OCTOBER 4, 2025
NOVEMBER 8, 2025
JANUARY 10, 2026
MARCH 7, 2026
APRIL 25, 2026
Opening Night! Classically Connected Beethoven & Blue Jeans
Mahler Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
100th Anniversary Gala Concert
DECEMBER 31, 2025
FEBRUARY 7, 2026
Celebrate the New Year! Icon: The Voices that Changed Music POPS
NOVEMBER 15, 2025
JANUARY 31, 2026
MARCH 28, 2026
Music for Families Mozart Madness Gil Shaham Plays Brahms
Morgan Cole, Editor
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” — Vincent van Gogh
Van Gogh couldn’t have said it better, and honestly, it feels like the perfect vibe for this month’s issue. With Earth Day just around the corner, it’s the ideal time to start thinking about those small, every day choices that can add up to something big for our planet. Sure, we’re not solving climate change overnight, but little things like bringing your reusable bag, cutting down on waste or supporting local eco-friendly events is where it all begins.
In honor of Earth Day, we’ve compiled a list of simple, feel-good ways to make a difference right here in our community—not just for one day, but all year long. Turn to page 8 for a few easy ideas on how small changes can lead to a big impact.
Speaking of fresh starts, spring is the perfect time to try something new, and our editorial intern Bella Shields is here to help you do just that. She’s put together a guide to local book clubs around Pensacola, making it easy to find your next read while connecting with fellow book lovers in the community.
And of course, it wouldn’t be spring without a packed calendar of festivals. We’ve rounded up details on a few of new and returning spring festivals happening across the city this month. From local favorites like the Pensacola Crawfish Festival and Earth Day Pensacola to the much-anticipated return of the annual Spring Festival of Flowers at the PSC Milton campus, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside, soak up the sunshine and make the most of the season.
As always, we hope this issue inspires you to get out, get involved and enjoy everything our wonderful community has to offer.
Until next time,
If poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful emotion, then Lachlan Woodson aptly captures that flow when she creates poems on the spot for passerbys who request her custom typewritten poetry. Woodson was born and raised in the Florida Panhandle with a writing practice born out of the compulsion to release thoughts and emotions. She finds inspiration in the words of others, and her poetic influences range from Rainer Maria Rilke and Emily Dickinson to singer-songwriters like Jenny Lewis and Phoebe Bridgers, as well as pop stars such as Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey.
You can find Woodson at Palafox Market on Saturdays, or you can delve into more of her personal writing with her latest zine: The Bloom/Wilt Cycle at Open Books. When she isn’t working on custom poems, her current writing project is a book about her time in the Pentecostal church as a child and the way it affects and inspires her to this day. After long since leaving the church and the faith, her book will answer the question: “Do I still feel the Holy Spirit just the same?”
Why create typewritten poems?
The typewriter really was a practical choice. I knew I wanted to do live writing–to write brand new pieces for people right in front of their very eyes and I knew I wanted to do it right on the street. A manual typewriter doesn’t even require electricity, so I can take my little desk literally anywhere. I type on a Stirling Smith-Corona. (Shoutout to my mechanic, Stephen Fulton, who sold me the typewriter out in Milton and still services it for me to this day.) I saw typewriter poets on the streets of New Orleans for the first time many, many years ago and thought to myself ‘oh, well there’s no way you’ll ever catch me doing that. This can’t even be real. There’s no way they can focus enough to write with people watching. Must be a scam.’ It turns out that it’s not, and that if you just practice writing enough, and get some really good over-ear headphones, you may just be able to tune out enough noise to access your imagination and write, regardless if people are trying to ask you questions in the middle of your writing flow.
How does your personal background shape your work, even when writing poems for others?
My background is what dug my creative well, my emotional well. I’ve been through a lot in my life. I’ve endured bullying, abuse, I’ve lost many loved ones that
I held very dear to my heart, I’ve experienced major bouts of illness that lead to devastating isolation. All this and yet none of it has taken my imagination, my perspective or my voice. I go to the same well to write whether for myself or for someone else. Every layer of my inner world can now become a part of a patron's poem as well as mine.
How has your poetry evolved since you first started writing?
My writing has gotten faster and more visceral. There’s less inside me standing between my voice and the page than ever before, so it has become more confident, less apologetic, and really just juicier.
What is your typical writing process like? Do you start with a theme, a phrase, or an image?
My home writing process is quite different from my street writing process. At home, I start with a feeling, I see a tempest just off the shore and I know I must find my pen fast and capture my feeling. On the street, it starts with my patron’s prompt. This can be anything from a personal story they want captured to a single word like “renewal.” When I’m live writing a poem for someone on the street, I’d say it takes about 5 minutes once I’ve started typing. The whole process of gathering the prompt, mulling over my notes and then writing probably takes more like 10 or 15 minutes. Then I have poems at home that I’ve been chipping away at for years.
