Things to Do in Pensacola in August 2026
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August is bringing a full lineup of concerts, waterfront events, outdoor movies, historic ships and major sporting events to Pensacola.
The month begins with Bushwacker celebrations on Pensacola Beach and continues with a rare Tall Ship visit, Alabama in concert, Gallery Night, Island Fights 100 and the only scheduled Blue Angels practice of August.
Here are seven Pensacola events worth adding to your calendar.
Celebrate Bushwacker Fest on Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach begins the month by celebrating one of its most famous frozen drinks.
Bushwacker Fest runs from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2 at the Sandshaker, known as the home of the original Bushwacker. The weekend includes live music each day, limited edition Bushwacker cups and fundraising for cystic fibrosis awareness.
Friday’s lineup includes Brandon Sandefur and Count the Years. Paul Killough, Beach DOGZ and BUZZCUTT perform Saturday, followed by Paul Killough and Vinyl Revival on Sunday.
The Bushwacker 5K also takes place Saturday morning, followed by a post race celebration at Bamboo Willie’s.
Dates: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2
Location: Sandshaker, Pensacola Beach
See the complete Bushwacker weekend guide
Step Aboard the Historic Tall Ship ELISSA
One of the oldest actively sailing ships in the world is making a rare stop in downtown Pensacola.
The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA will be docked at Palafox Pier from August 7 through 9. Free self guided deck tours will be available Friday from 9 AM to noon and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Visitors can meet members of the crew and explore the craftsmanship and maritime history of the square rigged iron barque. ELISSA is the Official Tall Ship of Texas, a National Historic Landmark and one of only three vessels of its kind that still actively sails.
A paid day sail is scheduled Friday from 2 to 6 PM, followed by a Salute to Sunset party aboard the ship Saturday from 7 to 9 PM.
Dates: Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9
Location: Palafox Pier, downtown Pensacola
Deck tours: Free
See the complete ELISSA schedule and reservations
Watch a Free Movie on Pensacola Beach
Cinemas in the Sand returns to Casino Beach Friday, August 14 with a free outdoor showing of Goat.
The family friendly movie begins at sunset from the Gulfside Pavilion stage. Guests should bring beach chairs or blankets and find a spot in the sand before the movie begins.
The animated film follows an underestimated farm goat determined to prove that he can become a hero.
Date: Friday, August 14
Time: Sunset
Location: Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach
Admission: Free
See the complete Cinemas in the Sand schedule
See Alabama at the Pensacola Bay Center
Country music group Alabama performs at the Pensacola Bay Center Saturday, August 15.
The band is known for a catalog that includes dozens of number one singles and more than 80 million albums sold. Special guest Exile will join Alabama for the Pensacola performance.
Doors open at 6 PM, followed by the concert at 7 PM. Tickets currently start at $36.50.
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 7 PM
Location: Pensacola Bay Center
See Alabama concert details and tickets
See Classic Cars at Gallery Night
Gallery Night Pensacola returns Friday, August 21 with the Rusty Knuckle Torque Club Car Show.
Downtown Pensacola will be filled with classic cars, custom vehicles, local artists, vendors, food and live performances. The monthly street festival regularly includes more than 70 art vendors throughout the event area.
The event runs from 5 to 9 PM and is free to attend.
Date: Friday, August 21
Time: 5 to 9 PM
Location: Downtown Pensacola
Admission: Free
See the 2026 Gallery Night schedule
Watch Island Fights Celebrate Its 100th Event
Island Fights reaches a major milestone Saturday, August 22 with Island Fights 100 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Pensacola based promotion brings mixed martial arts and combat sports competition to the arena for its 100th event. The action begins at 6:30 PM.
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Pensacola Bay Center
Watch the Blue Angels Practice at NAS Pensacola
The Blue Angels have one official practice currently scheduled during August.
The team will practice over NAS Pensacola Wednesday, August 26 beginning at approximately 10:30 AM. Practices generally last around 45 minutes, and admission to the National Naval Aviation Museum viewing area is free.
Because the August 26 date is marked as an autograph session day, members of the Blue Angels are also expected to visit the museum following the practice to meet fans and sign autographs.
Visitors should enter NAS Pensacola through the West Gate on Blue Angel Parkway. Adults should review current base identification requirements before arriving.
Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: Approximately 10:30 AM
Location: National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola
Admission: Free
See the complete Blue Angels practice guide
Plan Your August in Pensacola
August offers something for nearly every kind of weekend.
Start the month with Bushwacker Fest, tour a historic sailing ship downtown, watch a movie from the sand, see Alabama live and finish the month with classic cars, live fighting and a Blue Angels practice.
Event schedules can change, particularly for outdoor activities and military practices, so confirm the latest information before leaving home.
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