Posted by Taylor

6 Signature Spring Events in and Around Pensacola Beach for Your Bucket List


From outdoor concerts and cultural festivals to quirky competitions like the Mullet Toss, Pensacola and Pensacola Beach are packed with fun events during spring. Music lovers, sports enthusiasts, and beachgoers will all find something to enjoy.


Spring is a delightful season no matter where you go. Be it in the Colorado Rockies or along Florida's coastal gems, it brings a breath of fresh air to every destination and, more often than not, a lineup of exciting spring events.

Planning a beach getaway in the Sunshine State soon? Pensacola and Pensacola Beach are packed with signature events during spring that can make your visit extra special.

In this blog, I'll share a list of the best spring events in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach, so you can time your trip to catch these Florida treasures at their most vibrant and enjoy the fun you and your family deserve.


Here's a glimpse of what's waiting for you:

  1. Pensacola Jazz Fest: Laid-back festival brings together local legends and national jazz stars.

  2. Bands on the Beach: Free weekly concert series bringing the community together with live tunes. 

  3. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Opening Weekend: Minor league team turning a game into a full-blown community celebration. 

  4. Pensacola Bay Music Festival: One-day celebration of classic rock, featuring live tribute bands in the heart of downtown. 

  5. Pensacola Crawfish Festival: Spicy crawfish boils, live Zydeco beats, and plenty of Southern flair.

  6. Flora-Bama Interstate Mullet Toss: Iconic, Silly, sandy, and seriously fun Mullet Toss competition.


At Pensacola Beach Properties, we don't just offer a great selection of Pensacola Beach rentals; we've also got the kind of local tips that can seriously level up your trip. As local experts, we're here to show you the best of what Pensacola Beach has to offer. For more insider ideas, check out our destination blog. We cover everything from top pet-friendly spots to the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local nightlife.

Ready for a sunny, vibrant spring? Let's dive in!


Bands on the Beach



1. PENSACOLA JAZZ FEST (April)


Laid-back festival brings together local legends and national jazz stars.

Pensacola JazzFest hits all the right notes for a fun, music-filled weekend every April. Hosted at the charming Seville Square, this laid-back festival brings together local legends and national jazz stars for two full days of groove and good vibes. It's free, open to all, and packed with rhythm from start to finish.


Highlights


  • Free outdoor concerts under the oaks of Seville Square.

  • Mix of traditional and contemporary jazz performances.

  • Student competitions and spotlight sets for rising talent.

  • Local food trucks, craft vendors, and community booths.

  • Indoor concerts for a more intimate setting (some ticketed)

  • Run by the Jazz Society of Pensacola, keeping the local jazz spirit alive.



    • Is it family-friendly? 


    Absolutely! Kids can roam, parents can relax, and everyone can enjoy the music. With food, crafts, and open-air seating, it's an easygoing weekend event that welcomes music fans of all ages. Make sure to bring a picnic blanket!



    2. Bands on the Beach (from April through October)


    Free weekly concert series bringing the community together with live tunes.

    From spring through early fall, Bands on the Beach turns Pensacola Beach into one big outdoor jam session. Set against the backdrop of the Gulf, this free weekly concert series brings the community together with live tunes, good eats, and that unbeatable beach breeze. Grab a lawn chair, kick off your flip-flops, and enjoy the show.


    Highlights

  • Weekly concerts from April to October.

  • Stunning location at Gulfside Pavilion, right by the Casino Beach Boardwalk.

  • A rotating lineup of rock, blues, country, jazz, and more.

  • Local and regional bands take center stage.

  • Food trucks, drink stands, and local art vendors to explore.

  • Free to attend and open to all.


    Is it family-friendly?


    Yes! The environment is super relaxed and welcoming to families with kids in tow. Little ones can dance in the sand right alongside you and soak up the fun, friendly vibes after a day on the beach.


    •  

    3. Pensacola Blue Wahoos Opening Weekend (April)


    Minor league team turning a game into a full-blown community celebration.

