By Kayla Louttit
From Sunday jazz brunch, a monthly art walk, and wine and paddleboarding, to a new summer food and wine series, here’s Part 2 of Fort Lauderdale things to do to keep you entertained this summer (and worth a trip from Miami). In case you missed it, click here for Part 1.
Dates: Recurring monthly on the 1st Sunday
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale
305 South Andrews Avenue suite 410, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, 954-828-5363
The first Sunday of each month enjoy the smooth sounds of local jazz with family and friends at the free, outdoor Sunday Jazz Brunch live concert series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. One of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular community events, the Sunday Jazz Brunch invites everyone to bring their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets along with well-behaved, leashed pets to the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District for the best in local jazz. Patrons can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants. Parking for the event is available at the county garage located on S.W. 2nd Street between S.W. 2nd Avenue and Brickell Avenue or at the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District parking garage at S.W. Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
Dates: Last Saturday of every month
Time: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Admission: Free
Location: FAT Village
523 NW 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, 954-540-9897
FAT Village (Flagler Arts and Technology Village) is Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant and ever growing arts community located downtown in Flagler Village. Home to local artists and creative businesses, FAT Village hosts a monthly art walk on the last Saturday of each month from 7 to 11 p.m. Each month, as many as 1,000 people attend. Many of the district’s businesses open for the art walk to provide behind-the-scenes opportunities in art galleries and studios or a prop warehouse, and even to enjoy a play in one of two theaters, including one black box theater. In addition to the varied collection of art, guests also can enjoy great food and music. FAT Village is a four-block area, branching out from the intersection of N.W. Fifth Street and First Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
Dates: Every Wednesday
Time: 6 p.m.
Cost: $35 per person
Location: Sunrise Paddleboards
2520 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, (954) 440-4562
For a unique paddleboarding experience, Sunrise Paddleboards offers a weekly paddle and wine tasting event called “Wine Down Wednesday’s.” Before setting out on a two-hour sunset paddle, participants are treated to a glass of wine (non-alcoholic substitutes by request) and light bites including strawberries, grapes, cheese, and crackers. Once back from the paddle, participants can finish the remaining wine, cheese, crackers, and fruit. The paddle launches from their showroom dock located on Middle River and returns to the same location. The cost is $35 per person and includes the tour, board rental, wine and appetizers. Participants may also bring coolers out on the paddle with their own food and beverage. For more information, click here.
Dates: Friday, July 29
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person on Eventbrite, or $85 at the door
Location: Events by Grateful Palate
3033 Northeast 32nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
For the Fort Lauderdale foodies, there’s an exciting new Passport Wine Series hosted at Events by Grateful Palate on the Intracoastal the last Friday of each month through July. Each series features dishes from five Chef-manned stations with wine pairings to complete the grand tasting experience. For example, the event on June 24 will feature Napa & Sonoma wines paired with culinary creations such as foie gras custard brule, honey mandarins & black summer truffles; piquillo peppers with smoked eggplant & tuna confit; and seared ribeye, caramelized sweet potatoes, aged vinegar & parmesan. The venue is adjacent to Shooters Waterfront, which is owned by the same company.