Things to Do, Getting Active, and Pets.

Good morning, Pensacola.

Thank you for joining us in 2025! I am excited about a new year. I know next year will have its challenges but I am planning for great experiences, growth, and bringing more joy and gratitude into this coming year.

In today’s line:

Thank you for reading. Please share our local newsletter with a friend this week. (pensacolabayline.com/subscribe).

— The Bay Line Crew

Getting more active is on our to-do list this coming year. In this week’s digest, we want to highlight fun ways to do that.

Pickleball

Portside Pickle has released an updated weekly schedule that begins on January 5th. If you are new to Pickleball they have a “First Hit is Free” Beginner Clinic where you will learn the basics of pickleball. The free beginner clinic is a group format led by one of their head coaches.

West Coast Swing

Pensacola Swing Dance Society has a weekly dance lesson followed by a dance at Ragon Hall. Lessons run from 6-8pm and dancing from 8-10pm. Other classes and workshops are listed on their calendar.

Pro Wrestling

Two pro wrestlers are starting a gym in Milton, FL. Redemption Wrestling Academy has a grand opening event on January 6 at 6pm. The married couple, Thomas and Kailey Latimer, (Thom - NWA Grand Slam and Kailey - NWA Women’s Champion) are starting the gym with a desire to train and uplift wrestlers to impact the industry. If you love wrestling, are looking for a unique sport, or want a great new hobby with family or friends, this may be the new thing to add this year.

Cycling

For mountain biking we recommend looking at the UWF trail system. There are three locations; Perdido River Wildlife Management Area, UWF Campus, and Blackwater State Forest. Check the Pensacola Off-Road Cyclists site for the maps and more details.

If you are looking for a ride on smooth ground, check out Pensacola Safe Riding Routes or TrailLink for routes along the Pensacola and Navarre beaches, Gulf Breeze, and Milton.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.

Pensacola Beach Fireworks - As the year winds down, New Year’s Eve becomes the main attraction. Pensacola Beach Fireworks light up the sky at midnight on December 31. Downtown Pensacola also hosts multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations at bars and music venues, offering everything from live bands to late-night parties.

Polar Bear Plunge - On New Year’s Day, the traditional Polar Bear Plunge at Pensacola Beach invites participants to kick off the year with a chilly dip into the Santa Rosa Sound.

Ice Skating - Public ice skating is available around the holidays at the Pensacola Bay Center. It is a one-hour session and is $15 with skates or $12 if you own your own skates. Check their site for dates and times and to reserve a ticket.

Ice Flyers - Home Games begin January 2nd, with another game on the 3rd, at the Bay Center. Local hockey is a big thing here and a fun outing whether you’re into sports or just looking for a pumped-up evening.

Saenger Theatre - Swan Lake is on January 5th, and Mutts Gone Nuts-Unleashed on January 6 (12 world-class stunt dogs in a comedy show). Upcoming shows include Black Jacket Symphony (Pink Floyd tribute) and ABBA Mania, coming mid-January. These are fun themed concerts if you like those kinds of nights out.

Pensacola Mardi Gras Season Officially kicks January 3rd and runs through February - parades, balls, and parties; worth planning ahead for your favorite route or krewe events. Check out the list of events HERE or at the Pensacola Mardi Gras Page HERE.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.

Once a month we want to share a local sheltered dog and cat up for adoption.

My name is Finn. I am a medium-sized, neutered male, young adult at the Escambia County Dog Shelter. I have been at the shelter since October 30, 2025. We like his happy smile and big tongue. You can check him out HERE.

My name is Tigger. I am a neutered male, orange Domestic Shorthair. I am a young animal and I am available for adoption now! Tigger is the fastest, most agile of his four brothers—and he knows it! Whether he is darting across the room after a ball or showing off his impressive leaps, Tigger brings excitement and grace to every game. But beneath all that speed and coordination is a heart full of affection. He’s as sweet as he is sporty, always happy to pause for pets and snuggles. Tigger is the perfect mix of action and affection. He is located at Redfox’s Animal Rescue find out more HERE.

Dec 31 - Civilized Natives @ Calvert’s - 9:00pm, Indie/rock band Civilized Natives doing a New Year’s gig with a laid-back bar crowd. Good for drinks and people-watching.

Jan 2 - Ongoing Songwriter Round / Local Acts @ The Handlebar
The Handlebar (downtown) hosts regular local songwriter showcases (next one is January 15), but this week has The Venue Kings, Red and The Revelers, and Andrew Vinson playing on Friday.

Jan 3 - Glenn Parker Band - 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Five Sisters Blues Café / Downtown area. Really solid blues-rock/covers band. They play regular Saturday sets and this one’s early evening, good for dinner + live music before or after Mardi Gras kickoff.

Jan 3 - JOYRIDE @ Goat Lips - 7:30pm, Goat Lips
Local favorite JOYRIDE brings energetic party rock/pop to this laid-back bar; great choice if you want a show with friendly crowds.

Thanks for being here.

We appreciate you taking the time to read the Pensacola Bay Line today.