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Tomato Feastival
The Red Hills Small Farm Alliance’s annual Tomato Feastival is back from 2-6 Sunday, June 11, at Goodwood Museum and Gardens. Help celebrate the great tomato and the vibrant farming community in the Red Hills region. This fun and delicious event has something for everyone and is a fundraiser for the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance. The Alliance is a 501c3 non-profit organization working to support local farms and food producers and to continue to increase food access in the community. Activities planned: Tomato Contests – categories for best tasting tomato, ugliest tomato, largest tomato; Farmers Market with tomatoes and other locally grown seasonal fruits and veggies, Live music, Lawn games for kids and adults, Raffle of local foods, art, products and services, Cakewalk. There will also be food/beverage options for attendees: Classic Southern tomato sandwiches by Tupelo’s Bakery, Bruschetta by Rocky Soil Family Farm, Oysters from OysterMom, Lasagna by Martin’s Harvest, Refreshing Sorbet by Seasonal Scoops, Local craft beer from the Tallahassee Beer Society. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and families can get a ticket package for $25. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each or 5 for $20. Food can be purchased separately. Visit redhillsfarmalliance.com/tomato-feastival to buy tickets or find out how to become a sponsor.
FSU Screen Spectacular
The Studio Orchestra at Florida State University is tuning up for the Second Annual Screen Spectacular at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 9, in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Attendees are invited to come as they are, or in costume, to enjoy a night of fan-favorite media with live performances of some of the most iconic and beloved pieces from popular movies and video games like “Final Fantasy,” “Avatar,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “The Witcher 3,” and “Space Invaders.” An incubator program designed for students by students, the Studio Orchestra at FSU was founded three years ago to provide hands-on opportunities in every aspect of the ensemble for students who are interested in administration, performance, conducting, composing, arranging, audio engineering and mixing. Through a partnership with the College of Motion Picture Arts, the Studio Orchestra also celebrates aspiring filmmakers and composers. For the second consecutive year, the “Screen Spectacular” will bring together student composers and filmmakers to present original films and compositions live for the audience. This year’s student films, “Loki’s Mistake,” directed by Artemis Phipps with music by Marisa Meglino, and “The Tale of Two Blades” directed by Alana Faby with music by Wood Simon, are both animated. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for FSU students, faculty, and staff. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.music.fsu.edu.
All Saints Cinema Animation Festival
The 7th Florida Animation Festival, sponsored by The Tallahassee Film Society, gets rolling at 7 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at All Saints Cinema, 918 Railroad Ave. This year’s festival is a combination of the best of the first six FAF festivals along with a carefully curated group of 2023 selections from neighboring Jacksonville’s FLAnimationFest. Tickets are $6 per person for all films. Advanced tickets will be available at tallahasseefilms.com. Ratings range from G to R. 90 minutes. Tallahassee Film Society is also screening “The Night of the 12th” at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $11 general admission, $9 TFS members. Visit tallahasseefilms.com.
Salvation Army Fishing Tournament
The Salvation Army of Tallahassee is hosting its Third Annual Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 10, at the Shield’s Marina in St. Marks. Funds raised from the event will provide essential needs for community members in Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla counties. From now through June 10, participants can register for $85 and have the opportunity to catch redfish, trout and flounder. The first-place winner of the fishing tournament can win $1,000. Second and third place winners will win $250 and $100. With the grand prize winner receiving $2,000. All catches must be in by 3:30 p.m. For registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit bit.ly/saltwaterslamsalvationarmy.
St. George Island Mullet Toss
The St. George Island Mullet Toss takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the second Saturday of June each year on the Blue Parrot Beach. The Mullet Toss is sponsored by The Blue Parrot for the benefit of the Apalachicola bay Charter School. For a $30 entry fee you get a unique Mullet Toss T Shirt, and 2 mullet to throw. Visitors and Locals compete for prizes and bragging rights. There are prizes for the longest throws in the men’s, women’s and kids divisions.
Queer Makers’ MarketQueer Tallahassee Artists Collective at Marc Masonbrink Stage and Garden, 609-2 Railroad Square. 10 a.m.-2 pm Saturday, June 10. The Queer Makers’ Market celebrates local artists and makers that are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
158th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation @ Knott House Museum
History reverberates on May 20 in Tallahassee when church bells ring out at 9 a.m. and re-enactments replay the day 158 years ago when Florida’s enslaved people got word of their freedom. The Emancipation Proclamation was read on the Knott House steps in 1865, two years after it was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. A dramatic reading of the Emancipation Proclamation will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the steps of the Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Ave. This year’s program features John Anderson as Frederick Douglass and the Mina String Quartet from the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Free lunch and family-friendly activities will follow across the street in Lewis Park.