By Dawn Gresko
What is one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you started writing?
By recognizing that I’m only ever hiding from myself. By remembering how to come home to my inner world and returning there over and over. The average reader does not need you to be as good as Rilke or Audre Lorde to appreciate your writing where it is right now. The highest expectations you’ll encounter are your own. Don’t wait to be “good” or “good enough” to start sharing your voice. Once you’ve felt the rush of connection through craft regardless of quality, you’ll have broken through a lot.
By Bella Shields
Earth Day is sometimes overlooked as just another date on the calendar, but it serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate and protect the only planet we call home. Earth is the only planet we have and it has sustained us for so long: so why not adopt sustainable practices that help protect the planet?
This year, think beyond a single day of celebration and consider how small, sustainable choices can add up to a lasting impact. While there are plenty of Earth Day events happening around the city, there are also simple, hands-on ways to make a difference right here in our local community. From everyday habits to community involvement, these small actions can help protect the planet not just on Earth Day, but all year long.
It’s simple, but it matters—recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of waste headed to landfills. Transforming everyday garbage into useful items for tomorrow is a tried-andtrue method of preserving our environment. Recycling extends the life of existing landfills, decreases the need for new ones and reduces greenhouse emissions. Locally, ECUA’s single-stream system makes it easy—no sorting required—but it’s important to only place accepted items in your recycling can. These include glass jars and bottles, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, aluminum, tin and steel cans, as well as metal pots, pans and cookie sheets. To learn more on the dos and don’ts of recycling in our area, check out ecua.fl.gov. For non-recyclable items that accumulate quickly like plastic shopping bags, check with local grocery stores like Publix, as they often accept plastic bags for recycling and have receptacles outside for easy disposal.
Pensacola’s annual Earth Day celebration returns on April 18 from 10 am to 4 pm, bringing a full day of eco-friendly fun, education and community connection to Bayview Park in East Hill. Earth Day Pensacola held its first local event in 1970, in conjunction with the very first national Earth Day, and has grown into a beloved local tradition focused on sustainability and outdoor engagement. Blending entertainment with purpose, this familyfriendly festival will feature live music, food vendors and hands-on activities that encourage visitors to learn simple ways to protect the environment in their everyday lives. The festival will also include a variety of education stations highlighting important topics like conservation, recycling and coastal protection. Attendees will also enjoy an artisan market with handmade goods and fresh offerings from local farmers.
Whether you’re interested in sustainability, shopping local or just enjoying a day outdoors, Earth Day Pensacola offers a meaningful and engaging way to celebrate the planet. The festival is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Bayview Park is located at 2200 E. Lloyd St. in Pensacola. For event details, visit earthdaypensacola.com.
Keep Pensacola Beautiful, now known as Our Corner, is a local organization that connects with the community through litter cleanups, recycling programs and educational outreach aimed at improving environmental quality and building community pride. One of its key programs, Clean Your Block, focuses on keeping Pensacola neighborhoods free of litter. On scheduled dates, volunteers are invited to walk a designated block, picking up trash and helping restore areas whose vbeauty has been hidden beneath waste. Litter not only harms plant and animal life, but also takes away from the natural surroundings and can lower community morale for those who see it every day. This month, Our Corner will host Clean Your Block events on April 11 from 9 to 11 am at 1301 N. 9th Ave. in Pensacola and on April 25 at Weis Elementary School. Our Corner also offers post-event cleanup services and gives residents the chance to Adopt a Spot, committing to maintain a specific area in exchange for a sign recognizing their efforts. To learn more about how to get involved and make a local impact, visit kpbfl.org.
Another great initiative for focused and organized area cleanup efforts is the Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup program. Although originally implemented as the City of Pensacola's cleanup program in the 1990s, the program was reinvented as the Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup program in 2011, when it expanded to include all city neighborhoods with an annual cleanup between January and October. The next cleanup day is expected to take place in late April, when Sanitation Services employees will collect materials placed curbside. This service is provided without charge, just be sure to place items curbside before 7 am on the scheduled cleanup day. Items eligible for removal include household appliances, electronics, furniture and mattresses, carpeting, barbecue grills (without propane tanks), bicycles, toys, tires, old paint and paint cans. Just remember to keep tires and paint cans separate from other debris and do not place cleanup piles under low-hanging lines or near poles, fences or mailboxes. For updates on the next Mayor's Neighborhood Cleanup, visit cityofpensacola.com.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a garden, or simply doing some landscaping around your yard, Native Plant Company is a fantastic resource for ensuring you’re choosing plants that are native to the area. Many popular plants chosen for gardens or backyards may look nice, but are actually invasive species. If you want to support the local ecosystem, it would be much better to choose native plants, as doing so promotes biodiversity and also means less effort for you to maintain the health of your plants, as they will have less difficulty growing in their native soil and climate than a plant from somewhere else would. On their website, Native Plant Company has extensive information and resources on local flora, providing education on different kinds of plants, tips to aid beginners in growing successfully and guides on what plants would be beneficial for what purposes. The company is passionate about helping people contribute to facilitating and nurturing the natural ecosystem that existed in this area before it was industrialized, in addition to educational resources and providing the opportunity for individuals to directly order specific plants through their website. They can be found regularly at the Palafox Market, with more information available at nativeplantcompany.com.
