Hey Weekender

This might be the biggest week of the year so far. Barbie Dream Fest takes over the Convention Center, the Ren Fest wraps its final weekend in Deerfield Beach, and Hard Rock Live is stacked — from DWTS to Gladys Knight to Ali Wong. Here's everything worth your time.

Outdoor adventures, water sports, fitness & all things active

Sat Mar 28 · 10 AM  ·  📍 Gulf Stream Brewing, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Varies  ·  Register

Run (or walk) 3.1 miles through Fort Lauderdale, then collect your reward at the taproom. Part of the Florida Brewery Running Series — all paces, all ages, cold beer at the finish.

Sat–Sun Mar 28–29 · 9 AM–5 PM  ·  📍 Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale  ·  Free  ·  Info

The weekly beachside market with fresh produce, global street food, handmade goods, and community fitness classes. Ocean views included, no purchase necessary.

Sun Mar 29 · 9 AM–1 PM  ·  📍 El Prado Park, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea  ·  Free  ·  Info

Thirty-five vendors steps from the beach — local produce, baked goods, artisan finds. The seasonal market runs through early May, so don't sleep on it.

Thu Apr 2 · 6:45 PM  ·  📍 Esplanade Park, Downtown Fort Lauderdale  ·  $55/person  ·  Register

Fort Lauderdale's biggest office party on two feet — 6,000 runners, 18 industry categories, a T-shirt contest, and 3.1 miles through downtown at dusk.

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

Sat Mar 28 · 1–4:30 PM or 6–9:30 PM  ·  📍 Esplanade Park, Downtown Fort Lauderdale  ·  $29–$60  ·  Tickets

Unlimited samples from 100+ breweries, wineries, and distilleries along the Riverwalk. Two sessions, live music, food vendors, and a sunset over the New River. Proceeds benefit The Vanduzer Foundation. 21+ only.

Sat Mar 28 · 9 AM–1 PM  ·  📍 Cultural Center Campus, Pompano Beach  ·  Free  ·  Info

The Saturday green market goes spring — farm-fresh produce, artisan goods, free yoga at 9, kids' crafts at 10, and a family cultural dance sampler at noon. All free.

Arts, culture, community events & local discoveries

Sat–Sun Mar 28–29 · 10 AM–Sunset  ·  📍 Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach  ·  $39 / $15 kids  ·  Tickets

Last chance. The 34th annual fest closes with "Fantastical Fables" weekend — 100+ artisans, jousting, axe throwing, sword fights, and a full 16th-century village. This one's gone till next February.

Fri–Sat Mar 27–28  ·  📍 African-American Research Library, Sistrunk Blvd  ·  Free  ·  RSVP

Two days exploring 250 years of Black life, culture, and resistance — scholars, authors, live performances, cultural installations, and Saturday's Family Day with youth activations and literary vendors. Free admission, free parking.

Thu Apr 2 · 11 AM–7 PM  ·  📍 NSU Art Museum, Las Olas  ·  Free  ·  Info

Free admission all day with extended hours. Bring the kids for Mini Muse drop-in art projects from 4:30 to 6:30 PM — no registration needed.

Open daily through May 3  ·  📍 Museum of Discovery and Science, Downtown Fort Lauderdale  ·  With admission  ·  Info

The evolution of the sport from frozen ponds to the NHL — interactive exhibits, historic gear, and perfect timing with four Panthers home games this week.

Fri Apr 3 · 6–10 PM  ·  📍 Old Town Pompano Beach  ·  Free  ·  Info

Pompano's monthly block party with one of South Florida's best Grateful Dead tributes, open art galleries, food trucks, and local artists on a closed street in the arts district. Free, all ages.

Thu Apr 2 · 10:30 AM  ·  📍 Riverwalk Plaza, Downtown Fort Lauderdale  ·  Info

A two-hour guided walk through downtown's architectural highlights — from early settlement buildings to modern landmarks along the New River. Runs every Thursday through Sunday.

