October Events in Pensacola
Pensacola knows how to keep the good times rolling into fall. October is packed with food festivals, spooky celebrations, live music, and plenty of Gulf Coast flair. From family outings to ghostly adventures, here’s your guide to the best events happening all month long.
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival – Sept. 30–Oct. 12
This festival brings Grammy-winning and emerging songwriters to stages across Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. Enjoy shows that highlight stories and music of the creators behind some of your favorite songs.
Bands on the Beach – Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28
Bring a lawn chair to the Gulfside Pavilion for live music every Tuesday night from 7–9 PM. Regional artists take the stage with rock, funk, country, and more under the stars.
Festa Italiana – Oct. 10–11
Downtown’s Fountain Park transforms into a lively Italian celebration with authentic food, live music, and cultural fun for the whole family.
Cinemas in the Sand: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – Oct. 10
Casino Beach becomes an outdoor theater at sunset with a showing of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Pack a blanket or beach chair for this free family-friendly movie night.
Taste of the Beach Festival – Oct. 11
Head to the Casino Beach Pavilion from 10 AM–4 PM for a feast featuring signature dishes from 15 Pensacola Beach restaurants. Enjoy live music, cooking demos, kids’ activities, and plenty of local flavor.
Boo at the Zoo – Oct. 11–12, 18–19, 25–26
The Gulf Breeze Zoo gets festive with trick-or-treat trails, bounce houses, and face painting from 10 AM–5 PM. Ride the Safari Express Train and meet ambassador animals for Halloween fun that’s wild in every way.
Beach-O-Ween – Oct. 17
The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk fills with costumes, candy, and games from 4–8 PM. Bring the kids for face painting, contests, and classic boardwalk treats.
UFO’s Haunted Course – Oct. 17–18 & 24–25
If you’re brave enough, venture into the Haunted Course at UFO’s from 8–11 PM. Spooky surprises and paranormal thrills await on Pensacola Beach.
Gallery Night: Ghoul-ery Night – Oct. 17
Downtown Pensacola comes alive from 5–9 PM with themed art, street performers, and local vendors. Ghoul-ery Night adds a Halloween twist to the monthly art and culture celebration.
Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games – Oct. 18 & 25
Hockey season returns at the Pensacola Bay Center with the Ice Flyers’ season opener on Oct. 18. On Oct. 25, grab $5 tickets for an affordable night of fast-paced action.
Barktoberfest – Oct. 18
Seville Square goes to the dogs from 10 AM–4 PM. Expect pet (& people!) costume contests, local vendors, photo ops, and plenty of fun for you and your four-legged friends.
Pensacola Interstate Fair – Oct. 16–26
For ten days, the fairgrounds host over 60 rides, big-name entertainers, exhibits, and every fried treat imaginable. The Interstate Fair is a Pensacola tradition that brings all the thrills of fall together.
Blue Angels Practice – Oct. 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Watch the hometown heroes soar during practice sessions at NAS Pensacola. Gates open at 9:30 AM, and the show begins at 10:30 AM—arrive early for the best views.
Palafox Halloween Market – Oct. 25
Shop local vendors at MLK Jr. Plaza and Plaza Ferdinand from 9 AM–2 PM. Hop aboard the free haunted trolley running between both markets starting at 10:30 AM.
BrunchFest – Oct. 26
Seville Quarter hosts the 5th Annual BrunchFest from 11 AM–2 PM, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. Sample brunch bites from local favorites while supporting a great cause.
Halloween Bar Crawl – Oct. 31–Nov. 1
Downtown turns into a costume party with spooky cocktails and themed stops from 4 PM–12 AM. Join for one night or keep the crawl going for both—it’s a Halloween bash made for the bold.
October in Pensacola blends spooky, savory, and downright spectacular fun. From beachfront movie nights to haunted houses and fairs that light up the skyline, the month is packed with ways to make memories. Mark your calendar, pick your favorites, and enjoy fall Gulf Coast style.
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