Things to Do in Pensacola in March 2026
Guide Sponsored By
This guide is proudly sponsored by Glow Paddle, Pensacola’s original glow-in-the-dark kayaking experience.
March is one of the best months to visit Pensacola.
Spring weather starts settling in. Beach days return. Major events fill the calendar almost every weekend.
If you are planning ahead, here are the biggest events happening in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach this March.
Glow Paddle Reopening
March 1, 2026
Glow Paddle officially reopens March 1 for the 2026 season.
Evening glow kayak sessions launch from Pensacola Beach with illuminated kayaks that light up the water after sunset.
This is one of the most unique experiences on the island and books up quickly once spring break traffic begins.
👉 Read the full Glow Paddle guide and booking details here
Sun Belt Basketball Tournament
March 3 through March 9, 2026
Pensacola Bay Center
The Sun Belt Conference Basketball Championship returns to downtown Pensacola.
All 14 conference teams compete in a single elimination tournament with automatic NCAA Tournament bids on the line.
Games run daily throughout the week at the Pensacola Bay Center, with the championship games closing out the weekend.
👉 Full tournament schedule and guide
Gulf Coast Whale Festival
March 7, 2026
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Gulfside Pavilion, Pensacola Beach
The Gulf Coast Whale Festival celebrates marine life, conservation, and the rare visits of whales spotted off the coast in recent years.
Expect marine education booths, family activities, live music, and environmental exhibits.
It is a free, family friendly event on Pensacola Beach.
McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run
March 7, 2026
Downtown Pensacola
The 49th Annual McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day Prediction Run returns to downtown Pensacola.
This certified 5K is known as the largest prediction run in America and includes over 100 awards.
The race begins in the morning and is followed by a full day of St. Patrick’s celebrations at McGuire’s Irish Pub.
👉 Registration details and race guide:
Cinema in the Sand
March 13, 2026
Sunset
Pensacola Beach
Cinema in the Sand brings a free outdoor movie night to the beach.
Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy a family friendly film under the stars.
Movie titles are announced closer to the event date.
👉 See the full Cinema in the Sand lineup here.
Kites on the Coast
March 13 through March 15, 2026
Pensacola Beach
Kites on the Coast fills the sky with massive colorful kites over Pensacola Beach.
Professional kite flyers from around the country bring giant inflatable displays and choreographed kite performances.
It is one of the most visually stunning spring events on the island.
👉 Full Kites on the Coast guide here:
Pensacola Beach St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
March 17, 2026
Pensacola Beach
The annual Pensacola Beach St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl returns March 17.
Bars across the island participate with themed drinks, live music, and St. Patrick’s Day specials throughout the day and evening.
It is one of the biggest beach party days of the year.
First Blue Angels Practice of the Season
March 31, 2026
Naval Air Station Pensacola
The first public Blue Angels practice of the 2026 season is scheduled for March 31.
Practice viewings take place at the National Naval Aviation Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola.
These practices are free and open to the public, but early arrival is recommended due to base access procedures and parking demand.
If you have never watched a practice up close, this is one of the best ways to experience the Blue Angels before the beach shows begin.
March fills up fast in Pensacola.
If you are visiting, bookmark this guide and check back as more events are added.
For even more ideas, explore:
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