29

  • Where: Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St.

Grab your blanket, chairs, picnic baskets and your family and friends to enjoy that already-fleeting spring weather at Big Screen on the Bayou. Which movie? That’s TBD, but it starts at 7:30 p.m. Get there early to enjoy some movie trivia and food from local vendors.

Music and shows

Looking for places to catch live music, shows and other performances? Between The Handlebar, Vinyl Music Hall, Easy Going Gallery, The Saenger Theatre and Pensacola Little Theatre, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

Heads up: Most online ticket sales and distribution orders will services fees and sales tax in addition to the ticket price.

Reggae Fest

  • When: Noon, March 31 - April 2

  • Where: Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

The spirit of Jamaica returns to the End of the Alley Courtyard at Seville Quarter. The two-day festival will be jamming with Reggae-inspired music and food. Grab a Red Stripe Beer and some Sailor Jerry’s Spiced Rum and prepare to celebrate the spirit of the islands all weekend long. More info: 850-434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

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April Fool’s Day Standup Comedy featuring Jeff D

  • When: 7 p.m., April 1

  • Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.

Comedian Jeff D is headlining a special April Fool’s Day comedy show at Vinyl Music Hall along with Alicia Simmons Miracle, Jason Hedden, Lamar DeFore, Jean-Pierre Pouye, Savanna Zehe and Andrew Ferrara. Jeff D, whose appeared on Hulu and Peacock, is known for his unique Southern-style humor, riotous stories, hilarious characters, and satiric point of view. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/42NX1iP.

Crunk Witch \ Cookies & Cake \ Basilantros

The Handlebar will host Basilantros, Cookies & Cake and Crunk Witch on April 1. This is a 21 and older show. Doors open at 8 p.m. and entry is $10.

2023 Pensacola JazzFest

  • When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., April 1-2

  • Where: Historic Seville Square, 311 E. Government St.

Jazz Pensacola celebrates 40 years of jazz at this year's annual Pensacola JazzFest.

Enjoy stellar jazz 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with a sensational lineup of musicians and vocalists. Please bring chairs. Handicap parking available at Kerrigan Estess Rankin McLeod & Thompson, 400 E. Government St., across from Seville Square.

Celebrating 40 years: Pensacola's free JazzFest is 40! Celebrate with music, food and all that jazz.

Drawing thousands of jazz fans to its annual premier event for several decades, Jazz Pensacola promises a super jazzy weekend. The free, two-day festival will feature national and regional jazz bands, plus many area school and college bands.

In addition to the sounds of jazz, Pensacola JazzFest posters (this year's designed by Pete Gurtowsky), T-shirts, memorabilia, fine arts and crafts exhibitors and food vendors will make the festival even greater.

The full festival Lineup can be seen here: https://www.pensacolajazzfest.com/festival-lineup.

Tracy Lawrence

  • When: 7:30 p.m., April 1

  • Where: Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Place

  • Tickets: $40.50 - $85.50 — https://bit.ly/42BOJdQ

Tracy Lawrence has been one of the most consistent and successful country music icons over his decades-long career. The multi-platinum-selling artist has sold over 13 million albums, with 18 tracks hitting No. 1 on charts. Lawrence was born in Atlanta, Texas, and raised in Foreman, Arkansas, and his charismatic stage presence is known to charm his country-music-loving fans during concerts.

While his influences include both bad-boy Southern rock and traditional country tunes, Lawrence's songs still have audiences both swooning in their seats and up on their feet and dancing. Lawrence released the album "Headlights, Taillights and Radios" in August 2013. which reached the No. 124 spot on the The Billboard Hot 200.

HIRS Collective, Voice of Addiction, Otonana Trio, Tokyo Coyote, Dead Devils

  • When: 6 p.m., April 4

  • Where: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

  • Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door

The Handlebar is presenting a Super Tuesday Show featuring HIRS Collective, Voice of Addiction, Otonana Trio, Tokyo Coyote and Dead Devils. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

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Jxdn

  • When: 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, April 5

  • Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.

  • Tickets: $29 — bit.ly/40gDQN1

Jxdn (pronounced “Jaden”) is an American singer-songwriter and TikTok personality who found a following on the platform before beginning a music career in 2020 with the release of his debut single, “Comatose.”

