If you opted out of the European jet-set this summer, consider fall in Pensacola as your passport to an intoxicating cultural experience. Pensacola might not be the first place that comes to mind for a fall getaway, but this coastal Florida city’s combination of glorious weather and the renowned Foo Foo Festival is a compelling reason to reconsider. Beloved for its pristine beaches and home of the Navy’s Blue Angels flight squadron, Pensacola offers an unexpected delight each fall. The Foo Foo Festival, kicking off its 11th year on October 31st and running through November 11th, is a dazzling mosaic of arts and entertainment for all ages. From punk rock to opera, and nighttime walking photography tours to Japanese anime, this year’s festival promises cultural intrigue at every turn.
Foo Foo Festival defies traditional arts festival norms, with its mix of diverse and often dramatic events against the backdrop of Pensacola’s 19th-century laid-back charm. Founded in 2014, the Foo Foo Festival takes its apropos title from the 19th century term “foo foo” which refers to an impromptu group of musicians, typically aboard a ship. This eclectic series of events infuses the city with a vibrant New South sophistication. Unlike bustling metropolises, Pensacola offers an effortless festival-like experience. With easy access from Atlanta and a wealth of accommodations — from beachfront rentals to cozy bed and breakfasts –planning a festival getaway is a breeze.
This year’s festival will feature 13 diverse grant recipients who will push the boundaries of creativity. Among the returning participants is Night Moves Inc, a Pensacola-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering the local music scene. Excited to bring Night Moves Fest back for a second year, Director Robert Goodspeed promises an unforgettable indie music experience. Headlined by Toronto’s Alvvays and featuring Beach Fossils and Silversun Pickups, the lineup is a music lover’s dream. With a pre-show on November 8th and main concerts on the 9th, Night Moves Fest is guaranteed to be a Foo Foo Fest highlight. 309 Punk Project is also back for another year of wild fun with “Night on the Tracks.” This extravaganza features five signature events including a punk rock show, a film festival, and a circus-inspired spectacle complete with acrobatics and puppetry. Lauren Anzaldo, event organizer, noted that Night on the Tracks is an opportunity for the music and arts community within Pensacola to shine. “People come here for an event like Foo, and wind up moving to Pensacola because the punk rock community is so strong,” she added.
New to this year’s festival is the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida, which is presenting a cultural odyssey unlike any other. The society’s “HizashiCon” aims to capture the spirit of Florida’s eternal sunshine and blend it with the refinement of Japanese traditions and the exuberance of Japanese pop culture. The name “Hizashi” translates to “sunshine” in Japanese, a fitting name for this exuberant event. On November 9th, attendees can lose themselves in Japanese pop music, create their own anime, and explore a vendor hall filled with one-of-a-kind delights. Savannah Mikus of the Japan-America Society highlights the Japanese fascination with French culture, particularly the frothy opulence of Versailles. HizashiCon celebrates this unique blend with a Maid Café themed event, complete with a costumed staff of French maids and butlers, exquisite coffee art, and a dinner show.
“Pensacola Through the Camera” offers a captivating journey for photographers and history buffs alike. Presented by the Wide Angle Photo Club, this three-day event (November 1st-3rd) features a robust lecture series, including a must-see nighttime photo walk. The series will explore the rich history of Pensacola and celebrate the legacy of Naval Aviation through its insightful presentations.
For those seeking a more traditional cultural experience, Foo delivers. Imagine a day at the beach fading into a night at the opera or a moving performance by one of the nation’s premier choral ensembles. As Corey McKern, Artistic Director of the Pensacola Opera, aptly describes it, this year’s Opera event is a “brand new classic.” On November 7th, festival goers can anticipate a reimagined Carmen, a bohemian-inspired production featuring guitars, fiddles, and banjos. Carmen: The Traveler will star Caitlin McKechney in the lead role against a 1930s Seville setting. The evening begins, as all truly elegant evenings should, with a reception where guests can partake in Spanish tapas and explore wine pairings.
Then, on November 8th, the Choral Society of Pensacola welcomes Voctave, a renowned a cappella group that has captivated audiences worldwide with their incredible range and rousing performances. Voctave will perform what Choral Society Artistic Director Peter Steenblik describes as “hits from the corner of Broadway and Main Street” in a family-friendly show at one of Foo’s largest venues, the First Baptist Church of Pensacola. The festival happens to be Voctave’s last stop before they embark on their European tour.
The true magic of Foo Foo Festival lies in experiencing its creativity and exuberance firsthand. Each year, the grant recipients aim to overdeliver on wow-factor. As Robert Goodspeed mused, “We want people to leave feeling like they can’t wait to come back next year.” This year’s series of events are no exception, promising 12 days of arts, music, food, culture, community, and coastal enchantment that will send you back to the real world feeling refreshed, inspired, and already marking next November on your calendar.
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Sources: Telephone interviews with:
- Robert Goodspeed, Night Moves
- Lauren Anzaldo, 309 Punk Project
- Savannah Mikus, Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida
- Tim Brooks, Wide Angle Photo Club
- Corey McKern, Pensacola Opera
Peter Steenblik, Choral Society
