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(November 9–15, 2026)
Looking for things to do in Pensacola this week? November 9–15 is packed with events, from Veterans Day parades and ceremonies to the historic sinking of the SS United States, Italian food festivals, hockey games, live music, and one of Pensacola's biggest charity food events.
Whether you're planning a family outing, looking for something fun this weekend, or hoping to experience a once-in-a-lifetime Gulf Coast event, there's plenty happening around Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key, and the surrounding area.
Here are some of the best events and activities happening this week!
Veterans Day Parades and Ceremonies
Wednesday, November 11
Locations: Downtown Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Milton, and Gulf Breeze
Admission: Free
Veterans Day is this Wednesday, and several communities across the Pensacola area are hosting parades and ceremonies honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
The annual downtown Pensacola Veterans Day Parade begins Wednesday morning, followed by a special ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park at 11 AM.
The ceremony will feature retired Navy Commander Keith Hoskins, a former Blue Angels pilot and former commanding officer of NAS Pensacola, as the keynote speaker.
Later in the afternoon, the 37th annual Pensacola Beach Veterans Day Parade begins at 2 PM along Via De Luna Drive, traveling toward Casino Beach.
The beach celebration will conclude with a ceremony at Gulfside Pavilion featuring patriotic tributes and a commemorative flyover.
Additional Veterans Day observances are scheduled in Milton and Gulf Breeze.
All of these events provide meaningful opportunities for families and residents to recognize the service of America's veterans.
See Our Complete Veterans Day 2026 Events Guide
Veterans Day Free Meals and Discounts
In addition to the parades and ceremonies, restaurants and businesses throughout Pensacola are offering special promotions for veterans and active-duty military members on November 11.
Several national chains are providing complimentary meals, free coffee, haircuts, and retail discounts.
We've put together a separate guide with the participating businesses, available offers, and eligibility requirements.
See Veterans Day Free Meals and Deals in Pensacola
SS United States Historic Sinking
Thursday, November 12
Scheduled Deployment Operations: 10 AM
Location: Gulf of Mexico, approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin
A once-in-a-lifetime maritime event is scheduled to take place along the Gulf Coast this Thursday.
The legendary SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in the world, is preparing to become the world's largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin.
The nearly 1,000-foot ship began its final voyage from Mobile on Monday, November 9, following more than a year of preparation to transform it into an artificial reef.
Okaloosa County has scheduled deployment operations to begin at 10 AM Thursday, November 12, although the actual sinking time will depend on conditions and operational procedures.
Several ways to watch are available, including special offshore sightseeing cruises departing from Destin and free public viewing parties.
Free SS United States Watch Party in Pensacola
Thursday, November 12
Time: 9 AM
Location: Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government Street
Admission: Free
Visit Pensacola is hosting a public viewing party at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola.
Guests can watch live coverage of the deployment beginning at 9 AM, with food and beverages available for purchase.
If you'd rather witness the event from the water, multiple local charter companies are offering special cruises to the offshore viewing area.
These experiences are weather dependent, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Read Our Complete SS United States Sinking Guide
Explore Boat Cruises to Watch the Sinking
Festa Italiana Returns to Downtown Pensacola
Friday, November 13 & Saturday, November 14
Time: 11 AM–6 PM Both Days
Location: Fountain Park, near Seville Square
Admission: Free
One of Pensacola's favorite celebrations of Italian culture is happening this weekend!
Festa Italiana returns November 13–14 after being postponed from its original October dates due to severe weather.
The annual event features authentic Italian food, traditional music, cultural demonstrations, family activities, and plenty of homemade desserts.
Visitors can enjoy favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, shrimp scampi, sausage and peppers, cannoli, tiramisu, and other Italian specialties.
The festival also includes live entertainment, prize drawings, and a children's area featuring games, crafts, and other activities.
Organized by Buona Fortuna Lodge, Festa Italiana supports charitable giving and scholarship programs benefiting the Pensacola community.
Admission is completely free, with food and beverages available for purchase.
Read Our Festa Italiana 2026 Guide
Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey
Friday, November 13 & Saturday, November 14
Time: 7:05 PM Both Nights
Location: Pensacola Bay Center
The Pensacola Ice Flyers are back on home ice this weekend with two games against the Macon Mayhem.
Both games feature special promotional themes, making this a great weekend to experience professional hockey in downtown Pensacola.
Friday: Adult Jersey Giveaway Night
The Ice Flyers take on the Macon Mayhem Friday, November 13, at 7:05 PM.
Friday's game features an adult jersey giveaway for eligible fans, subject to promotional availability.
Saturday: Blue Angels Night
The Ice Flyers return Saturday, November 14, for a special Blue Angels Night celebrating Pensacola's iconic Navy flight demonstration squadron.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM.
With two home games to choose from, hockey is a great option for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for an exciting indoor activity this weekend.
See the Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule and Tickets
Launch Family Entertainment Grand Opening
Saturday, November 14
Time: 9 AM
Location: North Davis Highway, Pensacola
Pensacola's newest indoor entertainment destination is celebrating its grand opening Saturday with some major giveaways!
Launch Family Entertainment is hosting a special grand opening celebration featuring attractions, activities, and promotional prizes.
The biggest offer? The first 150 eligible guests in line can receive a pass for a year of free jumping!
