'Things to do' this weekend in Northwest Florida

The Chili Cook off in Milton will be one of two events supporting local nonprofit organizations which benefit abused children. Saturday’s event at the Ollies Neighborhood Grill in Milton will benefit the Santa Rosa Kids’ House.

Residents will have plenty of activities to choose from this upcoming weekend from listening to local jazz performances in Pensacola to assisting two area charities which benefit children in need through a chili cook off and a chocolate fest. Dog lovers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to Pensacola in support of a local Alzheimer’s awareness group. 

1. CHILI COOK-OFF. Ollies Neighborhood Grill will host the third annual Chili Cook-off 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 6181 U.S. Highway 90. A donation of $5 for admission will include six chili samples. Proceeds benefit the Santa Rosa Kids’ House, which helps victims of child abuse. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be given through blind judging. There will also be a People’s Choice award for first place. Sponsorships are available. Call Keith Ann Campbell,  623-1112, for more information.

3. LET THEM EAT CHOCOLATE. The Gulf Coast Kid’s House Chocolate Fest 2016 is 12-3 p.m. April 6 in the  corridors of Cordova Mall, 5100 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola. Enjoy chocolate treats, donated by local businesses, in a to-go box. VIP tickets are available at www.pensacolachocolatefest.com for $20; general admission is $15. Proceeds benefit Gulf Coast Kid’s House, which provides support services to child abuse victims in Escambia County.

4. ENJOY THE MUSIC. The 33rd annual Pensacola Jazz Fest is April 1-3 in downtown’s Seville Square. The festivities begin 7 p.m. Friday, 11:13 a.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. In addition to hearing live jazz performances from the Seville Square Gazebo, attendees can enjoy Jazz Jam for Kids, as local children make their own music with complimentary kazoos and harmonicas. The event is free to attend. See www.jazzpensacola.com for more information.

5. SUPPORT ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH. Gulf Coast Health Care hosts ‘A Bark to Remember,’ a dog-friendly event that raises awareness for the local Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit organization. The event — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 2 at Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola — will feature dog contests, vendors, a silent auction, entertainment along with food and refreshments. Admission and parking are free. Leashes on pets are required and proof of vaccinations should be available upon request. Call 430-0280 for more information.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'Things to do' this weekend in Northwest Florida