DISCOVER 🎶 P’COLA

Pensacola’s #1 Newsletter

If you're itching for some adventure, we're here to help you stumble upon the finest local festivities, those tucked-away treasures, and every bit of excitement stirring in our community. It’s the perfect way to truly get to know the heart of our home, Pensacola.

QUICK. FREE. INFORMATIVE. 

Morning P’Cola!

Spring is in the air! It’s that sweet spring Gulf Coast time of year—warm sunshine, gentle breezes, and water that’s finally inviting. The beaches are opening up in full swing and the boardwalk is buzzing. Lots of ways to enjoy Pensacola this week! From farmers markets and live music to baseball games and family fun, we’ve rounded up everything you don’t want to miss 

See ya out there.

COMMUNITY & COUNTY NEWS

Pensacola Beach traffic & parking study underway
Officials are studying solutions to the growing parking and congestion issues on Pensacola Beach, with results expected later this year.

Escambia County Public Schools has opened registration for the 2026–2027 school year for Pre-K, kindergarten, and new students. The first day of school is expected in mid-August, and parents will need proof of residence, immunization records, and other documents during enrollment.

A new middle-school magnet program is launching at Pensacola High School for the 2026–2027 school year, allowing 7th and 8th graders to attend classes on the high-school campus as part of an accelerated academic track. The program is expected to enroll about 300 students total (roughly 150 per grade) in its first year.

The Middle School Scholars Magnet Program is designed for students who want a more rigorous, advanced curriculum earlier in their academic career. Students will take accelerated honors classes and some coursework that can lead to high-school credit, helping them move faster into advanced math, science, and college-prep tracks later on.

The middle-school students will attend the high-school campus with features designed specifically for them:

• A dedicated wing with classrooms, entrances, and restrooms just for the middle-school cohort

• Separate lunch and dismissal schedules for safety and age-appropriate interaction

• Smaller class sizes and a more focused academic environment

• Access to arts, band, orchestra, and JROTC programs normally available at the high-school level

The goal is to create a seamless pathway from middle school into advanced high-school programs. Students who stay at the school could move directly into:

• The Scholars Program

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses

• The International Baccalaureate program 

For parents in Escambia County, the program offers a tuition-free public magnet option that combines middle-school education with earlier exposure to high-school academics and career pathways. Families must apply through the district’s magnet enrollment process, since spots are limited.

MARCH FORECAST  

Pensacola will see classic gorgeous Gulf Coast spring weather this weekend a—warm, breezy, and mostly comfortable. Daytime highs will hover around the low to upper-70s, while evenings cool into the 50s and low 60s.

A few passing showers or cloudy stretches may pop up during the week, but there will still be plenty of sunshine for beach days and outdoor events. Overall, it’s shaping up to be pleasant spring weather with a light coastal breeze.

SPONSORED BY OUR FOREVER FRIENDS

~ Eye-ore cold be your Easter Bunny!~

THIS WEEK in P’COLA

Apr 3 (Fri)

Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits — Blue Wahoos Stadium

Apr 4 (Sat)

Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits — Blue Wahoos Stadium

Palafox Market – Downtown farmers market with produce, art, baked goods, and local vendors. This weekly market regularly draws thousands of visitors on Saturday mornings.

White Tie Rock Ensemble: Tribute to Americana Rock – Concert featuring music from Tom Petty, The Eagles, The Allman Brothers, and Lynyrd Skynyrd at Pensacola Bay Center (8:00 PM).

Jelly Bean 5K Charity Run – Community run/walk supporting Manna Food Pantries to help fight hunger locally.

Panhandle Gem & Mineral Show – Family-friendly event with exhibits, vendors, and geology displays (running Apr 3–5).

Apr 5 (Sun)

Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits — Blue Wahoos Stadium

Apr 7 (Tue)

Bands on the Beach — Gulfside Pavilion

Apr 8 (Wed)

Spring Break live music & nightlife — Pensacola Beach Boardwalk

Apr 9 (Thu)

Downtown live music & gallery circuit — Palafox Street

Apr 10 (Fri)

Spring beach concerts & nightlife — Pensacola Beach Boardwalk

CIVIL PARK & BUSINESS NEWS

CITY EVENTS - CALENDAR

Sewer Upgrades: The City of Gulf Breeze is utilizing nearly $30M in grants for a massive citywide transition from septic to sewer systems, a record-breaking infrastructure push for 2026.

