
Gallery Night Pensacola invites you to honor our city’s rich military heritage during “Pensacola Navy Days: Vintage Vibes & Valor” on Friday, April 18 from 5 PM to 9 PM in Downtown Pensacola. This special themed event serves as the official kick-off to the Pensacola Navy Days celebrations, which continue May 9–11 with community-wide events highlighting our city’s longstanding connection to the U.S. Navy. Join us for a night that blends vintage Americana style with modern artistic flair, honoring valor through culture, creativity, and community.
This month’s Featured Artist, sponsored by Mosley Estate Law, is Craig “R.J.” Wood, Esq., a Pensacola native known for his stunning aviation photography highlighting our hometown heroes—the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. R.J. has been published both locally and internationally, capturing powerful images of military aviation in collaboration with military and FAA personnel. His work, driven by a lifelong passion for the skies, brings our Navy pride into focus through the lens of art.
Instagram: @r.j.esq_photography
Main Stage Entertainment: Enjoy vintage vocals and WWII-era flair with the Blue Anchor Belles, performing live near Garden Street on Palafox. They’ll be introduced by Dan McCort, Chairman of Pensacola Navy Days, a retired Navy Captain, TOPGUN Instructor, and active advocate for military and veteran organizations in Pensacola.
Pensacola Navy Days Activation Zone:
Located next to the Mainstage, the Pensacola Navy Days Activation Zone will feature a dynamic showcase of community and military pride. Attendees can connect with members of the Pensacola Navy Days Board and Committee, explore commemorative merchandise including shirts and tanks from last year, and—pending arrival—get a first look at the 2025 Challenge Coin. Navy Federal Credit Union, the presenting sponsor of Navy Days, will be on site, alongside Astro Lincoln, displaying two of their luxury Navigators as the official vehicle sponsor. The National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation will host an engaging kids’ activity, while the US Navy Blue Angels will be sharing branded giveaways. Representing the heart of our local military community, NAS Pensacola will be present, including a special appearance by the beloved Mamasan, along with representatives from NIOC. The activation zone offers a preview of what’s to come during Pensacola Navy Days, taking place May 9–11, and celebrates the strong bond between our city and its service members.
Youth Music Project Stage: Located at Palafox & Government, featuring up-and-coming local talent.
Culinary Arts Corner: Stop by Government Street near Plaza Ferdinand for chef-led pop-ups and delicious bites celebrating culinary creativity.
Local Art, Food, and Shopping: Galleries, shops, and restaurants will stay open late with specials, cocktails, and one-of-a-kind finds.
Interactive Map and Lineups: Available at gallerynightpensacola.org to help you plan your visit.
Plan Your Evening:
Thanks to the support of Presenting Sponsor Publix, Gallery Night remains a free, family-friendly, monthly event that transforms downtown into a cultural runway. Be sure to check out featured zones, performance times, artist listings, and vendor maps on the website before you head out.
About Gallery Night Pensacola:
Gallery Night Pensacola is a free, all-ages monthly arts and culture event held on the third Friday of each month from 5 – 9 PM in Downtown Pensacola. Each month features a new theme and showcases local artists, musicians, food vendors, and community partners.