Pensacola has always been the go-to destination for sun, sand, and stunning Gulf views, but come fall, it hits all the right notes with Foo Foo Fest.
The twelve-day city-wide event transforms the coastal city into a cultural mecca, where the spotlight shines on all things art. Included in that offering is an eclectic mix of sounds—from gospel and indie to jazz and even full-scale musicals. Fittingly, the festival's name even harkens back to the nineteenth century term for a spontaneous band of musicians, especially on a sailing vessel. And each November, as Foo Foo Fest curates a playlist as diverse as the city itself, it reminds us that Pensacola’s rhythm is just as captivating as its coastline.
"November in Pensacola is anything but typical," says Robert Goodspeed, founder and director of Night Moves Music Fest. "The weather's still warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to be outside enjoying great music with the beauty of Pensacola as a backdrop.”
Night Moves Music Fest has newly become an annual staple of Foo Foo Fest, adding an irresistible indie/alternative edge to Pensacola’s cultural lineup. The all-day music experience brings national, international, regional, and local artists to Pensacola, creating a rare opportunity for festival-goers to catch acts that don’t often make their way through the coastal community.
“We want to give people the chance to experience artists they wouldn’t normally see here,” Goodspeed says. “Most of these bands haven’t played Pensacola before, so this is a unique opportunity for both the audience and the musicians.”
Claire Marie Vogel
This year, the lineup showcases everything from indie icons like Silversun Pickups and Alvvays to rising stars such as Beach Fossils, blending accessibility with discovery.
“A lot of these bands are on the up-and-coming, and we’re excited to introduce them to Pensacola. We want people to walk away thinking, ‘I didn’t know that band, but now I can’t wait to add them to my playlist.'"
But for Goodspeed, Night Moves is about more than just curating a killer lineup. To him, it’s personal because his passion for live music actually began when he attended his first music festival at the age of thirteen.
"I saw a local band, and it just blew me away,” he explains. “I didn’t even know things like that happened in my hometown, and it changed everything for me. That’s what got me into this space—it got me playing music and booking my own shows and then booking for other people. A festival like that shaped me, so I love being able to do that for another generation of people."
AJS
The Choral Society of Pensacola, under the leadership of artistic director Peter Steenblik, is set to make a memorable impact at this year’s Foo Foo Fest as well.
"Our mission is to strengthen and enrich the community through a variety of dynamic choral experiences," says Steenblik. “We recently added ‘strengthen’ because we want to do more than just enrich. We want to build bridges and foster a stronger community.”
Known for their standout performances, including last year’s lively Grease sing-along that had attendees hand-jiving, the Choral Society is taking things up a notch by sponsoring another ensemble for the first time: Voctave, an eleven-member vocal group from Orlando.
“This is a big moment for us,” Steenblik says. “It was quite an ambitious ask, but thanks to a daring board member, we were able to make it happen.”
Voctave, a name that combines "voice" and "octave," is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of the human voice with their stunning vocal range. “They’ll be singing in the highest and lowest octaves you’ve ever heard, all woven into familiar, accessible tunes,” says Steenblik. The group’s performance, a mix of beloved Broadway numbers and Disney classics, offers something for everyone.
Voctave’s Pensacola appearance is especially significant as it precedes their European tour, giving local audiences a rare chance to experience this vocal powerhouse live.
“We are a multi-generational choir, and we want this performance to resonate with the entire community. And with tickets priced at just $25, it’s an incredible opportunity to see world-class talent right here in Pensacola.”
After celebrating everything from indie and punk to choral, Foo Foo Fest adds in yet another layer of musical diversity before it comes to a close with Jazz for Justice. The event, hosted by Legal Services of North Florida (LSNF), offers a diverse lineup of performers, each bringing their own distinct style while keeping jazz at the heart of the show.
The evening kicks off with the 9th Avenue Brass Band, a local favorite from North Florida that captures the spirit of New Orleans with their second-line style.
“They’re a great mix of backgrounds and ages, representing the local community,” says Charlotte Waters, director of communications for Legal Services of North Florida. “They bring that authentic, funky New Orleans vibe that really sets the tone for the event.”
Next up is Flow Tribe, a high-energy band that blends funky soul with a vintage swing feel. Hailing from New Orleans, they’ve been making waves since the early 2000s with their infectious sound.
“They came onto the scene after Hurricane Katrina, and their upbeat, soulful performances are always a hit,” Waters says. “We’re thrilled to have them back in person this year."
Braden Piper
The headliner for the evening is none other than jazz icon Kermit Ruffins. A true legend of the genre, Ruffins is known for his trumpeting, singing, and vibrant stage presence, having been a staple of the jazz scene for decades.
“Kermit is one of those performers who instantly connects with the audience, and his deep ties to New Orleans make him the perfect capstone for our event,” says Waters. “We couldn’t be more excited to see him bring his talent to Pensacola.”
While the music is front and center, Jazz for Justice is also a chance to support a cause that directly impacts the community, aligning perfectly with the heart of Foo Foo Fest—enriching and uplifting the local culture.
“This event supports the work we do at LSNF, so we’re incredibly thankful for an annual event like Foo Foo Fest and that they see the value in the work we do. We’re honored to bring it back again this year.”
Foo Foo Fest is scheduled for October 31 through November 11. Learn more about the festival at FooFooFest.com.