Another way you can contribute to environmental awareness is participating in the Meatless Monday movement. Even if you’re not morally opposed to eating meat, there are plenty of health and environmental benefits to avoiding meat for even just one day out of seven. Choosing to take a break from meat can be good for improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as meat contains a lot of saturated fat. In addition, the choice to turn from meat means intentionally focusing on other options, such as fruits and vegetables, which can be easy to exclude from your diet. There are plenty of nutrients present in fruits and vegetables that simply cannot be gotten through meat, so a whole day of focusing on these foods can help to rebalance the vitamins in your body. Environmentally, avoiding meat decreases your carbon footprint. Unfortunately for those of us who love a good steak, the meat industry is not one that is kind to our environment, and cutting down on our participation in it is truly best in the long run. If you’re looking for good food places where you can still enjoy a filling meal while staying away from meat, try out Pensacola’s Chickpea House. Everything on the menu is vegetarian with vegan alternatives for each item. They offer plenty of tasty vegan and vegetarian options, especially the hummus, that will be sure to fully satisfy–no meat required.
Shopping can create a surprising amount of waste, both visible and behind the scenes. On the consumer side, singleuse plastic grocery bags are a common culprit, often piling up in landfills, drifting into the ocean or blowing across roads like tumbleweeds. Less visible, but equally impactful, is the environmental impact of fast fashion, where rapidly produced clothing contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, water overuse and microplastics in our oceans.
You can help reduce this impact by shopping more intentionally and choosing sustainable alternatives. Avoid supporting fast-fashion brands by visiting locally owned thrift shops like Loaves and Fishes or exploring downtown boutiques such as Colette and Hemline Pensacola, which offer more sustainably sourced, eco-friendly clothing options. To cut down on personal waste, consider using reusable tote bags instead of disposable ones, or participate in programs that allow you to bring your own containers when purchasing bulk or liquid items. Ever’man Cooperative Grocery & Cafe is a local favorite offering organic foods, fresh local produce and sustainable initiatives that encourage customers to bring their own bags and purchase returnable milk and honey jars to keep materials in circulation. Ever’man is open daily and has two locations—on Garden Street and Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Visit everman.org to learn more.
A straightforward way to strengthen the environment is to simply plant a tree. However, while in theory it might seem like a simple thing to do, the process can be intimidating to undertake with no guidance. An excellent resource to turn to is the UF/IFAS extension gardening solutions website, which offers a list of native trees with sizes ranging from the small-to-medium redbud and red maple to larger species like the bald cypress and live oak. On the UF/IFAS website you can find plenty of information on everything you need to know about planting a native tree. There are guides on what to consider in terms of placement when planting, advice on what type of trees to plant, detailed step-by-step instructions on the actual planting of the tree itself and tips for further care to ensure the tree continues to grow well.All the information you need can be found at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu.
By Morgan Cole & Dawn Gresko
Spring has arrived on the Gulf Coast, bringing color, flavor and plenty of reasons to step outside and enjoy all the season has to offer. From April through May, the local calendar is packed with fun festivals nearly every weekend. From blooming gardens and eco-friendly celebrations to waterfront seafood events and outdoor markets, there’s plenty of ways to soak up the springtime atmosphere. Gather your friends, bring the family or plan a casual date—these upcoming festivals are the perfect reason to unplug, get outside and enjoy everything the season has to offer. To help you make the most of it, we’ve rounded up details on all the upcoming festivals happening across the Pensacola area.
When: April 10, 11 & 12
Where: UF/IFAS & PSC Milton Campus | 5988 Highway 90, Milton
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual Spring Festival of Flowers, happening April 10 through 12 at the University of Florida/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center and Pensacola State College (PSC) campus in Milton. This beloved three-day outdoor event is free and open to the public, welcoming plant lovers, families and garden enthusiasts from across the region. Featuring more than 100 vendors, attendees will find an impressive variety of offerings, including plant nurseries showcasing native and ornamental species, the UF Student Club Plant Sale, unique arts and crafts booths, delicious food vendors and horticultural exhibits and demonstrations offering expert gardening tips and inspiration. Proceeds from the festival support scholarships, student field trips and other educational needs for UF and Pensacola State College agriculture and plant science students. Whether you’re seeking rare specimens for your garden, handmade gifts or tasty bites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy among the colorful blooms. Festival gates open each day from 9 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. Don’t forget your wagon to carry home all your fabulous finds! For complete event details, visit wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu.
