Free concert at Holiday Park on Friday
Brass Evolution plays a free Friday night at Holiday Park, jazz and camp shows fill the weekend, and a Boca noodle bar eyes a Fort Lauderdale debut.
Free live music returns to Holiday Park this Friday night. The Starlight Musicals series continues Friday, July 24, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Holiday Park, 1150 G. Harold Martin Drive, with Brass Evolution headlining a set of rock backed by horns. Admission is free. Attendees can bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers, and food and drinks are also sold on site for anyone who would rather show up empty-handed. One planning note before you go: canopies, tents and umbrellas are limited to designated areas along the back and sides of the football field, so if you want shade, set up there rather than on the open lawn. It adds up to an easy, no-cost start to the weekend within the park. (City of Fort Lauderdale)
Kapow Noodle Bar targets a Fort Lauderdale opening
An Asian noodle-and-sushi concept is on its way to Fort Lauderdale. Kapow Noodle Bar plans its first Broward County location at 250 SE Sixth Avenue, and a fall 2026 opening target has been reported - meaning there is still a wait before the doors open. The restaurant was founded in Boca Raton in 2011 and currently operates two spots, one in Boca Raton and one in Delray Beach; the Fort Lauderdale address would make it the brand's third overall and its first in Broward County. Its kitchen blends Japanese, Thai, Korean and Chinese influences, and the menu spans ramen and sushi, Korean fried chicken, bao buns and wok-fired noodle bowls. For anyone tracking new Sixth Avenue additions, it is a plan on the calendar rather than a place to eat today, with the fall timeline the milestone to watch. (What Now Miami)
National Night Out at Carter Park
David Deal Playday's National Night Out lands Tuesday, July 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carter Park, 1420 W. Sunrise Boulevard, and admission is free. The gathering pairs crime-prevention information with back-to-school giveaways, along with appearances from the Fort Lauderdale Police and the Parks and Recreation department. The event carries deep local roots: David Deal Playday began in 1953 and was renamed in 1971 for David Deal Sr., who is remembered as an educator, coach and community mentor. (City of Fort Lauderdale)
Sunday Jazz Brunch returns to Esplanade Park
Sunday Jazz Brunch returns Sunday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. at Esplanade Park. The free outdoor concert spreads local jazz artists across three stages, including the Broward Center's Peck Courtyard, and attendees can bring chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome, and local merchants and nearby food options line the Riverwalk during the event, so you can graze between sets. It adds up to an easy, no-cost late morning of music along the water. (Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
Nemo KIDS opens the Broward Center camp season
The Broward Center's summer camp season opens with Nemo KIDS, a 30-minute musical based on the Pixar story of Marlin searching for Nemo and staged by campers ages 6 to 9. Performances begin Tuesday, July 28, at 6 and 7:30 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater, with additional shows Aug. 4 and Aug. 10. Everyone entering the theater needs a ticket, including babies, and lap seats for children 12 months and younger are available through the box office. (Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
Beetlejuice Jr. hits the Amaturo Theater
Beetlejuice Jr. takes the Amaturo Theater stage beginning Wednesday, July 29, with performances at 6 and 8 p.m. The Broadway Junior production is staged by Broward Center summer campers ages 10 to 13, with additional shows Aug. 5 and Aug. 11. Everyone entering the theater needs a ticket, including babies, and lap seats for children 12 months and younger are available through the box office. (Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
Hadestown: Teen Edition runs at the Broward Center
Hadestown: Teen Edition brings a full-length adaptation of Anais Mitchell's musical to the Amaturo Theater beginning Thursday, July 30, at 7 p.m. The staging is performed by summer campers ages 13 to 18 and adapted for family audiences, with additional 7 p.m. performances July 31, Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. Everyone entering the theater needs a ticket. (Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
David Deal Playday Teen Night
David Deal Playday Teen Night is set for Friday, July 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. It sits inside a week-long summer celebration that also includes a teen concert, basketball tournament, jazz concert, boxing tournament, championship swim meet, golf tournament and Kids Day. With the exception of the golf tournament, Playday events are free and open to the public. (City of Fort Lauderdale)