Things to Do in Pensacola in November 2026: Festivals, Blue Angels, Holiday Events and More

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November is one of the best times of the year to explore Pensacola!

The weather is getting cooler, downtown is filling up with festivals, the Blue Angels are preparing for their final performances of the season, and Christmas celebrations are beginning to take over the city.

From the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival and Foo Foo Festival to the Frank Brown Songwriters Festival, Pensacola EggFest and Winterfest, November brings some of the biggest events of the year to the Gulf Coast.

There's also a rare opportunity to see the historic SS United States before it's scheduled to become the world's largest artificial reef.

Whether you're looking for things to do with the family, a date night, free festivals or something special for Thanksgiving weekend, we've rounded up the best events and experiences happening around Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and nearby areas in November 2026.

Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow

November 6–7, 2026

NAS Pensacola

One of Pensacola's most anticipated annual events takes place during the first weekend of November.

The Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow marks the grand finale of the team's 2026 season, bringing two days of aerial performances to Naval Air Station Pensacola.

This year's event is especially significant as NAS Pensacola celebrates its 200th anniversary.

The airshow features military and civilian aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food vendors and activities throughout the day.

Gates open at 8 AM on Friday and Saturday, with airshow performances beginning around 9:30 AM. The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly at approximately 2 PM.

General admission and parking are free, although upgraded seating is available for purchase.

Watch the Blue Angels From a Boat

For an unforgettable way to experience Homecoming weekend, consider watching the Blue Angels from the water.

Local boat operators offer airshow cruises that turn the experience into a day on Pensacola's beautiful waterways, providing an alternative to spending the entire day at the base.

These cruises are an especially appealing option for couples, families and visitors looking for a memorable experience during their Pensacola getaway.

Explore Blue Angels Homecoming Boat Cruises and Book Your Spot

If you're planning to attend the show on base, our full guide covers everything you need to know about parking, security, performers, viewing areas and the daily schedule.

Read Our Complete Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow Guide

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

November 6–8, 2026

Seville Square | Downtown Pensacola

The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival transforms historic Seville Square into one of the Southeast's most impressive outdoor art shows.

More than 200 artists from across the country will showcase their work, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, photography and other original creations.

Visitors can explore the artist booths, enjoy live music, watch traditional craft demonstrations and sample food from local vendors.

Families will also find plenty to do at the Children's Arts Festival, which features hands-on activities and opportunities for kids to make their own creations.

The festival is free to attend.

Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Friday and Saturday, and 9 AM to 4 PM Sunday.

If you're looking for a relaxing way to spend a fall day in Pensacola, this is one of the best weekends of the year to explore downtown.

See Our Complete Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Guide

Foo Foo Festival

October 29 – November 9, 2026

Various Locations Throughout Pensacola

Pensacola's annual celebration of arts and culture continues through the first week of November.

Foo Foo Festival brings together performances, exhibitions, concerts, creative installations and cultural experiences at venues throughout the city.

The festival features a wide variety of events, from theater and classical music to contemporary art, interactive experiences and community performances.

Participating organizations include some of Pensacola's best-known arts institutions, along with independent artists and creative groups.

One of the things that makes Foo Foo Festival unique is its variety. You can spend one evening enjoying a live musical performance and the next exploring an art exhibition or an interactive installation.

Some events are free, while others require tickets.

Explore Foo Foo Festival Events

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

November 5–15, 2026

Perdido Key, Orange Beach and the Gulf Coast

If you love live music, the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival deserves a spot on your November calendar.

The 42nd annual festival brings more than 200 songwriters to venues throughout the Gulf Coast for over 600 performances.

Unlike a traditional concert, many of these performances give audiences the opportunity to hear directly from the people who wrote the songs.

Songwriters share the stories behind their music, explain their inspiration and perform in smaller, more intimate settings.

Venues include the legendary Flora-Bama and numerous restaurants, bars and entertainment spots throughout Perdido Key, Orange Beach and neighboring communities.

Many performances are free, making it easy to enjoy several shows throughout the festival.

Whether you're a country music fan or simply enjoy discovering new artists, this is a great opportunity to experience live music in a completely different setting.

See Our Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Guide

Pensacola Greek Festival

November 6–8, 2026

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church | 1720 W. Garden Street

The Pensacola Greek Festival is another popular local tradition happening during the first weekend of November.

The three-day celebration brings authentic Greek food, traditional dancing, live music and cultural experiences to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Visitors can sample favorites like gyros, spanakopita, moussaka, roast lamb and freshly made Greek pastries while enjoying traditional music and performances.

Church tours also offer an opportunity to learn more about the congregation's history and Greek Orthodox traditions.

Festival hours are 11 AM to 9 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 3 PM Sunday.

Admission is free.

See the Pensacola Greek Festival Schedule

See the SS United States Before Its Historic Sinking

Early November 2026 | Mobile, Alabama

One of the most unusual experiences available along the Gulf Coast this November is the opportunity to see the historic SS United States before its final voyage.