Municipal Waste, Creeping Death

  • When: 7 p.m., April 6

  • Where: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

  • Tickets: $18 in advance, $20 at the door — http://bit.ly/3JGuRO1

Since 2001, Municipal Waste have uncompromisingly stuck to its guns as hard-partying and even harder-hitting torchbearers of 21st century thrash metal. The Richmond, Virginia, quintet featuring Tony Foresta (vocals), Ryan Waste (guitar), Philip “Landphil” Hall (bass), Dave Witte (drums) and Nick Poulos (guitar) have transformed from a cult favorite into metal mainstays for a generation.

Along the way, Decibel touted album "The Art of Partying" in its coveted Hall of Fame and asserted it “revved up interest in thrash and inspired a fresh wave of youthful new bands.” Metal Hammer christened "The Art of Partying" one of “The 50 Greatest Thrash Metal Albums Ever,” while Loudwire pegged The Art of Partying as “The Best Thrash Album of 2007” and Hazardous Mutation as “The Best Thrash Album of 2005.”

Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic

  • When: 7 p.m., April 7; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., April 8; 2 p.m., April 9

  • Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.

  • Tickets: $20 - $110 — https://bit.ly/40Ahplz

Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic. Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beast's enchanted castle, experience Moana's courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island and sing-along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart. Be inspired by Anna's devotion to her sister Elsa on her journey to the North Mountain to stop the eternal winter, and watch Rapunzel and Flynn go to great lengths to make her dream come true.

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The Polish Ambassador

  • When: 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, April 7

  • Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.

  • Tickets: $25 — https://bit.ly/3LR1b3w

A mystery man of many hats, The Polish Ambassador rocks more than just a trademark jumpsuit, authoring sublime, intentional artistic works, animated safaris in technicolor sound.

TPA is among the premier EDM/live crossover artists in the country with millions of listeners around the world. He’s consistently in-demand at the live music-focused gatherings and boutique electronic festivals from coast to coast.

World Ballet Series: Cinderella

The Saenger Theatre is set to host an upcoming performance of Cinderella, a classic fairy tale brought to life through classical ballet. As part of the World Ballet Series, this visually stunning production features a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers. The performance is accompanied by Sergei Prokofiev’s celebrated score, and features over 150 hand-sewn radiant costumes, richly detailed hand-crafted sets and sparkling choreography by Marina Kessler.

The Molly Ringwalds

  • When: 8:30 p.m., April 7

  • Where: Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

  • Tickets: $25 — http://bit.ly/3lHvXRE

The Molly Ringwalds are no strangers to Pensacola, and those who have seen them know they take every stage they step on with force. They dazzle and engage their audiences with energy and passion, while taking them on a musical journey filled with all the hits that transcended the '80s and defined a generation.

The Molly Ringwalds' show is loaded with the visual enormity and glam that encompassed the essence of the decade’s music scene. Music videos of the iconic songs are the backdrop to a stage that comes to life with a captivating light show and a movable set that draws every single person into the moment.

Silverstein

  • When: 6 p.m. doors; 7 p.m. show, April 11

  • Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.

  • Tickets: $27.50 — https://bit.ly/3lDuw6P

Silverstein is headed to Vinyl Music Hall on April 11, 2023.
Silverstein is headed to Vinyl Music Hall on April 11, 2023.

Silverstein, a punk band with a 22-year history, has released its 10th studio album, "Misery Made Me." The album marks the band's continued success with their latest release, "A Beautiful Place To Drown," adding 80 million streams to their career total of 500 million and earning a nomination for Rock Album of the Year at the Juno Awards.

While the band has adapted to new technologies like TikTok, Discord and Twitch, the album's underlying themes address collective turmoil, frustration and anxiety. Vocalist Shane Told explains that the album is about accepting a new reality and adapting to it, and it explores eternal human struggles of loneliness, anxiety and isolation.

Umphrey's McGee

  • When: 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, April 12

  • Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.

  • Tickets: $35 — https://bit.ly/3nil5Kn

In the twenty-five years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods and tempos, effortlessly flowing from one feeling to the next throughout an album or concert — or sometimes within a singular song. But with the band’s new album, "Asking For A Friend," Umphrey’s McGee entered the recording studio with something to say and a wise, measured way to say it.

