It’s back to school this week for public school students in Miami-Dade County, which means more traffic for all of us and… more homework for parents! We can’t do much about the traffic, but the county’s library system is ready to help with the homework, beginning August 26, with free online and in-person tutoring sessions in reading, math and science. Check out this week’s calendar for details. Or, if you prefer a more hands-on event to start the school year, consider signing up for the Back to School Community Cleanup at Peacock Park on Saturday August 22. Details on that event and more below…
Friday August 14
Talking is Teaching. The Coconut Grove Library hosts a weekly enrichment program for babies, toddlers, and caregivers, with stories and songs, on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Coconut Grove Library, 2875 McFarlane Road. Program repeats 08/21 and 08/28. For information, contact the library at 305-442-8695.
Saturday August 15
A New Play Forest for Kids. The Underline opens its newest destination for children – the Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest in South Miami – with live music, face painting, a balloon artist and more on Saturday 08/15 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The play forest is located next to South Miami City Hall (event parking in the shared lot with the library at 6130 Sunset Drive). Learn more.
Last Chance. Kit Pancoast Nagamura lived her first four years at The Kampong as the great-granddaughter of David Fairchild. When We Come to Paint brings her back with an exhibition that pairs her parents’ artistic legacy with her own botanical observations. The Kampong, 4013 S. Douglas Road. Online reservations required. On view from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Saturday 8/15.
Sunday August 16
Last Day of Early Voting. Early voting ends today ahead of the primary election on Tuesday 08/18. Registered voters can cast a ballot at any early voting site today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The polls are closed Monday; precinct voting happens Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For a list of early voting sites, check out Three Ways to Vote on the county’s elections website.
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 village. Vizcaya Village, 3250 S. Miami Avenue. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Monday August 17
Community Painting Club. The Coconut Grove library hosts a weekly painting club in August for artists of all skill levels. Participants will need to bring their own materials. Monday 08/17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2875 McFarlane Road. Event repeats on 08/24 and 08/31. For more information, please contact the branch at 305-442-8695.
Tuesday August 18
Election Day. If you’re one of those voters who likes to vote in person – on Election Day – to experience the vox populi, then today’s your day, but you’ll have to go to your assigned precinct. Need help? Check out Three Ways to Vote on the county’s elections website.
Chess Club. The Virrick Park branch library hosts a chess club for players of all levels, ages 8 to 18, Tuesday 08/18 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 3255 Plaza Street. Event repeats on Tuesday 08/25 and 09/01. For information, contact the branch at 305-442-7872.
Thursday August 20
Tree Workshop. The City of Miami is revising its tree ordinance, and residents are invited to weigh in on what works, what doesn’t and how the rules can better protect and manage the city’s canopy. Thursday 8/20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hangar at Regatta Grove, next to City Hall on Pan American Drive.
A Safe Place to Be Strong. Women are invited to an evening of faith, encouragement and fellowship focused on building healthy relationships, finding purpose and replacing fear, pressure and doubt with confidence and spiritual strength. Hosted by Shameeka Cheeks at St. Matthew CMB Church, 3616 Day Avenue. Thursday, August 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free.
Jazz in the Gables. Kate Kortum, winner of the 2025 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, performs as part of a summer concert series at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, across from the Biltmore Hotel. Thursday 8/20 at 7:30 p.m. Find tickets here.
Friday August 21
Book Event with Chef Oscar del Rivero (Jaguar Restaurant). Join Oscar del Rivero for the launch of his debut cookbook “Flavors Beneath the Canopy” at Books & Books in Coconut Grove, 3409 Main Highway. Friday 08/21 at 6:30 p.m. with an after-party at Jaguar. Tickets required ($38 with the book; free without). Read a Spotlight profile of the chef and restaurant: Jaguar Marks a Milestone.
Saturday August 22
Back to School Community Cleanup. Join a community cleanup at Peacock Park on Saturday 08/22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with local refreshments provided by Grove businesses. Cleanup supplies will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own gloves and trash pickers. Sign up at this website.
Great American Jazz Standards. Grammy-nominated drummer Nomar Negroni is joined by vocalist Tanya Maria for an evening of song. Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia Ave. Saturday 08/22 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets available here.
Monday August 24
Coconut Grove Book Club. Hosted by the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, the book club meets Monday 08/24 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Coconut Grove Library, 2875 McFarlane Road, to discuss “We the Women” by Nora O’Donnell. Registration is required. For more information, contact the library at 305-442-8695.
Tuesday August 25
Fiction Book Club. Join a discussion of Valeria Luiselli’s new novel “Beginning Middle End” at Book & Books Coconut Grove on Tuesday 08/25 at 7 p.m. RSVP here (space is limited). Tuesday 08/25 at 7 p.m. at 3409 Main Highway.
Wednesday August 26
Free Tutoring and Homework Help. Beginning this week, the Miami-Dade County Library System’s free online and in-person tutoring sessions provides K-12 students with support in reading, math and science. Led by certified teachers, the sessions will help students sharpen their skills, build confidence and boost academic performance. Online 1:1 Tutoring: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., through May 27. In-Person Group Tutoring on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 28 library locations (including Shenandoah and Virrick Park) through May 22. For a full list of participating libraries or to register for an online session, visit www.mdpls.org/tutor.
Thursday August 27
Spanish Conversation Circle. Practice your Spanish conversation skills in a group setting at the Coconut Grove Library, Thursday 08/27 from 4 to 5 p.m. All skill levels welcome. 2875 McFarlane Road. Event repeats on Thursday 09/24. Registration required. For more information, contact the branch at 305-442-8695.
Ahoy! Able-bodied Crew Come Aboard! The Sailing Club’s Moonlight Racing series continues to introduce landlubbers and salty dogs alike to the adventure of racing on Biscayne Bay. “Oh, I’ve already been on a motorboat (or daysailer or on a cruise ship),” you might think. But as the Spotlight’s intrepid reporter described, there is nothing like being on the crew of a racing sailboat. Embrace the new adventure in this low-stress evening on the Bay. You’ll have endless stories to tell your mates. Save the date now and the sign up link will follow shortly. Coconut Grove Sailing Club, 2990 South Bayshore Drive. Friday 8/28 after work. Free.
Grovites For Life Annual Gala. A fundraising dinner with live entertainment at Virrick Park, 3255 Plaza Street. Saturday 09/05 from 5 to 10 p.m. Grovites 4 Life is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic West Grove. Tickets are $50. For more information, call 786-918-1656 or email [email protected].
Summer Splash. 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.