The legendary ocean liner, once the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic, has been undergoing preparations in Mobile to become the world's largest artificial reef.

Okaloosa County has announced a planned deployment date of November 12, 2026, weather permitting, at an offshore site southwest of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.

Take a Perdido Queen Mobile River Tour

For anyone interested in maritime history, a sightseeing cruise aboard the Perdido Queen offers an incredible opportunity to see the SS United States while it's still above water.

The guided Mobile River Tour takes passengers along the busy industrial waterfront, passing historic landmarks, active port facilities and the massive ocean liner.

The cruise also includes commentary about the ship's remarkable history and features artifacts from its voyages.

The one-hour experience departs from downtown Mobile and offers climate-controlled seating, outdoor viewing areas and refreshments available for purchase.

Adult tickets start at $35.99, with reduced prices for seniors and children.

With the ship expected to depart Mobile ahead of the November 12 deployment, this opportunity is available for a limited time.

The exact towing date has not been announced, so confirm that the SS United States is still part of the tour before reserving.

Book the Perdido Queen Mobile River Tour to See the SS United States

Watch the Historic Deployment

Okaloosa County has also announced a public sendoff ceremony for November 11 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.

On November 12, AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar in Destin is scheduled to host a public viewing party with a live video feed of the offshore deployment.

The event will also be livestreamed online, with the viewing link expected to be published before deployment.

For the full story, including viewing options and the remarkable history of the ocean liner, read our complete guide.

SS United States Sinking November 12: How to Watch and See the Ship Before It's Gone

SEC Women's Soccer Tournament

November 8–15, 2026

Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex | Pensacola

The Southeastern Conference Women's Soccer Tournament is bringing championship college soccer to Pensacola.

The conference's top 12 women's soccer teams will compete for the SEC title at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex.

The tournament features several days of competitive matches, bringing teams and supporters from across the Southeast to the Pensacola area.

Fans can purchase individual session tickets or tournament packages.

Discounted admission is available for eligible military personnel, seniors, teachers and students, with free admission for children ages five and younger.

The tournament concludes Sunday, November 15, with the championship match.

A free Fan Fest is also planned for championship day beginning at 11:30 AM, featuring music, food trucks and interactive activities.

It's a great opportunity to watch high-level college sports right here in Pensacola.

See Our SEC Soccer Tournament Guide

Pensacola EggFest

Sunday, November 15, 2026

Noon–3 PM

Hadji Temple | 800 W. Nine Mile Road

If you love barbecue, Pensacola EggFest is one event you won't want to miss.

The annual charity cooking festival brings together cooking teams and backyard barbecue enthusiasts for an afternoon of incredible food and community support.

Guests can sample dishes prepared on Big Green Egg grills, ranging from barbecue favorites to creative recipes and unexpected treats.

The event also includes entertainment, drinks, auctions and opportunities to meet the participating cooking teams.

Since 2013, Pensacola EggFest has helped raise more than $1 million for local charities.

General admission begins at noon, with VIP guests receiving early entry beginning at 11 AM.

The event's theme for 2026 is Tailgating, so attendees are encouraged to show some spirit for their favorite college or professional sports team.

See Our Complete Pensacola EggFest Guide

Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey

November 1, 13, 14, 25 and 28

Pensacola Bay Center | Downtown Pensacola

Hockey season is underway, and November brings several opportunities to catch the Pensacola Ice Flyers in action.

The team has five home games scheduled throughout the month, each featuring a special promotion or theme night.

Here's the November home schedule:

November 1: Day of the Dead Night vs. Birmingham Bulls, 4:05 PM

November 13: Adult Jersey Giveaway Night vs. Macon Mayhem, 7:05 PM

November 14: Blue Angels Night vs. Macon Mayhem, 7:05 PM

November 25: Thanksgiving Eve vs. Huntsville Havoc, 7:05 PM

November 28: Youth Jersey Giveaway Night, 7:05 PM

If you're looking for something to do with friends or family, an Ice Flyers game is a fun indoor option during the cooler fall evenings.

See the Pensacola Ice Flyers Theme Night Schedule

Veterans Day in Pensacola

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Veterans Memorial Park | Downtown Pensacola

Pensacola's deep connection to the military makes Veterans Day an especially meaningful occasion.

Veterans Memorial Park is hosting a ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 11 AM.

The event will recognize veterans and their service, with performances by the Blue Anchor Belles, McGuire's Irish Pub Pipe Band and Dr. Joe McClellan.

Retired Navy Commander Keith Hoskins, a former Blue Angels pilot and former NAS Pensacola commanding officer, is scheduled to serve as the keynote speaker.

The ceremony is a meaningful opportunity for residents and visitors to honor those who have served.