Havana Reggae Festival 2023
Experience the joy of reggae, featuring the music of Wayne Stoddart & the Righteous Rockers Movement, De Lions of Jah, Zander, Chris Layne, Redeemed Vybes and Lili Forbes at Havana Reggae Festival, from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at 5F Farm Center, 8583 Salem Rd, Quincy. Tickets are $20, $25 at the gate. Visit havanareggaefest.com.
RoadHouse celebrates a big 30th birthday
Local band RoadHouse celebrates its 30th anniversary at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St. The longtime favorite will celebrate 30 years of “rockin’ the house with their brand of rockin’ rhythm and blues. Lead by guitarist and lead vocalist Keith Renfroe, this five-piece band has played steadily since 1993 and started as a blues band but mostly playing blues rock. These days it’s a mix of classic rock, blues and more. Bring your dancin’ shoes. $12 at the door.
James Hood’s ‘Mesmerica’ lands at planetarium
A hypnotic music and art experience, the international award-winning “Mesmerica” will come to Tallahassee — the only Florida city on its 20-stop tour — on May 19-20 and May 26-27 at various times at the Challenger Learning Center planetarium, 200 S. Duval St. Tickets are $12-$44. Created by Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood, the projection show designed for planetariums is inspired by his third studio album, “Mesmerica.” The soundtrack will play on a surround sound system as 3-D animated visuals engage audiences on a 360-degree projection in the 50-foot-high dome.
Jubilee Festival at the blueberry farm
Head to the blueberry farm for the Jubilee Festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Jubilee Orchards, 12008 Miccosukee Road. Activities will include a showcase of land management practices, soil enhancement advancements that reduce greenhouse gasses, and a demonstration of Forest School – an international practice of exposing young children to nature. The day will also be filled with hay and pony rides, music, vendors, and food. Due to a short picking season this year, U-pick blueberry picking will not be a part of this year’s festival.
Open House @ Old Lloyd Train Depot
The Gulf Wind Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Inc. is hosting its free Depot Day open house from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the historic Lloyd Depot in Jefferson County. A free hot dog lunch will be served. A centerpiece of the Lloyd Historic District and Florida’s oldest remaining train station, the depot was built in 1858 by the Pensacola & Georgia Railroad. Numerous railroad artifacts and memorabilia will be on display. The occasion also marks the chapter’s 50th anniversary. For more information, visit the chapter website at gulfwindnrhs.org. The depot is located at 8781 Old Lloyd Road, just east of State Road 59.
Southwood’s Great Oaks Pub
The Leon High School class of 1961 will have its 62 year reunion celebration from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 at Great Oaks Pub with a double-header with “Branded,” featuring Terry Brand, and later a set of strictly oldies from the 1957 through 1961 era with the “Southwood Swingers” featuring Barry Kay on keys, Chuck McMurry on guitar, Jimbo St. John on Bass, Terry Brand on guitar and Scott Johnson on drums. This event is open to the public.
May the Fourth Be With You Wine Tasting5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Goodwood Museum, 1600 Miccosukee Road. Celebrate Star Wars Day with a sampling of wines that are out of this galaxy. Goodwood Museum and Sommelier Sarah Duke plan a night of Star Wars-themed wines and costumes.
Lake Hall: Thursday Night Paddle SeriesWeekly paddles at Lake Hall every Thursday starting at 6PM. The park closes on a sliding scale each night dictated by sun set. The park entrance fee is $6.00 (the ranger station closes at 5:30 and they typically do not charge for entry after this time). While there is no fee for this event ALL paddlers must have filled out the ACKC insurance waiver.
Fire Bettys: Electronic ShowJoin us Thursday night at 9pm for Experiment 002 and take a mind-bending trip into the sound of the future! Our electrifying music party will transport you to another dimension with cutting-edge beats and non-stop excitement.
Raise a toast to Cinco De Mayo
Longtime Tallahassee band Tom & the Cats is on the prowl for “Nuthin but a Cinco de Mayo Party” from 6-10 p.m. Friday at Hurricane Grill & Wings, 6800 Thomasville Road. No cover. Dance the night away with friends. The Great Oaks Pub in Southwood, 3750 Grove Park Drive, is having a Cinco de Mayo party featuring the sounds of Lunar Urge from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday on the outdoor gazebo. Lunar Urge features classic rock. No cover, full restaurant and bar.
