Let’s hope February brings fair weather for Southern Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” this weekend. The free Shakespeare in the Park event moved from May and is bringing in star power with television actor William Ragsdale joining the festival as Prospero.
It’s a big week for theater all around, with shows opening on FSU’s Mainstage (“Footloose”) and Young Actors Theatre (“Honk Jr.”).
The MagLab has a science story to tell at this weekend’s Open House and Wakulla County is cooking up a crawfish feast.
Here’s a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.
1. Shakespeare in the Park stirs up magic
The Southern Shakespeare Company brings the magic of live theater under the stars to life at its 2026 free Shakespeare in the Park Festival, returning Feb.19–22 to the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park. The four-day festival features a production of “The Tempest, special guest appearances, youth performances, accessibility offerings, food and artisans, and a brand-new Kids Kingdom.
Celebrity guest star William Ragsdale is pumped: “Returning to the stage — especially in a role as rich and mysterious as Prospero — is an absolute joy,” Ragsdale said. “I can’t wait to share the experience with the Tallahassee community under the stars at Cascades Park.”
“The Tempest” opens at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and runs at 7:30 p.m. each night through Feb. 22, with special vendor markets, autograph signing, Sonnet Man (6 p.m. Feb. 20), The Bardlings doing “Winter’s Tale (5:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22) VIP and bar tents. Learn more at southernshakespearefestival.org.
2. ‘Footloose’ dances into Fallon Theatre
Florida State University’s School of Theatre invites audiences to cut loose with its production of “Footloose,” the high-energy musical inspired by the 1980s cult classic film.
Performances run from Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, March 1, at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre. Showtimes are 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets range from $30-$10. Visit tickets.theatre.fsu.edu.
“Ultimately, ‘Footloose’ endures as a story of healing and community,” said Director Dewayne Barrett. “When the town finally dances, it is not rebellion; it is reconciliation.”
The story follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves to the small town of Bomont only to find that rock music and dancing have been banned. The cast is comprised of FSU students Alex Minarik as Ren McCormack, James Nelson as Reverend Shaw, Ally Babincak as Ariel Moore and Margaret Giles as Vi Moore.
3. YAT goes ‘Honk!’ with story of the Ugly Duckling
Young Actors Theatre presents “Honk! JR.,” a heartwarming musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale “The Ugly Duckling.” Sponsored by The Bradley Swim School, performances run Feb. 20- March 1 at 609 Glenview Drive.
There are two casts for the production which runs at 7 p.m. Feb. 20, 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 1 p.m. Feb. 22, with more shows next week. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at youngactorstheatre.com.
This joyful production tells the story of Ugly, a duckling who looks unlike his brothers and sisters and struggles to find where he belongs. As he sets out on a journey of self-discovery, he encounters a lively cast of characters and ultimately learns that being unique is not a flaw — but a blessing. At just one hour in length, the production is perfect for younger audiences and first-time theatre-goers.
This production features a cast of 70 students, ages 9 to 18, creating a rehearsal environment where mentorship and collaboration thrive.
“At Young Actors Theatre, our work goes beyond putting on a good show,” said J. Scott Handley, Artistic Director of Young Actors Theatre and Director of Honk! JR. “Theatre is a classroom unlike any other, and the lessons learned here stay with students long after the curtain comes down.”
4. MagLab hits the books for Open House
MagLab Open House is a free family-friendly event that includes dozens of hands-on activities. It draws thousands of people to learn about the world’s most powerful magnets and get excited about science, research, and discovery.
This year’s theme is books and literature, celebrating the exploration, inspiration, and discovery inherent in reading and science. Book themed demonstrations and activities will include a “Seussical Science” area, a “Harry Potter Chamber of Micro-Secrets” and an “Alice in Wonderland” Play Lab for kids.
The free, family-friendly science festival is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the MagLab, 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive in Tallahassee’s Innovation Park. Science stories will leap off the page into a library of discovery and fun across the world’s largest and most powerful magnet laboratory, with special literary experiences among dozens of hands-on demonstrations and activities.
5. Catch mudbugs and music in Wakulla
With a slogan like “Let’s go cray cray,” Keep Wakulla County Beautiful will host the Wakulla Mudbug Cook-Off Fundraiser at Woolley Park in Panacea from 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. The event will bring together local teams competing in a crawfish cook-off while raising funds to support environmental education initiatives and community cleanup efforts throughout Wakulla County. General admission is $5; tasting tickets are $15. Visit zeffy.com.
Music includes DJ Butch, Cottonmouth Perry and the River Dogs. Participating teams will each prepare 150 pounds of crawfish, with judging beginning at noon and awards presented at 2:30 p.m. The event offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy local food, friendly competition, music and community connection while supporting a meaningful cause.
Bonus event: Bach Parley performs music from Berlin
The Tallahassee Bach Parley concert on Feb. 22 features the renowned Baroque oboist John Abberger. Music Director Valerie Prebys explains, “This is the third time John has joined us for a project, and this concert is bittersweet as we honor the memory of his brother Lester Abberger, a dedicated leader and long-serving Chair of our Board.”
The Berlin Friday Academy with oboist John Abberger will have an open dress rehearsal at 3 p.m. Feb. 21 and concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe St. $10 suggested donation; free childcare available on Sunday. Visit bachparley.org.
