While Thanksgiving will soon be widely celebrated across the United States on Nov. 27, the unofficial holiday preceding it on Nov. 26 — known as Drinksgiving or even Blackout Wednesday — is often viewed as a window to connect with out-of-town friends, entertain relatives, hide from relatives, or hang out with some bar regulars who feel more like family.

Since Thanksgiving is a federal holiday, Thanksgiving Eve has become one of the busiest days in the bar scene since many patrons are off work the next day.

This year, we’re here to help get the party going early with these Pensacola-area Drinksgiving celebrations, highlighting some of the biggest party spots in the area offering hosting events on Nov. 26.

Of course, if you plan to be out drinking, it’s crucial to arrange that you’re not the one driving.

Pensacola restaurants open Thanksgiving: Here’s all the buffets, dinner specials

Bounce Beach Pensacola

400 Quietwater Beach Road

Kick off Thanksgiving Eve with a DJ-filled, beach bash at Bounce Beach Pensacola on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk with lively music, craft cocktails and waterfront views.

“We’re taking Thanksgiving Eve to the beach this year,” Bounce Beach wrote in a social media statement.  “Bounce Beach Pensacola TGE 2025 — LET’S BOUNCE.”

This event runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and reservations are required. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter, and at least 21 years old to drink. Reservations can be made online here.

Coastal County Brewing Company

3041 E. Olive Road

Coastal County is starting the Thanksgiving festivities a day early with an all-day Thanksgiving Eve Pre-Gaming Party.

“Why wait for Thursday when you can 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘧𝘧 yourself silly with holiday spirit a full day early?  Lucky for you, we’re diving fork-first into the festivities with a Thanksgiving Eve Pre-Party that’s simply too hot to trot!” Coastal County wrote in an event description.

There will be a variety of food and drink specials, including a smoked turkey menu special and specialty sips with holiday flavors. Entertainment-wise, guests can get pumped up with Xtreme Music Bingo or cozy up around the fire pit outside for a relaxing evening.

Find more details on the Coastal County website.

O’Riley’s Uptown Tavern

3728 Creighton Road

O’Riley’s is giving you a good time with a good deal during their Drinksgiving Dollar Night party, starting at 9 p.m., to score deals on featured bottled beer and well drinks.

“It’s the night we wait for all year… Drinksgiving! When old friends come home and everyone reunites at their favorite bars — just like old times!” the O’Riley’s event page read. “Join us the night before Thanksgiving for the best pre-holiday party in town!”

Sir Richard’s Public House

2719 E. Cervantes St.

Sir Richard’s will be inviting the Pensacola area out to party at their East Pensacola Heights pub with a Drinksgiving celebration on Nov. 26.

“’Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and everyone is bringing their loved ones out for a drink!” Sir Richard’s wrote in a statement. “Join us at Sir Richard’s for a night of fun and cocktails!”

O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown

321 S. Palafox St.

O’Riley’s will be kicking off their downtown Drinksgiving celebration at 9 p.m. in downtown Pensacola.

“Everyone’s in town, we have to go out!” O’Riley’s wrote in a statement. “Join us the night before Thanksgiving for a tradition as old as time, Drinksgiving!”

Play

16 S. Palafox Place, second floor

Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with a country music-themed bingo night from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Grab your friends and choose from more than 25 vintage arcade games, ranging from classics like Skee Ball to air hockey. For more information, visit Play Pensacola online.

Seville Quarter

130 E. Government St.

Seville has plenty of events on Nov. 26 that have all the ingredients of a good time scattered throughout their seven rooms of fun, with “On Air” live band karaoke from 8 to 11 p.m., Latin Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and their classic Dueling Piano Show from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., perfect to impress out-of-town guests.

How to avoid drunk driving on Blackout Wednesday, Thanksgiving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)has tips on being a responsible driver.

  1. Know how you’ll get home ahead of time. Choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.

  2. Do not allow someone you know has been drinking to get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.

  3. If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.

  4. If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.

  5. Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

  6. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

C. A. Bridges of USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Drinksgiving in Pensacola Thanksgiving Eve Pensacola-area parties

Share.