See Veterans Day Ceremony Details

Pensacola Winterfest Begins

November 20, 22, 27 and 28, 2026

Downtown Pensacola

The holiday season officially gets underway in downtown Pensacola as Winterfest begins its 2026 celebrations.

Winterfest transforms downtown into a Christmas wonderland, featuring festive lights, holiday characters, live performances and popular trolley tours.

Families can enjoy encounters with Santa Claus, the Grinch and other holiday favorites while exploring the decorated streets around Palafox Place.

The Polar Express Tour and the Grinch's Merry Match are among the featured experiences.

Winterfest's free Christmas Special begins at 5 PM on scheduled event nights, with additional ticketed experiences available.

The November schedule includes November 20, 22, 27 and 28, with more dates throughout December.

For families looking to get an early start on Christmas celebrations, Winterfest is one of Pensacola's most popular holiday traditions.

See Our Complete Pensacola Winterfest Guide

Winterfest Elf Parade and Christmas Jubilee

Friday, November 27, 2026

2 PM Parade

Downtown Pensacola

One of the most festive events of Thanksgiving weekend is the annual Winterfest Elf Parade.

The family-friendly celebration invites children and adults to dress up as elves and take part in a holiday parade through downtown Pensacola.

The parade lineup begins at 12:30 PM near Government Street and Palafox Place, with judging at 1:25 PM and the parade beginning at 2 PM.

Guests can enjoy festive costumes, decorated wagons and plenty of holiday cheer as downtown transitions into the Christmas season.

The parade is free to attend.

Stick around afterward for Winterfest's evening holiday activities, Christmas lights and seasonal performances.

See Winterfest Holiday Activities and Parade Details

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot on Pensacola Beach

Thursday, November 26, 2026

Pensacola Beach

Before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner, why not start the morning with a little fresh air on Pensacola Beach?

The annual Trot for Thought brings runners and walkers together for a Thanksgiving Day 5K.

The event takes place along Pensacola Beach, with a Kids' Turkey Dash beginning at 8 AM and the 5K starting at 8:30 AM.

Participants can also take part in a costume contest, adding a little extra fun to the holiday tradition.

Whether you're a serious runner or simply looking for a family activity before Thanksgiving dinner, it's a great way to start the day.

See Trot for Thought Registration and Details

Jingle Bells on the Bay Holiday Market

Saturday, November 28, 2026

10 AM–3 PM

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center

Small Business Saturday is bringing a special holiday shopping event to Pensacola.

Jingle Bells on the Bay Holiday Market takes place November 28 at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center.

The market features a curated selection of local vendors selling handmade gifts, seasonal merchandise and other items that make great Christmas presents.

Food trucks will also be on site.

It's a great opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses and makers.

See Jingle Bells on the Bay Event Details

Historic North Hill Tour of Homes and Christmas Market

Sunday, November 29, 2026

Noon–5 PM

North Hill Historic District | Pensacola

Spend the Sunday after Thanksgiving exploring one of Pensacola's most beautiful historic neighborhoods.

The North Hill Preservation Association is hosting its annual Tour of Homes, opening six distinctive historic houses to visitors.

The event offers an opportunity to experience the architecture, history and character of the North Hill Historic District.

A Christmas Market will also take place at Alabama Square, featuring local makers, food and seasonal shopping.

The market is free to explore, while tickets are required to tour the participating homes.

It's a relaxing way to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend and welcome the Christmas season.

See the North Hill Tour of Homes

More Things to Do in Pensacola This November

You don't have to attend a major festival to make the most of November in Pensacola.

The cooler temperatures make this a wonderful month for exploring downtown, walking along Pensacola Beach, visiting historic sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

A few other experiences worth considering include a Pensacola dolphin cruise, a sunset boat ride, a haunted history tour or a relaxing afternoon visiting locally owned restaurants and shops.

November is also a great time to explore Perdido Key and Navarre, where the fall season often brings a quieter atmosphere compared with the peak summer months.

For bookable experiences, browse our Best Things to Do in Pensacola Guide.

And if you're interested in exploring Pensacola's historic and reportedly haunted locations, check out our Pensacola Ghost Tours Guide.

Make the Most of November in Pensacola

November brings an incredible variety of experiences to Pensacola and the surrounding Gulf Coast.

The month begins with some of the biggest events of the year, including the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow, Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Foo Foo Festival, Pensacola Greek Festival and Frank Brown Songwriters Festival.

The middle of the month brings the SEC Soccer Tournament, Pensacola EggFest and additional live sports and cultural events.

Then, as Thanksgiving approaches, the focus shifts toward holiday lights, festive markets, Winterfest and family traditions.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, entertaining visiting family or simply looking for something fun to do close to home, November is packed with opportunities to explore the Gulf Coast.

For the latest concerts, festivals, markets and community events, visit the Must Do Pensacola Events Calendar.

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Pensacola Winterfest Announces Its 2026 Holiday Lineup