Best Upcoming New Year Events in Pensacola
The new year in Pensacola is not a slow season. January and February bring some of the city’s biggest events, drawing visitors, filling hotels, and creating real momentum downtown and along the beach.
If you are planning a trip, hosting guests, or deciding what to do locally, this guide breaks down the top upcoming events in Pensacola for early 2026 and how to plan around them.
Pensacola Mardi Gras
January through February 2026
Mardi Gras season in Pensacola runs from January through February and is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Downtown Pensacola transforms with parades, walking celebrations, balls, krewes, and Mardi Gras royalty.
Pensacola Mardi Gras is known for being walkable, family friendly, and easy to plan, while still delivering the beads, pageantry, and tradition people expect. Events build throughout the season and peak during the main parade weekends in February.
If you are visiting during Mardi Gras season, it is one of the best times to book experiences early, especially sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and on-the-water activities before and after parade days.
Official season information is available through Pensacola Mardi Gras
👉 Planning tip: Parade days book fast. Lock in tours and activities ahead of time so your trip is not built around last-minute availability.
MLK Day Parade
January 19, 2026
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Pensacola is a long standing community tradition honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Marching bands, community organizations, and local leaders come together for one of the most meaningful winter events in the city. It is also a popular weekend for visitors looking for a mix of culture, history, and coastal downtime.
If you are in town for MLK weekend, pairing the parade with a dolphin cruise, boat tour, or waterfront activity makes it a full Pensacola experience.
Official parade details
https://www.mlkparadepensacola.com/
Panini Senior Bowl
January 31, 2026
The Panini Senior Bowl is held in Mobile, Alabama, but it still has a real impact on travel plans across the Gulf Coast, including Pensacola.
Senior Bowl week draws college football fans, scouts, media, and families to the region. Many visitors choose to stay along the beaches or extend their trip beyond game day, especially those looking for warmer weather, coastal activities, and things to do outside of football.
For travelers using Pensacola as a home base or adding beach days to their Senior Bowl trip, this weekend creates increased demand for dolphin cruises, boat tours, and on the water experiences before and after the game.
If you are attending the Senior Bowl or traveling to the Gulf Coast that weekend, planning activities in advance helps lock in availability during a busy travel window.
Official game and event information is available at Senior Bowl
https://www.seniorbowl.com/
👉 Planning tip: Many visitors pair Senior Bowl weekend with a Pensacola stay. Booking experiences ahead of time ensures better time slots and less last minute scrambling.
Double Bridge Run
February 7, 2026
The Double Bridge Run is one of Pensacola’s most iconic sporting events and a bucket list race for runners across the region.
Thousands of runners cross both the Pensacola Bay Bridge and the Garcon Point Bridge, creating a one of a kind scenic race experience. Friends and family often turn the weekend into a full getaway.
Even if you are not running, the city sees increased visitors, making it a great time to explore Pensacola Beach, book a boat cruise, or enjoy a slower paced experience after race morning.
Race details
https://www.pensacolasports.org/double-bridge-run/
Pensacon
February 20 to 22, 2026
Pensacon is Pensacola’s premier pop culture convention, drawing fans of comics, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and cosplay from across the Southeast.
Celebrity guests, panels, vendors, cosplay contests, and downtown events fill multiple venues throughout the weekend. It is consistently one of the largest conventions in Northwest Florida.
Pensacon weekends pair well with unique local experiences, giving visitors something memorable to do outside convention hours. Be sure to lock in a hotel stay ahead of time!
Full event details from Pensacon
https://www.pensacon.com/
👉 Planning tip: Check out Lily Hall in downtown Pensacola for a cool Pensacon stay!
Stay Ahead of What’s Coming Next
This guide covers the biggest upcoming events, but Pensacola always has more happening than most visitors realize.
New guides, booking opportunities, and event breakdowns are released weekly.
👉 Sign up for the Must Do Pensacola newsletter to stay ahead of events, booking windows, and seasonal experiences.
Save this guide, share it with your travel group, and start planning early.
