Fort Lauderdale Magazine

Figure/Ground
2026-06-12 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-11 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-10 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-06 10:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Blanche Ely High School Annual Art Exhibition
2026-06-12 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-11 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-10 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-09 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-06 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.

An Exploration of Color
2026-06-12 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-11 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-10 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.

Mae West in Sunset Boulevard starring Jennifer McClain & Seth Trucks
2026-06-11 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.

Karaoke Thursdays at Al Bacaro
2026-06-11 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.

Ladies Night Market at The Shorely
2026-06-11 18:30 - 21:30 | The Shorely At Marina Village, 849 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, TX, 33316, United States
Ladies Can Enjoy Complimentary Spirits, Wine & Bubbly While Browsing Our Pop-Up With Handmade & Local Vendors Featuring Fresh Styles, Custom Accessories & Hands On Activations.
The Shorely at Marina Village
951 Seabreeze Blvd Fort Lauderdale FL
Vendors:
Apply at @theflamingoflea

FIFA World Cup 2026
2026-06-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens, FL, 33056, United States
Uniting countries across the world for preliminary soccer matches culminating in the final match on July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be an experience of a lifetime.

Juneteenth Experience - Where We Stay — Exhibition Opening Reception
2026-06-11 12:00 - 2026-08-29 17:00 | Daisy Arts Center, 1033 Sistrunk Blvd., Suite 102, Fort Lauderdale, 33311, United States
As part of Hued Songs’ Juneteenth Experience 2026, “Where We Stay” is a free visual art exhibition curated by Tayina Deravile and featuring nine Broward-based visual artists. Presented at the Daisy Arts Center, the exhibition explores the commonalities of home within Black communities through works centered on family, memory, adornment, personal lived experience and cultural legacy. The exhibition celebrates the history of the Sistrunk neighborhood and honors the legacy of Dr. James and Daisy Sistrunk, whose home became a gathering place for jazz musicians, dignitaries, artists and community leaders. Featured artists include Allison Bolah, Adrienne Chadwick, Amaya Estrada, Clarence Josey II, Emmanuel George, Shawna Moulton, Cornelius Tulloch, Carrington Ware and Chris Friday. The opening reception takes place Thursday, June 11, with public gallery hours beginning Saturday, June 13.

Mahjong with Besties & Bams
2026-06-09 19:00 - 22:00 | Sunness Supper Club 2465 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, 2465 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304, United States
Join Sunness Supper Club for an evening of Mahjong with Besties & Bams where players of all levels are welcome to play, sip and socialize. Ticket registration is priced at $45 and includes open play with prizes for the lucky winners, a welcome drink, and special happy hour pricing on food & drinks for players.

14th World Congress on Diabetes & Endocrinology 2026
2026-06-08 09:00 - 2026-06-09 17:00 | FL
Dear Attendees,
We are pleased to invite you to the 14th World Congress on Diabetes & Endocrinology, set to take place on June 08-09, 2026, in London, United Kingdom.
The conference will emphasize the theme:
“Advancing Therapeutics and Transforming Care in Diabetes & Endocrinology.”
Diabetes & Endocrinology 2026 offers a unique platform for academics, clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from around the world to come together, share knowledge and explore the latest advancements in the field. The congress aims to foster collaboration, promote innovation and inspire improved strategies in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes and endocrine disorders.
We look forward to your participation in this impactful global event.

Telescope Observation and Stargazing
2026-06-06 20:00 - 21:00 | 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.

EASY STAR ALL STARS
2026-06-06 19:00 - 23:00 | 1 Young Cir, Hollywood, FL 33020, 1 Young Cir, Hollywood, FL, 33020, United States
Blending musical versatility, instrumental prowess, beautiful vocal harmonies, and a premier rhythm section, Easy Star All-Stars have established themselves as one of the top international reggae acts on the scene for nearly two decades, bringing together fans of reggae, classic rock, dub, and indie rock into one big family.
The group is best loved for a series of epic tribute recordings, including Dub Side Of The Moon, Radiodread, Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band and Easy Star’s Thrillah. Most recently, they released Ziggy Stardub, a complete reggae re-imagining of David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars album with guests include Macy Gray, Maxi Priest, Steel Pulse, Fishbone, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Vernon Reid (Living Colour) and more.
The Hollywood Arts Park Experience is produced by the Rhythm Foundation for the City of Hollywood. This FREE community concert made possible by the City of Hollywood, its Mayor, and Commissioners.
Metered parking is available on streets and public lots nearby the ArtsPark.

Starlight Musicals
2026-06-06 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.

“Burger Bash” Chef Experience Dinner
2026-06-06 19:00 - 22:00 | The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Culinary, 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise, FL, 33351, United States
Arc Culinary presents “Burger Bash” as part of the Chef Experience Dinner series sponsored by Amazon on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the state-of-the-art Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen. Tickets are $92 for communal seating or $102 for the chef’s counter and include alcoholic beverages and gratuity. Proceeds from ticket sales support Arc Broward’s mission to strengthen the community by empowering adults and children with disabilities to grow, develop and thrive. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen at Arc Culinary is located at 10250 Northwest 53rd Street, Sunrise. For tickets and information, visit arcculinary.com/chef-experience-dinners/ or call (954) 299-7515.

