GulfLink Pensacola Beach Blog

Pensacola Interstate Fair

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Fair is coming to Pensacola, Florida! Starting October 20^th for 10 days you can enjoy the largest and most exciting event held on the Gulf Coast! Attracting exhibits and participants from all over the country the Pensacola Interstate Fair will offer something for all! Progress through Education has been the central theme from the beginning offering students who have participated in the fair $40,000 in scholarships each year.

In keeping with the theme, the Pensacola Fair exhibits will include National Naval Aviation Museum, Photographic Arts, Custom Car Show, Woodcarvers, and more. Of course, it would not be a fair without the petting zoo, Ferris wheel, wild roller coasters, delicious food, and great entertainment. Check out the list of performers you can expect to see at the Fair.

Randy Houser will take the stage Friday, October 21^st at 8:00pm, M.C. Hammer pumps up the crowd Saturday, October 22^nd at 8:00pm, and Sunday October 23^rd The Icarus Effect will perform at 7:30pm. Live entertainment is provided every night and is included in admission. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. For a full list of performers you can visit pensacolafair.com.

Tickets to the fair are on sale now and can be purchased in advanced for a great savings. Family Fun Packs are offered at any Walgreens store. You can also purchase tickets at ticket booths right outside the fair. Special promotions such as: Midnight Madness, School Day Specials, Ladies’ Day, Men’s Day, and Grand Opening Day will be offered throughout the week. You can go to pensacolafair.com to find the promotion that works best for you.

Whether you want live musical entertainment, exciting fair rides, or just looking to take in the sights with a cone of cotton candy the fair is the place for you. The Pensacola Interstate Fair offers fun for the whole family.

The Pensacola Seafood Festival is scheduled for September 23rd through 25th, 2011

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Pensacola Seafood Festival returns to Historic Seville Square in Downtown Pensacola for the 34th year in a row. The event is presented each year by the Fiesta of Five Flags, an organization of over 450 members that volunteer for yearly events to promote tourism, heritage, and pride in Pensacola.

There will be over 180 food and craft vendors making the Pensacola Seafood Festival one of the largest arts and crafts Fair in Northwest Florida. 18 carefully chosen food venders border the park serving up typical fare for a Seafood Festival. Grilled conch, seafood gumbo, oyster croquettes, soft shell crab, coconut shrimp, Caribbean crab cakes, and Bang Bang shrimp are just a few cuisines from the sea that can be tasted by all. Live musical performances by local and regional bands throughout the weekend will be held in Fountain Park, adjacent to Seville Square. Musical line-up will be announced soon.

The festival’s annual 5K Run/Walk is a highlight for all area runners. Sponsored by the Pensacola Runners Association and Fiesta of Five Flags, the race will begin at 7:30 a.m. sharp on Saturday, September 24th. The route will encompass city streets in Historic Downtown Pensacola. The Post Race Party and awards ceremony will be held at Seville Quarter immediately after the race.

The Pensacola Seafood Festival will offer cooking demonstrations, a cost-friendly children’s area, and other activities located in Bartram Park. For more information about the festival you can visit http://www.fiestaoffiveflags.org

2011 UWF Festival on the Green is Simply Inspiring

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I’m a local artist and I’m really excited about this year’s Festival on the Green at the UWF campus! Always set in the spring, it’s a beautiful time of year for a festival. The magnolias are fragrant, the breeze is cool and all your senses are delighted and enlightened.

Last year there was amazing original art and SO much more. Apart from delicious fresh culinary arts including grilled kabobs, Hawaiian shaved ice and chocolate confections the entertainment was pretty cool. Visitors experienced Native American Traditional dances in full headdress, a reenactment of two shining knights in armor engaged in a duel and live jazz!

Whether I get the honor of showing my art or not, I plan on going and seeing all the talent that floods the green. Some artists are so original and raw that it’s truly inspiring to see where their imagination has led them. Plus considering the fact that I am an avid dog lover I can’t wait to see the canine agility competition and …wait for it…The Canine Square Dance Team! (I couldn’t believe it when I read that!) There will also be a motorcycle show, dance performances, and a jazz piano competition. I’m truly impressed with this festival and I think it’d be difficult to find it’s equal in variety of entertainment, caliber of artists and setting. See you there!

