This weekend, Pensacola serves up a beachside Bloody Mary showdown, the farmers market voted the best in Florida, and a forest cleanup spanning more than 200,000 acres.
Whether you’re shopping local at a downtown market, catching a free movie under the stars, giving back in the great outdoors, or dancing the night away at a krewe ball, this is a weekend that celebrates community, culture, and everything that makes the Gulf Coast special.
Here’s the top 10 for the weekend.
One of Pensacola’s signature Fiesta of Five Flags traditions rolls through the heart of downtown with dozens of local krewes, beads, moonpies, and a special appearance from DeLuna and his court. A festive way to kick off the weekend.
- Date: Friday, May 29
- Time: 7:00pm
- Location: Downtown Pensacola
The beloved free concert series wraps up its season on the church lawn with live music in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. Bring a chair, settle in, and enjoy the evening — concessions are available, or pack your own food and drinks.
- Date: Thursday, May 28
- Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm
- Location: St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3200 N 12th Ave
Coastal County Brewing turns into a hophead’s paradise for a weekend-long tap takeover featuring everything from juicy, fruit-forward East Coast styles to resinous American classics. Great beer, great food, and laid-back beer-garden vibes for connoisseurs and casual fans alike.
- Date: Friday, May 29 11:00am – Sunday, May 31 9:00pm
- Time: See brewery for daily hours
- Location: Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E Olive Rd
BLACKWATER FOREST LITTER SWEEP
One forest, many hands. The Bloom Project is organizing a dispersed cleanup across Blackwater River State Forest — instead of gathering in one spot, volunteers spread out across 200,000+ acres to see how much they can clean in a single day. Pick a trail, roadside pull-off, or access point and clean as you explore. Bring a trash bag, gloves, and water.
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 7:00am–7:00pm
- Location: Anywhere in Blackwater River State Forest (no set meeting place)
A weekend at Bon Beans just got better. Grab a coffee, shop a barista-hosted thrift pop-up, browse local vendors, and spend an easy morning with the crew. The perfect low-key way to start your Saturday or Sunday.
- Dates: Saturday–Sunday, May 30–31
- Time: 9:00am–2:00pm
- Location: Bon Beans Coffee, 875 E Nine Mile Rd
Now in its sixth year, this dynamic two-part festival celebrates the diverse cultures and creative voices of the Gulf Coast with live music, art, dance, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. Stick around after dark for the #FilmsForTheCulture Short Film Fest. Free and open to all.
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 10:00am–6:00pm (Film Fest at 8:00pm)
- Location: Seville Square, Downtown Pensacola
HANCOCK WHITNEY MOVIES IN THE PARK
The free summer movie series kicks off with pre-show activities and a family favorite — The SpongeBob Movie — on the big screen under the stars. Bring blankets and chairs, grab a snack, and settle in for a perfect summer evening.
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 6:00pm-9:30pm
- Location: Hunter Amphitheater, Community Maritime Park
The 3rd Annual Bloody Mary Festival heads to the beach this year, partnering with Bamboo Willie’s for a day of tastings from the area’s hottest bars and restaurants. Competitors battle for cash and trophies while a panel of judges scores on presentation and taste — but you decide People’s Choice. Expect vendors, live entertainment, and beachside vibes, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Pensacola Beach Elementary School.
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 12:00pm–4:00pm
- Location: Bamboo Willie’s, 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Gulf Breeze
Cap off the weekend with a high-energy night of music and dancing courtesy of the PaperChase party band, hosted by one of Pensacola’s most popular Mardi Gras krewes. A festive evening of good vibes and community celebration.
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 7:00pm–11:00pm
- Location: Pensacola Bay Center
Florida Power & Light hosts its 2nd Annual Touch-a-Truck Hurricane Expo, a free, family-friendly event packed with hands-on experiences and emergency preparedness resources. Explore emergency vehicles from local law enforcement and first responders, step inside a hurricane simulator to feel storm-force winds, and check out FPL’s Mobile Command Center and live pole demonstration. Plus face painting, games, giveaways, free food, and Kona Ice. A Sensory Hour from 9–10 a.m. offers a quieter experience for children with special needs.
- Date: Saturday, May 30
- Time: 9:00am–1:00pm (Sensory Hour 9:00am–10:00am)
- Location: FPL Bayfront Office, Downtown Pensacola
Local Pulse Top 10 Delivered by The Dog House
Here’s to the freakin’ weekend!
Downtown Pensacola has one stacked agenda coming our way, and dog house is here to fuel the party.
Whether you’re hitting up Fridays Grand Fiesta Parade, strolling through Saturday’s Palafox Market, or getting your month’s worth of vitamins at the Bloody Mary Festival, make sure to start your adventure with us.
