March Events in Pensacola
March in Pensacola arrives with a full calendar and very little downtime. From championship hoops and waterfront festivals to kite-filled skies and St. Patrick’s Day traditions, this is the month where spring energy meets Gulf Coast personality.
Where to Stay Near the Action:
Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championship – Mar. 3-9
All 14 Sun Belt teams face off in a single-elimination tournament at the Pensacola Bay Center in downtown Pensacola, with both men’s and women’s championships at stake. Expect high-energy matchups, pep bands, cheer squads, and a weeklong sports celebration.
Event Venue Expo – Mar. 6
The Landing on Pensacola Beach opens its doors for a one-day showcase from 2–8 PM, offering tours of the new event space along with live music, elevated cocktails, and curated vendor experiences. Guests can explore different event setups and imagine future weddings, parties, and celebrations coming to life.
Gulf Coast Whale Festival – Mar. 7
From 9 AM–3 PM at Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach, this educational celebration highlights Gulf marine life, including the rare Rice’s whale. Expect interactive exhibits, a marine life puppet parade, and live music that brings ocean conservation into focus.
Wine on the Water – Mar. 7
Blue Wahoos Stadium hosts this premier food and wine festival overlooking Pensacola Bay from 1–4 PM. Guests can sample fine wines, champagne, craft beer, mocktails, and gourmet tastings while supporting Sacred Heart’s programs for women and children in the community.
Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire – Mar. 7-8
Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola transforms into a time-traveling playground filled with jousting knights, dragons, acrobats, minstrels, and a bustling artisan bazaar. Two full days of themed entertainment, food, and costumed characters make it a lively step back in time.
McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day Prediction 5K Run – Mar. 7
This iconic race winds through downtown Pensacola and draws thousands of runners for America’s largest 5K prediction run. Crossing the finish line is just the beginning, as the celebration continues with live music, festivities, and plenty of Irish cheer at McGuire’s Irish Pub.
Cinemas in the Sand: Elio – Mar. 13
The movie season kicks off at sunset at the Gulfside Pavilion stage on Casino Beach. Bring a blanket and settle in for Elio, Pixar’s cosmic adventure about a young space enthusiast who unexpectedly becomes Earth’s ambassador among alien civilizations.
Kites on the Coast – Mar. 13-15
Casino Beach becomes a sky-high spectacle as professional kite demonstrations, kids’ activities, food trucks, and a lighted night fly fill the weekend. Hosted in support of the Council on Aging of West Florida, this colorful event invites visitors to bring their own kites or purchase one onsite.
Ice Flyers Home Games – Mar. 13, 14, 27, 28
The Pensacola Bay Center keeps the energy going with 7 PM puck drops throughout the month. Expect fast-paced hockey, crowd-favorite traditions, and a lively downtown atmosphere before and after the games.
Pensacola St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Bar Crawl – Mar. 14
Downtown Pensacola turns green as participants hop between top nightlife spots enjoying themed drink specials and festive vibes. It’s a high-energy way to celebrate St. Patrick’s season alongside hundreds of fellow partygoers.
Crawfish & Bluegrass Jamboree – Mar. 15
Odd Colony Brewing Co. in downtown Pensacola hosts this laid-back gathering featuring fresh-boiled crawfish from Cub’s Crawfish alongside live bluegrass music. From noon until sold out, it’s a classic Gulf Coast pairing of seafood, local brews, and toe-tapping tunes.
St. Paddy’s Day Pub Crawl – Mar. 17
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce organizes this island-wide tradition across multiple beach locations, complete with drink specials, live music, and themed stops from breakfast through evening festivities. The celebration wraps up with a grand prize drawing and plenty of beachside Irish spirit.
Books by the Bay Book Festival – Mar. 28
Bayview Park in Pensacola hosts this waterfront literary celebration featuring author signings, free presentations, youth activities, and interactive contests. From poetry slams to children’s readings, it’s a day dedicated to storytelling and imagination for readers of all ages.
Palafox Market – Every Saturday
Downtown comes alive each Saturday morning with fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted art, coffee, and local flavors. Rain or shine, it’s a staple stop for both visitors and locals looking to experience Pensacola’s creative side.
March in Pensacola doesn’t ease into spring – it launches straight into it. With events stretching from downtown to the beach, the only real challenge is deciding what to attend first, so start mapping out your calendar and make the most of a month that refuses to sit still.
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