Property Tax Reform: A potential third session may be held to discuss a constitutional amendment aimed at significantly reducing or even eliminating certain property taxes

"Missy’s Law" (HB 1101): Signed on March 31, this requires judges to immediately remand dangerous criminals into custody upon a guilty verdict, preventing release on bond pending sentencing.

PENSACOLA REAL ESTATE

New Construction & Active Builders in the Area

• D.R. Horton – One of the largest national builders with many new communities in Pensacola‑area and Santa Rosa County.

• Lennar Homes – Building several new communities in Pace, Milton, and surrounding areas with varied floor plans.

• Holiday Builders – Recently celebrated the grand opening of Mahogany at Jubilee, a new community in Pace as part of the larger Jubilee master‑planned development.

• Herbst Homes – Local builder with new houses in Navarre, Milton, East Milton, and Pace.

• DSLD Homes – Also active builders in Santa Rosa County with communities available now.

• Sugar Sands Construction – Custom and semi‑custom homebuilder serving Pensacola, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, and Milton.

• Russell Home Builders – Award‑winning custom home builder with decades of experience building energy‑efficient homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

• Brazen Builders – Custom home and renovation specialist serving the Panhandle including Pensacola and Navarre areas.

  Call Haiden Shemer with Lokation Real Estate @ 850.533.2914 for BUILDER INCENTIVES!

APRIL’s EVENTS

April 3

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM (Opening Night!)

• Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton: Pensacola Bay Center, 8:00 PM

• The Molly Ringwalds: Seville Quarter, 8:30 PM

April 4

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

• Pensacola Ice Flyers vs. Evansville Thunderbolts: Pensacola Bay Center, 7:00 PM (Regular Season Home Finale!)

• Arabian Nights & Ale at Gary's Biergarten / 208 Newman Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507 / 6-9PM FREE Admission 

• Fly Into Spring Kite Festival / @ Nearby Fort Walton Beach

April 5

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Montgomery Biscuits: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 4:05 PM

• Fiesta Children's Treasure Hunt: Museum Plaza, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

April 7

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

• Bands on the Beach (The Calverts): Gulfside Pavilion, 7:00 PM

April 8

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM (Autograph session follows)

April 9

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

April 10

• Firefighter's Challenge Pensacola Beach 10th & 11th

  

• Uncle Chuck's Legacy Car Show: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Cinemas in the Sand (The Parent Trap): Gulfside Pavilion, Sunset

• Candlelight Concert: First United Methodist, 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM

April 11

• Deluna's Open Water Swim

• Emerald Coast Spring Home Show -Convention Ctr. FWB

• Athletic Championships Okaloosa Island - Watch live HERE!

April 14

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

• Bands on the Beach (Whitesands Panhandle Band): Gulfside Pavilion, 7:00 PM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

April 15

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM (Autograph session follows)

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

April 16

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

• Blue Wahoos Baseball: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are in full swing at Blue Wahoos Stadium. A featured "Baseball Social" with networking and a buffet is scheduled for April 16.

April 17

• Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival: Bamboo Willie's, 1:00 PM

• Gallery Night (Vintage Vibes & Valor): Downtown Palafox, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

April 18

• Crawfish Fest 5K: Pensacola Beach, 8:00 AM

• Brandon Lake: Pensacola Bay Center, 7:00 PM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

• CARE on the COAST TURTLEFEST; Gulfarium FWB

April 19

• Egga-Wahooza: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 11:00 AM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 4:05 PM

April 21

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

• Bands on the Beach (Smoke Stak): Gulfside Pavilion, 7:00 PM

April 22

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM (Autograph session follows)

April 23

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

April 24

• Pensacola Crawfish Festival: Seville Square and Fountain Park, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Interstate Mullet Toss

  

April 25

• Pensacola Crawfish Festival: Seville Square and Fountain Park, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

