Pensacola Beach rocks, jams and rolls into Labor Day with an eclectic variety of bands, August 29-31. Take a look at the lineup of Island Times advertisers and plan to make the scene.
If football fight songs are more your style, the Beach has that covered, too.
Eat, Drink and Flounder
Jarrod McConnell headlines the weekend, Friday through Sunday, getting patrons to dance ‘neath the moon and stars. Beach famous Tim Spencer plays the Flounder’s stage from noon to 4 p.m on Sunday.
Bamboo Willie’s
Labor Day Music Festival
Bamboo Willie’s mixes music, bathtub racing and a fireworks show into a three-day party. The music starts Friday at 8 p.m. with 3HG. Setting the stage on Saturday at 2 p.m. is Edgewood Heavy followed by Tyler Livingston and The Absolutes at 8 p.m. Sunday is the big day when the music starts at noon with Bangarang Peter. Edgewood Heavy is back for an encore performance at 3:30 p.m. and Dirty Friday takes the stage at 8 p.m. They may have to turn up the volume, fireworks are just off Bamboo Willie’s beach at 8 p.m.
Only in Paradise
It’s a gumbo pot full of talent with award winning musicians, songwriters and veteran performers. Louisiana’s LeRoux returns to the stage at Paradise Bar and Grill Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The hit makers’ industry acclaim goes back to their Louisiana roots with “Take a Ride on a Riverboat” and “New Orleans Ladies.” The dance floor fills every time they play. No cover. Arrive by bike, boat or car and come as you are.
Locals know to show up on Monday for the encore performance around 5:30 p.m.
Shake It
C’mon and get your party on, Friday and Saturday night at the Shaker. False Identity is rocking the Shaker stage at 9 p.m. Squeeze onto the dance floor at the Sandshaker with a bushwacker in hand on Sunday when Count the Years kicks off at 4 p.m. They’re the high-energy cover band that will take you from the synthesized 80’s to today’s hits.
Small Stage, Big Hearts
Pop into The Sandbar Sunset Bar and Grill for a bite to eat and a cold beer on their deck overlooking Little Sabine Bay. The stage is tucked into the corner where local acts put on a show. Be there for sunset. Friendly folks.
The Pirate’s Pick
PegLeg Pete’s brings live music all weekend to their stage located in their UnderWhere Bar. Here’s the line-up: Freeway 98 at 5 on Friday. Saturday brings Matt Mills at noon followed by local favorites True Blue Band at 5. Mike Magazzeni plays at noon on Sunday and the David Dunn Duo hits the stage at 5 p.m. Always good just like the food.
Are You Kidding? Pinch Me!
Crab’s on the Beach, which has the Gulf and white sand beach as a backdrop for the musical talent on their stage, also offers a crazy, kid-friendly event all weekend long. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 and 7 p.m. is Crab Racing. Yes – racing hermit crabs with decorated shells hosted by an over-the-top crab wrangler. Your kids will be cheering. It’s fun for adults, too.
Shaggy’s
If you are out for a bite, so is the shark at the foot of Shaggy’s front steps. Get inside his jaws for a Labor Day weekend photo opp. Maybe the little fish are biting since kids can grab a pole and wet a line. Waterfront on Little Sabine Bay. Look for the red building, listen for the laughter.
Casino Beach Bar
Local bands entertain and Gulf front views engage at CBB. Catch Steve Hall on August 31 starting at 4:30 p.m. Lounge in a beach chair. Weekends are made for beach lounging and sun sipping. What to do on Monday night? Soundcheck Music Bingo, at 6 p.m. It’s traditional bingo with a musical twist. You might win a prize.
Laguna’s
You can zip, race and climb your way around the Adventure Park or get your rah-rah’s ready. Laguna’s turns on their giant screen Saturday for an Alabama Watch Party, at 2:30 p.m. The Crimson Tide will take on the Florida State Seminoles. There’s drink specials and raffle giveaways, too.
Score At Sidelines
Are you looking for gridiron action? Preseason match-ups, college season kickoffs are all here. Maybe cracking bats in Atlanta or revving engines at Darling are music to your ears.
Red Fish Blue Fish
Friendly bartenders and beach breezes. Stormfolk will entertain on Sunday afternoon, 2 p.m. Among the cushy seats in the soundfront setting and lawn games, you can make yourself right at home.
Go Native
Eat like a local and fuel up your weekend. Hearty homemade breakfast, delectable sandwiches and flavorful entrees. Spice up your visit with a Bloody Mary or an Irish coffee.
Soul Beach Sunday
Soul Beach Sunday brings its mini-fest vibe to the Gulfside Pavilion from noon to 9 p.m. Family-friendly, all ages show is offered at no charge. Bring your coolers and beach chairs. Headliners include Pensacola’s own DJ Cory T The People’s DJ, DJ Shannon, DJ Sammy Sam, DJ Larock, DJ Hale and DJ Neutron. You will get treated to a musical escapade through the 80’s, 90’s, and to the current culture of R&B and Hip Hop. This show is hosted by Mike Riley of Jazz and Flow.
Bands on the Beach
So, the music notes keep flowing into Tuesday, when the free concert series, Bands on the Beach, brings The Lads to the Gulfside Pavilion at 7 p.m. September 2. The Lads, led by Dickie Williams, are a British Invasion group playing a tribute band quality show that includes only British bands from 1963-1969. The Lads consist of Brad Scott (Hammond B3), Johnny Wilson (Guitar), Doug Zimmerman (Drums) and Dickie Williams (Bass).
Bring your beach chair, but no pets or glass.
Get the rhythm, pick up the beat, stay on the dance floor. Love the music and the musicians. Get entertained by racing, games and sunsets. It’s Labor Day weekend on Pensacola Beach.