Things to do in Pensacola: MLK Jr. Parade; Gallery Night; Mall Ball; Mardi Gras Flotilla

Seven days out is your guide to entertainment events, concerts, festivals and activities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

MONDAY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Downtown Pensacola, Intersection of Spring and Garden streets. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is returning to Pensacola. This year's theme is "Live the Dream − Achieve Excellence," referring to King's renowned "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington. The famed civil rights activist was the most visible spokesperson and leader of the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. More info: facebook.com/MLKParadePensacola.

Danger Sextet

5:30 p.m., doors; 6:30 p.m., show; Monday, Jan. 15. Monday, Jan 15. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Enjoy music from notable jazz composers such as Horace Silver, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, and others as well as an original composition or two by Roger Villines. $10 for Jazz Pensacola members; $12 for non-members, free for students with ID and military in uniform. Join Jazz Pensacola as a member at this event and admission is free. More info: jazzpensacola.com.

Monday Night Blues

7 p.m. Monday, Jan 15. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida are bringing the “blues” back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District. The event features live blues music and "BBQ and Bud" food and drink specials. More info: 850-434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

Live the dream: Pensacola's Martin Luther King Parade will feature cast of thousands

THURSDAY

Navarre Beach Area Snowbirds Expo & Sock Hop

2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway. Come and rock out at the Snowbirds Sock Hop. In addition to entertainment from a live DJ, organizers will have a costume contest with many prizes to be won. Everyone is invited to come dressed in their favorite 50s gear to sock, hop and roll and learn more about businesses and organizations in the Navarre Beach area. The event will be a great way for snowbirds to meet new neighbors and renew some old memories with friends living in or visiting the Navarre Beach area. More info: getrelaxing.com.

Lost Key Lighted Night Market

5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Villagio, 13700 Perdido Key Drive. Locals and snowbirds can take an evening stroll through Villagio and a Lighted Night Market where each vendor has decorated their tent with unique lights and will have opportunities for attendees to purchase arts & crafts, artisan goods, handmade jewelry, sample local flavors and maybe even catch a performance from a local entertainer or sharing in an experience that only Perdido Key can offer. Scott Koehn, Atlanta native and part of the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, will perform at the event. Free. More info: perdidochamber.com.

FRIDAY

Gallery Night

5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. Downtown Pensacola. Gallery Night Pensacola is a nonprofit organization with a dedicated goal of inspiring culture, engagement and the practice of arts of all types in an entertaining event for all ages and walks of life. These monthly events focus on specific themes, highlight featured artists, and recruit the best creators the area has to offer. This month’s theme is Lunar New Year. More info: gallerynightpensacola.org.

Honey Island Swamp Band

7 p.m., doors; 8 p.m., show; Friday, Jan. 19. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Visit the Dark Side Of The Swamp as the Honey Island Swamp Band performs live in concert playing the music of the legendary rock band, Pink Floyd. Tickets start at $15. More info and ticket purchase: vinylmusichall.com.

Heather McMahan: The Comeback Tour

8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Heather McMahan is an actress, stand-up, and podcaster whose first Netflix special, “Son I Never Had!” debuted in October 2023 at No. 4 and held a top 10 position for seven days. She is currently on the road with “The Comeback Tour,” her second national tour which comes on the heels of her sold-out show at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. Described by The Hollywood Reporter as an “auditory David Sedaris for the millennial set,” McMahan is known for her authenticity and broad humor. She was one of the featured female comedians to perform on “Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Live” (Netflix), earning Fonda’s admiration, and subsequently, hosting Fonda’s star-studded 85th birthday celebratory fundraiser. Tickets start at $39. More info: 850-595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com.

Get in the spirit: Cordova Mall ball taken over by Pensacola Mardi Gras, who has big plans for annual party

SATURDAY

Pensacola Krewe of Jesters Ball

8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Moose Lodge 557, 8851 Davis Highway. The Pensacola Krewe of Jesters are hosting the Jesters Ball at the Moose Lodge 557. More info: pensacolamardigras.com.

