Fiesta Pensacola’s Living Museum Brings 467 Years of History to Life During Foo Foo Festival Nov. 5

PENSACOLA, Fla. – (October 28, 2026) – History will come alive in downtown Pensacola on Thursday, Nov. 5, as Fiesta Pensacola presents Living Museum 2026: Anchored in History, an immersive cultural experience featured as part of Foo Foo Festival.

Held at the Pensacola Museum of History, this immersive cultural experience will transform the museum into a living timeline of Pensacola’s 467-year history, inviting guests to journey through centuries of stories, people and events that helped shape the city and the nation.

From the arrival of Don Tristán de Luna in 1559 to the American Revolution and beyond, visitors will encounter costumed interpreters portraying fascinating figures from Pensacola’s past. Guests can meet Spanish settlers from 1559, explore the stories of Andrew and Rachel Jackson, discover the legacy of local historical figures, and even step into the legendary world of Trader Jon’s bar.

Among the historical figures visitors may encounter throughout the museum are:

• Travel back to 1559 with Don Tristán de Luna, his aide-de-camp and Spanish settlers who helped establish Pensacola’s earliest settlement.
• Meet Andrew Jackson, his wife Rachel, Alexander McGillivray and other military leaders of their time.
• Visit with Dr. Hargis, the Port Physician, Marianna Bonifay, John Sunday, and Viola Edwards – all key people in Pensacola’s local history.
• Learn about the Women’s Suffrage movement from one of its pioneers in Florida, Minnie Kehoe.
• Visitors can also step inside Trader Jon’s bar, where they may encounter Trader Jon himself and Jacqueline Cochran, the pioneering aviator who became the first woman to break the sound barrier.
• Visit the “Road to Revolution” exhibit on the third floor, where British officer Benedict Arnold and Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez bring the era of the American Revolution to life.

Through first-person storytelling, costumed performances and interactive encounters, these interpreters offer a unique opportunity to experience history from the perspectives of the people who lived it.

“Fiesta Pensacola’s mission is to celebrate our city’s rich heritage, promote tourism and build community pride, and the Living Museum brings that mission to life in a truly engaging way,” said Bridget Middleton, executive director of Fiesta Pensacola. “We’re excited to allow visitors to step into Pensacola’s remarkable history, connect with the important people and cultures that shaped our community, and experience these stories in a way that is both educational and entertaining.”

Now in its third year, the Living Museum will begin with an outdoor pre-reception at 5:30 p.m. on the plaza and steps outside the museum. Guests can enjoy appetizers, refreshments and live music before the historical experience begins inside the museum at 6 p.m.

Presented as part of Foo Foo Festival, the Living Museum reflects Pensacola’s distinctive blend of history, arts and culture. The event offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the city’s diverse heritage through an interactive experience that brings historical stories beyond the pages of a book.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Pensacola Museum of History, located at 330 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola.

Admission is $8 for adults ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. Advance tickets are available online at https://pci.jotform.com/form/262225372487057.

For additional event details, visit the Foo Foo Festival event page.

About Fiesta Pensacola

Fiesta Pensacola celebrates the city’s rich heritage, promotes tourism and builds pride in Pensacola through festive activities that enhance the quality of life in the community. Through cultural events and community celebrations, the organization helps share Pensacola’s unique history and traditions with residents and visitors.

About Foo Foo Festival

Foo Foo Festival is a multi-day celebration of arts and culture in Pensacola, featuring a diverse lineup of events and experiences that showcase the area’s creative spirit and cultural offerings.