Poster for Kutumba Theatre Project showing a green VW van with rainbow window stripe and text 'It all began in a VW van...'
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Thursday, May 7th

Kutumba Theatre Project presents “Velvet Green Summer” by Kim Ehly starting tonight at Empire Stage. It all began in a VW van…A wildly original coming-of-age, coming-out story inspired by true events and a few unexpected detours. A spirited daydreamer dives headfirst into a world where fantasy and reality collide, searching for love, truth, and a place they might finally belong. The play is one hour and 40 minutes plus a 15 min intermission and stars Jill Bellak, Taylor Lyn Dawson, Abbie Fricke, Michele Verdi-Knapp, Katie Jackson, Eduardo Marquez, Brian McCormack, & Ryan Townsend and runs through May 24. For tickets go to Kutumbatheatreproject.org

Friday, May 8

Dance NOW! Miami Program III featuring world premieres of “Love-less” and other works makes 2 stops, tonight they will be at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and tomorrow, Saturday, May 9 they are at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, with both nights starting at 8pm. Love really is the pulse that creates the rhythm for our human – and animal – lives. Sometimes it slips away, sometimes it is found again, but love in the end is what brings us meaning. For both venues, reserved seating is $20 to $50, student discount with valid ID, at box office only. Advance tickets for both venues at Dancenowmiami.org/events/loveless. 

Dancers perform a high lift on a neon-lit stage, pink and blue tubes glowing around them.

Saturday, May 9

The Banyan Bowl at Pinecrest Gardens (11000 Red Road, Pinecrest) comes alive with “Ballet in the Gardens,” a neoclassical program curated to reflect the Gardens’ tropical beauty at 8pm. This highly anticipated debut from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami features a program of elegance and artistic innovation, performed under the stars at one of South Florida’s most distinctive open-air amphitheaters. For tickets, which start at $34.50, go to Pinecrestgardens.org

Dance couple performing a dramatic lift on a dark stage; the woman extends a leg while the man supports her.

Sunday, May 10

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Jungle Island (from 10:30am to 2:30pm) with a relaxed, family-friendly day where moms receive free admission, a complimentary mimosa, and a chair massage (first-come, first-served). The Jungle Spa experience offers a laid-back, nature-inspired setting to unwind, while families can also enjoy a $5 tote bag painting activity for moms and kids to create a personalized keepsake together. Guests can explore the park’s attractions, including the Guardians of the Jungle live show, shaded trails, and animal habitats featuring flamingos, macaws, and more, with additional add-on experiences like Treetop Trekking and private animal encounters available. Admission is Free for moms (in person only, limit one per mom); $19.95 for children ages 3–9, $29.95 for ages 10 and up; free for children 2 and under. For more info, go to Jungleisland.com

321 Slammer presents Ray Daltons F Tour 8th Anniversary from 4 to 8pm starring Evan Sterling, Bearded Bear Man, Devin Moss and Apollo Fates. To purchase tickets, go to Theftour.com

Tuesday, May 12

Hotspots Happening Out presents the Monthly Pride Skate Nights (2nd Tuesday of every month) at Xtreme Action Park (5300 Powerline Road in Fort Lauderdale) from 7 to 10pm. The night stars DJ T-Pro Mix along with performances by Velvet Lenore and Rianna Petrone. This month we celebrate Mother’s Day, and if you bring your mom with you to May Pride Skate, you get free entry into June Pride Skate. Tickets are available at the door, but you can also pre purchase them at Xtremeactionpark.com.

Group of men in casual athletic wear posing for a group photo at an indoor roller skating venue; roller skates visible on one person’s feet in front.

Wednesday, May 13

The Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Hollywood presents the Eagles in The Long Goodbye Act III at 8pm. In the Fall of 1971, the EAGLES formed, pioneered, and personified a uniquely American musical style, blending country, folk, R&B, rock, and pop sensibilities, and would go onto become one of the most creatively and commercially successful bands of all time.  They retain an appeal that transcends both generation and genre, cementing the band’s role as enduring musical icons. The Eagles became the first band to earn Quadruple Diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of more than 40 million units (40x Platinum) of Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975, which remains the best-selling album of all time in the U.S. Additionally, the band’s legendary album, Hotel California, has been re-certified 28x Platinum by the RIAA, scoring the third best-selling album of all time. Before it was certified multi-Diamond, Their Greatest Hits 1971–1975 was the first album ever to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. The Eagles earned six GRAMMY Awards, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, in their very first year of eligibility, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2016. For tickets, go to Casino.hardrock.com/hollywood.

