Rat Pack Reunion Returns to Pensacola Beach to Honor Four Community Leaders

Four prominent Northwest Florida community leaders will be placed in the spotlight when the Rat Pack Reunion returns Friday, October 16, 2026, at Hilton Pensacola Beach.

This year's honorees, or "Rats," are Lewis Bear III, Amy Martin, Peter Mougey and Marty Stanovich. The four will be roasted and toasted during a Vegas-inspired evening benefiting Council on Aging of West Florida and its work serving senior adults throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Lewis Bear III, Amy Martin, Peter Mougey and Marty Stanovich were selected in recognition of their leadership, philanthropy and commitment to the Northwest Florida community. Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner and the Rat Pack Reunion's signature roast and toast, featuring stories, laughs and tributes celebrating each of the four honorees.

Since its debut in 2011, the Rat Pack Reunion has brought the community together to recognize influential local leaders while raising critical support for vulnerable seniors. Proceeds help Council on Aging provide programs and services that allow Northwest Florida seniors to remain independent, healthy and connected to their community.

2026 Rat Pack Reunion event details: Friday, October 16, 2026, 5:30 p.m., Hilton Pensacola Beach, 12 Via De Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, Florida. Benefiting Council on Aging of West Florida.

Tickets, donations and sponsorship opportunities are available through the official event page: https://coawfla.givevirtuous.org/donate/the-rat-pack-reunion2026

Pensacola EggFest Returns Nov. 15 — Tickets On Sale Now

The 2026 Pensacola EggFest, presented by PenAir Credit Union, returns to the Hadji Temple on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

BBQ teams and backyard cooks from across the country will fire up their Big Green Eggs and serve an incredible variety of bite-sized dishes. Guests can sample food, meet the cooking teams, and support local charities at one of Pensacola's tastiest community events.

Previous teams have prepared brisket, Boston butt, smoked oysters, shrimp, salmon, paella, jambalaya, tenderloin, stuffed shrimp and even desserts. Since 2013, Pensacola EggFest has donated more than $1 million to local charities.

General admission runs from noon to 3 p.m. and includes food samples from the participating EggChef teams. Tickets are limited and the event is expected to sell out, so buying early gets the lowest price.

VIP admission begins at 11 a.m., giving ticket holders an extra hour with the cooking teams before general admission opens. VIP tickets also include the Pensacola EggFest VIP Dinner on Friday, November 13, from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Hadji Temple, featuring an Elevated Tailgating theme with food, drinks, entertainment, and live and silent auctions.

Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Expands to Two Weekends of Music

The Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is expanding to two full weekends of music in 2026, running October 1-11 across Historic Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.

The community and outreach programming runs October 5-7, followed by the beachside weekend October 8-11. Festival organizers say the expansion reflects growing demand and a chance to spotlight more songwriters and venues across the area.

"We are thrilled to bring even more music and songwriting talent to our community," said Reneda Cross Pasquale, president of Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival Inc.

Featured Artists include Anthony Smith, Keith Burns, Thompson Square, Jamie O'Neal, Andy Griggs, Craig Campbell, Jeffrey Steele, Gary Nichols, Brian White, Wynn Varble, Wil Nance, Thom Shepherd, and Mark Nesler.

The festival also hosts a National Songwriting Competition, offering a $1,000 grand prize and $150 category prizes. For more information, visit songwriterspensacolabeach.com or pensacolabeachsongfest.com.