The program is inspired by the Berlin Friday Academy, a lively music salon founded by composer Johann Gottlieb Janitsch (1708–1763). Held in Janitsch’s home, these gatherings brought together professional and amateur musicians to try out new works for an audience of aristocrats and curious music lovers. Performers include John Abberger (oboe), Valerie Prebys (violin), Maya Johnson (viola), Kim Jones (cello), Shalev Ad-El (harpsichord), and Eva Amsler (traverso).
Bonus event: Theatre Tallahassee presents ‘The Mountaintop’
Theatre Tallahassee Studio presents “The Mountaintop” by acclaimed playwright Katori Hall, running Feb. 26-March 15 at The Studio, 1861 Thomasville Road. Shows are at 8 p.m. Feb. 26-28 and 2 p.m. March 1, with more times the following week. Tickets are $27.50-$17.50. Visit theatretallahassee.org.
Set on the night before his assassination, “The Mountaintop” imagines the final hours of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., following his legendary “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. This two-person play is both intimate and electrifying — blending humor and profound reflection — and invites audiences to consider what courage, leadership, and faith demand in moments of uncertainty.
This play contains adult language and discussions of adult subject matters, including violence and infidelity. It’s sponsored by The MLK Foundation of Florida, Inc. and 96.1 JAMZ.
OTHER EVENTS
Adderley Amphitheater: Start singing “Rosanna” and “Africa” when the group Toto brings the hits outdoors at the Adderley Amphitheater in Cascades Park, 7:30 p.m. Feb 26. Tickets are $64, $89 and $112. Visit theadderleyamphitheater.com.
Asian Coalition Lunar New Year Celebration: Fun, culture, and community spirit, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St. $25 adults, $15 youth and students.
B Sharp’s Jazz: Simon Mogul Release Show, The Simon Mogul Quartet, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 648 W Brevard St. $25. Visit gerriseay.org.
The Bark: Mismiths, Gangs of Paris, Pet Alcoholics, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. Doors open at 8 p.m. 507 All Saints St.
The Big Bend Group of the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club: Monthly meeting Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Req. Room, l1208 North Monroe Street. Social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Randy Kautz, Wildlife Ecologist, will be giving a presentation on the ecology and conservation of the Florida panther.
Bird’s Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack: Kenny Hill Band, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 325 N Bronough St.,
Blue Tavern: Two Clever is back at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, followed at 8 p.m. by David Pucik, who is raising money to record a two-volume album of 17 favorites. He’ll be playing through the album live. $10 cover. 3rd Saturday Traditional Irish Session at 4 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. with Reese Cloud Quintet with Kami Hayes. Joining sax player Reese Cloud: Kami Hayes on vocals, Mike Williams on trumpet, Asher Pereira on piano, Myles Robinson on bass, Lawrence Turner on percussion. $ 10 cover. Shape Note Singing, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, followed at 8 p.m. with Bluesday Tuesday: Belmont & Jones. $5 cover. Rad Reading at 5 p.m. Wednesday, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. Happy hour at 5 p.m. Feb. 26 with February babies featuring music by Ben Banks & the Backups.
Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub: Evan Mathews and Lori Green, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, 1122 Thomasville Road.
Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar: Revival, 8-11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 1122 Thomasville Road.
Jazz Combo Concert: Detweiler & Anderson Combos, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, Dohnanyi Recital Hall, 122 N Copeland St.
Just One More: One Eyed JAK, 9 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Feb. 21, 3808 N Monroe St.
The Friends of Franklin County Public Libraries: Souper Celebration from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Carrabelle Branch Library. The annual Soup, Bread and Book Sale will feature live music from The Ukulilies and displays from the Lanark Village Wandering Star Quilters. Visit friendsfcpl.com.
Ology: Jazz Brunch with Leon Anderson, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, Ology Northside, 2910 Kerry Forest Pkwy., Unit 8.
Opening Nights: Sphinx Virtuosi, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Opperman Music Hall. Tickets $55/$35. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu.
Oyster City Tallahassee: Brett Wellman and the Stone Cold Blues Band, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 603 W Gaines St.
Proof Brewing: Latitude 30, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 1320 S. Monroe St.
Southwood Golf Club: Bourbon Brothers, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 3750 Grove Park Drive.
Tallahassee Film Society: Oscar shorts, This year’s selection of 16 Oscar-nominated shorts are separated into 3 different categories: Animation, Live Action, and Documentary. Showtimes and dates: Animated Shorts: 3 p.m. Feb 21, 7 p.m. Feb. 27 and 3 p.m. March 7. Live Action Shorts: 5 p.m. Feb. 22, 5 p.m. March 1 and 7 p.m. March 7. Documentary Shorts: 3 p.m. Feb. 28, 5 p.m. March 8. $11 general; $9 members and students. Challenger Learning Center IMAX.
University Symphony Orchestra Concert: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, featuring Stravinsky’s riot-starting Rite of Spring and Dani Howard’s Trombone Concerto. Tickets: $10 adults, $7 children, free for FSU students.
The Wine House: Corine Samwel with Chanson Blue will be performing at The Wine House on Market Street from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, for an evening of European art songs, standard jazz songs, and wonderful Jazz instrumentals in a great music venue with good food and drinks. The band consists of Philip Temple, lead and rhythm guitar, Reese Cloud on alto saxophone, and Kendrick Jacobs, upright bass and tuba. Corine Samwel – vocals.
Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee
Reporting by Martha Gruender, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
