Fort Lauderdale Magazine

Telescope Observation and Stargazing
2026-06-12 20:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-13 20:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Fox Observatory at Markham Park, Markham Park Rd, Sunrise, FL, 33326, United States
This free weekly event occurs every Saturday at dark, where anyone can come, learn about the stars and view the night sky from the park. SFAAA’s telescopes take stargazing to another level, bringing stars, planets and nebulae all into focus.

Mae West in Sunset Boulevard starring Jennifer McClain & Seth Trucks
2026-06-12 20:00 - 21:45, 2026-06-18 20:00 - 21:45 | The Foundry, 2306 Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305, United States
WORLD PREMIERE ALERT!
Plays of Wilton (POW!) and playwright/director Ronnie Larsen proudly present the world premiere of Mae West in Sunset Boulevard, running May 27 – June 28, 2026, at The Foundry Theater in Wilton Manors, Florida.
Imagine Mae West and Marlon Brando as Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis in Billy Wilder’s legendary Sunset Boulevard — a “what if” scenario that could have changed Hollywood history forever.
In 1949, Wilder famously offered the starring role in Sunset Boulevard to screen and sex icon Mae West. She declined. The film ultimately starred Gloria Swanson and William Holden, earning 11 Academy Award nominations and becoming one of Hollywood’s greatest classics.
But why did Mae West say no?
From acclaimed playwright Ronnie Larsen comes a stylish, funny, and haunting new work exploring the collision between the uncompromising Mae West at the twilight of her reign and a Hollywood eager to reinvent itself without her. Beneath the glamour lies the story behind one of cinema’s most fascinating missed opportunities.
Before West, other legendary actresses were considered: Mary Pickford wanted too much creative control. Greta Garbo had no interest in returning to film. Pola Negri’s accent proved problematic. Clara Bow struggled with the transition to talkies. Norma Shearer disliked the script and preferred retirement
Enter Mae West.
Though intrigued by the “idea,” West reportedly refused to portray a faded, washed-up movie star, offended by the implication. Norma Desmond’s tragic vulnerability clashed with the glamorous, sexually confident persona West cultivated throughout her career. She never publicly accepted the notion that she was “finished.”
Billy Wilder later reportedly remarked: “I can’t believe I offered this to Mae West.”
This compelling two-hander stars cabaret icon Jennifer McClain as Mae West — Larsen’s muse, written specifically with her in mind — alongside Carbonell Award-winning actor Seth Trucks as the unsuspecting studio emissary tasked with delivering the script to West.
McClain, beloved for her cabaret performances at The Foundry and for reopening the theater after COVID, makes her full-production debut with Plays of Wilton. Trucks returns following acclaimed performances in The Timekeepers, The Boys in the Band, and as director for Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays.
Playwright/director Ronnie Larsen says: “Mae West was never going to surrender her image, her sexuality, or her power to Hollywood’s idea of what an aging actress should become. That tension fascinated me. This play explores not only a legendary missed opportunity, but also the price artists pay when the world tries to decide when they are no longer relevant.”
Associate Producer Joseph Guidetti adds: “POW! has always been committed to telling bold stories that celebrate larger-than-life personalities and overlooked moments in cultural history. Mae West in Sunset Boulevard captures both the glamour and heartbreak of Hollywood while reminding audiences that reinvention — and resistance — are timeless themes.”
The Foundry Theater 2306 N. Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL
Performances Wednesday-Sunday – Reserved Seating: $37.50 – Premium Front Row: $53.50
Tickets: tickettailor.com/events/…
ABOUT POW!Plays of Wilton is a nonprofit LGBTQ+ theater company dedicated to producing bold, original theatrical works celebrating diverse voices and stories. Under Ronnie Larsen’s leadership, POW! has become a major cultural force in South Florida through world premieres, new play development, and innovative community programming.

