The Fred Levin Way Foundation is bringing its biggest celebration of community giving yet to downtown Pensacola next month, and the numbers from last year’s event highlight its impact.
- The Fifth Annual Fred Levin Way Fest: A Celebration of Giving is set for Sunday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wahoos Stadium/Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St.
A New Home at Maritime Park
The move to Wahoos Stadium/Maritime Park gives the festival more room to grow, and it will need it. Last year’s Fred Levin Way Fest drew more than 10,000 attendees, with 66 nonprofit organizations on hand and more than 5,200 meals served — all at no cost to the public.
- The festival shines a spotlight on the free services available to Northwest Florida families and individuals in need, connecting residents directly with the organizations that can help them.
65+ Nonprofits. 170,000+ Essential Items. All Free.
The heart of the Fred Levin Way Fest is the staggering volume of essential goods and services that go home with attendees. Last year, more than 170,000 essential items were distributed for free, including:
- 34,450 diapers
- 30,200 hygiene products
- 28,650 medical supplies
- 17,500 safety supplies
- 9,000 school supplies and 9,000 pairs of underwear
- 6,500 pairs of socks
- 6,000 books
- 3,500 bicycle helmets
- 2,000 backpacks
This year, more than 65 nonprofits will staff booths, offering everything from blankets and pet food to first-aid kits, toothbrushes, and toilet paper — basics that stretch a family budget and ease financial pressure for those who need it most.
A Full Day of Family Fun
Beyond the nonprofit village, the festival delivers a packed afternoon of free family entertainment. Kids can enjoy face painting, caricature portraits, games, ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy. DJ Albert Lao keeps the music going all day, and Jordan Chase — a veteran of both American Idol and The Voice — delivers a live performance. Law enforcement horses will also be on hand for attendees to meet up close.
- Local food trucks covering American, Asian, BBQ, German, Greek, Mexican, Pizza, and Soul cuisines round out the afternoon.
Fred Levin’s Legacy of Generosity
The festival honors the late Fred Levin, the legendary Pensacola attorney and philanthropist whose generosity transformed countless lives across Northwest Florida and beyond. The Fred Levin Way Foundation carries that spirit forward each year by making the event entirely free and centering it on the community organizations doing the quiet, essential work of helping neighbors in need.
- “It’s a free community event celebrating the generosity of giving to families and individuals in need,” the Foundation said in announcing this year’s festival.
How to Get Involved
Admission is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit fredlevinfest.com.
Mark your calendar: Sunday, April 12 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Wahoos Stadium/Maritime Park, Downtown Pensacola.