Family-friendly events for all ages

Sat Mar 28 · 10 AM–2 PM  ·  📍 Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale Beach  ·  Free  ·  Info

Fifteen thousand Easter eggs, bunny photo ops, inflatables, a DJ, and arts & crafts — all free, all beachside. Age groups for walkers through 13. Registration starts at 10 AM.

Tue Mar 31 · 7 PM  ·  📍 Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise  ·  From $21  ·  Tickets

The defending champs host Ottawa on Pride Night — rainbow jerseys, pregame celebrations, and the kind of energy only a Tuesday night at the arena can bring.

Thu Apr 2 · 7 PM  ·  📍 Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise  ·  Varies  ·  Tickets

Panthers host Boston on Autism Acceptance Night with sensory-friendly accommodations and a pregame ceremony. Two home games this week — this is the Thursday pick.

Fri Apr 3 · 7–9:30 PM  ·  📍 Las Olas Oceanside Park, Fort Lauderdale Beach  ·  Free  ·  Info

The 10th anniversary season of Sound Waves closes with Mr. Nice Guy & Friends — a seven-time performer and crowd favorite. Free live music on the beach, sunset included.

Fri Apr 3 · 7–10 PM  ·  📍 Pine Island Park, Plantation  ·  Free  ·  Info

Plantation's free concert series wraps with Garth Brooks and Shania Twain tribute bands, food trucks starting at 6, and a park setting. Bring your own chairs.

Wed–Sun · 7–9 PM  ·  📍 Hollywood Beach Broadwalk  ·  Free  ·  Info

Free beachside music five nights a week at the bandshell. The Broadwalk, an ocean breeze, and a dance floor that fills itself. No tickets, no reservations — just show up.

Galas, upscale experiences & unmissable headliners

Sat–Sun Mar 28–29  ·  📍 Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale  ·  $72+  ·  Tickets

The first-ever official Barbie fan convention. Life-size DreamHouse, '80s roller rink, fashion show, and Saturday panels with Serena Williams, Angel Reese, Marlee Matlin, and NASA's Dr. Swati Mohan. A national-scale event landing right here in Broward.

Sat Mar 28 · 7:30 PM  ·  📍 Au-Rene Theater, Broward Center  ·  $50–$200  ·  Tickets

Puccini's final masterpiece with Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak headlining. Sung in Italian with English and Spanish translations — a full-scale production on the Au-Rene stage.

Sun Mar 29 · 7 PM  ·  📍 Au-Rene Theater, Broward Center  ·  Varies  ·  Tickets

"My Girl," "I Can't Help Myself," and a catalog of multi-platinum Motown hits. Two legendary groups, one stage, 40 years of touring. That's the whole pitch.

Tue Mar 31 · 8 PM  ·  📍 Au-Rene Theater, Broward Center  ·  $72+  ·  Tickets

The man who engineered Dark Side of the Moon and Abbey Road, live with his full band. VIP Soundcheck packages get you in early with a signed poster and commemorative laminate.

Thu Apr 2 · 8 PM  ·  📍 Hard Rock Live, Hollywood  ·  $84+  ·  Tickets

The Empress of Soul at Hard Rock Live. Seven Grammys, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and a voice that hasn't lost a step. No explanation needed.

Fri Apr 3 · 8 PM  ·  📍 Hard Rock Live, Hollywood  ·  $55+  ·  Tickets

Emmy-winning comedian brings her first-ever Florida date to Hard Rock Live. If you've been waiting for her to come south, this is it — and it will sell out.

Sat Mar 28 · 12 PM (Day) & 10 PM (Night)  ·  📍 DAER at Seminole Hard Rock, Hollywood  ·  $30  ·  Tickets

Day-to-night at the Guitar Hotel — Claptone's masked house sets by the pool, then Timmy Trumpet takes over the nightclub after dark. Two DJs, two vibes, one Saturday.

Fri Apr 3 · 8 PM  ·  📍 Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale  ·  $40  ·  Tickets

Four siblings from NYC blending soul, R&B, and indie pop at one of Fort Lauderdale's best intimate venues. Big harmonies, small room — exactly how you want to hear them.