Dive In Movies 2026
2026-06-12 20:00 - 22:00 | Houston/Sworn Aquatic Center, 901 NW 10th St, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060, United States
Make a splash and enjoy a FREE movie under the stars—right from the pool! Swim and chill with the whole family while watching a featured flick on the big screen.
Popcorn and refreshments will be available for the ultimate poolside movie night! Life vests are welcome, but pool noodles and floaties are not permitted.
June 12 | Lilo & Stitch- 2025
A lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to mend her fragmented family.
July 17 | Space Jam- Original
In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan.
August 7 | A Minecraft Movie
Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected expert crafter.

Ann Storck Center’s 40th Annual All Heart Volleyball Challenge
2026-06-13 07:30 - 18:00 | Pompano Beach, 270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, FL, 33026, United States
Sun, sand, and serving up support! Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – is excited to host its 40th Annual All Heart Volleyball Challenge on Saturday, June 13, on Pompano Beach.
Bump, set, give back! The community event will feature a fun-filled day of volleyball, music raffle, prizes, lunch, dinner, beverages and more to make a difference in the lives of adults and children with developmental disabilities. Co-ed 61s volleyball teams are invited to participate in the beach volleyball tournament in competitive or recreational divisions.
Teams must consist of a minimum of six players and can be a maximum of eight players. Players under 18 years old must have a signed waiver.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $400 to $10,000. Individual tournament entry is available for $50, and registration for a team of eight is $400. Registration includes a shirt, meals, drinks and prizes.
Proceeds benefit Ann Storck Center, which accommodates 96 permanent residents and serves more than 300 clients daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability-focused programs.
The 2026 confirmed sponsors to date are Rick Case Automotive Group, Beach House, Lucky Fish Beach Bar + Grill, Oceanic, Gulf Stream Brewery, TDON and Jet’s Pizza.
When:
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 7:30 a.m.—6 p.m.
Where:
270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Cost:
Student Player: $30-$400
How: https://www.annstorckcenter.org/volleyball

Ann Storck Center’s 40th Annual All Heart Volleyball Challenge
2026-06-13 07:30 - 18:00 | 270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., 270 N. Pompano Beach Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL, 33062, United States

BEAD FEST
2026-06-13 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Tropical Jewelry and Gems, 8968 Cleary Blvd., Plantation, FL, 33324, United States
You’re invited to a Bead FEST at Tropical Jewelry and Gems on Saturday & Sunday, June 13-14 at 10 AM – 5 PM! Mark your calendar!
Huge selection! Save at the two-day June Bead FEST with up to 50% OFF bead strands and beads starting at just $2! Shop for a variety of jewelry-making supplies.
Calling all jewelry-makers and beaders of Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and beyond! Find hundreds of Natural Gemstone and Pearl Bead Strands to your heart’s desire and make your own jewelry! A good variety of other bead strands in wood, shell, metal, glass, and crystal beads as well as a selection of jewelry-making supplies including charms, clasps, findings/components, pendants, and focal beads will also be on super sale at the Bead FEST! Don’t miss this event!
Whether you’re an experienced beader and jewelry-maker or a novice, beginner, crafter, or someone who would just like to start a new beading hobby – Tropical Jewelry and Gems is your local source for Gemstone Bead Strands and much more! Any special requests or specific searches for jewelry supplies should be texted to us in advance of the two-day event so we can possibly order it. Custom jewelry design orders are also available, if you’d prefer that we make a custom design for you, but we can coordinate after the event.
Text: 954-873-8431 if you have any questions.
Please feel free to share/forward/tag this event news to someone you think would be interested. Also, feel free to bring friends and family to Tropical Jewelry and Gems on Saturday & Sunday June 13-14 at 10 AM – 5 PM, located at 8968 Cleary Boulevard, Plantation, FL 33324. There’s plenty of free parking and three dining options within the shopping center “Shoppes at Cleary,” and more dining options nearby.
You can find beautiful jewelry and unique gifts at Tropical Jewelry and Gems that can make anyone feel special. From fun, stylish Diamond and Gold earrings, one-of-a-kind designed Gemstone necklaces, Sterling Silver bracelets, anklets, earrings, rings, Stainless Steel jewelry (hypoallergenic), to more than a thousand beaded stretch bracelets. You can also find a variety of fine art (coastal/sealife/beach) and home décor, yoga chakras and mala beads, meditation and crystal healing stones, beads and jewelry-making supplies, raw or cut gemstones, rocks, crystals and crystal points, geodes or clusters, tall amethyst cathedrals, rare ancient fossils, rare fine mineral specimens, and many other unique and thoughtful finds. There’s something here for you and for everyone you love.
Did You Know? Our jewelry services include custom jewelry design orders, repairs and watch batteries, personalized jewelry, engraved gifts and keepsakes, and by appointment, buying gold and sterling silver jewelry and rock and gem collections. We also offer corporate gifts and desk accessories, engraved gifts, licensed sports memorabilia, and special occasion gifts by special order (birthday, anniversary, baby, graduation, engagement, wedding and wedding party gifts). Tropical Jewelry and Gems is your local source for Gold Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry and much, much more!

