DISCOVER🦞P’COLA

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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.

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Morning P’Cola!

Whether you're looking for beach vibes, minor league baseball, or local festivals, Pensacola has a packed schedule for the week of April 17th.

Aside from Sunday being a bit of a damp day, it’s going to be a "windows down, radio up" kind of week.

With the Crawfish Fest and a movie night happenin' at the same time, that parking lot by the Beach Ball is gonna fill up faster than a rain barrel in a summer downpour. If you aren't there by noon, you might be circlin' for a while, so come early and stay late!

See ya out there.

COMMUNITY & COUNTY NEWS

Operation Green Light: April 17th is the last day for Florida Court Clerks to help residents with suspended licenses. Most counties, including Escambia, are offering "Operation Green Light" events where people can pay overdue court obligations and save on collection fees to get their driving privileges back.

The Big Tree Giveaway: Don’t forget, this Saturday (April 18) is the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at Bayview Park from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can pick up a free tree to shade your yard—first come, first served!

East Hill Makers Market: Keep your Tuesday (April 21) clear for the Spring Makers Market in East Hill. It’s a lovely way to support our local artists and get some fresh air.

The "Sky Jockeys" Take Flight: Our beloved Blue Wahoos have been playin' under their new aviation-themed alternate identity, the Pensacola Sky Jockeys. They hit a bit of a rough patch with an 8–0 loss to Knoxville yesterday, but they’re lookin' to find their wings again this weekend.

A Grand Send-off: After 52 years behind the wheel, local legend Willie Carter Jr. of ECAT (our bus system) officially retired this week. Folks are linin' up to thank him for more than half a century of keepin' this city movin'! Thank you Willie!

MARCH FORECAST  

The week begins with sunny conditions tomorrow, followed by cloudy skies on Saturday, and light rain on Sunday. Looking ahead to next week, mostly cloudy to sunny conditions will prevail with daily high temperatures consistently reaching 73°F to 75°F. Overall, a Florida Sunshine week with just about perfect temps.

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THIS WEEK in P’COLA

Friday, April 17

• Gallery Night: Downtown Pensacola (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM). The theme is "Vintage Vibes & Valor" in honor of Pensacola Navy Days. 

  

• Minor League Baseball: Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium (6:05 PM).

• Live Music: Drivin' N' Cryin' at Vinyl Music Hall (8:00 PM).

• Cinemas in the Sand: Outdoor movie night at Pensacola Beach featuring The Paper Bear. Located at the Gulfside Pavilion (Sunset).

  

Saturday, April 18

• Minor League Baseball: Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium (6:05 PM).

•  Brandon Lake at the Pensacola Bay Center (7:00 PM).

• The Happy Fits at Vinyl Music Hall (8:00 PM).

• Exhibition: Show Me Reptiles – Reptile Show at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

Sunday, April 19

• Minor League Baseball: Pensacola Blue Wahoos vs. Knoxville Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium (4:05 PM).

• Show Me Reptiles – Reptile Show (Day 2) at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds.

  

Monday, April 20

• Local Government: Agenda Conference at City Hall (3:30 PM).

• Live Music: Panchiko at Vinyl Music Hall (8:00 PM).

Tuesday, April 21

• Bands on the Beach: Free outdoor concert featuring Smoke Stak at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM).

  

• Festival: Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival (Day 1) at the Boardwalk/Bamboo Willie's.

  

• Sports: The Blue Wahoos head out of town to play the Montgomery Biscuits.

Wednesday, April 22

• Festival: Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival (Day 2). Enjoy fresh boiled mudbugs and live music on the beach.

• Weekly Fun: Pub Trivia at O'Riley's Irish Pub (8:00 PM).

Thursday, April 23

• Festival: Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival (Final Day).

• Civic: City Council Regular Meeting at City Hall (5:30 PM).

• Entertainment: The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute at the Saenger Theatre (7:30 PM).

CIVIL PARK & BUSINESS NEWS

CITY EVENTS - CALENDAR

New Store & Restaurant Openings

• Fitology Life Pensacola / Grand Opening Event: Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 21 N New Warrington Rd.

