If you haven’t yet experienced Gallery Night in downtown Pensacola, you’re missing out. That’s because on seven special Friday nights out of the year, our quaint and history downtown district showcases its most vibrant offerings, including live music, art, crafts food and much more.

I experienced my first Pensacola Gallery Night on March 16, the second one held in 2012, and had a wonderful time! The best way I can describe it is as a festive block party with great music, beautiful works of art and exquisite local cuisine, all provided by dozens of local businesses. You can experience it all at your own pace, as you walk down the brick sidewalks of downtown Pensacola, and the route you choose will vary with each visit. Whether you decide to browse artwork created by local artists, sit back with a cold locally brewed beer and enjoy the sounds of a live band or walk through the street and take in the energy of the evening, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

Without a doubt, Gallery Night is the best way to kick off the weekend festivities! So, what are you waiting for, head to downtown Pensacola on May 18 and see what the buzz is all about! The party begins at 5 p.m. Here are other dates to remember for Pensacola Gallery Night through the end of the year:

July 20
September 21
October 19
November 16

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Every thing was perfect on this Easter morning at the beach. Many family's enjoying the day. Come see us - need a room look at our website ThePensacolaBeach.com for specials

April 14-15

The Pensacola JazzFest, now in its 29th year, is a FREE all-jazz festival held in downtown, historic Seville Square. The Jazz Society of Pensacola (JSOP) produces the event with able assistance from a variety of corporate sponsors and individual donors. The 2-day festival, held in early spring each year, celebrates America’s unique musical art form-Jazz. JSOP works all year to present this festival as its annual gift to the community, and we sincerely thank our individual and corporate donors for their essential support.

Some FAQ
How much are tickets for JazzFest?

JazzFest is FREE!

Can I bring my dog to JazzFest?

No, city regulations prohibit dogs in Seville Square. Plus, it just isn’t practical to have your dog in the middle of such a large crowd, no matter how well behaved your pet might be. If you bring your dog, you will be asked to leave.

Will CD’s of the performing artists be available?

Our merchandise tent will offer a wide variety of CD’s by the performing artists, as well as other popular performers who have been at past JazzFests. You can also browse our selection of JazzFest tee-shirts (2010, as well as “vintage” tee-shirts from previous festivals) and other Jazz Society of Pensacola merchandise, including cups, lighted wine-glasses, tote bags, drink cozies, and more. We can accept major credit cards, cash and personal checks with ID.

Is there a plan in case of bad weather?

Because the shows all take place under the Gazebo, if it’s just a little rainy or drizzly, we can carry on, and an umbrella or rain poncho can make it comfortable. However, if the weather is really bad, we move the performances to Seville Quarter (130 E. Government Street) which is just a couple of blocks away from the park. So plan on joining us rain or shine, the show WILL go on!

And don’t underestimate your children’s interest and enjoyment of the music on the main stage! Many children discover a love for music when they hear a live presentation of music when they are young. Turn off the iPods, put away the cell phones, and watch your children get into the music!

Is there seating provided, or should we bring our own chairs?

Yes, and yes! We do provide several hundred portable chairs, but many people opt to bring their own lawn chairs and picnic baskets. There are also a number of park benches available, as well as some seating in the Wine and Beer tent.

Is there an opportunity to meet the headlining artists?

Our headliners are often happy to sign autographs and pose for photos. Usually, they make their way to the merchandise tent after their performances to be available to sign CD’s and meet their fans. There are also a few tables outside of the musician’s hospitality tent where they might be found relaxing, and usually are happy to visit with festival attendees. Access to the Musicians’ Hospitality tent is strictly limited however, to provide our performers an opportunity to relax in privacy. We ask our festival guests to respect the artists when they are not outside and making themselves available.

When is JazzFest 2012?

The 2012 Pensacola JazzFest is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 14 & 15, 2012.

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For more information, visit http://jazzpensacola.com/

Pensacola Beach’s beauty has been discovered.  Book early and online at ThePensacolaBeach.com

Specials online - www.ThePensacolaBeach.com

Before moving to the beautiful Gulf Coast, I knew very little about Mardi Gras, but after attending just a couple of parades, I am forever hooked. From masked characters and beads to handfuls of candy, moonpies and coins (known as doubloons), there’s nothing quite like seeing carnival overtake the city.

A weekend full of free Mardi Gras fun along the Pensacola Bay begins tomorrow (Feb. 17) with the beautiful Downtown Illuminated Parade at 8 p.m., where you will see lighted floats as they make their way down Palafox Place and through historic downtown Pensacola. On Saturday, enjoy the largest and most popular parade in downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Downtown Grand Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. and ends at Seville Quarter for a festive after-party. On Sunday, Feb. 19, head to the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach for the Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. and cruises along Via de Luna Drive. And of course, we can’t forget about Fat Tuesday. After all, Mardi Gras literally means Fat Tuesday, signifying the last day before Lent begins. Celebrate it with revelers of all ages at the Fat Tuesday Priscus Procession – the last parade of the season – on Feb. 21, on Palafox and Government Streets.

However you choose to celebrate this weekend, be sure to grab lots of beads and moonpies and take a big bite out of a king cake, the traditional Mardi Gras food. Remember that whoever finds the tiny plastic baby – representing baby Jesus – baked inside the cake will have good luck this year. Of course, this also means you’re in charge of baking the king cake next year. Enjoy!

Laissez les bon temps rouler

Come see the colors yourself, and get your spot for Marti Gras.  Online specials at Barrons.  Call (850)934-2588

or save online at www.ThePensacolaBeach.com

Colors of the sunrises alone are worth the trip.  Throw in white sand, miles of

national seashores to walk, shopping, historic sites to visit, concerts.  Join us for

Krewe of Wrecks Mardi Gras Parade
Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m.
Rain or Shine
Via de Luna & Avenida 10 to Gulfside Pavilion
Dress Mild or Wild? Weather will determine.
Go to www.ThePensacolaBeach.com
for all the Mardi Gras Events and rentals.