Category: Family Friendly

Pensacola Mardi Gras Celebrations

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There are three big opportunities to celebrate Mardi Gras in Pensacola next weekend! 

On February 9th, the Krewe of Lafitte is hosting the Illuminated Parade. The largest all-male Krewe in the Panhandle, Lafitte features 300 “gentleman” pirates and 12 floats. The Illuminated Parade is the only after-dark parade in Pensacola. Learn more by visiting the Krewe’s website. 

On February 10th, come out to the city’s largest parade. The Pensacola Mardi Gras Grand Parade includes more than 6,000 participants. It features local Krewes, marching bands, organizations, and Scout groups. It attracts over 100,000 in-person spectators and is also broadcast live on local TV stations. Learn more by visiting the Pensacola Mardi Gras website. 

And on February 11th, there will be a beachside parade. The Krewe of Wrecks will host its annual Mardi Gras Parade from Via de Luna to the Gulfside Pavilion. The daytime event is family-friendly. Learn more by visiting the parade website.

Jacksonville Zoo’s Colors of the Wild

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The Jacksonville Zoo is hosting one of the largest lantern displays in the country until February 18th! The Colors of the Wild display will depict more than 70 scenes of plants and animals created by Asian lanterns. Guests will have the opportunity to walk through a fiery-hued tunnel created by a larger-than-life dragon’s tail and gaze into the jaws of a roaring hippo. Visit the Zoo nightly Thursdays through Sundays to enjoy the show! Guests can purchase a ticket for Colors of the Wild OR a combo ticket that includes regular zoo admission. Learn more by visiting Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ website. 

Paw Di Gras 2024

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Pensacola’s third annual Paw Di Gras event is coming soon. The event will take place on Garden Street between Tarragona and Palafox Streets on January 28th. The street will be packed with vendors, sponsors, music, food trucks, drinks, and adoptable dogs! Paw Di Gras is free and open to the public, but we ask everyone who plans to walk in the paw-rade to register their dog and make a small donation to the event benefactor, The Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare. 

The event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for local animal shelters and rescues. The theme for this year’s festivities is Bow Wow Luau so dress your dog accordingly. There will be dog-themed vendors, dog AND human games, costume contests, a parade, and more! Learn more by visiting the event website HERE.

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire

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Gainesville’s annual ren festival is next weekend! The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is only taking place one weekend this year – January 27-28th. Come out to Depot Park to feast on turkey legs as big as your fist, watch jousting competitions, and get a break from the hullabaloo of the modern day. There will be medieval revelry and merriment including living chess board matches, carnival rides, a medieval marketplace, artisans, and craftsmen. Learn more by visiting the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire website. 

Butts & Clucks 2024

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Apalachicola’s annual BBQ festival coming this weekend! Come out to Battery Park in Apalachicola January 19-20th to enjoy BUTTS & CLUCKS. The festival features a grill master competition with $15,000 in cash and prizes; there are four categories: chicken, ribs, pork butts, and brisket.

There is a unique bonus competition – The Cluck that Came from the Butt! It’s a deviled egg contest with a $5 entry fee so anyone and everyone can try their hand at the 2024 title. 

Don’t forget to come hungry! Everyone gets to sample as much pulled pork as they want in the People’s Choice Swine Tasting competition. Learn more by visiting the event website HERE. 

PCB Mardi Gras

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The Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival is happening this month! Taking place on January 26-27th, the Festival will take place in conjunction with the Krewe of Dominique Youx’s Great Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade. There will be float tours, parades, a Mardi Gras 5K, a kids’ parade, live music, food, beads, and fireworks!!! To see the complete schedule with times and locations, visit the event page HERE. Registration for the Fun Run 5K will close on January 24th; register here. 

Fat John’s Pizza

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It’s National Pizza Week! From now until January 20th, celebrate all things pizza; indulge in your favorite pizza, try a new recipe, support a local shop, or read up on the history of pizza. 

Did you know that approximately 350 slices of pizza are eaten every second?! Pizza became popular in the United States in the 1950s. A boom in pizza consumption occurred when Italian immigrants brought the beloved staple to their new homes in the cities. Fast forward to the here-and-now: the U.S.A. consumes more than three BILLION pizzas a year.

This National Pizza Week, be sure to support locally-owned pizzerias. One excellent option is Fat John’s Pizza. They opened in 2018 in Marianna and have been a community favorite since. Visit to enjoy specialty pizzas, wings, and more!

 

Wakulla River Manatee Viewing

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Join Harry Smith Outdoors and fellow paddlers on a leisurely trip down the beautiful, spring-fed Wakulla River in search of manatees! The trip will be a 3 mile, 2.5 hour float perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned kayakers alike. For the price of $60/person, you get a knowledgeable guide, transportation (if needed), shuttle service, sit-on-top kayaks, a paddle, and a life jacket.
The trip begins at the “upper” bridge along Shadeville Highway and continues 3 miles down to the “lower” bridge where the shuttle will be waiting to transport everyone back. Please note: we recommend avoiding cotton in the cooler months. Additionally, we recommend bringing:
  • Water/weather-appropriate clothing & footwear
  • Wide-brimmed hat or ball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water or your drink of choice. There is plenty of room in the kayaks for a small cooler. Alcohol is not allowed.
  • Lunch and/or snacks depending on the length of trip
  • Waterproof camera
  • Small dry bag (Ziplocks work great!) for personal belongings (ie. keys, wallet, phone, etc.)
  • Any personal items you may want and/or need (ex. medication, inhaler, etc.)

We look forward to guiding you on a unique, enjoyable, safe, and memorable experience! Have questions? Contact the event host, Harry Smith Outdoors, by phone – (850) 559-3400 – or email at hsoutdoors@hotmail.com. 

Visit the Facebook event page to learn more or message Harry Smith Outdoors, LLC via Facebook direct message.

Winter Wonder Wagon Rides

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Panama City is hosting a Winter Wonder Wagon ride for all ages! Enjoy the beauty and picturesque holiday charm of Historic Downtown Panama City. Many of the small businesses have decorated their storefronts and the streets have been decorated with lights. Tomorrow, December 29th, is the LAST day to enjoy this charming experience. Tickets are required and are going fast. Click HERE to get your tickets now; each ticket is $5. Children 3 and under may ride, for free, on an adult’s lap. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in; meet in front of the fountain at Gateway Park. 

Japanese Language Club: TONIGHT

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The Bay County Library is hosting a Japanese Language Club. Young fans of Japanese games, anime, and culture will enjoy the beginner class. The program is geared towards ages 6 – 12, and focuses on teaching Japanese words and phrases for everyday life. Registration is required and opens 3 weeks before each class. Please call 850-522-2118 to register. See the Facebook event page for future dates and more information.