  Fitology integrates a premier gym with functional medicine and a full recovery suite. It includes an IV Drip Bar, AI-based equipment tracking, a hyperbaric chamber, and an on-site cafe. Group studio classes such as Reformer Pilates, Barre, and Yoga. Founding memberships are currently being offered starting at $75/month

• Insomnia Cookies (Downtown): Opening their first Pensacola location on Garden Street on April 11, if you get a late-night hankerin’ for a warm cookie, they’re delivering until the wee hours of the morning.

• ALDI (9th Avenue): If you haven't been yet, the new ALDI on 9th Avenue just opened its doors recently too. It’s been busier than a one-armed paper hanger over there!

• ITSA Cookie: Another sweet spot that’s been making waves this week. They’re combining local music vibes with gourmet treats—right up on the pulse of downtown.

• Perfect Plain’s New Brew: For the folks who like a cold one, Perfect Plain Brewing just launched a new Amber Lager this week in collaboration with the city.

PENSACOLA REAL ESTATE

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is busier than a beehive in clover right now. They’ve got exciting news! Hancock Meadows, a new Habitat neighborhood, broke ground recently. We’re talkin’ 33 beautifully crafted homes with 2 to 4 bedroom floor plans. These aren't your basic builds—they’re comin’ with attached garages, 9-foot ceilings, luxury vinyl plank floors, and even a tree in every front yard. Hancock Meadows is tucked away in a peaceful spot less than 10 minutes from Baptist and Ascension Sacred Heart hospitals. There’s even a community park in the works thanks to a partnership with Pen Air Credit Union.

Here’s why Pensacola Habitat homes stay so affordable for our Pensacola community

1- The biggest "blessing" in a Habitat deal is often the mortgage itself. While big banks might be chargin’ you an arm and a leg in interest, Habitat frequently provides 0% or very low-interest mortgages. Over 30 years, that keeps thousands upon thousands of dollars in your pocket instead of the bank’s.

2- Instead of asking for a down payment, they ask for your time. Homebuyers put in hours of "Sweat Equity." * You may be out there swingin' a hammer on your own house (and your neighbors' houses, too!). You might spend time volunteering at the ReStore on 9th Avenue. This keeps the cost of labor down and ensures you know every nail and board in that house before you move in.

The Community Land Trust -This is a fancy way of sayin' they "split the bill." Through the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust, you buy the house, but the Trust keeps ownership of the land beneath it. By taking the cost of the land off the sticker price, the home becomes much cheaper to buy. You get a 99-year lease on the yard, so it’s yours to enjoy, but it keeps the home affordable for the next person down the road, too.

When you see a Habitat house goingup, you’re lookin' at a labor of love. Much of the work is done by volunteers who aren't drawing a paycheck, and many of the materials are donated by local businesses or bought at a discount through the ReStore. Unlike a regular developer, Habitat is a non-profit. They sell the home for what it cost them to build it—not a penny more. They aren't tryin' to get rich; they're just tryin' to get you home.

If you're interested in learning more, give me a call. We start by creating an application account. Since Hancock Meadows is expected to be in high demand, adding your name on that early-interest list is a smart move.

Haiden Shemer / Lokation Real Estate / 850.533.2914

APRIL’S EVENTS

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

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

• PENSACOLA ARTS MARKET 

  

April 19

• 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 Flora bama Lounge

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

• 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 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

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

• Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Double-A Baseball)

  • April 14–18, 19

  • April 28–30

RUNNING & TRAIL EVENTS (RUN)

• MONDAYS MONDAY DOG RUN

• THURSDAYS FLEET FEET

• Apr 19 Glow Run for Autism Acceptance NAVARRE

RUN, PICKLE BALL, HIKING, SWIM & SURF

• Emerald Coast Volleyball Week: Wednesday, April 22, the legendary Fudpucker 4-Player beach volleyball tournament kicks off. It’s one of the biggest beach volleyball parties on the coast!

• Emerald Coast Cup (a massive youth tournament) is gearin' up for the following weekend (April 25–26) in nearby Destin/Fort Walton if you have kids in the league.

• Portside Pickle Spring Moneyball Tournament: If you’ve got a competitive streak, get down to Portside Pickle (740 Commendencia Street) on April 25–26. While the matches start next weekend, registration actually closes this Sunday, April 19. If you want to play for that cash prize, you’d best get your name on the list now!

• 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.

• If you're lookin' for a casual game of soccer or pickleball, the Vickrey Resource Center and Bayview Park usually have folks out playin' pickup games most weekday evenings when the weather is this nice.

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