Five male musicians stand together on a stage with arms around each other under blue stage lighting, after a performance.

Friday, May 15

Broward center for the performing Arts presents Jason Mraz at 8pm. Jason is a Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter known for his infectious blend of pop, folk, and reggae-influenced acoustic music. He broke through with the multi-platinum album “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things,” and global hits like “I’m Yours,” “Lucky,” and “I Won’t Give Up.” Renowned for his feel-good melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and engaging live performances, Mraz continues to tour worldwide while championing positivity, sustainability, and human connection through his music. For tickets go to Browardcenter.org

The Kaseya Center presents Isabel Pantoja in her 50th Anniversary Tour at 7pm. Isabel Pantoja is a Spanish singer who has released more than a dozen albums throughout a career spanning many decades, mostly of copla genre, and is known for her distinctive Andalusian style. For tickets go to kaseyacenter.com.

Promotional graphic for Isabel Pantoja’s 50th anniversary, featuring a close-up grayscale portrait with pink lips and logo elements.

Thinking Cap Theatre (TCT) launches its 2026–2027 season with WINK, a wickedly funny, sharply subversive play that peels back the fragile layers of modern relationships.  WINK is written by Jen Silverman, an acclaimed, young playwright, novelist and screenwriter whose recent work The Roommate reached Broadway and starred icons Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone. TCT’s production of WINK debuts tonight, for a limited run through Tuesday, May 26 at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center in downtown Hollywood.  In a bold return to its roots, TCT presents this production as an intimate, conceptual experience with only 50 tickets available per performance.  Audiences will be seated onstage with the cast and fully immersed in the action. Bizarre, laugh-out-loud funny and quietly disturbing, WINK begins with a seemingly ordinary marriage that quickly spirals into chaos after one very bad decision involving the family cat. What follows is a biting, absurd and surprisingly poignant exploration of love, control and the instincts we try, and often fail, to contain. The play twists expectations and morality, urging audiences to find their own meaning beneath its dark humor and primal edge. For more information, or to purchase tickets, which are $45 plus fees go to thinkingcaptheatre.org

Cover image for WINK by Jen Silverman featuring a white feline tail curving across shattered glass, with the bold title text nearby

 Starting today, CityPlace Doral is sealed with sunshine with the debut of its “Summer Lovin’,” free, seasonal art installation. “Summer Lovin’” transforms the Center into a vibrant, photo-ready escape through Aug. 16, bringing a playful expression of love and color to the heart of Doral. Upon entering CityPlace Doral, visitors will be greeted by 186 custom-made overhead hearts, overhead above the boulevard in a mix of red, pink, yellow and purple hues. Designed by Gilded Group Decor, the sweeping display sets the tone for a summer of love and Instagrammable moments. Guests can capture a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity in front of an oversized heart-shaped lock. The installation is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to snap a photo, tag @CityPlaceDoral and share their moments from the installation throughout the season. For more information, please visit https://cityplacedoral.com/events

Saturday, May 16

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale invites the community to celebrate a milestone year at the 10th Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast, taking place today from 12 to 4pm at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This signature culinary event brings together some of South Florida’s most talented pitmasters and food vendors for an afternoon dedicated to bold flavors and smoky perfection. Guests can savor a wide variety of barbecue favorites—from fall-off-the-bone ribs and slow-smoked brisket to pulled pork, grilled specialties, and creative sides—crafted by standout vendors including Big Daddy BBQ, Miami Skewers & Sliders, Eat Da Bone BBQ, and Meatheads BBQ, with more to be announced. Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale is able to offer free admission events and community programming in part through the support of its sponsors. The 10th annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast is sponsored by Blakeley Law Firm, P.A. – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury LawyersMorningstar StorageS. Mark Graphics and Go Riverwalk Magazine. For more information, visit GoRiverwalk.com/SOTW.

Hand using tongs to grill chicken wings and sausages on a barbecue, sauce bottle nearby.

Hot Stuff

J. Marks restaurant in both their Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach locations invites the community to celebrate Mother’s day with them for Brunch, Lunch or Dinner either Sat 5/09 or Sunday 5/10. For more information go to Jmarksrestaurant.com

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Scott Holland