August 3, Key West
Get Into Your Sanctuary Eco-Fair
Learn about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s underwater habitats and animals, coral reef restoration efforts, and how to responsibly enjoy the natural marine environment that drives the local economy and the unique way of life in the Keys. The event—which is weather dependent—is hosted at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 E. Quay Road, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
www.floridakeys.noaa.gov;
305-809-4750
August 8-25, Bradenton
West Side Story
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet are transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, struggling to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice. Rated PG-13. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Stone Hall.
www.manateeperformingartscenter.com;
941-748-5875
August 10, Chipley
An Evening of Southern Gospel
Groups and individuals perform Gospel favorites with the accompaniment of a live band at 7 p.m. at the Spanish Trail Playhouse. Tickets are $15. Seating is reserved.
www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com;
850-638-9113
August 16-18, Gulf Breeze
Third annual Collectibles and More Sale
Art, collectibles, jewelry, gifts, linens, bicycles, holiday decor, tools, small appliances, furniture, gardening equipment, toys and games, vintage dishes and fishing rods are among the offerings at the event hosted by the Episcopal Church Women of St. Francis of Assisi Church in the parish hall at 1 St. Francis Drive. A pre-sale reception at 6 p.m. Friday includes wine, refreshments, music and time to browse the inventory of sale items. Tickets are $10 each or two for $15. Admission is free from 8 a.m. to
3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
All sale items are lightly used but in like-new, fully operational condition.
850-889-3517;
leo@leomcyr.com
August 16-September 1, Sebring
9 to 5, The Musical
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays at Lakeside Playhouse. Tickets are $20 to $30 for adults and $10 for youth. May not be suitable for children younger than 13.
www.highlandslittletheatre.org;
863-382-2525
Kilts in the Keys
The Florida Keys Celtic Festival’s summer party is Sunday, August 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Herbie’s Bar and Chowder House, 6350 Overseas Highway, Marathon. The event features food, games, a raffle, door prizes, a free bounce house and live music by the Celtic band West of Galway. Herbie’s is donating a portion of sales that day to The Hammock House—a free afterschool and camp program that provides education, nutrition and fun to children in the Middle Keys. To volunteer or for more information, call 305-743-6412 or email info@floridakeyscelticfestival.com. For information, visit www.FLKeysCelticFestival.com or flkeyscelticfest on Facebook.
August 21, Islamorada
Immerse Yourself!
McKenna Anderson of Mote Marine speaks about spotted eagle ray conservation at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, MM83.
www.divingmuseum.org;
305-664-9737
August 23, Bradenton
40th annual Manatee Small Business of the Year Awards
Celebrate small businesses and nonprofit organizations nominated for stellar customer service, dedicated employees, business growth and supporting the community. Breakfast and networking is 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. in the gallery and lobby of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W. The awards ceremony is in theater-style seating in Stone Hall from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $45. The registration deadline is August 16.
www.manateechamber.com/smallbiz;
ericam@manateechamber.com
August 24, Bradenton
Mixon Farms Craft Fair
The indoor fair is in the back of the processing plant at 2525 27th St. East from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the fourth Saturday of the month from April to September. Fifteen to 25 craft vendors participate.
www.mixon.com;
941-748-5829 ext. 239
August 24-25, Sebring
Battle at the Bridge Drag Racing
Rev your engines and head to Sebring International Raceway for its late summer marquee drag racing event that features a car show, drift circuit, live DJ and lots of racing. Tickets and competition entry are available at the gate.
Facebook @SebringDragRacing
Restoring Our Oceans, Preserving Our Heritage!
The History of Diving Museum’s special “Diving With a Purpose” traveling exhibit looks at underwater archaeology, its cultural and historical significance, and stories behind shipwrecks, with a focus on African Americans. Underwater sites on display range from sailing vessels to slave ships and the Tuskegee airmen of World War II. The exhibit runs through December 31, with special presentations throughout the year. The museum—open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—is at MM83, Islamorada. For more information, visit www.divingmuseum.org or call 305-664-9737.
August 30-September 1, Chipley
A Streetcar Named Desire
In the Tennessee Williams classic set in New Orleans, Blanche du Bois—a woman whose life has been undermined by her romantic illusions—deals with pressure brought upon her by her sister and brother-in-law, which leads to a revelation of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, madness. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Spanish Trail Playhouse. Tickets are $15.
www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com;
850-638-9113
August 30-September 1, Marathon
Heroes Salute Tribute Weekend
Now in its 11th year, the event is a thank you to the military, fire and rescue, law enforcement and medical personnel who serve our nation. The family-friendly activities at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key includes a barbecue, heroes’ tribute, live music and fireworks show.
www.floridakeysheroes.com;
877-484-9342
August 30-September 1, Panama City Beach
Sixth annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
Enjoy sun, fun and a country music extravaganza during the three-day celebration at Frank Brown Park. Headliners are Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean and Kid Rock.
www.gulfcoastjam.com
August 30-September 1, Pensacola
Seventh annual Family Fishing Rodeo
Compete in freshwater and saltwater fishing categories at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club to win prizes, enter raffles and bid on silent auction items in the fundraiser for Backpack Project USA, which provides weekend food for disadvantaged children in Escambia County’s elementary schools. The entry fee is $15 in the open class. Juniors 10 and younger enter for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. A fried fish dinner is offered at the end of the day Sunday.
www.backpackprojectusa.com;
850-595-0135
August 31-September 1, Pensacola
Fourth annual Gulf Coast Summer Fest—Jazz Edition
The event features two days of jazz on the water at Pensacola Community Maritime Park.
www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com;
850-432-0800
August 31-September 2, Sebring
Tour of Sebring
Enjoy one, two or three days of cycling in the gently rolling hills of Highlands County. Riders will appreciate low-traffic roads, friendly motorists, citrus groves, cattle ranches and small central Florida towns.
www.tourofsebring.com
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