Pensacola things to do February: Mardi Gras, Pensacon, Valentine's Day and more
February is the shortest month of the year, but it has some of Pensacola's biggest events, with Mardi Gras in full swing and Pensacon happening near the end of the month.
Here's a look at all the fun things to do in Pensacola this month.
Mardi Gras Masquerade Party and King Cake Competition
When: 5 p.m. Feb. 2
Where: Coastal County Brewing Company, 3041 E. Olive Road
Get ready to raise a pint at this year's Mardi Gras Masquerade Party and King Cake Competition at Coastal County Brewing Company. Let the good times roll with plenty of great live music, some pretty epic Mardi Gras-themed beer releases, and Pensacola's very first local king cake competition.
More info: https://fb.me/e/1ccbh4Vvq
Pensacola Ice Flyers — 15th Anniversary Celebration + $5 Night
When: Feb. 2-3, 2024
Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St.
Join the Ice Flyers in celebrating 15 years as a part of the Pensacola community. Fans old and new will be able to purchase $5 tickets (excluding glass) and learn about the rich history of the Ice Flyers.
Navarre Mardi Gras Parade
When: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 3
Where: Navarre Beach
The Krewe of Jesters is hosting the Navarre Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 3. The theme is dancing through the decades. This parade attracts around 30,000 spectators from the surrounding area and features participants from krewes located throughout the Gulf Coast.
More info: https://business.navarrechamber.com/events/details/navarre-beach-mardi-gras-parade-24322
We the Kings, 408 and Hopout at The Handlebar
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 3
Where: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.
We the Kings will headline a show at The Handlebar on Feb. 3 with 408 and Hopout. We The Kings is an American pop-rock band from Bradenton, Florida. Formed in 2005, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Travis Clark, lead guitarist Hunter Thomsen, bassist Drew Thomsen, and drummer Danny Duncan. To date, the band has released seven studio albums. Their music has been featured in several films and television series, including "Glee" and "The Vampire Diaries." Tickets are $28, plus sales tax and fee.
More info: https://fb.me/e/4PfLzRDQH
Mardi Gras Weekend at Perfect Plain
When: Open to close Feb. 9-10
Where: Perfect Plain, 50 E. Garden St.
Head over to Perfect Plain for pre- and post-Mardi Gras parade celebrations. The brewery will host karaoke, DJs and live music all day long.
More info: https://fb.me/e/1Gn1vWoQz
Krewe of Lafitte Illuminated Parade
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9
Where: Downtown Pensacola
What makes this parade special is that, as the name implies, it's hosted at night, allowing the floats to be lit up. Parade floats are already impressive, but they look even cooler when they're completely lit up.
This is a family-friendly event that starts at 7:30 p.m. and goes on for a few hours. You can catch candy, beads, toys, stuffed animals, bouncy balls, local swag and, of course, Moon Pies.
More info: https://www.kreweoflafitte.com/events/2020-krewe-of-lafitte-illuminated-mardi-gras-parade/
Publix Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade
When: 2 p.m. Feb. 10
Where: Garden and Palafox streets, Downtown Pensacola
Join Pensacola Mardi Gras for one of the city's biggest parades of the year. The Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade features local krewes, organizations and companies with more than 6,000 participants and draws in over 100,000 spectators. The parade takes place on Palafox and Garden streets in historic downtown Pensacola. The Parade starts at 2 p.m. and continues until around 6 p.m.
More info: https://pensacolamardigras.com/parade/
Fourth annual Mardi Gras Ball
When: 8 p.m. Feb. 10
Where: Hadji Shrine, 800 W. Nine Mile Road
Indulge in the splendor and excitement of the fourth annual Mardi Gras Ball. Get ready for a night of dazzling charm, vibrant colors and non-stop dancing with music from a live band and DJ. The Pensacola Mardi Gras Ball is a formal event that requires full-length gowns and tuxedos. Tickets start at $60.
More info: Pcolamgball24.eventbrite.com
Krewe of Wrecks Parade
When: 2 p.m. Feb. 11
Where: Pensacola Beach
The Krewe of Wrecks Parade is the last parade of the season, and it's held on Pensacola Beach. This is a smaller parade that first happened in 1980. The parade starts off at Avenida 10 and Via DeLuna, runs west and then disbands at the Gulfside Pavilion in the Casino Beach parking lot. After-parties are aplenty after the parade, where judges will award trophies.