When: April 12
Where: Community Maritime Park Stadium | 301 W. Cedar St., Pensacola
Enjoy festivities while you support the community at the Fred Levin Way Fest, taking place at its new location, Wahoos Stadium Maritime Park, from 11 am to 3 pm on April 12. This free festival is designed to help families and individuals in need, and will feature an eclectic variety of food, games, music, art and giveaways. Entertainment will be spearheaded by DJ Albert Lao followed by a performance from Jordan Chase from American Idol. Come hungry, because there will be 12 food trucks and seven snack vendors providing every form of cuisine and treats: ranging from American, Asian, barbeque, Greek, Mexican, pizza, popcorn, ice cream and more. Most importantly, over 65 nonprofit organizations will have booths to distribute information on the services they offer along with gifting essential items like backpacks, blankets, books, diapers, hygiene products, school supplies, toiletries and more to those in need. Check out fredlevinfest.com for more details.
When: April 17, 18 & 19
Where: Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar | Pensacola Beach
If you’re still craving more crawfish, the Pensacola Beach Crawfish Festival is set to return to Bamboo Willie’s Beachside Bar on Pensacola Beach April 17 through 19 for a weekend of delicious seafood, live music and beachside fun. The festival kicks off Friday, April 17, with crawfish served starting at 1 pm, and continues through Sunday, April 19. While specific performance times and bands are still being finalized, attendees can expect a lively lineup of local and regional music throughout the weekend, plus food, drinks and local art. Admission to the festival is free, and guests pay only for food, drinks and vendor items. The festival caters to all ages with a variety of familyfriendly activities. Kids can enjoy games, face painting and other interactive entertainment, making it a fun outing for the entire family. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy great music, cold drinks and plenty of seasoned mudbugs by the water. For complete event details, visit pensacolabeachcrawfishfestival.com.
When: April 18
Where: Bayview Park | 2001 E. Lloyd St., Pensacola
We have one planet and one big celebration in Pensacola to honor it: Earth Day Pensacola is an annual eco-festival that blends environmental preservation and celebration. This year the family-friendly event will take place at Bayview Park on April 18 from 10 am to 4 pm. The festival will feature a range of earthy goods at Pensacola Arts Market, live music, yoga, vegetarian food trucks and more. In the past, the festival has hosted poetry readings, Pensacola Children’s Chorus and musical improv right on the park’s vibrant green turf. Other highlights include learning about organic practices and sustainability from local farmers, unique and eco-friendly products from local vendors plus interactive educational activities promoting ways to support environmental wellness and protect our beautiful planet. The festival is about having fun all in the name of creating a greener feature together. Learn more about the festival, volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved at earthdaypensacola.com.
When: April 18
Where: Gulf Breeze Community Center | 800 Shoreline Dr., Gulf Breeze
What better way to celebrate the new season than with the lively Spring Festival? The City of Gulf Breeze is hosting its annual Spring Fest on April 18 from 4 to 8 pm at Gulf Breeze Community Center. This free-admission festival is open to all ages and celebrates both community and the spring season with fun activities, food and exhibits. The event includes bounce houses for kids along with animal exhibits for an interactive and educational experience. You won’t want to miss displays of archery, or the local performers offering live entertainment throughout the festival. Over 100 vendors will be lined up, including food trucks, a beer wagon, local artists and much more. Spring Fest concludes on a bright note–the grand finale at 8 pm will feature a fabulous fireworks show. For more information, contact Spencer Jones sjones@gulfbreezefl.gov or visit gulfbreezeparksandrecreation.com.
When: April 24, 25 & 26
Where: Seville Square & Fountain Park | 301 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola
One of spring’s most anticipated events, the Pensacola Crawfish Festival returns to downtown Pensacola April 24 through 26 for three full days of live music, family-friendly fun and, of course, plenty of perfectly boiled crawfish. Held in Seville Square and Fountain Park, the annual festival brings together regional bands, local artisans and food vendors serving up Cajun favorites—from steaming platters of crawfish to po’boys, gumbo and more. Beyond the food, festivalgoers can browse a wide selection of arts and crafts vendors, relax to live entertainment throughout the weekend and let little ones enjoy the dedicated kid’s area. Whether you’re there for the music, the flavor or simply the festive downtown atmosphere, the Pensacola Crawfish Festival is a flavorful way to welcome the spring season. Admission is $5 per day for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for kids under 5. Festival hours are Friday, April 24 from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday, April 25 from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday, April 26 from 11 am to 5 pm. For complete details, visit fiestapensacola.org/crawfish-festival.