Fourth Annual International Ocean Film Festival
2026-06-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale, 503 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301, United States
Celebrate World Ocean Day and enjoy five short ocean-inspired films from around the world along with a special presentation by expert panelists.
Guests will have the chance to participate in a raffle to support the Guy Harvey Foundation’s educational outreach and community engagement efforts. Proceeds from the event will allow the Foundation to keep providing students with hands-on STEAM experiences and offering professional development to educators through teacher training workshops and a comprehensive catalog of standards-based educational materials and other assets.
The Fourth Annual International Ocean Film Festival is hosted by the Guy Harvey Foundation with support from presenting sponsor Norwegian Cruise Line and concession sponsor Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation.

2026 Summer Exhibition at The Center
2026-06-06 17:00 - 21:00 | Hollywood Art and Culture Center, 1650 Harrison St, Hollywood, FL, 33020, United States
Three extraordinary exhibitions. One unforgettable opening night. This is the show of the summer — and you don’t want to miss it.
Exhibition I
Sunshine & Ink: The Florida Printmakers
Six of South Florida’s most dynamic contemporary printmakers come together for a bold, vibrant showcase. From monumental woodblock prints and silkscreens to intimate etchings and handmade artist books, this exhibition proves that printmaking is anything but traditional. Prepare to see ink like you’ve never seen it before.
Featuring: Jennifer Basile • Chee Bravo • Brian Reedy • Ingrid Schindall • Joseph Velasquez • Tom Virgin
Exhibition II
Jen Little: Wax. Pigment. Fire.
An Exploration in Encaustic Art
Step into a world of luminous color and layered depth. South Florida artist Jen Little creates mesmerizing encaustic paintings by fusing beeswax, resin, and pigment with an open flame — a process as elemental as the natural world that inspires her. Move close. Look deeper. Every surface tells a story of light, texture, and transformation.
Exhibition III
Veterans’ Voices: A 250th Anniversary Portfolio
This is art with a mission. In partnership with the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center and artist Tom Virgin, local Veterans participated in hands-on printmaking workshops — designing, carving, and printing their own linoleum plates to create a powerful, unified tribute to America. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, these voices remind us what service, sacrifice, and creative expression truly mean.
For more information visit www.centerhollywood.org

Snow White, Before the Dwarves
2026-06-06 12:00 - 15:00 | Charlotte Burrie Civic Center, 2669 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach, FL, 33064, United States
Family entertainment! Pre show entertainment! Free refreshments! June 6 | 12 PM & 2 PM All Ages | $10/person Charlotte Burrie Center | 2669 N. Federal Highway 954-786-5566 One of the most famous fairy tales worldwide, this Snow White version of the classic is filled with fun, songs, and plot twists. In our story, there is no prince to save the day. Instead, the story features the magic mirror as Snow White’s best friend, two silly ladies- in- waiting, a poison apple, the evil stepmother, and a surprise ending! Pre show entertainment one hour prior to showtime: Photos with the cast Coloring activity Free refreshments Tickets available via eventbrite.

Beginner Hip-Hop
2026-06-06 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

Global Africa Symposium
2026-06-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Miramar City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Florida, 33325
Get ready to dive deep into the rich tapestry of African culture and history at the Global Africa Symposium – it’s going to be enlightening!
A dynamic celebration of Africa’s heritage, innovation, and global impact -uniting communities, culture, and opportunity.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10am to 4pm
Miramar City Hall | 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33325
The 2nd Annual Global Africa Symposium unites leaders, innovators, cultural ambassadors, and community members to honor Africa’s legacy and expanding global impact.
This year’s event commemorates Africa Day while spotlighting opportunities in business, maritime affairs, trade, tourism, and the creative economy.
Guests will experience the Global Africa Village, enjoy Afrobeats, African cuisine, and a fashion showcase, and connect with partners strengthening ties between Africa and the diaspora.
A dynamic platform for celebration, collaboration, and growth.
Vending and sponsorship opportunities available!

Introduction to Painting
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, 41 NE 1st St, Pompano Beach, FL, 33060, United States
Dive Into Creativity: Join Us for Intro to Painting on the First Saturday of Every Month!
Unlock your artistic potential with our monthly Intro to Painting workshop! Each session offers a captivating journey through the rich history and terminology of color theory, all while mastering techniques with watercolor and acrylics.
Explore the fascinating properties of color—hue, saturation, and value—as you learn to craft stunning palettes and experiment with different mediums to transform texture and chemistry in your artwork. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, each workshop is designed to stand alone, allowing you to join us whenever inspiration strikes!
Immerse yourself in a supportive and creative environment where every brushstroke brings you closer to discovering your unique artistic voice. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and create something beautiful. Reserve your spot today and let your creativity flourish!
