When it comes to New Year's Eve events around the city, many make you feel like you'd probably have to leave the kids at home. If you're in Pensacola and looking for a family-friendly New Year's Eve event, you're in luck. The Pensacola Pelican Drop is not only New Year's Eve well-suited for the entire family, but it's FREE as well.
Head to Downtown Pensacola and celebrate with a ton of attractions and activities beginning at 5 p.m. Palafox and Government Street will be closed to traffic to accomodate this huge, citywide party.
There will be live music featured on three stages to entertain throughout the night. The Main Stage will play host to recording artists, Andy Grammar as well as the band Musical Fantasy. The Go Pensacola Stage will feature the bands Bad Habits and Mo Jiles, and the CAT Country stage will play host to The Retreat and Alvarado Road Show.
Although Palafox and Government Street will be closed, all the local bars and restaurants as well as additional street vendors will be open and serving refreshments. The Pelican Drop will also have a kids area featuring a special kids countdown at 8 p.m. with confetti and something called the "bubble stomp".
The main event attraction, though, is the huge pelican looming over the entire celebration on a 100-foot platform. When midnight approaches, the big pelican will drop to commemorate the New Year Pensacola-style.
The Pensacola Pelican Drop is a HUGE event each year. The city expects a crowd of around 25,000 people, so get there early if you want to a good view of the drop. If you are looking for a hotel in Pensacola or Pensacola Beach for this event, make sure to read about the Visit Pensacola special with their "You Play, We Pay" offer.
