Hey Weekender 👋

Spring break is in full swing and Broward is bringing the heat. We've got steampunk jousting at the Ren Fest, Barbie's first-ever fan convention (yes, really), Disney on Ice for the kids, Eric Church for the grown-ups, and a comedy benefit that's capped at 220 seats. Plus: Panthers hockey, free beach concerts, and enough farmers markets to fill your fridge twice. Here's the good stuff.

Outdoor adventures, water sports, fitness & all things active

Sat Mar 21 · 8 AM  ·  📍 Fort Lauderdale Beach Park  ·  Free (registration required)  ·  RSVP

5K on the beach, then Queen Latifah headlines a full music festival with food trucks, bars, and live entertainment all day. It's free — the walk is the reason, the headliner is the bonus.

Fri Mar 27 · 7 PM  ·  📍 Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Free  ·  Info

Reggae on the beach for the 10th anniversary season of Sound Waves. Bring a blanket, grab something cold, and let Friday do its thing.

Sat Mar 21 · 7 PM  ·  📍 Hollywood Beach Theatre  ·  Free  ·  Info

Free live music right on the Broadwalk. No cover, no reservation — just show up and enjoy a Saturday night by the water.

Food festivals, pop-ups, markets, fairs, tastings & culinary experiences

Sat Mar 21 · 1 PM  ·  📍 ArtsPark, Hollywood  ·  $60–$105  ·  Tickets

Inaugural edition. 100+ local restaurants, craft spirits, wineries, and breweries all in one place at ArtsPark. The festival runs through Tuesday — but the Grand Tasting on Saturday is the main event.

Sun Mar 22 · Noon  ·  📍 ArtsPark, Hollywood  ·  Free ($4 donation suggested)  ·  Info

The festival's Sunday edition is family-friendly and essentially free. Local food vendors, live music, and a relaxed outdoor vibe — bring the kids.

Sat Mar 21 · 9 AM & Sun Mar 22 · 10 AM  ·  📍 Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Free  ·  Info

Fresh produce, global flavors, handmade goods, and ocean views — both Saturday and Sunday. A reliable weekend morning sorted.

Sun Mar 22 · 9 AM  ·  📍 El Prado Park, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea  ·  Free  ·  Info

35+ vendors a block from the beach — locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, handmade soaps. Running seasonal through May, so catch it while it's here.

Arts, culture, community events & local discoveries

Fri Mar 27 – Sat Mar 28  ·  📍 African American Research Library & Cultural Center, Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Free  ·  Info

Lectures, performances, literary events, and youth programming celebrating 250 years of Black life and culture. Themed "We, Too, Sing America" — free admission all weekend.

Sat Mar 21 & Sun Mar 22 · 10 AM to Sunset  ·  📍 Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach  ·  Adults $39 / Kids 6–11 $15 / Under 4 Free  ·  Tickets

Steampunk theme this weekend, with 100+ artisan vendors, 12 stages, sword fights, minstrels, and turkey legs the size of your forearm. Weekend VII of the festival — it only gets better as the season goes on.

Sat Mar 21 · 10 AM  ·  📍 Stranahan House, Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Free  ·  Info

Local artisans set up on the riverfront lawn of Fort Lauderdale's oldest surviving structure. Handmade goods, great setting, no admission.

Sun Mar 22 · 2 PM & Tue Mar 24 · 7:45 PM  ·  📍 Amaturo Theater, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale  ·  From $56  ·  Tickets

Full orchestra, three soloists, a chorus, and AI-generated cosmic visuals projected behind them. Haydn's masterpiece meets the future — two chances to catch it this week.

Family-friendly events for all ages

Fri Mar 27 – Sun Mar 29  ·  📍 Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale  ·  From $33 kids / $72 adults  ·  Tickets

The first-ever official Barbie fan convention — life-size DreamHouse, fashion show, disco roller rink, beauty bar, and Serena Williams getting the inaugural Icon Award. "Barbie The Movie: In Concert" opens it Friday night.

Sat Mar 21 · 11 AM, 3 PM & 7 PM | Sun Mar 22 · 1 PM & 5 PM  ·  📍 Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise  ·  From $38  ·  Tickets

Mickey, Moana, Aladdin, and Toy Story — all on ice. Five showtimes across two days, so there's no excuse not to find a window that works.

Sun Mar 22 · 1 PM | Mon Mar 23 · 10 AM  ·  📍 The Parker, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Varies  ·  Tickets

The beloved alphabet book comes alive with songs, puppets, and dancing — best for pre-K through 1st grade. Monday's Smart Stage Matinee is especially great for the little ones.

Galas, upscale experiences & unmissable headliners

Sat Mar 21 · 2 PM & 8 PM | Sun Mar 22 · 1 PM & 6:30 PM  ·  📍 Au-Rene Theater, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale  ·  $60–$243  ·  Tickets

The Tony Award-winning Broadway show built around Alicia Keys' catalog. A coming-of-age story that hits every note — literally. Four showtimes this weekend at the Broward Center.

Sat Mar 21 · 8 PM  ·  📍 Hard Rock Live, Hollywood  ·  From $89  ·  Tickets

Martin Lawrence back on stage at Hard Rock Live. The man doesn't need an opener — he is the show. Saturday night, dressed sharp, no explanation needed.

Thu Mar 26 · 7:30 PM  ·  📍 Au-Rene Theater, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale  ·  $25–$215  ·  Tickets

Puccini's final masterpiece, sung in Italian with English and Spanish subtitles. The kind of full-scale spectacle that earns a standing ovation — and a wide ticket price range means there's a seat for everyone.

Wed Mar 25 · 7:45 PM  ·  📍 Amaturo Theater, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale  ·  From $92  ·  Tickets

Boogie-woogie meets jazz piano in an intimate theater setting. Kaeshammer's left hand alone is worth the ticket — Wednesday night done right.