More info: https://kreweofwrecks.com/
The Anti-Valentines Day Market
When: Noon-4 p.m. Feb. 11
Where: The Handlebar, 319 N. Tarragona St.
The Handlebar is hosting an Anti-Valentines Day Market to help celebrate self-love and independence. Browse through the local art, sipping mimosas at The Handlebar to find everything from mixed media, jewelry or the perfect vintage fit. Sauce Boss Burger Co. will be there with their "Love Bites" specials.
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More info: https://fb.me/e/1OzfDdH2Y0
Publix Fat Tuesday Celebration
When: 11 a.m. Feb. 13
Where: Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.
Pensacola Mardi Gras and Seville Quarter are teaming up with Mardi Gras krewes for a French Quarter Fat Tuesday celebration that will include a crawfish boil, cajun food trucks, king cake, beignets, dancing and more.
Things kick off at 11 a.m. with a jazz royalty brunch featuring a special Mardi Gras menu followed by a complete French Quarter takeover of Seville Quarter at 2 p.m. and finally ending with the coronation ceremony of the new king and queen priscus for Mardi Gras 2024.
More info: https://pensacolamardigras.com/fat-tuesday-celebration/
'Till Death Do Us Part: Valentines Day at Emerald Republic Brewing
When: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 14
Where: Emerald Republic Brewing Company, 1414 W. Government St.
Celebrate Valentine's Day at Emerald Republic Brewing Company. Fiore Pensacola is decking the brewery out with special floral arrangements and a photo booth, there are custom crowler labels available, tarot card readings, a custom cocktail menu and more.
More info: https://fb.me/e/3nIB7697N
The Tragedy — Gothic Valentines Ball
When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 14
Where: Court of De Luna, 116 E. Gonzalez St.
This Valentine's Day, Black Heart Events invites you to transcend the ordinary and delve into the hauntingly beautiful world of "The Tragedy," a gothic soiree inspired by the timeless love story of Romeo and Juliet. Guests should come dressed to the theme of Gothic meets Renaissance romance. Think velvet, lace, corsets and capes.
There will be vendors and food trucks in attendance. Tickets start at $30.
Speed Friending: Single Awareness Day Edition
When: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 15
Where: Emerald Republic Brewing, 1414 W. Government St.
Are you burnt out on the dating scene and just want to meet some new people without the burden of swiping, extended chatting or being ghosted? Try Emerald Republic's Speed Friending event. Mix and mingle with other single people (though couples are welcome, too) looking for the same in a low-key atmosphere. Icebreaker questions are provided, tables rotate every seven minutes and sessions are spread out into 45-minute increments.
More info: https://fb.me/e/1EP9Ll7lY
Gallery Night: 'Art and Soul'
When: 5-9 p.m. Feb. 16
Where: Downtown Pensacola
Bring the family downtown for Gallery Night "Art and Soul" on Feb. 16. There will be more than 60 artist vendors, live music, performers, restaurants, food trucks, shopping and more.
More info: https://fb.me/e/c0L6JxSUV
2024 Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 18
Where: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St.
The second annual Pensacola Chocolate and Cheese Fest brings vendors selling unique chocolate and cheese-themed items to Pensacola in February. There are adult beverages like chocolate martinis, contests, a free chocolate and cheese sampling tent, live music, activities for kids and more.
More info: https://fb.me/e/1yxVHv3bp
Pensacon
When: Feb. 23-25, 2024
Where: Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E Gregory St. and throughout downtown Pensacola
Pensacon is Pensacola's all-inclusive pop culture convention that invites fans and celebrities to celebrate fandoms ranging from video games and comic books to wrestling and movies. It was founded in 2013 and held its first event in 2014, which drew around 11,000 fans. In 2021, the event drew in over 30,000. The convention is comprised of panels, cosplay contests, themed runs, workshops and more.
The 2024 event is scheduled for Feb. 23-25. Tickets are on sale now. Three-day passes are $89.99 and VIP tickets are $194.99, plus tax and fees.
More info: https://www.pensacon.com/
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola things to do February: Mardi Gras, Pensacon and more