    Spring in Pensacola kicks off with a crack of the bat as the Blue Wahoos return to Admiral Fetterman Field. Set right on the waterfront in Downtown Pensacola, this minor league team knows how to turn a game into a full-blown community celebration. Opening weekend in April draws fans of all ages for baseball, sunshine, and a great view of the bay.


    Highlights

  • Three-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits.

  • Pre-game fun, ballpark snacks, and post-game fireworks.

  • Gorgeous waterfront stadium with views of Pensacola Bay.

  • Spring and summer games make for the perfect outdoor outing.


    • Is it family-friendly?


    With a lively atmosphere, fun between-inning entertainment, and plenty of space to roam, a Blue Wahoos game is a hit with kids and grownups alike. Just grab a hot dog, find your seat, and let the good times roll.



    4. Pensacola Bay Music Festival (April)


    One-day celebration of classic rock, featuring live tribute bands in the heart of downtown.

    Get ready to rock out under the Florida sun! The Pensacola Bay Music Festival is a one-day celebration of classic rock, featuring live tribute bands in the heart of downtown. Held at Community Maritime Park each April, it's a laid-back day of tunes, food, and good vibes by the bay.


    Highlights


  • Live performances by tribute bands covering Journey, Guns N' Roses, Alice In Chains, and more.

  • Gorgeous waterfront setting at Community Maritime Park amphitheater.

  • Food trucks and drink vendors galore.

  • Bring your own blanket or lawn chair and make a day of it

    •  


    Is it family-friendly?


    Kids can groove to the music right alongside parents, and the casual, open-air setup makes it easy for families to spread out and relax. 



    5. PENSACOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL (April)


    Spicy crawfish boils, live Zydeco beats, and plenty of Southern flair.

    Each spring, downtown Pensacola turns into a Cajun-flavored block party. The Pensacola Crawfish Festival brings spicy crawfish boils, live Zydeco beats, and plenty of Southern flair to Bartram Park. It's one of the tastiest weekends in town and a fun way to kick off the season.


    Highlights


  • Huge servings of boiled crawfish, jambalaya, and gumbo.

  • Nonstop live music with Cajun, Zydeco, and local bands.

  • Arts and crafts vendors with handmade jewelry and gifts.

  • Family-friendly vibes with a dash of Southern hospitality.

  • Hosted by the Fiesta of Five Flags, a Pensacola tradition since 1949



    • Is it family-friendly?


    The Crawfish Festival isn't just about spicy shellfish. There's plenty of room to dance, explore, and nibble on kid-friendly bites. Parents love the easy-going vibe, and kids love the music and open space to roam.



    6. FLORA-BAMA INTERSTATE MULLET TOSS (April)


    Iconic, Silly, sandy, and seriously fun Mullet Toss competition.

    Ready to throw a fish for a good cause? Each April, the Flora-Bama Lounge hosts the iconic Interstate Mullet Toss, where the name of the game is launching a mullet over the Florida-Alabama state line. It's silly, sandy, and seriously fun. Thousands flock to this legendary beach bar for one unforgettable weekend.


    Highlights


  • Toss a mullet (yes, a real dead fish) as far as you can across the state line.

  • Live music and dancing all weekend long.

  • Delicious food and drinks from local vendors.

  • Beach volleyball, paddleboard races, and family-friendly games.

  • Proceeds benefit local youth charities.



    • Is it family-friendly?


    Totally. While there's plenty of action for grown-ups, families will find tons to enjoy, especially during the day. Between the games, beachside fun, and festive vibe, kids and parents alike can have a blast. Just maybe don't let the little ones handle the fish.

      


    Wondering where to stay in Pensacola Beach? 

      

    Here's an idea: to make the most of your stay in Pensacola Beach, why not book a beautiful vacation rental? That's the best way to stay like a local. There's nothing like experiencing this piece of paradise in Florida with all the privacy and comfort you need. 

    At Pensacola Beach Properties, we offer a wide selection of the best short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including vacation rentals with pools and pet-friendly options.

    Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.

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