Batters' Up In Pensacola Beach

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Minor Leagues are coming to Pensacola, Florida. The AA Minor League Carolina Mudcats of the Southern League are moving to Pensacola, Florida in 2012. The currently constructed, premier waterfront facility in Maritime Park will be the residence of the new league. The new owners Quint and Rishy Studer, who previously owned the independent-league Pensacola Pelicans, are excited about bringing an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Team to Pensacola.

The Mudcats will make their move from Zebulon, North Carolina to Pensacola, Florida in early 2012 and will remain in Minor League Baseball's Southern League. The team will play the 2011 season in North Carolina while awaiting their move to the state-of-the-art facility in April of 2012. In a corresponding move, the Kinston Indians (Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Cleveland Indians) of the Carolina League will move to Five County Stadium in Zebulon, where they will retain the Carolina Mudcats name.

Make plans to be in the stadium cheering the soon-to-be-named Southern Franchise. Be present as future stars of the Major Leagues are born and made in North West Florida's very own back yard. Information on 2012 season tickets is available by calling (850) 934-8444. Be apart of these exciting up-coming events!

Grand Favorite for Seafood & Cocktails

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Being a local, and having a business on the Beach, you try them all but stick with the best restaurants and bars. One of our favorites is The Grand Marlin.

You can enjoy the main dining area with an oyster bar, or a personal favorite, the North Drop Bar. For company it's family-friendly and consistently serves high quality cuisine, including fresh seafood (when available) and all the island cocktails.

What is enjoyable is the island-casual atmosphere, where you can show up in flip flops, or if you’re meeting clients or attending a special occasion, you can dress up. Sitting in the extremely comfortable furniture on the deck, you can take in the breath-taking view, a cold beer and enjoy friends -- all like sitting in your own home.

The Boardwalk Offers Something For All

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you plan on visiting Pensacola Beach and are looking for a casual, relaxing place to shop (or just browse around), look no further than the Boardwalk. You'll find anything from beachwear and fashion boutiques to liquor and convenience stores.

Some of the shops you'll find include Alvin's Island Tropical Department store, Bamboo Willie Wear, Geronimo's Outpost, Go Fish Clothing and many others.

Score Your Next Meal at Sidelines

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sidelines Sports Bar is a casual restaurant located on Pensacola Beach. Your typical sports bar with an abundance of televisions around the restaurant blaring your favorite game. Convenient speakers on each table allowing you to choose which game you’d like to watch. Not a place for conversation, but awesome for those days you want to sit back with friends, enjoy a delicious meal, a cold beer, and a good yell at the umpire.

Unlike most sports bars I was quite impressed with the menu options that Sidelines offers and the quality of the food. The menu offers daily specials and entrees such as: Blackened Ribeye, Steak and Shrimp, and Fresh Grouper. Of course Sidelines upholds the sports bar standard of burgers, fries, and chicken wings. Which, by the way, they’re famous for their chicken wings and rightly so, they are some of the best wings I’ve ever had. Sidelines is also famous for their Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches and for anyone who, like myself, gave up red meat, they offer a turkey version of the Philly that is out of this world.

Sidelines Sports Bar is a great place for families! The menu is priced to fit your budget without skimping on the quantity. Kids are welcomed with their own menu and the option not to use their inside voice. With over ten beers on tap, wines by the glass, ½, or full carafe, and their signature drink the ‘Sidelines Blitz’, your thirst will be quenched and appetite fulfilled. If you are looking for a care-free, fun, dining experience head to Sidelines Sports Bar in Pensacola Beach!

Summer Fun in Pensacola

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pensacola, Florida is an active coastal town accommodating 52 miles of shoreline and 343 days of sunshine. Not to mention a calendar full of local festivals, concerts, activities, and more! Take a look at all the action Pensacola, Florida has planned for you this summer.

Pensacola, Florida will keep you rockin with free out-door concerts every week. Bands on the Beach features a lineup of performers sure to please every musical taste. From May through September, every Tuesday night from 7-9 a talented artist will take the stage and blow you away with a variety of rhythms. Bring your lawn chairs to the beautiful Gulfside Pavilion to enjoy smooth grooves and beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Evening in Olde Seville Square is an annual concert series that takes place in Seville Square Downtown Pensacola. Music fills the square every Thursday evening from 7-9 during the summer months. Skilled musicians belt out your favorite tunes as you relax on the greens or take a stroll around the square.

