As the Pensacola Blue Wahoo season kicks into its summer swing, June 9 brings the much-anticipated opening of the Community Maritime Park. The 28-acre park, adjacent to the Wahoo stadium, will function as a multi-purpose amphitheater that will host events throughout the year.
The day-long opening festival, free to the public, will feature performances from local favorites the Modern Eldorados and the Gills, and a headline set by The Charlie Daniels Band.
After the opening day festivities, the park will feature no shortage of events throughout the summer. Aside from concerts, the park will feature free movie screening and community events throughout the summer. The multi-use amphitheater promises to provide no shortage for the public looking for some entertainment or a beautiful overview of the Bay during the hot summer months.
“The Community Maritime Park opens up the waterfront for the citizens of Pensacola,†says Derek Cosson, Public Information Officer for the City of Pensacola. “This was one of the major design requirements – the most valuable space, the waterfront, be preserved for the public. With the promenades, parks and amphitheater encompassing the entire perimeter, that promise has been delivered. With the promenades and greenspace, the Community Maritime Park is a great place to fish, picnic, fly a kite or just relax on the waterfront and enjoy a sunset.â€
The amphitheater is broken up into multiple park spaces, the Festival Park, the Hunter Amphitheatre, and DeVilliers Plaza. Each park can be used individually, or the entire grounds can be utilized for larger events.
“The Festival Park is sized to hold an event the size of the Gulf Coast Arts Festival – 200 vendor tents and 20 food tents, plus thousands of people. The Hunter Amphitheater area can accommodate a maximum of 5,000 people. DeVilliers Plaza can hold around 500 people for an event. Utilizing the entire grounds, upwards of 10,000 could be in the Community Maritime Park at one time,†says Cosson.
The opening-day festivities will also feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, an art and craft fair, hot air balloon rides, and a community stage featuring musical performances from local performers.
Community Maritime Park Grand Opening
What: Opening Ceremony featuring The Charlie Daniels Band
When: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday, June 9.
Where: Community Maritime Park, 449 W. Main St.
Cost: Free
Details: 436-5670
Upcoming Events
· June 16- Juneteenth Festival
· June 18- Free Concert- 151st Army Band (Free)
· June 22- Free Movies at the Maritime
· June 23- Blast from the Past Concert Series featuring Jukebox Hero (Free)
· July 20- Free Movies at the Maritime
· July 21- Blast from the Past Concert Series featuring Wildwood (Free)
· August 24- Free Movies at the Maritime
· August 25- Blast from the Past Concert Series featuring Not Quite Fab (Free)