When: May 7 & 8
Where: Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten | 208 Newman Ave., Pensacola
Enjoy a berry-sweet weekend at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten at the annual Blueberry Festival on May 8 and 9. The two-day festival kicks off Friday from 4 to 9 pm and continues Saturday from noon to 7 pm. Throughout the weekend, guests can explore a variety of local vendors, sample blueberry-themed treats and goodies and enjoy tasty fare from a rotating lineup of food trucks. Craft beer enthusiasts can sip a selection of small-batch brews produced on-site at Gary’s Brewery, while the little ones can visit Lazy Day Farm’s petting zoo featuring baby goats, pigs and other friendly animals. Whether you come for the handcrafted goods, the cold beer or the sweet taste of blueberry season, this laid-back community festival offers something for everyone. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit garysbrewery.com and follow Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten on Facebook.
When: May 16
Where: Seville Square | 301 S. Alcaniz St., Pensacola
Pensacola’s newest spring festival tradition is coming and it’s kind of a “big dill!” The inaugural Pensacola Pickles and Wings Family Festival will take over historic Seville Square May 16 from 10 am to 8 pm with a full day of food, entertainment and family-friendly fun. This free admission community event will feature more than 20 Gulf Coast food trucks serving creative wings and pickle-inspired dishes alongside seafood, barbecue and more. The Pickle Marketplace will showcase local makers and artisans offering specialty goods and pickle-themed treasures. A dedicated kids zone will offer carnival games like the ring toss plus balloon artists, face painting and bounce houses for lots of family fun. If you’re feeling competitive, adult and children’s costume contests will be awarded with trophies and prizes, and you can also compete in the Pickle Eating Contest to become Pensacola’s next Pickle Champion. The festival's main stage will showcase local talent throughout the day, featuring singers, dancers, poets, spoken word artists, and acoustic performers. All this and pickle-themed photo stations to take Instagram-worthy photos and commemorate the event. A portion of proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House of Northwest Florida, supporting families with children receiving medical treatment. So have fun in the name of pickles and a good cause! Discover more, including how to become a vendor or entertainer, by visiting pensacolafest.com.
By Bella Shields
Book clubs are a great way to make real-world connections centered on a shared passion for reading and fictional worlds. Here in Pensacola, there are plenty of opportunities for book lovers to connect with each other and find community. From traditional book clubs with assigned titles each month to casual gatherings for general book lovers and genrespecific groups tailored to particular reading tastes, there’s a club for anyone looking to connect with fellow readers in the area. If you’re still on the hunt for a bookish friend circle, you might want to consider giving any of these local options a try!
The West Florida Public Library (WFPL) hosts a number of active book clubs throughout the year, but two of our favorites offer something a little different for local readers. The Popular Literary Book Club is open to members ages 18 and up and follows a traditional book club format, with a new title selected each month for the group to read and discuss together. Meetings are held at the Pensacola Library at 239 N. Spring St. in downtown Pensacola on the third Wednesday of every month at 10:30 am. April’s featured book is My Friends by Fredrik Backman, a heartfelt story exploring the life-altering bonds of friendship.
Another WFPL library-based book club targeted to a slightly different demographic is the Graphic Novel Book Club. Open to members ages 15 and up, the club also meets at the Pensacola Library. The group meets on the last Monday of each month at 5 pm, and rather than assigning a specific title, participants are invited to bring a favorite graphic novel to share and discuss. To learn more about these and other WFPL Book Clubs, visit mywfpl.com.
This book club was established in 2019 by local listener-supported radio station WUWF-FM. Six years later, the club is still running strong, growing to include a membership base of 300 people. Every other month, members vote in the group’s private Facebook group on a new book to read. The Facebook group also acts as a discussion hub where members can talk about the books they’ve read and other book-related topics, helping build a sense of community among readers. Members are encouraged to chat about group-assigned books, recommend their own favorites and use the group as a space to share their love of books with each other. The club meets virtually and typically hosts inperson gatherings at various locations throughout Pensacola, though inperson meetings are currently on hold. The WUWF Book Club is open to everyone, and membership is free. If you’re interested in becoming a part of it, check out WUWF Book Club on Facebook.
The Barnes & Noble Book Club is a nationwide program featuring monthly fiction selections, often with exclusive, in-store editions, special content and discussions held at store cafes. Designed for engaging and enthusiastic readers, it encourages community discussion, frequently highlighting new, thoughtprovoking contemporary literature. Meetings are held in Barnes & Noble cafes on the last Tuesday of the month or other scheduled times, usually led by booksellers.
Each month, the club assigns a new book, which is highlighted at the front of the store. In March, the book selection was Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney’s Lake Effect, a drama set in the 1970s about a scandalous affair between neighbors. Each month, members are invited to participate in group discussions in-store or online using the hashtag #BNBookClub. For details on the latest book selection and upcoming in-store meetings, visit barnesandnoble. com and check the event calendar at your local Barnes & Noble store.
