As temperatures drop (slightly), the arts heat up in Pensacola. Our beloved performing arts organizations kick off their seasons with show-stopping premieres, including several bewitching nods to Spooky Season. Much-anticipated fall festivals bring nonstop action to Downtown Pensacola, filling the streets with art installations, delicious food, and toe-tapping musical performances. Our calendars are packed and our cups runneth over.
Here are our selections for must-see arts events this fall, and a sneak-peak of the holiday happenings to come.
Pensacola ComposerFest XX
Pensacola State College
Ashmore Auditorium
Sunday, September 28 @ 2:30pm
Don’t miss this chance to hear new, original music from local and regional composers at this free one-day festival. This event brings several contemporary composers to Pensacola to debut new pieces, many of which are premiering for the first time.
Jekyll & Hyde
Pensacola Little Theatre
The Clark Family Cultural Center
September 19th - October 5th
Darkness and desire collide in this epic gothic musical thriller. When the brilliant Dr. Henry Jekyll's bold experiment unleashes his violent alter ego, Edward Hyde, a chilling game of dual identities unfolds. With a sweeping score, this classic tale of good versus evil explores the razor-thin line between man and monster.
Jazz Pensacola
Pensacola Bay City Ferry
Thursday, October 2nd @ 6:30pm
Support local nonprofit, Jazz Pensacola, and set sail for an evening of classic, smooth and R&B jazz with local performer, Brynnevere. Enjoy appetizers and an eclectic live performance as you take in the sunset from beautiful Pensacola Bay.
Opening Night!
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra
Saenger Theatre
Saturday, October 4th @ 7:30pm
Kick off the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra's 100th anniversary season with an enchanting evening of music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Maurice Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole, and a special performance by South Korean pianist Chaeyoung Park.
A Choral Society Mixtape
The Choral Society of Pensacola
Cokesbury Church
Saturday, October 11th @ 7:30pm
Celebrate the Choral Society’s 90th season with this crowd-pleasing concert. Over the spring, concertgoers voted for the pieces they wanted to hear at this special mixtape event. The results will be revealed in this varied program of classics and rare treats.
Twilight & Temptations
Ballet Pensacola
The Clark Family Cultural Center
October 15th & 22nd @ 6pm
Get behind-the-scenes access to Ballet Pensacola’s Dracula with this haunting evening event. Sip signature cocktails, savor delectable bites, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of mystery with a live pianist, a ghost tour, and a peek at the production’s impressive dancers during tech week rehearsal.
Dracula
Ballet Pensacola
The Clark Family Cultural Center
October 17-19 & 24-26
This thrilling reimagination of Bram Stoker’s legendary tale features original, pulse-pounding choreography by a special Guest Choreographer. From sweeping romantic duets to explosive ensemble performances, you won’t want to