But long-time fans will be happy to know that the Umphrey’s McGee they know and love is still very much present on "Asking For A Friend," just more refined.

ORDINARY BOYS - Tribute to the Music of The Smiths & Morrissey

The Gumshoe and The Handlebar are bringing The Smiths & Morrissey tribute band, ORDINARY BOYS, to Pensacola on April 21. Doors open at 8 p.m., tickets are $15 and the first 50 online tickets can be purchased for $10.

Ordinary Boys was formed in December of 2010 by vocalist AJ Navarrete. The band chose its name after the song "The Ordinary Boys," from Morrissey's debut album "Viva Hate," and as an homage to the concept behind The Smiths’ name.

The Plot In You

Ohio-based band The Plot In You has released its fifth full-length album, "Swan Song," which explores themes of endings and moving forward. The quartet, comprised of Landon Tewers, Josh Childress, Ethan Yoder and Michael Cooper, draw on years of negativity, disappointment and mistakes, and channel it into a cathartic release of hammering distortion, towering melodies and cinematic production.

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Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country & The New Cahoots

  • When: 7 p.m., April 25

  • Where: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.

  • Tickets: $17 in advance, $20 at the door — https://bit.ly/42BTBj8

Daniel Donato, a 25-year-old Nashville native, has distilled his life lessons into his debut album, "A Young Man’s Country," his proper introduction to the general musical audience. Recorded at Nashville’s Sound Emporium in a mere two days and produced by guitar-ace Robben Ford, the record weaves outlaw country, Grateful Dead-style Americana, and Donato's songwriting into a singular form he calls “21st-century cosmic country.”

The New Cahoots is an acoustic group from Pensacola. The band, formed in 2020, has written a wide variety of original music from a blend of folk, bluegrass and Americana. Performances include a diverse catalog of originals and covers ranging from traditional bluegrass, folk and jam bands.

The Book of Mormon

  • When: 7:30 p.m., April 25-27

  • Where: Saenger Theatre, 118 Palafox Place

  • Tickets: $58 - $88 — https://bit.ly/40m2HiA

The Book of Mormon is coming to the Saenger Theatre for three days of shows starting on April 25. The musical comedy follows two missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are on a mission trip in a remote Ugandan village where they learn the population is struggling with more pressing issues like HIV/AIDS, famine, child molestation and oppression by the local warlord.

Gary Numan

  • When: 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, April 28

  • Where: Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St.

  • Tickets: $30 — https://bit.ly/3nkhA6g

Gary Numan is a British musician who rose to fame in 1979 with his band Tubeway Army's hit song "Are 'Friends' Electric?" His music style has influenced genres such as synth-pop, industrial and alternative pop. Throughout his 40-year career, he has remained uncompromising in his creative vision, often making conceptual albums that are embraced by hardcore fans.

He has achieved seven Top 10 singles, including "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and "Cars," and eight Top 10 albums, three of which topped the charts. Despite not always being in vogue, Numan has been praised by artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Prince, David Bowie, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and Dave Grohl.

SHREK RAVE at Vinyl Music Hall

There’s a Shrek-themed rave happened at Vinyl on April 29, need we say more?

2nd Annual Elijah Stepherson Men's Health Concert

  • When: Noon to 9 p.m., April 30

  • Where: Emerald Republic Brewing, 1414 W. Government St.

The second annual Elijah Stepherson Men's Health Concert will be held to raise funds to support mental health resources for men in the community. The event is organized in partnership with The Campfire Fund of Florida, a nonprofit organization in Pensacola that raises funds for mental health resources for men.

Emerald Republic will serve brews and A Rustyc Spoon will offer mouth-watering grub. Attendees will be entertained by a lineup of local musicians including Nikki Forgione, Justin Colvard, Kyle Wilson, Jessie Ritter, Joey Collins, Shannon Pierce, Ryan Dyer, Justin Lee Hester, Ben Loftin, Jay Moody, The Victrolas and Brett Benton.

Easter things to do in Pensacola

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola events: things to do in April from JazzFest to Disney on Ice