This independently run book club for readers ages 18 and up is made up of four different genre-based groups that meet throughout the month. If you’re hoping to find a book club that matches your reading tastes, this group offers plenty of options. Each subgroup focuses on a different genre and meets during a specific week of the month.
The Literary Fiction group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, and has recently focused on reads like Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake, The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller and The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso. The Romance group meets the third Tuesday of the month, and has recently enjoyed titles like An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister and the ever-popular Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid. The Fantasy Club readers meet on the fourth Tuesday and recently discussed Alex Harlow’s The . Finally, the Horror Club meets every three months on the fifth Tuesday, with past selections including titles like Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez and The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw. To stay updatedon meetings and upcoming reading lists, follow @readpensacola on Instagram.
If traditional book discussions aren’t your style, the University of West Florida’s (UWF) Silent Book Club offers a relaxed alternative where readers can simply enjoy a good book in quiet company. Hosted at the University of West Florida, this book club is open to current students, faculty and staff who want a lowpressure way to make time for reading. Instead of a structured discussion, attendees bring their own book and spend the meeting enjoying quiet, independent reading alongside other book lovers. Snacks are often
provided, and the goal of this group is to serve as a getaway to unwind, destress and pause your hectic schedule to dive into a book. Meetings take place on the third floor of John C. Pace Library. The group does not follow a fixed monthly schedule, so sessions are planned individually in advance. Two meetings are scheduled during the spring semester, with hopes of expanding to more regular gatherings in the future. To see upcoming meeting dates, check the UWF Library Calendar of Events at uwf.edu/library.
One of Pensacola’s most social book clubs, Books & Bubbly blends great reads with meaningful conversation and a welcoming community of local women. Launched in 2018 as part of the women’s community group, Positively Pensacola, the club was created to help women connect through books, thoughtful discussion and new friendships. The group meets once a month for relaxed, conversation-driven gatherings where members discuss a selected book while enjoying light refreshments—often with a celebratory glass of bubbly. Rather than focusing on traditional literary analysis, conversations center on books written by women, stories of women’s empowerment and topics that inspire meaningful dialogue about life, relationships and personal growth.
Meetups are casual and welcoming, making it easy for newcomers to join whether they’re devoted readers or simply looking to meet new people in the community. Readers interested in joining can stay up to date on meeting dates and sign-up details by following Positively Pensacola on Facebook and Instagram.
April Home Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium
For more information and tickets, visit milb.com/pensacola.
April 3 & 4 at 6:05 pm - Montgomery
Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos
April 5 at 4:05 pm - Montgomery
Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos
April 14–18 at 6:05 pm - Knoxville
Smokies vs Blue Wahoos
April 19 at 4:05 pm - Knoxville
Smokies vs Blue Wahoos
April 28–30 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
. . . April 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29
The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola on select days throughout the year. Watch them soar and visit the museum for free. The gates to the flight line viewing area open at 9:30 am, and the Blues will take flight at 10:30 am. The 55-minute practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola, including Fort Pickens, boat cruises and various points throughout downtown Pensacola. The National Naval Aviation Museum is located at 1750 Radford Blvd. in Pensacola. Access to NAS Pensacola for those without a Department of Defense ID begins at 9 am through the West Gate. Please ensure everyone in your vehicle who is 18 years of age and older is in possession of a REAL ID or valid U.S. passport. Practice schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels.
April 2
This is your invitation to an unforgettable night where the untamed beauty of Africa meets highfashion sophistication. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Art of Fashion returns bigger and bolder than ever, a milestone event blending style and purpose, with every dollar granting counseling for children and special wishes for those in need. Your ticket unlocks the full “Art of Fashion” experience: exclusive entry to a breathtaking runway show and after-party, two drink vouchers and gourmet hors d’oeuvres inspired by global flavors. Gather your tribe, bring your boldest safari-chic style to Pensacola's hottest charity fashion show. Tickets start at $150 per person. Get your tickets and find more information at choosecovenant.org.
April 5, 12, 19 & 26
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Support small businesses and retail shops during the Palafox reconstruction project with the new Sunday Market on Palafox–bringing local farmers, artists, food vendors and businesses together in
the heart of downtown on Palafox Street. Running from 10 am to 3 pm, the market features locallygrown produce, farm-fresh goods, handcrafted art, cottage foods, baked goods, specialty items, bath and body products and more. The market is committed to supporting small businesses and maintaining a carefully curated selection of original and locally produced products. The Sunday Market on Palafox operates rain or shine and emphasizes a family-friendly atmosphere. Shoppers are encouraged to go early, explore local offerings and spend the day supporting Pensacola’s small business community. Learn more by visiting the Sunday Market on Palafox Facebook page.