Blanche Ely High School Annual Art Exhibition
2026-06-13 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-16 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-17 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-18 10:00 - 18:00 | Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 West Atlantic Boulevard Pompano Beach, FL 33060 United States, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, FL, 33060, United States
The Blanche Ely Annual Art Show is a highly anticipated community event that celebrates the creativity, growth, and artistic achievements of student artists from Blanche Ely High School. Each year, the exhibition highlights a diverse range of mediums and styles, reflecting both technical skill and powerful personal expression developed through the school’s dedicated visual arts program. The show has grown in both attendance and impact, providing young artists with a professional platform to exhibit and sell their work while gaining real-world experience in the arts. Proceeds directly support students as they pursue higher education, reinforcing the event’s mission of empowering the next generation of creatives.

Figure/Ground
2026-06-13 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-16 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-17 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-18 10:00 - 18:00 | Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 West Atlantic Boulevard Pompano Beach, FL 33060 United States, Pompano Beach Cultural Center, FL, 33060, United States
DeGraaf’s studio practice is deeply informed by the Gestalt principles of perception, particularly the relationship between figure and ground. Rather than presenting a stable or singular image, his compositions invite viewers to move between what is seen immediately and what slowly emerges through closer observation. Figures and forms are first constructed through recognizable visual structures, then gradually deconstructed through overlapping shapes, interruptions, and spatial ambiguity. This push and pull across the picture plane challenges the eye to continuously reorganize the image, creating moments where foreground and background compete, merge, or dissolve into one another. In doing so, the work mirrors the way perception itself functions – constantly searching for meaning, connection, and wholeness within fragmented experiences.

Trading Card Megafest Explosion
2026-06-13 10:00 - 2026-06-14 17:00 | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL, 1 Seminole Way,, Hollywood, Florida, 33314, United States
The ultimate trading card experience in South Florida! 250+ dealer tables featuring sports cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and more. Shop, trade, buy, and meet fellow collectors. Kids & families welcome. Huge giveaways, celebrity guests, and live entertainment.

Beginner Hip-Hop
2026-06-13 11:00 | Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 MLK Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060, United States
Every Saturday through June 2026.
Started in the late 70s with the B-Boys dancing off of Beats and Bass- now it has grown into various styles of Hip Hop. Come join our Hip Hop Class for ages 7 and up. Learn various styles of Hip Hop as well as dance to a variety of hip hop beats.
Class Attire: Ashanti T Shirt, no open-back shoes, or open-toe shoes. Comfortable shorts or pants.
This event runs from Nov 22, 2025 to Jun 27, 2026 and happens every:
Saturdays: 11:00am – 12:00pm

Alan Jackson’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Fest
2026-06-13 12:00 - 23:00 | Waterfront Commons, 101 S Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL, 33401, United States
Country music icon Alan Jackson is bringing a new festival experience to the Sunshine State with the first-ever Alan Jackson’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Fest! This multiday event blends world-class music, coastal culture, and elevated hospitality into one unforgettable experience. Jackson will welcome fans for a star-packed lineup featuring Ella Langley, Old Dominion, Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, and more. Since the summer of 2003, fans far and wide have embraced the carefree spirit and celebratory feel of the award-winning Jackson-Buffett anthem “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” Now, this festival aims to capture that same laid-back energy under the Florida sun.