Pirates of Lost Treasure Mardi Gras Flotilla Boat Parade

10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Holiday Harbor Marina, 14050 Canal A Way No. 3. Join the Pirates of Lost Treasure for its annual flotilla boat parade. The fleet will depart the Holiday Harbor Marina at 10:45 a.m., passing by the Sunset Grille before heading east down the Intracoastal Waterway. The fleet will continue past the Oyster Bar heading further east past the docks of the State Park before turning around. It will continue west along the docks of the ICW and Galvez Boat Ramp, eventually ending at the Flora-Bama for the victory party. More info: pensacolamardigras.com.

Winter Beer Olympics

Noon Saturday, Jan. 20. Coastal County Brewing, 3041 E. Olive Road. Join Coastal County Brewing Company for the ultimate showdown of beer guzzling champs. The games will feature all the frat house favorites including beer pong, flip cup, drunk Jenga, corn hole, and the Beer Relay Race. While consumption is not required for participation, it is most definitely encouraged. Registration: $25. For ages 21 and older. More info: coastalcountybrewing.com.

Bourbon, Bacon, & Brews

2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. O'Riley's Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. O’Riley’s Irish Pub is bringing back its Bourbon, Bacon, & Brews event. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample select bourbons complemented with optional cigars and bacon. The price to participate is $30 for general admission and $60 for VIP admission. With either ticket level, attendees will receive a special beer, a serving of premium bacon, and a cigar. For ages 21 and older. More info: orileyspub.com.

Kids and Kritters Parade

2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Casino Beach parking lot near the Pensacola Beach Visitor Information Center. The 14th annual Kids and Kritters Parade will begin with a pre-show at 1:30 p.m. featuring the talented troupe from Dancingly Yours. The parade, a walking procession for people and pets, starts at 2 p.m. Grand Marshals are Burma Davis and her horse Jesse, followed by Pensacola Beach’s Krewe of Kids’ Royal Court and krewe members. Parade participants must wear a costume and bring their own Mardi Gras throws. No candy nor paper coupons. There will be prizes for the best costumed pets and the best mini-floats. More info: PensacolaBeachMardiGras.com.

Mystic Order of Revelry Ball

6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. St. Anne Catholic Church, 5200 Saufley Field Road. The Revelers of Mystic Order of Revelry is holding its annual ball. It will feature a cocktail hour, coronation, dinner and a ball. There will be live music by The Six Piece Suit. Tickets start at $75. Attire is formal black tie. More info: pensacolamardigras.com.

Cordova Mall Ball

7 p.m., doors; 8 p.m., event; Saturday, Jan. 20. Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave. Pensacola Mardi Gras and Sacred Heart Foundation have joined forces to expand the Cordova Mall Ball, with a portion of the proceeds continuing to benefit Studer Family Children’s Hospital. Dance the night away to live entertainment from Starz Band Live, Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters, Category 6, and the Blow House Brass Band. There will be performers around every corner and various entertainment throughout the night. Graze along the halls for tastes of Mardi Gras with food samplings from more than 20 area restaurants and specialty cocktails from signature bars. For ages 21 and older. More info: givesacredheart.org/events/cordova-mall-ball.

SUNDAY

Dopapod

7 p.m., doors; 8 p.m., show; Sunday, Jan. 21. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Dopapod accesses a heightened level of cosmic harmony in their music. The quartet of Eli Winderman (keys, vocals), Rob Compa (guitar, vocals), Chuck Jones (bass), and Neal “Fro” Evans (drums) present albums as experiences meant to be shared out of your speakers and on stage. After generating millions of streams, packing shows coast-to-coast, and earning acclaim from Rolling Stone, Guitar World, Glide Magazine, and more, the group architect an immersive and expansive vision on their self-titled seventh full-length offering, Dopapod. The show also features special guests Guavatron. $20. More info: vinylmusichall.com.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Things to do in Pensacola: MLK Jr. Parade; Gallery Night; Mall Ball