School Is Back, But Summer Is Not Over: Things to Do in Pensacola This Weekend
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The first week of school is officially behind us, but summer weather and summer activities are not going anywhere just yet.
This weekend is a good excuse to get everyone back outside with parasailing, go karts, beach activities and nighttime adventures around Pensacola Beach. There are also free movies, live music and one of the biggest concerts of August happening around town.
Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are possible this weekend, so outdoor activities remain weather dependent, but there should still be opportunities to enjoy the beach and get on the water.
Here are some of the best things to do in Pensacola this weekend.
Go Parasailing Over Pensacola Beach
Available throughout the weekend
Pensacola Beach
Start the weekend with one of the best views of Pensacola Beach.
Key Sailing offers parasailing flights over the water, giving riders elevated views of Santa Rosa Sound, the beach and surrounding coastline. The activity is an easy addition to a beach day and works for families, couples and groups looking for something a little more adventurous.
Weather conditions can affect parasailing operations, so earlier times are often worth considering during the summer.
Book Pensacola Beach parasailing
Spend the Afternoon at Laguna’s Adventure Park
Available throughout the weekend
Pensacola Beach
If the kids still have energy after their first week back at school, Laguna’s Adventure Park has plenty of ways to burn it off.
The Pensacola Beach attraction features go karts, zip rails, a three story ropes course, climbing attractions and other activities that can turn a regular beach afternoon into a full family outing.
Visitors can choose an adventure park pass or build the day around individual activities.
Just Race Go Karts
Available throughout the weekend
Laguna’s Adventure Park
Pensacola Beach
Do not need the entire adventure park?
Laguna’s go karts can also be booked separately, making them an easy option if you only have an hour to fill before dinner or another activity.
Single and double karts make this one of the simplest family activities to add to a Pensacola Beach day.
Watch Goat on the Beach Friday Night
Friday, August 14
Sunset
Gulfside Pavilion
Pensacola Beach
Cinemas in the Sand returns Friday night with a free showing of Goat.
The movie will be projected onto a giant screen near the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach beginning at sunset. Bring a beach chair or blanket and make an evening out of it with dinner or another activity on the beach beforehand.
Admission is free.
Play Glow Mini Golf After Dinner
Available throughout the weekend
Pensacola Beach Resort
Pensacola Beach
If you want something easy to add after dinner, head to Pensacola Beach Resort for glow mini golf.
The illuminated nine hole course works especially well for families who want an evening activity without committing to another full excursion.
It can also be paired with Glow Paddle for a full nighttime Pensacola Beach experience.
Get on the Water After Dark With Glow Paddle
Available throughout the weekend
Pensacola Beach Resort
Pensacola Beach
Beach day does not have to end when the sun goes down.
Glow Paddle sends guests onto the protected waters of Pensacola Beach in clear kayaks illuminated with waterproof LED lights.
The 45 minute experience is one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary evening at the beach into something memorable, especially for families, couples and groups visiting for the weekend.
Weekend sessions can fill quickly, so booking ahead is recommended.
Spend Saturday at Electric Garden
Saturday, August 15
Noon to 1 AM
Garden & Grain
Downtown Pensacola
Electric Garden takes over Garden & Grain for 13 hours of music and entertainment Saturday.
The event begins at noon with a vendor market running through 5 PM before transitioning into an afternoon and evening of DJs and EDM. General admission is $40, with a VIP option available for groups.
See our complete Electric Garden guide
Take the Family to a Free Movie Downtown
Saturday, August 15
Activities begin at 6 PM
Community Maritime Park
Pensacola
Hancock Whitney Movies in the Park returns Saturday for a rescheduled family movie night at Community Maritime Park.
The free event includes music, yard games, crafts, inflatable waterslides, face painting and other activities before the movie begins after sunset. The scheduled movie is Zootopia 2.
Admission to the activities and movie is free.
See Alabama Live at the Pensacola Bay Center
Saturday, August 15
Doors at 6 PM
Concert at 7 PM
Pensacola Bay Center
Country legends Alabama are bringing decades of hits to downtown Pensacola Saturday night.
The concert begins at 7 PM at the Pensacola Bay Center, with doors opening at 6 PM. Tickets start at $36.50.
Build a Full Pensacola Beach Day
If you want to make the most of the first weekend after school starts, Pensacola Beach makes it easy to stack several activities into one day.
Start with parasailing in the morning, grab lunch, spend the afternoon racing go karts at Laguna’s and head to Pensacola Beach Resort after dinner for glow mini golf and Glow Paddle.
With several activities located on or near the beach, you can build an entire Saturday or Sunday without spending the day driving around town.
Find more of the best things to do around Pensacola
Find More Things to Do This Weekend
Summer is not over just because school has started.
Must Do Pensacola keeps a running calendar of upcoming concerts, festivals, family events, live music and other things happening throughout the area.
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