• Pensacola Unplugged Songwriter Showcase: Studer Community Institute, 6:30 PM

• Pensacola Raqs Gala Show at the Fil-Am Philippine Cultural Center / 234 Oakfield Rd, Pensacola, FL 32503 / 7-9PM $20 General Admission

April 26

• Earth Day Pensacola: Bayview Park, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Pensacola Crawfish Festival: Seville Square and Fountain Park, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  

April 28

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

• Bands on the Beach (Chase Mitchell): Gulfside Pavilion, 7:00 PM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

April 29

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM (Autograph session follows)

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

April 30

• Blue Angels Practice: NAS Pensacola, 10:30 AM

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Biloxi Shuckers: Blue Wahoos Stadium, 6:05 PM

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

APRIL 2026

Fri, Apr 3 Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton, Pensacola Bay Center

Fri, Apr 3 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Fri, Apr 3 Gene Labbe & the Reverberators, Five Sisters' Blues Café

Fri, Apr 3 The Glorious Flaws, Low Season, Marc Ganancias, John Nowicki Betty's

Fri, Apr 3 John Hart Project, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Fri, Apr 3 The Molly Ringwalds Concert, Seville Quarter

Sat, Apr 4 Palafox Market with String Farm Band, Dr. MLK Jr. Plaza / Plaza Ferdinand

Sat, Apr 4 White Tie Rock Ensemble, Pensacola Bay Center

Sat, Apr 4 True Blue Band, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sat, Apr 4 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Sun, Apr 5 Honey Island Swamp Band, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Tue, Apr 7 Bands on the Beach: Cristi Dee & Bad JuJu Gulfside Pavilion (Pensacola Beach)

Tue, Apr 7 Barry Cuda, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Wed, Apr 8 Dueling Piano Show Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Thu, Apr 9 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Thu, Apr 9 Cat Daddy Blues Duo, Five Sisters' Blues Café

Fri, Apr 10 Hail The Sun, Vinyl Music Hall

Fri, Apr 10 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Fri, Apr 10 Me & the Misfits, Five Sisters' Blues Café

Fri, Apr 10 Sandy Roots, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sat, Apr 11 Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Tribute, First United Methodist Church

Sat, Apr 11 Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA Tribute First United Methodist Church

Sat, Apr 11 Palafox Market with Live Music, Dr. MLK Jr. Plaza / Plaza Ferdinand

Sat, Apr 11 Big Al & the Heavyweights, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sat, Apr 11 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Sat, Apr 11 An Evening with Ryan Balthrop & Rick Hirsch, The Peoples Room of Mobile (Region)

Sun, Apr 12 Leonid & Friends - A Tribute To Chicago, Saenger Theatre - FL

Sun, Apr 12 Surfer Girl, Vinyl Music Hall

Sun, Apr 12 Island Ripples, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sun, Apr 12 Almost Skynard, American Legion Post 199

Tue, Apr 14 Bands on the Beach: Class X Gulfside Pavilion (Pensacola Beach)

Wed, Apr 15 Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country, Vinyl Music Hall

Wed, Apr 15 Uncle Kracker, Wild Greg's Saloon

Wed, Apr 15 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Wed, Apr 15 Victor Wainwright, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Thu, Apr 16 Stolen Faces (Grateful Dead Tribute), Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Thu, Apr 16 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Thu, Apr 16 Michael J. McCartan Five Sisters' Blues Cafe

Fri, Apr 17 Gallery Night: Pensacola Navy Days (Live Music) Downtown Pensacola

Fri, Apr 17 Drivin' N' Cryin', Vinyl Music Hall

Fri, Apr 17 Stolen Faces (Grateful Dead Tribute) Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Fri, Apr 17 Dueling Piano Show, Rosie O'Grady's (Seville Quarter)

Fri, Apr 17 Charlie & The Hammerheads, Five Sisters' Blues Café

Fri, Apr 17 FTC Presents: Gulfcoast Underground Betty's

Sat, Apr 18 Brandon Lake, Pensacola Bay Center

Sat, Apr 18 The Happy Fits, Vinyl Music Hall

Sat, Apr 18 Palafox Market with Live Music Dr. MLK Jr. Plaza / Plaza Ferdinand

Sat, Apr 18 Tyron Benoit Band, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sun, Apr 19 Josh Garrett, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Mon, Apr 20 Panchiko, Vinyl Music Hall

