Pensacon Turns 10

By Joshua Encinias

Diaz noticed some guests fall into the trap of thinking there are only events at the Bay Center, but there are plenty of panels and entertainment all over downtown on Pensacon weekend. Even local restaurants and bars become unofficial venues, with drink specials and themed parties.

The con provides a free trolley through downtown for all Pensacon attendees. All the convention's partner sites are walkable from the Bay Center, but for safety and to save time, the trolley is your best bet for boot scootin' on the convention route.

Pensacon Refresher

For the uninitiated—Pensacon celebrates pop culture in every form. If you're a fan of something in entertainment or pop culture— not just the so-called "nerdy" stuff— they have something for you.

"We have two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummers coming this year—Marky Ramone of The Ramones and Gina Schock of The Go-Go's," says Diaz. "We really cover all the bases of the type of celebrities you can meet."

The less obvious celebrities you'll see at Pensacon also include wrestlers like Jamie Hayter, AEW's reigning women's world champion, and Danhausen, one of AEW's most popular wrestlers. And perhaps the most obvious people you'll see at Pensacon are the actors.

Major highlights for this 10th edition of Pensacon include four reunion panels of actors from well-known movies and TV shows— "Doctor Who," the original "Scream" movie, Kevin Smith's "Clerks" movies and the Disney cult classic "Hocus Pocus."

2023 is the 60th anniversary of "Doctor Who," and to mark the milestone, Pensacon will have the biggest gathering of Doctors from the show ever held at a convention. The fifth (Peter Davison), sixth (Colin Baker), seventh (Sylvester McCoy), eighth (Paul McGann) and ninth (Christopher Eccleston) Doctors will be in attendance, along with many actors from the show. Eric Roberts, whose character The Master is one of the Doctor's top enemies, will be on hand as well.

Diaz says celebrity guests are why most people attend Pensacon, and while they're nothing to sniff at, the community that Pensacon creates is what keeps people coming back.

"Mystery Science Theater 3000" mocked the movie within an inch of its life in a 2018 episode, and at the 10th edition of Pensacon, Mystery Science's Jonah Ray will judge an adult costume contest at Seville Quarter's Phineas Phogg's.

"It's one of those neat, full-circle moments frastructure for it yet.

To support the tourism windfall that Pensacon creates, they partner with businesses downtown to host panels and parties. Their newest partner is The Wright Place, on the campus of the First United Methodist Church.

"Being among like-minded fans creates a feeling of fellowship," says Diaz. "The environment is very friendly, and the people-watching is certainly some of the best you'll ever have in Pensacola."

Or anywhere, really. You can come in cosplay or jeans and a T-shirt, but, of course, costumes are encouraged. There are "how-to" cosplay panels, places where you can repair your costume and, as we mentioned, a costume contest for adults and also one for kids.

Clearly, something is working for Pensacon.

Diaz says Visit Pensacola has reported that in nine years, their convention has created $25 million in economic impact for Pensacola.

It's happened because Pensacon is all about fun, games and play for all ages. That might sound frivolous to self-serious types, but it turns out those things are very important, even for adults. {in}

Pensacon Insider Tips

If you spend one, two or all three days at Pensacon, there are a few insider tips you should know to make the most of your experience.

PACE YOURSELF Don't feel like you need to rush to see and meet everyone right away. Pensacon's app has a schedule that's updated throughout the weekend and includes a festival map and trolley stops. It's available for Android or iPhone in their app stores.

STAY HYDRATED You're going to be on your feet a lot, so bring a bottle to stay hydrated, and you can even check out one of the many restaurants or food trucks downtown if you need a sip and nosh.

USE THE TROLLEYS There are Pensacon events happening all over downtown, so pick a spot in Pensacon's app, and take the trolley. If guests have wheelchair or ADA needs, look on the app for information about a vehicle provided by the convention that's equipped for people with special needs.

CATCH THE PENSACON VIBE Diaz suggested that people not attending the convention should still come downtown anyway and "soak up some of the spirit." And if the spirit moves you when you get there, remember that Pensacon sells single-day tickets.

Pensacon

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24-Sunday, Feb. 26 COST: 3-Day passes are $85; SingleDay range from $35-45; VIP passes are $165. Kids 10 and under are free.

DETAILS: pensacon.com