Family events in Escambia County, FL

Explore the sweeter side of downtown Pensacola on a guided dessert walk that highlights the flavors and stories of Palafox Street. Over an easy half mile, participants sample local favorites such as handcrafted chocolates, Southern pralines, Thai tea tiramisu, artisanal desserts, local honey, and fudge while visiting five tasting spots that include Bubba’s Sweet Spot, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Khon’s on Palafox, 86 Forks Bar & Table, and First City Bee Company. A guide shares stories about dessert history and how it has evolved. Tastings at each location are included, and wireless audio devices are provided to make hearing the guide easy. The tour moves at a relaxed pace and runs regardless of weather. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tastings contain sugar, dairy, and nuts, and gluten-free or diabetic-friendly options are not available. Parking can be found throughout the downtown area in garages, on the street, and in free public lots.

Families can dress up for a trunk-or-treat taking place in the Cub’s Crawfish parking lot. This is a parking lot only gathering, and the restaurant will be closed. Decorated cars, golf carts, and motorcycles will hand out candy to create a safe and fun space for children to trick or treat and celebrate Halloween. All vehicle participation spots are full. Participation requires confirmation, and those taking part provide their own decorations and candy. Local businesses are welcome to promote, but selling is not allowed. Last year’s turnout included more than 100 children. Stay alert for scammers asking for money and do not send payment to anyone.

A festive Halloween carnival at Brownsville Library features carnival games, creative craft tables, and plenty of candy. Costumes are welcome. Whether you arrive as a daring explorer or a friendly ghost, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Test your skills at game booths, get hands-on with Halloween crafts, and collect sweet treats along the way. It is all about fun, with treats instead of tricks.

At Westside Library, the STEAM team hosts a playful monster-building session filled with candy and games. Expect about two hours of hands-on activities as participants create their own creatures and enjoy a festive atmosphere. Costumes are encouraged for a library costume contest. This family-friendly gathering welcomes all ages.

Cinemas in the Sand features Toy Story 5, with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toy gang navigating new challenges as children grow and technology changes, testing their friendships and sense of purpose. Presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority, this popular tradition welcomes locals and visitors to relax on the sand and enjoy a film with Pensacola Beach as the scenic backdrop. The screening is free to the public and shown on a large screen set up in front of the Gulfside Pavilion stage, weather permitting. Sponsorship is provided by Postcard Properties, FL and Postcard Realty, Inc., sister companies offering real estate sales, property management, and vacation rentals.

Enjoy a free program all about owls led by local wildlife rehabilitation experts. A special guest will make an appearance during the presentation. Attendees are welcome to bring questions about owls and other wildlife, and donations to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida are appreciated if you are able. Seating is limited to about 20 people, so bringing a personal chair is recommended for comfort.

Spend an after dark evening at the Pensacola Lighthouse, a site long associated with unexplained activity and featured by national television investigators. Guests explore the 1869 Keeper’s Quarters, hear the lighthouse’s most well known ghost stories, and take part in a guided hunt to see whether any spirits make themselves known. Weather permitting, the experience includes a climb to the top of the historic tower for a memorable nighttime view of Pensacola Bay. Group sizes are limited, so availability can be tight. The tour lasts approximately two hours. Admission is $20 per person and the experience is limited to ages 13 and older. This event takes place at the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum on Naval Air Station Pensacola. Civilian visitors must use the designated shuttle to reach the lighthouse, with pickup and access details provided in the confirmation email. If civilian tickets are not available during booking, shuttle capacity has sold out. Guests with DoD identification and base access privileges may drive directly. If bringing civilian companions, the DoD ID must include escort privileges. Visitors to federal installations may be asked to present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Upon arrival, attendees are divided into small groups. If separate bookings wish to be placed together, that request should be noted during registration. The museum may refuse service to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or whose behavior could affect safety. Full refunds are available with at least three days notice. Refunds are also issued if weather or other unforeseen circumstances cancel the event. No shows are charged the full price. Discover why this lighthouse is often cited as one of the most haunted places on the Gulf Coast.

Set out on a family-friendly stroll along the scenic Ski Beach Trail and search for cleverly concealed ghosts along the route. Keep a running tally as you explore, then visit the office during operating hours to claim a prize. It is a relaxed, self-paced outdoor activity that brings a playful Halloween spirit to the trail.

Each Sunday, children 12 and younger receive a complimentary kids entrée, valued up to $15, with the purchase of an adult entrée. The offer is limited to one free kids meal per adult entrée. It cannot be combined with other promotions, specials, or dip certificates and is not available on holidays.

Take in a rare evening ascent of the historic Pensacola Lighthouse and enjoy a distinctive Gulf Coast vantage point. From the top of the tower you can watch the sun set over Pensacola Bay and see the moon rise over the water during a single visit. The lighthouse’s first order Fresnel lens will be operating, sending its beam 27 miles offshore to guide mariners. Admission is $25 per person, and the experience lasts about two hours, including shuttle transportation. Civilian visitors must use the designated shuttle and should not drive themselves, following the pickup details provided in the confirmation email. Guests with DoD identification and base access may drive and should note this preference when booking. Children riding the shuttle must be at least 6 years old and at least 44 inches tall. Wear shoes with a secure back, since backless footwear without a heel or ankle strap may require climbing barefoot. Leave backpacks and oversized bags in your vehicle, as they cannot be taken into the museum or the tower. Beginning May 7, 2025, entry to federal installations may require a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Cancellations made at least three days in advance receive a full refund, and full refunds are also issued if weather or other unforeseen circumstances cause the event to be canceled. No shows are charged the full price. For cancellations or questions, call 850 393 1561 Ext. 3.

Vetcola’s second annual trunk or treat takes place at Green Line Arms Virtual Range & Training Center in Pensacola. Kids and adults can pick up candy and enjoy a festive Halloween experience. Happy Halloween.

Horseshoe Kitty unleashes a high-energy salute to the golden era of guitar-driven rock. Formed in 2016, this Gulf Coast crew of seasoned musicians taps deep studio and stage experience to bring favorite radio hits back to life with faithful detail, powering an arena-size performance that keeps the singalongs going. The concert is part of Pensacola Beach’s free summertime outdoor series presented by the Santa Rosa Island Authority at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach, with the Gulf of Mexico as the backdrop. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for a comfortable spot. Pets and glass are not permitted. For updates, call SRIA at (850) 932-2257 or listen to Cat Country 98.7.