The World Cup crowds have dispersed, but the heat has not. Their departure has opened up space on the nearby beaches and waters, all just a short ride away. Windsurf at Hobie Island Beach Park—the first right as you cross the Rickenbacker Causeway. Sunbathe along Virginia Key’s southern shore; dog lovers and best friends are welcomed at the section of beach directly across from MAST Academy. Meet friends at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, or rent a paddleboard from the self-serve kiosk at Peacock Park beside the mangrove boardwalk. Splash, paddle, idle or catch the wind without leaving the neighborhood.
Saturday July 25
Help Her Climb… The Coconut Grove Negro Women’s Club celebrates its Ladies of Legacy mentees, honors graduating seniors and awards scholarships at its annual brunch, hosted by its sister club at the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove. The morning also supports a $5,000 campaign to keep the mentorship program lifting the next generation of young women toward their dreams. Tickets $25. 2985 S. Bayshore Drive. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Supporting donations also accepted.
Studio Vizcaya’s Fruitful Finale… Vizcaya Museum and Gardens wraps up its summer crowd-sourced art event The Fruit We Bear with an illuminated twilight procession through its waterfront gardens, at 7:00 p.m. Free for members. $15 for general public. Read More: A Crowd-Sourced Art Event at Vizcaya
Follow the Yellow Brick Road… In this Prince Street Players adaptation, the Wizard of Oz follows the crew as they set off to find the Wizard and get home before the Wicked Witch has a meltdown. Funny, clever and built for munchkins large and small. Actors’ Playhouse brings Oz to the stage at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables.. More information.
Free Tutoring for Kids… Certified teachers meet with small groups of students in one-hour sessions to provide homework help and tutoring in reading, math, and science. Free and available to students in grades K-12. Virrick Park Library, 3255 Plaza Street from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
A Little Romantic Chaos… Carrousel of Hearts spins together famous arias, live vocals, jealousy, heartbreak, reconciliation, and the emotional volatility of couples who probably should have talked things through earlier in the evening. Somewhere between melodrama and swooning is exactly where this music thrives. Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables. 7:30 p.m. Tickets here.
Sunday July 26
Vizcaya Village Market… Vizcaya’s eclectic farmers market runs on adjusted summer hours through September 27, with local vendors offering fresh-made delicacies, hand-crafted goods, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and vegan products inside Vizcaya’s historic farm and village. Vizcaya Village, 3250 S. Miami Avenue. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Carrousel’s Last Spin… In its final performance, Carrousel of Hearts spins together famous arias, live vocals, jealousy, heartbreak, reconciliation, and the emotional volatility of couples who probably should have talked things through earlier in the evening. Somewhere between melodrama and swooning, this music thrives. Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables. 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Tickets here.
Beating the Summer Heat… Before you or your family gets flush with the heat, head to one of the city’s official Cooling Centers. The branch libraries in Virrick Park and Shenandoah (see above) are two designated centers. Hours vary, but the centers are typically open when the sun is up. See a full list of centers here.
Chilling at the Barnacle… Who needs air conditioning when you have Biscayne Bay? If you’re craving some outdoor time but sweating the heat, check out the Barnacle Historic State Park at 3485 Main Highway, where you can catch a breeze off the bay while chilling on the front porch. During the summer, the park is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Or with an Icee in Kennedy Park… As legend has it, Alan Cohen of A.C.’s Icees was chilling under a tree in Kennedy Park more than 40 years ago when he decided to make the park his place of business. Cohen recently celebrated his 80th birthday in the park, where his food truck has been parked forever. “Some of us were sitting under a tree in Kennedy Park,” he told the Spotlight in 2021, “and I said if I’m going to work again, I want this park to be my office.” Read more: Sunday in the Park with A.C.’s Icees
Tuesday July 28
Fiction Book Club… Katherine Wakefield leads the discussion at this month’s fiction book club at Books & Books in Coconut Grove, 3409 Main Highway, starting at 7:00 p.m. This month’s book selection: “Mice, 1961” by novelist Stacey Levine. The program is free but, please note: Advanced Registration Required.
Wednesday July 29
Cheer (or cringe)…as candidates vie to represent the neighborhoods from Downtown, through Brickell and and beyond Shenandoah. Miami-Dade County Commission District 5 candidates present at a virtual Q&A. Get your questions and topics to the moderator pronto here, then join online at 7:00-8:00 p.m. RSVP is a must, so click here and now. Priceless.
Thursday July 30
Poetry in the Grove… Books & Books Coconut Grove hosts a book talk and signing with poet and author Elizabeth Lake, in celebration of the paperback release of her poetry collection “Lipstick on the Wall.” 6:30 p.m. 3409 Main Highway. RSVP here.
Summer Splash Time… The City of Miami has 12 aquatic facilities including the new Verneka Sturrup Silva pool at Elizabeth Virrick Park in Coconut Grove. The pool is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for seniors, and free for kids 17 and younger. For information about the pool’s learn-to-swim programs, lap lanes, water aerobics, and more, call 305-329-4791.
Coral Gables Dresses Up… Giralda Plaza goes over the top with Cielo Tejido, a canopy of handwoven textiles created by artisan women from Etzatlán, Mexico and suspended above the pedestrian boulevard in bright, moving color. Public art with shade-adjacent benefits, cultural craftsmanship and absolutely no ticket counter. Giralda Plaza, Coral Gables. Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. through Friday 7/31. Free.
Kit Pancoast Nagamura lived her first four years at The Kampong as the great-granddaughter of plant explorer David Fairchild, and When We Come to Paint brings her back with a multigenerational exhibition pairing her parents’ artistic legacy with her own layered botanical observations. The Kampong, 4013 South Douglas Road. Admission is included with regular Kampong admission; online reservations required. On view from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays through Saturday 8/15.