Full Moon ClimbCrooked River Lighthouse in Carrabelle holds a Full Moon Climb from 8-10 p.m. Friday, May 5. Climb to the top of the tallest lighthouse on the Forgotten Coast and see views of the bay and Carrabelle Beach under the glow of the full moon. Advance reservations for a climb timeslot are required. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. All climbers must be at least 44 inches tall. Contact 850-697-2732.
Leon Sinks: First Saturday HikeIf it is the first Saturday of the month, it is time for a hike at Leon Sinks! We will meet at 9 am in the parking lot and hike the trail together to see the beautiful geological features of the area while walking on wooded hiking trails. Right off US 319 south of Tallahassee, the Leon Sinks Geological Area contains 5 miles of trails leading to a series of sinkholes big and small.
Rose Show and Festival celebrates sweet 102
Thomasville’s Rose Show and Festival in beautiful downtown Thomasville, Georgia, is in full flower this weekend, with events Friday and Saturday, April 28-29. The beloved traditional events of the Rose Show & Festival, including the Rose Parade (7 p.m. Friday) the Show & Shine Car & Truck Show (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday), rose and flowers shows (Friday and Saturday) and Street Dance (8:30 p.m. Friday) will all return for this two-day event. Other ways to enjoy the rose-themed festivities include historic tours at Thomasville’s local museums and a visit to the Thomasville Rose Garden. Visit thomasvillega.com.
50th Stephen C. Smith Regatta hoists the sails
The 50th Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta, a benefit for the American Cancer Society, sails away this weekend, April 28-30, at Shell Point. The Regatta includes races for yachts rated under the PHRF handicapping system, catamarans such as Hobie Cats, smaller day sailors including Sunfish, and windsurfers, the most numerous and arguably the most colorful participants in the Regatta. Races are held both Saturday (starting at 11 a.m.) and Sunday (starting at 10 a.m., only windsurfers on Sunday), with other events for sponsors, spectators, and participants on Saturday night. The public is invited to view the races on Saturday and Sunday and get lunch at the Regatta Grille, and to participate in the auction of donated items on Sunday afternoon beginning after the trophy presentations (about 2 p.m.).
PyramidPalooza Music Festival plays Lake Ella
The 2nd Annual PyramidPalooza Music Festival will feature art vendors, food trucks and a jam-packed lineup from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, at the American Legion on Lake Ella, 229 Lake Ella Drive. Pyramid Studios presents the event, featuring its own The Electric People and Tallahassee musicians playing on dual stages – indoors and out! Outside, festivalgoers will hear musical stylings of eclectic one-man-band Dylan “R.P.” Allen at noon and singer/songwriter Rachel Hillman at 1 p.m. Inside the hall, the lineup includes Brett Wellman & the Stone Cold Blues Band at noon and Del Suggs at 1 p.m. Then at 2 p.m. the Electric People take the stage.
Tallahassee Indie Bookstore Crawl
Join your favorite local bookstores on Independent Bookstore Day Saturday, April 29, for the Tallahassee Indie Bookstore Crawl. Participating stores include: Common Ground Books. Cosmic Cat Comics. Fat Cat Books. Fallout Comics. Lake of Fire Bookstore. Midtown Reader. My Favorite Books. Pick up a postcard at any of the participating booksellers and gather stamps as you visit each bookstore. Once you’ve collected all of your stamps, turn your postcards in at any of the indie bookstores to be entered into a raffle for gift baskets with prizes. For store hours, visit individual store’s websites and/or social media pages.
Hot ticket: Theatre Tallahassee goes ‘Tik, Tik … Boom!’
Before “Rent,” there was “Tick, Tick … Boom!” Theater Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road, continues its run of this autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning composer of “Rent,” in this story of an aspiring composer who questions his life choices on the eve of his 30th birthday. The show runs at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday with additional shows May 4-7. Most shows are sold-out! Visit theatretallahassee.org.
Tallahassee Garden ClubSpring Extravaganza, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, hosted by the Tallahassee Garden Club at 507 N. Calhoun St.
Tallahassee WindsThe symphonic band that performs under the auspices of FSU’s College of Music, will feature works by Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Holst, and others during the last performance of its current concert season on at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, in Opperman Music Hall. It’s free.