Pensacola Celebrates America’s Independence with 3 full days of explosive fun. The weekend starts at 3 pm Friday with free live music at the Gulfside Pavilion. Saturday, July 4th is a day filled with family fun. The Gulfside Pavilion will have live music from 3-9pm. Then BOOM, one of the biggest and best fireworks displays on the coast will begin at 9 pm and feature over 2,200 aerial shells. Finishing off 3 days of fun on Sunday, July 5th with more live music at the Gulfside Pavilion from 3-9 pm.

The extremely popular Bushwacker & Music Festival takes place on July 31st through August 2nd on the Quietwater Boardwalk at Jubilee Restaurant and Entertainment Complex. This festival has everything – talented, live national bands, amazing food, fun for the kids, and even a 5K run. That’s right! Join the race on Saturday, August 1st at 7:30 am. A point to point 3.1 mile course complete with awards and post race party. Enjoy food, fun, and live music with the Main Street Band.

Pensacola, Florida is a prodigious playground for adults and kids. Join the fun and play in Pensacola this summer!

The Sun Will Come Out in Pensacola

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pensacola, Florida sends a farewell to grey skies and a big welcome to blue with exciting outdoor events this Spring and Summer Season! If you’re looking for a place to warm-up this summer come to Pensacola, Florida. Known for its beautiful natural beaches and laid-back local hangouts, Pensacola Beach is named among the nations top ten beaches by Trip Advisor. With plenty of activities to do under the sun, check out why so many are warming up to Pensacola Beach this spring and summer.

Pensacola kicks-off summer Cajun-style with the 25th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival. This 3-day festival is one of the largest crawfish boils in the state! May 1st through the 3rd starts the 60th Fiesta Season on the waterfront in Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola. Bring your family and appetite to Pensacola Bay for a little taste of Louisiana. Fare such as: crawfish poboys, crawfish pies, and of course boiled crawfish will be served up with a Cajun smile. Enjoy great music and delicious food straight from the bayous of Louisiana to Pensacola Bay.

Celebrate the history of Pensacola, the second oldest City in Florida, at the Fiesta of Five Flags. The festivities begin with a light-hearted reenactment of the surrender of the city to Spanish explorer Don Tristan de Luna, who first landed in Pensacola in 1559. Immediately following enjoy an evening of outdoor musical entertainment and boat parade. Experience seven days of historic fun June 4th through the 11th in Pensacola.

Of course you can always just sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of Pensacola’s beaches. One of the longest barrier islands in the world, Pensacola Beach offers access on both sides to Gulf Islands National Seashores. A perfect place for biking, snorkeling, or kayaking.

Pensacola Beach invites you to get some sun this spring/summer season. Enjoy beautiful beaches, outdoor entertainment, and historic events old Florida style in Pensacola Beach!

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go Pensacola!

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The race is on in Pensacola, Florida. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, boasting 52 miles of shoreline, Pensacola offers a calendar full of outdoor adventures to lure the masses. Three unique areas, Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, and Perdido Key, invites visitors and locals alike to participate in the pre-spring activities that are sure to leave you breathless.

Taking the lead on February 7, 2009, is the Double Bridge 15K Run and 5K Run/Walk. Race through historic Downtown Pensacola and Celebrate 450 years with the City of Five Flags. Rub shoulders with Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound as you sprint across two bridges to the finish line; beautiful Pensacola Beach! A 5K course welcomes both walkers and runners, and a Kids Fun Run continues the action along the Gulf of Mexico.

Following close behind on February 15, 2009, is the Pensacola Marathon and Half Marathon. Starting line is near the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Downtown Pensacola. Enjoy the unique beauty of Pensacola as you run through a canopy of trees and dash beside the stunning Pensacola Bay in its morning splendor!

The Pensacola Kids Marathon invites young runners and walkers in grades K-6 to participate in the excitement of a marathon modified just for them. Kids can run, walk, or wheel chair the final 1.2 miles and cross the official finish line of the Pensacola Marathon course.

Running into Spring is St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run. Hosted by McGuire’s Irish Pub every year. This year the event begins March 17, 2009 at 9:00 AM. Start your 3.1 run/walk at McGuire’s Irish Pub in Downtown Pensacola. Predict how long it will take you to finish the course and whoever gets closest to their predicted time wins.

Make it to the finish line and everyone’s a winner at the Post Race Party held at McGuire’s Irish Pub. Join the fun with Rich McDuff’s Irish sing along. Indulge in Irish coffee, wakes, beer, and soft drinks. Delicious Irish fare will be served to complete the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Pensacola invites you to get a head start on spring this year. Grab your running shoes and race down to Pensacola, Florida this pre-spring season!