Things to do in Pensacola: Polar Bear Dipping; 12th Night Celebration kicks off Mardi Gras
Seven days out is your guide to entertainment events, concerts, festivals and activities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
MONDAY
First City Lights Festival
Wednesday, Nov. 8 through Saturday, Jan. 13. Downtown Pensacola. The Downtown Improvement Board hosts its annual holiday lighting ceremony First City Lights Festival. Throughout the holiday season attendees will experience music, shopping, food, art and nightlife under a canopy of white lights illuminating downtown Pensacola. More info: downtownpensacola.com.
Flora-Bama Polar Bear Dip
Noon Monday, Jan. 1. Flora-Bama Lounge & Package, 17401 Perdido Key Drive. After celebrating New Year’s Eve at the Flora-Bama there’s only one way to start the new year, by taking a plunge into the Gulf of Mexico with a few thousand friends. Flora-Bama’s Polar Bear Dip is the event of New Year’s Day around the Gulf Coast. Groups and families gather in costume, swimsuits and some even in wet suits to feel the brisk salt water on their face. Those who fully submerge will receive a free draft beer and free New Year’s lunch. More info: 850-492-0611 or florabama.com.
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Navarre Beach Pier Plunge
Noon Monday, Jan. 1. Navarre Beach, 8579 Gulf Blvd. Ring in the New Year by plunging into the Gulf of Mexico. After the plunge enjoy live music at the afterparty hosted at Windjammers on the pier. A portion of profits from T-shirt sales will be donated to the Navarre Centennial Celebration Fund. Admission is free. More info: getrelaxing.com.
Polar Bear Plunge
Noon, registration; 2 p.m., plunge; Monday, Jan. 1. Paradise Bar & Grill, 21 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach. Wash off 2023 with a dip into the Santa Rosa Sound at the annual Polar Bear Plunge. Hundreds of dippers and spectators – many dressed in costume – flock to the beach to participate in this long-established tradition. All proceeds go to the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce to fund events on the island. More info: pensacolabeachchamber.com.
Monday Night Blues
7 p.m. Monday, Jan 1. 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.
THURSDAY
A Celebration of Truffles & Piedmont Wines
6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6. Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano, 101 E. Intendencia St. Once again, Angelena’s is offering a special dinner celebrating truffles in the main dining room. Savor the last of the season’s truffles and the best wines of the Piedmont region with Chef James Briscione and wine director, Brooke Parkhurst. Michael Fix, of Winebow Fine Wine & Spirits, will share his extensive knowledge of Piemontese wines. $250 per person. Reservations are required. More info: greatsouthernrestaurants.com.
FRIDAY
Krewe of Priscus Mardi Gras Ball
7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5. Court of De Luna Event Space, 116 E. Gonzalez St. Get ready to let loose and celebrate Mardi Gras in true Krewe of Priscus style with live music by the Molly Ringwalds, '80s prom vibes and an electric atmosphere. The ball will feature an open bar, delicious eats, entertainment and the Mardi Gras spirit all night long. All proceeds benefit Council on Aging and Guardian ad Litem. More info: kreweofpriscus.com.
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SATURDAY
Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon & 10k
7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Casino Beach Pavilion, Pensacola Beach. The Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon is open to both runners and walkers and takes participants along this city’s scenic waterfront along paved roads between the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound. The race starts and finishes in the Casino Beach Parking Lot. An afterparty will take place at The Sandshaker following the race. More info: pensacolarunners.com.
Pensacola Mardi Gras 12th Night Celebration
5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Celebrate the beginning of Mardi Gras at the 2023 12th Night Party featuring live music, food, drink and revelry in the city’s largest street party. The official kick-off will begin inside Seville where a second line processional will take place after the ceremony introducing everyone. After the introductions, it will be time to line up behind the band and take to the streets, where the Mardi Gras Floats and Krewes will be blessed. More info: pensacolamardigras.com.
Black Jacket Symphony Presents Journey's Escape
8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Journey’s iconic album "Escape" live in its entirety — note for note, sound for sound — plus a full set of Journey’s greatest hits. Over the past 10 years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the U.S. Tickets start at $27. More info: 850-595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com.
SUNDAY
Coastal Weddings Expo
11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 7. Pensacola Bay Center, 201 E. Gregory St. The 21st annual Coastal Weddings Expo is a time for all Emerald Coast brides to connect with venues, photographers and over 100 local vendors all in one place. The expo will feature grand prizes and giveaways. Tickets start at $5. More info: 850-432-0800.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Things to do in Pensacola: Polar Bear Dip; 12th Night Celebration