Starlight Musicals
2026-06-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Holiday Park, 1150 G. Harold Martin Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
For the 47th year, this concert series will feature pop, tropical rock, country and R&B bands. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, picnic basket, cooler and friend.

Soulful Sundays
2026-06-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Ali Cultural Arts Center, 353 MLK Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060, United States
Every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Get ready to groove at Soulful Sundays at the Historic Ali Cultural Center! This electrifying event, held every second Sunday, celebrates the rich history and culture of the African-American community, set to the sounds of soul that will move your heart and feet. The intimate, vibrant atmosphere of the Ali Cultural Center sets the perfect backdrop for a night filled with incredible music and unforgettable vibes.
Soulful Sundays’s real magic lies in its top-tier talent lineup across South Florida. Prepare to be wowed by live performances spanning a range of genres—sultry Soul, high-energy R&B, smooth Neo-Soul, heart-stirring Blues, Jazz, and Funk that will have you grooving all night long. Whether you’re into silky melodies or fiery beats, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy.
Combine the soul-soothing music with delicious food and a lively, community-centered atmosphere, and you have the ultimate Sunday night experience. Pay tribute to the powerful contributions of the African-American community while immersing yourself in a night of soulful joy at Soulful Sundays. This is more than a concert—it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Tickets $10 — limited tickets only available online — no tickets will be sold at the door.
Reservations are available for tables seating four (4) people. The reserved area is located at the front of the venue.

2nd International Conference on Applied Science, Engineering and Technology
2026-06-15 03:00 - 2026-06-17 12:00 | FL
The 2nd International conference on Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (ICAET2026), organized by Conplus Meeting will be held on June 15-17, 2026 in Florence, Italy.
ICAET2026 represent vital gatherings that unite experts and enthusiasts from diverse disciplines worldwide. These events serve as dynamic forums where cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and practical applications converge to address global challenges and foster innovation.
Applied sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, and Materials Science contribute to innovative solutions addressing global challenges. Concurrently, Engineering disciplines encompass Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, and Biomedical Engineering, among others, focusing on designing and implementing real-world solutions. Technology fields, including Computer Science, Information Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science, Drive Digital Innovation and System Advancements, shaping the future of technological applications and interdisciplinary collaborations in these dynamic conferences.
Join us at ICAET2026 in Florence, Italy for a truly unforgettable experience!
Best Regards,
Lakshmi Prasanna | Program Coordinator
ICAET2026

An Exploration of Color
2026-06-17 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-18 10:00 - 18:00 | Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE 1st St, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060, United States
Since childhood, Sarah Rocca has been captivated by the power of imagery, the ability to freeze time and preserve memories through the art of painting with light. Her vivid imagination, once confined to the colorful worlds she envisioned as a child, found its voice through digital tools. This fusion of creativity and technology allowed Rocca to bring her unique perspective to life and share it with a broader audience.
Rocca’s use of color serves not only as a visual element but as a narrative device. Through her deliberate color choices, she conveys mood, emotion and unspoken subtext, inviting viewers to engage with each piece on a personal level. An Exploration of Color is a visual memoir, a journey through Rocca’s experiences of love, divorce, depression and joy. Each image encourages the viewer to reflect on how color influences their emotions and to interpret the story it tells through their own lens.
Click here to learn more of the artist – Sarah Rocca.

