'Keyla Fest' starts at 4 p.m. today. Here's what to know before you go
'Keyla Fest' starts at 4 p.m. today. Here's what to know before you go
Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News JournalWed, May 6, 2026 at 5:08 PM UTC
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Pensacola has transformed into “PensaKeyla” in honor of “American Idol” Top 3 finalist Keyla Richardson for her homecoming parade and concert today.
As part of “American Idol” tradition, the “Idol” team is traveling to each of the three finalists’ hometowns to film celebrations to air in the finale episode on May 11.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has worked with producers to ensure that Pensacola is showcased well, recruiting artists to paint the Graffiti Bridge, organizing a parade and a New Orleans-inspired second line in collaboration with Pensacola Mardi Gras, and the grand finale of a free outdoor concert at the Hunter Amphitheater.
Pensacola is showing its excitement with matching T-shirts, banners throughout town, cupcake designs, and even nail art featuring Richardson.
Here’s everything you before you go.
What is today's schedule for Keyla Fest?
The schedule of events for Keyla Fest is as follows:
4 p.m. Hometown parade
After the parade, a Second Line will festively walk pedestrians from the parade end to the amphitheater
5:30 p.m.: Gates open for the concert to ticketholders
6:30 p.m. Keyla Richardson homecoming concert at Hunter Amphitheater
What is the parade route?
The parade will begin at South Palafox and Cedar Street and continue for two blocks down South Palafox toward Plaza de Luna. The parade ends at the foot of South Palafox, where a short ceremony with Keyla will be held, according to keylafest.com.
Plans for Keyla Fest taking place on May 6 have been released by the City of Pensacola.Are tickets still available for Keyla Fest?
While standing tickets to see Richardson perform at the Hunter Amphitheater sold out in under an hour, overflow seats at the Blue Wahoos Stadium are still available. All concert tickets are free, but you must be present to enter. The Wahoos Stadium will offer videoboard viewing only. There is a six-ticket maximum for the Wahoos seats, which cap out at 6,000. Stadium tickets can be claimed for free at keylafest.com.
Plans for Keyla Fest taking place on May 6 have been released by the City of Pensacola.Where do I park for Keyla Fest?
Parking will be available at Community Maritime Park, next to Blue Wahoos Stadium, between South Jefferson Street and Commendencia Street. Free curbside parking will also be available on several nearby streets, including Jefferson Street, Baylen Street and Spring Street.
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Park Pensacola is offering a free hop-on trolley that runs from the South Palafox parking lot to Community Maritime Park until 6 p.m.
Plans for Keyla Fest taking place on May 6 have been released by the City of Pensacola.When will roads close for Keyla Fest?
Some roads along the parade route will close from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Main Street will remain open throughout the parade and concert. See the full map of closures below.
Plans for Keyla Fest taking place on May 6 have been released by the City of Pensacola.Will there be food and drinks for sale at the concert?
Yes, the Blue Wahoos stadium will open its concessions for attendees, also open to amphitheater ticket holders.
What are Keyla Fest attendees expected to wear?
Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow and black to match the “Keyhive” theme, Richardson's fanbase. Keyhive shirts are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the concert.
Fans watch Pensacola native Keyla Richardson perform on American Idol during a gathering at Margarita’s Fusion Restaurant & Bar in Pensacola on May 4, 2026.What is the weather going to be like today for Keyla Fest?
Pensacola is expected to have cloudy, overcast skies, according to the National Weather Service, with a predicted high of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. It appears that rain won’t get in the way of the day’s festivities, with a 20% chance of showers before 4 p.m. It will be windy, though, with a Southwest wind of around 10 miles per hour and gusts up to 20 miles per hour.
Will Keyla Fest go on if it rains?
The show will go on, rain or shine.
Are chairs allowed at the concert?
No blankets, chairs, coolers, outside food or beverage, or pets will be permitted at the Hunter Amphitheater. Clear plastic, vinyl or PVS bags at a maximum size of 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed.
Where does Richardson stand in the “American Idol” competition?
Richardson is currently in the “American Idol” Top 3, and will compete in the show’s finale on May 11. Live voting will begin at the start of the episode and the results will be revealed at the episode’s end.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Keyla Richardson American Idol concert parade today in Pensacola
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