Guests numbered 151 through 300 can receive a three-month jump pass, while later qualifying attendees can receive a one-hour return action pass.
Launch features a variety of indoor attractions, including trampolines, games, and other family entertainment activities.
There are important conditions attached to the giveaways, including a required grand opening ticket purchase, safety waiver, and first-come, first-served line placement.
RSVPing does not guarantee a prize.
For families looking for something fun to do Saturday morning, this could be one of the most exciting grand opening events of the month.
Read Our Launch Pensacola Grand Opening Guide
Pensacola Fall Food Truck Fest
Saturday, November 14
Time: 11 AM–7 PM
Location: Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main Street
Pensacola Fall Food Truck Fest returns to Community Maritime Park this Saturday, bringing a variety of food vendors and entertainment to the downtown waterfront.
The event is organized by APEX Shows and Events and promises a day of food, music, and community fun.
Visitors can explore different food trucks, try a variety of dishes, and spend time with friends and family overlooking Pensacola Bay.
It's a great option if you're looking for a casual Saturday outing or want to enjoy several different types of food in one place.
The event runs from 11 AM until 7 PM.
See Pensacola Fall Food Truck Fest Details
Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival
Through Sunday, November 15
Locations: Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and surrounding Gulf Coast venues
One of the Gulf Coast's biggest live music traditions continues throughout the week.
The Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival runs through November 15, bringing songwriters and performers to venues across Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and nearby communities.
Unlike a typical concert, many performances feature songwriter rounds, where artists take turns performing original songs and sharing the stories behind their music.
More than 200 songwriters are participating in this year's festival, with performances ranging from intimate acoustic shows to larger live music events.
Venues include restaurants, bars, and music destinations throughout the Florida and Alabama Gulf Coast.
Many performances offer an opportunity to hear talented writers in a relaxed setting, while others feature nationally recognized names.
With events happening throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a show before the festival concludes Sunday.
Read Our Frank Brown Songwriters Festival Guide
Explore the Official Performance Schedule
Pensacola EggFest
Sunday, November 15
General Admission: Noon–3 PM
VIP Admission: 11 AM–3 PM
Location: Hadji Temple, 800 W. Nine Mile Road
Pensacola EggFest returns Sunday, November 15, for an afternoon filled with barbecue, food samples, and community fundraising.
The annual event brings together cooking teams and backyard grill enthusiasts who prepare a wide variety of dishes using Big Green Egg grills.
Guests can sample food prepared by participating teams, enjoy entertainment, and take part in the festival's fundraising activities.
Since 2013, Pensacola EggFest has raised more than $1 million for local charities.
The theme for 2026 is Tailgating, so visitors are encouraged to wear their favorite college or professional sports team gear.
General admission tickets are listed at $35, while VIP admission is $75 and includes early entry and additional benefits, subject to availability.
Children under 10 can attend free.
The festival also includes a special VIP dinner Friday evening, November 13.
For food lovers, this is one of the biggest events happening in Pensacola this weekend.
Read Our Complete Pensacola EggFest Guide
Purchase Official EggFest Tickets
SEC Women's Soccer Tournament Championship
Through Sunday, November 15
Location: Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Drive
Championship Day: Sunday, November 15
College soccer fans have a full week of action in Pensacola as the SEC Women's Soccer Tournament continues at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex.
The tournament brings 12 of the Southeastern Conference's top women's soccer teams to Pensacola to compete for the championship.
Matches take place throughout the week, with the tournament concluding Sunday, November 15.
The championship celebration also includes a free Fan Fest beginning at 11:30 AM Sunday.
The Fan Fest features music, food trucks, interactive activities, and family entertainment, continuing until halftime of the championship game.
Game tickets are available for purchase, with discounted admission offered to qualifying military personnel, seniors, teachers, and students.
Children ages five and younger receive free admission to matches.
Read Our SEC Soccer Tournament Guide
See Official Ticket and Tournament Information
Foo Foo Festival: Final Day
Monday, November 9
Location: Various Pensacola venues
Pensacola's annual Foo Foo Festival wraps up Monday, November 9, concluding a 12-day celebration of arts, music, theater, and culture.
Throughout the festival, local organizations have hosted performances, exhibits, installations, and special events across the city.
If you're looking for something to do early in the week, check the remaining November 9 programming before the festival officially concludes.
Some exhibits or individual installations may remain available beyond the festival's official dates.
Explore Foo Foo Festival Events
Plan Your Week in Pensacola
With so much happening between November 9 and 15, there's something for just about everyone.
Wednesday is especially meaningful with Veterans Day parades and ceremonies throughout the area, followed by the scheduled SS United States sinking on Thursday.
Friday and Saturday bring Festa Italiana, two Pensacola Ice Flyers home games, the Launch grand opening, and the Fall Food Truck Fest.
And Sunday offers two major events with Pensacola EggFest and the SEC Women's Soccer Tournament championship.
Whether you're spending the week with family, heading out with friends, or looking for something different to experience along the Gulf Coast, this is a great week to explore Pensacola.
For even more events, festivals, holiday celebrations, and local activities, visit the Must Do Pensacola Events Calendar.
You can also explore our November 2026 Pensacola Events Guide to see what's coming up later this month, including Winterfest, the Elf Parade, Thanksgiving events, and holiday markets.
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