2026 South Florida Senior and Boomer Services Conference & Expo
2026-06-18 09:00 - 15:00 | FL
We invite you to Reach the Wealthy Senior Market at the 2026 South Florida Senior Services Show.
If your goal is to connect with an engaged, growing, and high-value audience, the 2026 South Florida Senior Services Show is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Taking place on Thursday, June 18th, 2026 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM) at the Volen Center in Boca Raton, FL, this premier event brings together four powerful featured experiences under one roof: Senior Services Showcase Medical Services Expo Longevity Expo Health & Wellness Fair
Register today at www.SouthFloridaSeniorExpo.com
This dynamic combination creates a one-stop destination for attendees seeking trusted providers, innovative solutions, and resources to enhance quality of life.
Here’s why exhibiting makes smart business sense:
Reach the Wealthy Senior Market South Florida is home to one of the most affluent senior populations in the country. This event gives you direct access to attendees with strong purchasing power who are actively seeking premium services and solutions.
Connect with a Highly Targeted Audience Engage face-to-face with seniors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and key decision-makers—all in one place, all looking for what you offer.
Generate High-Quality Leads & Grow Your Business Exhibitors benefit from real-time interactions with motivated prospects, resulting in stronger leads and immediate business opportunities.
Position Your Brand as a Trusted Senior Services Resource By participating in a show that prominently features Senior Services, you align your business with credibility, care, and community leadership—key factors in earning trust in this market.
Premier Venue Advantage – The Volen Center The Volen Center is truly “A Place for Everyone in the Community.” Serving from Broward to Palm Beach County, the Center enhances the well-being of South Florida seniors by educating and advocating on their behalf, while providing healthcare and supportive services that meet their physical, emotional, social, and psychological needs.
It’s everything people love about their neighbors and community—wrapped into one accessible, welcoming location. As South Florida’s premier senior center, the Volen Center has a daily attendance of nearly 500 active seniors, in addition to the large audience this event will attract—giving exhibitors unmatched exposure to a consistent and engaged demographic.
Stand Out in a Rapidly Expanding Industry With the senior services market continuing to grow, this event positions your business at the forefront of innovation, connection, and opportunity.
Presented by the Broward County Chamber of Commerce & the South Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Exhibit space is limited and expected to fill quickly.
If you’re ready to reach the wealthy senior market, expand your visibility, and build meaningful relationships, now is the time to secure your spot.
Visit: www.SouthFloridaSeniorExpo.com Call: (954) 565-5750 Or email MemberServices@SouthFloridaChamber.org to request exhibitor details today.
We look forward to helping you grow your business at South Florida’s premier senior-focused event.
Best regards, South Florida Chamber of Commerce 275 Commercial Blvd. Suite 280 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 565-5750 in Broward County (561) 683-8414 in Palm Beach County (305) 278-1811 in Miami-Dade County
Our Mission: Bringing Business to Our Members At the South Florida Chamber of Commerce, our highest priority is clear and results-driven—we bring business to our members.
How We Help Your Business Grow
Act as your professional marketing team Provide public relations and brand exposure Deliver multi-media and digital marketing support Offer advertising and promotional opportunities Connect you with merchant services resources Function as an outside sales force promoting your business Drive new customers to your location Increase phone calls and inquiries Generate consistent traffic to your website
All of this—at a mere fraction of the cost of hiring these services independently.
When you join the South Florida Chamber of Commerce, you don’t just gain a membership—you gain a strategic partner focused on visibility, credibility, and real business growth.
Join today, Call 561-683-8414 You can also join online at https://www.chamberrsvp.com/south-florida-chamber-of…/ If you would like to finance your annual membership with a small monthly payment, you can join at https://www.southfloridachamber.org/join
www.SouthFloridaChamber.org

Karaoke Thursdays at Al Bacaro
2026-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Al Bacaro, 3015 Grand Ave, Miami, Florida, 33133
Starting Thursday, June 4, Coconut Grove’s, Al Bacaro launches its new weekly karaoke night every Thursday from 7–9 p.m. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails, Italian bites, and a lively atmosphere filled with crowd-favorite songs and plenty of energy. Ready to take the mic? Singers who perform will be rewarded with a celebratory shot, making it the perfect excuse to gather friends for an unforgettable night of music, food, and fun.