Mon, Apr 20 420 Reggae Fest, Court Of De Luna

Tue, Apr 21 Bands on the Beach: Disco Kiss Gulfside Pavilion (Pensacola Beach)

Tue, Apr 21 Josh Garrett, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Thu, Apr 23 Selwyn Birchwood, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Fri, Apr 24 Selwyn Birchwood ,Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sat, Apr 25 Pensacola Symphony Orchestra: Anniversary Gala Saenger Theatre - FL

Sat, Apr 25 Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles, First United Methodist Church

Sat, Apr 25 Candlelight: Tribute to Bad Bunny, First United Methodist Church

Sat, Apr 25 Fiesta Crawfish Festival (Live Music) Fountain Park

Sat, Apr 25 Palafox Market with Live Music, Dr. MLK Jr. Plaza / Plaza Ferdinand

Sun, Apr 26 John Hart Project, Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach)

Sun, Apr 26 Earth Day Pensacola Festival (Live Music) Bayview Park

Sun, Apr 26 Fiesta Crawfish Festival (Live Music) Fountain Park

Tue, Apr 28 One Night of Queen - Gary Mullen & The Works, Saenger Theatre - FL

Tue, Apr 28 Bands on the Beach: Whitesands Panhandle Band Gulfside Pavilion (Pensacola Beach)

Tue, Apr 28 Barry Cuda Paradise Bar & Grill (Pensacola Beach) 4th White Tie Rock Ensemble Tribute to Americana Rock at the Pensacola Bay Center

• THE HANDLEBAR

• BAMBOO WILLIES

• LAGUNA’S

• VINYL MUSIC HALL

• SEVILLE QUARTER

• PENSACOLA OPERA

• THE SALTY ROSE

SPORTS

PENSACOLA- Calendar

TEAM SPORTS

• Ice Flyers at Pensacola Bay Center 

  • March 28

  • April 3

  • April 4 (Regular Season Home Finale!)

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Double-A Baseball)

  • April 3, 4, 5

  • April 14–18, 19

  • April 28–30

• Youth Soccer League i9 Sports: Spring season kick off ages 3-12 Saturday, April 11 LEAD Academy

• Pensacola Catholic High ~Baseball & Softball:

  • Baseball: April 7 -8, 7:00 PM District Tournament April 14.

  • Softball: April 7, 6:00 PM, Escambia April 14, 6:30 PM

RUNNING & TRAIL EVENTS (RUN)

• MONDAYS MONDAY DOG RUN

• THURSDAYS FLEET FEET

• Apr 4 Jelly Bean 5k

• Apr 11 9th Annual Coon Hill Day 5K Run/Walk Jay, Florida

• Apr 19 Glow Run for Autism Acceptance NAVARRE

RUN, PICKLE BALL, HIKING, SWIM & SURF

• Knead 2 Run - 1 Mile or 5k (Saturday, April 4): A recurring weekly running/walking event held at 5:00 PM at Craft Gourmet Bakery & Cafe, featuring a 1-mile or 5k option, followed by drink discounts.

• Lost Bay Century (Saturday, April 4): A cycling event with multiple distances (30, 48, 75, 100 miles) starting at 6:30 AM from Bagelheads, traversing the bay area.

• Navy Point Park Trail (All Weekend): A popular 4-mile lighted, paved waterfront trail available for running and walking.

• Pensacola Pickles and Wings Fest Experience (All Weekend): Held at Seville Square, this event offers a high-energy pickle eating contest, food trucks, and live entertainment.

• Beach Volleyball (Friday, April 3): Evening games held at Juana's Pagodas or Bruce Beach Park.Weekend Surf Lessons Pensacola Beach / Early spring swells start picking up; check with Innerlight surf shop for clinics.

• Daily Hiking the Loop UWF Main Campus 20+ miles of trails for all skill levels (Nature Trail & West Campus). Best accessed from the Pate Street Trailhead (11969 Pate St.). It’s free to park there, and you can pick up the trail right from the lot.

Follow us on Instagram for even more local finds. This is DISCOVER P’COLA. Be in the know for where to go, local news, events, and things to do. Let’s get to it! If you haven’t already, please…