There’s still time—three days, in fact—to join the Miami Book Fair’s many activities. Among the hundreds of events, weekend highlights include the Grove’s own Rock Bottom Remainders musical group (Saturday, 2:30 p.m. at Chapman, Building 3, Second Floor). The Fair continues through Sunday 11/24. By Metrorail to Government Center, then free MetroMover to College North Station.
Thanksgiving week is traditionally quiet in the Grove as some travel and others entertain visitors. For those that are enjoying November’s climate, this map by the Friends of the Commodore Trail identifies many of the “Grovey” places best known to locals. Waterfront vistas, parks, historic sites and dog parks too. If you head out and forget to take the online map with you, you’ll find QR Codes posted along the Commodore Trail beneath the trail markers—about every 200 yards.
Head Over Heels at the Ring Theatre on U-Miami’s campus still has seats available for its final performance tonight. A musical comedy, the music follows the beats of all-female rock bands of the 1980s. Think of “We Got the Beat” by the Go-Gos. Friday 11/22 8:00 p.m. 1312 Miller Drive. By Metrorail to University Station. Tickets are linked here.
A short ride west on Bird Road to AD Barnes Park Nature Center brings you to a park hidden in plain sight where you’ll find a campfire and naturalists to guide you on a walk to discover bats flying overhead. Special audio gear will help you hear the calls of these flying mammals as they search for insects. Totally cool! Friday 11/22 7:00-9:00 p.m. 3401 SW 72nd Ave. By Metrobus Route 40. Free. Bring your own marshmallows. Really!
Whether in town or out, when the moment arrives to raise your glass and offer a toast at Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll want to be ready. None are better prepared to join you on your journey to eloquence than the members of the Toastmasters Club. This Monday the Toastmasters meet at noon in the Virrick Park Branch Library. For information, call 305 442 7872 where Librarian Danilo Castro can help. 3255 Plaza Street. Monday, 11/25 Noon-1:00 p.m.
Around the Thanksgiving table might be the perfect moment to recruit friends and family to join you in the King Mango Strut scheduled for Sunday January 5 at 2:00 p.m. The Mangoheads are now recruiting new Strutters to create their own skits or join existing groups. This year’s theme, Peace, Love and Mangos, is just the launching point for any fun or funny idea. You can learn more and sign up at the King Mango website. Several parade groups are looking for members. If you want to join one of the larger veteran groups, the Friends of the Commodore Trail are recruiting young peacocks and “car-driving” children for a family-friendly parade skit. The parade will be held on Sunday 1/5/25 and starts at 2:00 p.m. in downtown Coconut Grove.
Let’s go onsafari! This Spotlight column invites you to nominate your special places for a coming series on “safaris” through the Grove that bring us to coffee shops, live music or notable happy hours. If you have a special place to share, you can drop the Spotlight a note describing it so that we can include it in a future Where We’ll Be. Then we will all be giving thanks for your generosity.
Save Me a Seat
Christmas concerts will soon fill the calendar, and the St Hugh-Steinway Christmas Extravaganza helps lead on Friday 12/6, 8:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales here.
The next Lamar Louise Curry Concert features Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass at First United Methodist Church Coral Gables. Saturday 12/7, 7:30 p.m. Free.
