“You all got to see my actual dreams coming true,” opera singer Caitlin McKechney gratefully pronounced just minutes after the curtain call of Carmen: The Traveler. McKechney, who was the creative force behind the show and played the title role, went on to thank the Pensacola Opera and Foo Foo Festival for making her dream a reality. Foo Foo Festival, a 12-day celebration of art and culture in Pensacola, Florida, brings community together, cultivates once-in-a-lifetime art experiences featuring world-class talent, showcases all there is to love about the Emerald Coast, and yes, makes dreams come true.
Photography provided by Foo Foo Festival
Witnessing Carmen: The Traveler was one of these rare and immersive encounters. A unique retelling of Bizet’s masterpiece, the performance took place at the historic entertainment complex, Seville Quarter, where a multifaceted cast sang, strummed and danced just inches from my nose. The sheer expertise and enthusiasm on display was a privilege to take in at such an intimate level — I will remember it forever. And just as memorable was PenArt’s production of LIZZIE: The Musical. The dynamic gothic-rock musical harnessed talent fit for Broadway and placed it in a quaint community theater four rows deep. It was as if the sisters from Little Women had grown up and continued to stage plays in their living room for their neighbors, now with a more mature theme but maintaining an all-female cast, zealous commitment and bootstrap creativity.
Visitors to the City of Five Flags can enjoy the thriving arts scene year round, but the experiences reach new heights during Foo Foo Fest, with special opportunities to engage with art and the local community in elevated, innovative ways. My personal favorite was Fiesta Pensacola’s Living Museum at the Pensacola Museum of History, where local residents in period-accurate clothing narrate the rich history of the Panhandle town. Other opportunities, like Pensacola State College’s special Eclectic Fidelities exhibition, focuses on celebrating women in the arts and features captivating artwork by Rachel Livedalen and live performances. One moment in particular stays with me, from my time connecting with environmental artist Konstantin Dimopoulous about his installation “The Blue Trees.” He shared that often, it’s not the art itself that matters most, but the conversations sparked by people connecting with it that truly make an impact. I realized then why my visit had felt so magical. The community gatherings, artist talks, exhibit receptions and after-parties offered by the festival transformed simple interactions into profound encounters.
Needless to say, my heart was swelling with appreciation for the creative world each night when I returned to the stunning Lily Hall boutique hotel. The perfect stay for my Foo Foo-full weekend, the artisan inn was cozy and welcoming, like nestling into a friend’s pristine guest room, complete with a curated selection of vinyl records to set the ambiance each day. I’d also be remiss not to devote a moment to the destination’s dining opportunities. One benefit of visiting in early November is the exclusive access to Foo Foo On the Menu, a list of special dishes only available during the festival that deliciously showcase the connection between food, culture and art. Among these dishes was a mouthwatering flaky crab and taleggio tart from The Burrow and a delectable fall-flavored Caribbean dessert by Union Public House. Between meals and events, the walkable heart of downtown Pensacola offered a perfect mix of discovery and relaxation. From breweries (including a special collaboration “Foo Foo Brew” from Odd Colony Brewing Co. and Alga Brewing Co) to the immersive historic village, the town always felt colorful and alive. With a museum or gallery on every corner, a rainy day would have no way of throwing any visit off track.
Another picture-perfect afternoon was spent perusing The Pensacola Museum of Art’s 70th anniversary collection. After which, I indulged in expertly seared local red snapper — a Foo Foo On the Menu exclusive at George Bistro + Bar — followed by a world-class performance by popular a capella group Voctave. Talk about the perfect example of a day filled with unforgettable Foo Foo Fest experiences. One of my last stops in town was attending a workshop by famed gospel choir Sing Harlem at Pensacola’s Dixon School of Arts and Sciences. The group’s soulful melodies had students jumping out of their seats and singing in front of their peers — some for the very first time. No adult in the audience had a dry eye (myself included) and it was nothing short of a communal spiritual experience. It was the epitome of the festival’s ability to bring together world-class talent for a remarkable arts experience that fosters community and transforms lives.
At the end of my trip, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for community and a renewed respect for the arts. My genuine suggestion? For anyone planning a visit to the Gulf Coast’s hidden gem, consider a getaway during the annual Foo Foo Festival. The event’s claim that visitors will “experience a world’s worth of culture in a weekend” is an understatement. It’s practically guaranteed that you’ll witness dreams coming true right before your eyes.
