Construction is officially underway on Palafox Street as part of the City of Pensacola’s Reimagine Palafox project, a long-term effort to redesign downtown’s main corridor into a safer, more walkable, and more event-ready street.

With work expected to continue in phases, many locals and visitors are searching for clear answers about what’s changing, what’s still open, and how downtown events will operate during construction.

Here’s what to know.

What Is the Reimagine Palafox Project?

The Reimagine Palafox project is a city-led redesign of Palafox Street aimed at improving daily use and large-scale event functionality in downtown Pensacola.

Planned improvements include:

Wider sidewalks and improved pedestrian crossings
Updated drainage and underground utilities
Enhanced landscaping and lighting
A street layout better suited for festivals, markets, and parades

The long-term goal is to make downtown Pensacola easier to navigate, safer for pedestrians, and better equipped to host major community events.

How Long Will Palafox Street Construction Last?

Construction on Palafox Street is happening in phases, rather than shutting down the entire corridor at once. This phased approach allows downtown restaurants, bars, shops, and event organizers to continue operating while work progresses block by block.

Because of the phased schedule:

Active construction areas will change over time
Sidewalk access and traffic patterns may shift
Parking options may vary by block

Visitors heading downtown are encouraged to allow extra time and follow posted signage, especially during event weekends.

Gallery Night Continues During Palafox Construction

Construction is changing streets, not the community.

While Palafox Street is under construction, Gallery Night Pensacola will continue every third Friday of the monthwith a modified footprint.

During construction, Gallery Night activity will be centered around:

Plaza Ferdinand
Government Street
Zaragoza Street
Surrounding downtown blocks

Gallery Night has not been canceled. Event organizers have adjusted the layout to ensure artists, vendors, performers, and local businesses can continue participating while construction progresses.

Attendees should expect:

Slightly adjusted walking routes
Vendor clusters spread across nearby streets and plazas
The same live music, art, and community atmosphere

Updated event maps are typically shared ahead of each Gallery Night to help visitors plan their evening.

How Downtown Parade Routes Are Being Adjusted

Downtown parades, including seasonal and Mardi Gras events, will also continue during construction with temporary route adjustments.

Rather than canceling events, organizers are:

Rerouting parades around active construction zones
Utilizing nearby downtown streets to maintain crowd flow
Publishing updated route maps before each event

Anyone attending a downtown parade this season should check the most recent route information before heading downtown.

Palafox Market Remains Open Throughout Construction

Despite nearby construction, the Palafox Market remains fully operational.

The market continues every Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at:

MLK Jr. Plaza
Plaza Ferdinand

To make access easier during construction:

A free trolley runs between both market locations
Pick-up and drop-off includes the free Commendencia Street parking lot
Trolley service operates from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm

More than 200 local vendors continue to participate each week, and the overall market experience remains largely unchanged.

What This Means for Downtown Businesses

Local business owners have raised concerns about visibility and access during construction, but city officials say the phased approach is designed to keep downtown active and accessible.

The key takeaways:

Downtown businesses are open
Events are continuing
Access is being maintained throughout construction

Visitors are encouraged to continue supporting local restaurants, bars, shops, and vendors during the project.

Why Reimagine Palafox Matters Long Term

Once completed, the Reimagine Palafox project is expected to:

Improve pedestrian safety
Make downtown events easier to host and navigate
Enhance the overall look and function of Palafox Street
Support long-term growth for downtown Pensacola

While construction brings temporary changes, the long-term goal is a more vibrant and accessible downtown.

Staying Updated on Palafox Construction

Because construction phases and event layouts can change, staying informed is important for anyone planning to spend time downtown.

Must Do Pensacola will continue sharing:

Event updates and layout changes
Parade route adjustments
Parking and access tips during construction

Reimagine Palafox: What to Know About Downtown Pensacola Construction, Events, and Access