8th Annual Word of South Festival of Literature & Music
The festival kicks off with Ben Folds and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra on Friday and packs in more than 60 artists and groups on Saturday and Sunday. Women in Jazz get a special tribute on Sunday and look for singer Allison Russell, blues legend Bobby Rush, guitarist Tommy Prine (son of the late John Prine) and Pulitzer Prize author-historian Jon Meacham. And more, much more throughout the weekend. Ben Folds, singer-songwriter and author, performs with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra to kick off the 2023 Word of South Festival at Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park at 7 p.m. Friday, April 21. Although Friday’s event is ticketed ($27-$50), the rest of the events are free. Word of South, known for its “mu-aushup” performances, showcases authors who write about music, musicians who also are authors, authors and musicians trading places, and everything in between.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
For the first time in Tallahassee! Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the DARK! The popular family entertainment tour brings audiences the only opportunity to watch their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Boneshaker™, Bigfoot® and more, plus the all-new Gunkster™ – LIGHT UP the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles. Event performances will also feature a dazzling dance party, spectacular laser light shows and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Plus, a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS, and the electrifying high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a BIG value for the whole family! The exciting Crash Zone Pre-Show Party will be held 2-1/2 hours before every performance. The unique experience provides fans access to the competition floor to see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks! Each pass includes an autograph card plus a souvenir pass and lanyard exclusive to Crash Zone attendees! Passes will be available to purchase while supplies last.
FSU Baseball Home Game Weekend vs. Virginia Tech Baseball
Friday, April 21st at 8pm, Saturday, April 22nd at 3pm, and Sunday, April 23rd at 11am. All games this weekend are at Dick Howser Stadium.
Catch Fishy Fashion at Riverfront Festival
The Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce is throwing its Carrabelle Riverfront Festival from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, along the waterfront. The fabulous Fishy Fashion Show with zany costumed characters showcases creativity and the TCC Dance Company and the Dancing Witches will be performing. Families will enjoy the Soccer Collies, a group of rescued Border Collies, who will be playing an interactive doggie version of soccer. There’s a children’s nautical and coastal-themed costume contest, free bouncy house and mini train rides. The streets will be filled with food, live music, dance, arts and craft vendors, and natural and cultural exhibitors. Admission is free. For more info, visit CarrabelleRiverfrontFestival.com or call 850-697-2585.
Revisit powerful ‘Diary of Anne Frank’
The Monticello Opera House, 185 West Washington St. in Monticello, presents “The Diary of Anne Frank,” running April 21-May 7, in a powerful, updated adaptation for the stage. This moving and profoundly important drama follows Anne’s precarious coming-of-age time as she and her family hide from the Nazis in a secret annex space above her father’s former office in Amsterdam. There will be a special fundraising performance on April 23, hosted by the Holocaust Educational Resource Council (HERC). Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. with Lobby and Bar open at 7. Sunday matinee performances are at 2 p.m. with Lobby and Bar open at 1 p.m. Tickets are $23 for the shows (discounts and upgrades are available). Visit monticellooperahouse.org calling 850/997-4242. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door for all performances. The event will feature a 34-banner travelling exhibit in the downstairs Perkins Performance Hall titled”Let Me Be Myself”: The Life Story of Anne Frank.
Explore exotic ‘Eden Altered’ at LeMoyne Arts
“Eden Altered,” featuring mixed media artists Linda Hall and Dimelza Broche, is a whimsical, surreal, imaginative exhibit focusing on the chaos of nature on display at LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St. The artists explore the beautiful and the macabre with elegance and magic. This visual adventure into an altered Garden of Eden evokes a sense of wonder as viewers experience otherworldly textures, powerful use of color, anthropomorphized creatures, femininity, and exploration of self. Linda Hall will give the Procession of Holding and Letting Go performance and artist talk from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26. Free for LeMoyne Arts members and children under 12, $5 for non-members. Craft Beer by DEEP Brewing.
Great Oaks Pub at SouthwoodFinn and the Kingsnakes, a five-piece group featuring two female singers, and multi-part harmony, checks in from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Great Oaks Pub, 3750 Grove Park Drive. No cover. Call 850-942-4653 for reservations.
House of MusicThe Georgia Honeys, The husband and wife song writing team of Kelly and Linda Love, take the stage at House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St., at 8 p.m. Saturday. $12.