Easter Lunch at Jackson’s Steakhouse
April 10
Celebrate a century of music at the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild’s Mad Hatter Champagne Brunch on April 10 at 11 am at the Pensacola Yacht Club. Guests are encouraged to wear their most creative hats and enjoy a festive afternoon featuring entertainment by the Palafox Quartet and Ryan Etheredge, along with a lively Hat Contest awarding prizes for Most Creative, Most Beautiful and Best Whimsical. Single tickets are $80, or reserve a sponsor table for eight for $600. Proceeds benefit the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. To reserve tickets, contact Cindy Law at (850) 324-0471 or Charlotte Cheney at (850) 293-9367.
musical accompaniment from a featured singer and pianist and a humorous Elizabethan-style poetry before the auction begins. There will be thoughtfully curated decor and interactive touches as well as on-demand poetic pamphlets, caricature sketches and light improvisational performances to invite participation throughout the evening. A fencing demonstration offers a dramatic flourish as guests are transported to the spirit of the 16th-century Renaissance through rustic, star-crossed fare and curated wines. This one-of-a-kind event unites art, performance and philanthropy under the stars. Tickets are available for $100 per person. Find out more at balletpensacola.org.
April 5
Jackson’s will be open and serving both Easter lunch and dinner for Sunday, April 5. From 10 am to 2 pm, in addition to their standard lunch menu, Jackson’s will feature a special Easter lunch of country ham and crab cake eggs benedict with hollandaise sauce, roasted fingerling potatoes and grilled asparagus. Alongside their usual dinner favorites, Chef Irv Miller and Chef Jeremiah Taylor have created a special option for dinner: slow braised lamb shank, roasted fingerling potatoes, Brussels sprouts and pan jus. Jackson’s extensive, award-winning wine list will also be available for lunch and dinner. For reservations, please call 850-469-9898. For more information and to view all menus, visit jacksonsrestaurant.com.
Egga-Wahooza 2026
April 6
Celebrate Easter with your family on April 6 in beautiful downtown Pensacola at the Wahoos Stadium for the Egga-Wahooza: a community egg hunt event for toddlers of walking age through 5th grade. With over 50,000 hidden eggs, this Easter egg hunt is safe and guaranteed family-friendly fun. Ages through 4 and special needs egg hunts begin at 11 am, and K5 through 5th grade hunts start at noon. The event is free admission but registration is required. Only one registration form per family is needed. Register online and find more information including an area map at pensacolachurch.org.
April 8 to 12
Do you have a love for the outdoors and a creative drive? Quayside Gallery is sponsoring a four-day event open to artists of all mediums who want to paint outside with a chance to win cash prizes and display of art at Quayside’s East Gallery. Cost for the event is either Full Paint Out for $45 or you can opt for a Quick Draw only for $20. Seats are limited with only 40 available for Full Paint Out and 20 available for Quick Draw. Cash prizes will be given to first through third place for both Full Paint Out and Quick Draw categories. The public reception for all art created will be featured on April 12 at Quayside Gallery, 17 E. Zaragoza Street. For more details or to reserve your seat, check out quaysideartgallery.com.
April 11
Ready to explore downtown Pensacola with your dog in a whole new way? Join Wolfgang Pensacola for a historic, dog-friendly scavenger hunt through the heart of beautiful downtown Pensacola from 11 am to 3 pm starting and finishing at Pensacola Bay Brewery on April 11. Uncover stories beneath the Five Flags, where you and your pup will uncover hidden gems, snap fun photos, solve creative challenges and meet fellow dog lovers along the way. Tickets start at $30 for one person and up to two dogs. The single ticket is good for an entry into the scavenger hunt. There will be three teams of seven, and teams will be selected randomly before the event so you have the opportunity to meet new dog lover friends and make it competitive. Get tickets and more information at wolfgangparkandbrews.com.
April 11
Get ready for Pensacola’s biggest burger showdown at Pensacola Maritime Park on April 11 from 11 am to 2 pm, where local teams will compete on the grill for the coveted Green Apron and title of Burger Master. Admission gets you burger tastings from competing teams, front-row fun as chefs battle for the Green Apron, plus plenty of familyfriendly vibes with live music and entertainment by the bay. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and day-of tickets are $25. The event benefits the Rotary Club of Pensacola Suburban West, a community-driven service organization dedicated to making a positive impact in Northwest Florida by supporting local initiatives, youth programs and global humanitarian efforts. Find out more ticket and team registration information at subwestrotary.org.
Pensacola Ballet’s Rose & Dagger Experience
. April 16
Delve into an evening of romance, wit and theatrical elegance in a celebration of Romeo & Juliet with Pensacola Ballet’s Rose & Dagger Experience at Clark Family Cultural Center on The Rooftop at 5 pm, April 16. This immersive 21+ pre-show affair blends live artistry with playful Shakespearean charm, welcoming guests with a
April 17
The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) has brought back its popular Cinemas in the Sand series, offering free family-friendly movie nights throughout the summer and into fall. Held at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach, Cinemas in the Sand allows families to come together and enjoy the beautiful beach and a wholesome movie. Grab your beach chairs, pack the cooler and head out to Pensacola Beach for a movie night under the stars. On April 17, the SRIA will present The Paper Bear—a heart-felt film about a father and son’s handmade paper creation that comes to life and leads them on a magical journey. The movie starts at sunset, and will be displayed on a giant inflatable outdoor movie screen. For information, including the full 2026 Cinemas in the Sand lineup, check out visitpensacolabeach.com.
April 25
Journey to Perfect Plain Brewing on April 25 for a day of medieval revelry from their Renaissance Festival running from 11 am to 9 pm. Lively entertainment will include performances of belly dancing and sword fighting plus a pirate fire show and live music by The New Cahoots. There will also be a vendor’s market from 11 am to 4 pm, with wares from the likes of Veil & Vortex, Funky Bohemian LLC, Naomi’s Fantasy Face Painting, Twisted Hippie and more. All this, plus the normal food and fare offered at Perfect Plain Brewing. Admission is free, and you can learn more by visiting Perfect Plain Brewing Co. on Facebook.
April 25
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Join Studer Community Institute for a night of raw talent and intimate performances at the Pensacola Unplugged Songwriter Showcase on April 25. Get ready for a night filled with amazing live music from talented local artists and an intimate evening of acoustic performances guaranteed to touch your soul. Go to support local songwriters and immerse yourself in the music. This year’s headliner is Steve Dean. Find out more info on Pensacola Unplugged’s Facebook page.
Thirty-five student naval aviators, assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) in a ceremony aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola March 10.
Captain Ronald Rumfelt, Commander, Naval Aviation Schools Command, presented the awards on behalf of Rear Adm. Matthew Pottenburgh, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC). The medals recognized the students’ contributions to Operation CHOMP (Conquer Hardships) and Own My Potential at Escambia High School.
CHOMP pairs junior officers awaiting flight instruction at NASC with students at the school for tutoring in mathematics.
“The students have demonstrated remarkable growth in both their mathematical skills and confidence,” Escambia High School Principal Dr. Dana Boddy said. “This helps them succeed in math classes and will have a lasting, positive impact on their overall academic achievement.
Often, our students are so engaged and focused, when working with the volunteers, that many want to continue learning, even after the bell rings.”
Since the program began, NASC students have accumulated more than 350 volunteer service hours.
Ensign Zachary Jon Linder, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the volunteers. In addition to tutoring, he volunteered his time assisting the school’s swimming team.
“Growing up, I was lucky to have strong mentors and role models to look up to in both school and sports,” Linder said. “The Navy not only allows me to pursue my dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, but also the opportunity to share my experiences and be that role model to the next generation.”
The MOVSM recognizes service members who perform substantial volunteer service to the community, beyond the scope of their official duties.
NASC, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, provides foundational education in technical training, character development, professional leadership and
prepares U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, partner nation officers and enlisted students to be combat-ready aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time in the right numbers, to meet the operational needs of their respective services.
NSTC oversees 98 percent of the Navy’s officer and enlisted accessions. NSTC, headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, is the Foundry of America’s Fighting Force. NSTC transforms America’s sons and daughters into service professionals through Recruit Training Command, Officer Training Command-Newport, and the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Additionally, NSTC leads the NJROTC citizenship development program, which instills leadership, character and civic responsibility in high school students globally, including at Escambia.
For more information about NASC and NSTC, visit netc. navy.mil/NASC/ or netc.navy.mil/NSTC.
Congratulations to Megan F. Fry, Pinnacle Award Recipient – Attorney & Shareholder, Clark Partington Attorneys at Law
850 Business Magazine and the Pinnacle Awards proudly recognize Megan F. Fry for her outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in Northwest Florida.
For more than 17 years, Megan has exemplified resilience, integrity, and strategic insight in her legal practice. As the first woman to chair Clark Partington’s Commercial Litigation Department and the first woman to serve on its Executive Committee, she has helped pave the way for others while delivering exceptional results for her clients.
Megan’s influence extends well beyond the courtroom. Through her service as General Counsel to the Escambia Children’s Trust and Triumph Gulf Coast, and her leadership with the University of West Florida Foundation and numerous community organizations, she continues to strengthen our region and invest in its future.
The Pinnacle Awards honor women who balance leadership, service, and purpose—lifting others as they lead. Megan Fry exemplifies that mission in every sense.
Thank you, Megan, for your leadership, your resilience, and your commitment to our community.