Music, art, oysters, beer! Festivals abound this weekend, from the Quincy Porchfest showcasing local bands to the Plein Air artistry down at the coast. Follow your muse as spring begins March 20!
Any sci-fi fans out there? The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee is bringing the Ryan Gosling thriller “Project Hail Mary” to the giant screen at the IMAX Theatre this week, beginning at 7 p.m. March 19.
Celebrate “The Mighty Zep” with the Get The Led Out tribute band at The Moon on March 21.
Here’s a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.
1. Groove and move at Quincy Porchfest Music Festival
Quincy Main Street’s 14th Annual Porchfest Music Festival runs from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, — rain or shine! Spend a day in Quincy, and enjoy free live music by 15 of North Florida’s popular musical groups playing on porches and other venues throughout the downtown historic district, all within walking distance of the Courthouse Square.
This year for the nation’s sesquicentennial, Quincy is celebrating 250 years of American music with a wide variety from Americana, Country, Folk, and Blues to Rock, Funk, Soul and Big Band.
Pick up a schedule and map at the Quincy Main Street office, 22 E Washington St. There’s plenty of parking downtown and all venues are within walking distance. Lawn Chairs, blankets, bikes, scooters, and wagons are all welcome.
Besides the great music there’s a lot to do and see in downtown Quincy. Come early and enjoy lunch or check out the art exhibits at the Gadsden Arts Center and Museum.
Quincy’s downtown restaurants Bantam Bay and Company, Big Papa’s Chophouse, La Cabaña, and Burned Beard Brewing will be open for lunch. Food trucks and a beer garden will be located on the corner of North Duval and East Franklin Streets.
Bands include Brett Wellman and Stone Cold Blues, Jerry Thigpen Trio, Steven Ritter & the Whatnots, Del Suggs, Anna Wescoat, Tallahassee Uke Jammers, Billy Rigsby Band, Pharaohs of Funk, Swamp Coast Roots Project, Public Address, Big Ron Wilson and more.
The festival will culminate with a concert by the 22-piece Thursday Night Music Club playing Big Band music on the stage of the historic Leaf Theater at 4 p.m.
2. Sip and slurp at the Panacea Craft Beer & Oyster Fest
Head for the coast for salt air, scenic views, salty oysters and beer for the 6th Annual Panacea Craft Beer & Oyster Fest event this weekend from 12-4 p.m. March 21 in Woolley Park in Panacea.
Gates open at noon for the oyster and craft vendor market — which is free to enter — while the Beer Festival portion is ticketed (VIP gets in at noon and General Admission at 1 p.m.) and attendees can enjoy unlimited samples of craft beer, seltzers, ciders, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails for hours.
3. On menu at The Bark: Chilled Monkey Brains
Cow Haus Presents is bringing Chilled Monkey Brains back to Tallahassee in support of their third full length vinyl album “Back to the Mud” at 8:30 p.m. March 20 at the Bark, 507 All Saints St. Doors open at 8 p.m. The Brains play a fast and heavy fusion of punk rock, power metal, ska, and thrash. Locals Phlox and Peak Dive are the special guests. Tickets are $10 advance, $12 day of show/at the door; all ages. Advance tickets on sale online at CMB320.eventbrite.com.
4. The Wire Birds land at Blue Tavern
Local duo Two Clever starts the weekend at 5 p.m. Friday, March 20, followed at 8 p.m. by The Wire Birds, who bring their lush folk sound and rich harmonies to the stage, backed by a full string quintet. Known for their heartfelt original songs, the band’s latest work is a love letter to Florida — its stories, landscapes, and spirit. $10 cover.
Traditional Irish Session cranks up at 4 p.m. March 21, followed at 8 pm. with Steakhouse! Jazz Club. Joe Goldberg will premiere his new band, Steakhouse! Jazz Club: an organ trio with saxophone. David Berry (keys) and Sam Kitch (drums) will join Joe for a night of bromance, swing and the blues you dont want to miss! $10 cover.
5. Sci-Fi project launches at the Challenger Center IMAX
The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee will bring one of the year’s most anticipated science-fiction films to its giant screen when Project Hail Mary opens in the IMAX Theatre at 7 p.m. March 19.
Based on the bestselling novel by “The Martian” author Andy Weir, “Project Hail Mary” stars Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace, a science teacher who awakens alone aboard a spacecraft with no memory of how he got there — or why he may be humanity’s last hope. As his memories return, Grace discovers his mission: solve a cosmic mystery threatening the sun and find a way to save Earth from extinction. The film is filmed for IMAX, offering audiences expanded visuals and immersive sound designed specifically for giant-screen presentation.
“Project Hail Mary is exactly the kind of story that belongs on a giant screen,” said Alan Hanstein, Director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. “It’s a thrilling space adventure grounded in real science, and watching it in IMAX makes the experience even more powerful.”
Showtimes: March 20 at 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m.; March 21 at noon, 6 p.m., 9 p.m. and March 22 at 1 p.m., 8 p.m. Tickets $15-$12. Visit challengertlh.com.
Bonus event: Marie Curie visits Palaver Tree Theater
Nearly 120 years ago Maria Salomea Skłodowska-Curie won a Nobel Prize in two different scientific categories, first in 1903 for physics and then in 1911 for chemistry, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and currently the only woman to win twice.
Better known as Marie Curie, Palaver Tree Theater is taking a look at how her life unfolded in a production of “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” from March 19-21. Local theater actor and tech Emily Cole takes on the role of Curie herself. Show times are at 8 p.m. with a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday at Palaver Tree Theater, 59 Shadeville Road, Crawfordville. Tickets are $15 general admission. Visit palavertreetheater.org.
Bonus for plant lovers: The Fuzzy Pineapple Plant Festival
Calling all growers. The Fuzzy Pineapple Plant Festival will be from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the venue, 1205 S. Adams St. Shop local and shop small from awesome farmers, florists, growers, artisans, and foodies. Enjoy music, good eats, and celebration. Bring seeds for the seed drive. Exchange plants. Buy plants. Get a free starter plant. Make seed bombs. Adopt a plant. Bring plants to donate. Make compost. Make art. Paint a pot.
Bonus for art lovers: Forgotten Coast en Plein Air
In its 21st year of documenting the landscape and culture of the last vestige of authentic “Old Florida,” the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America’s Great Paint-out, features painters, exhibits, workshops and more in Mexico Beach, Apalachicola, Port St. Joe, St. George Island, Carrabelle and Eastpoint. Artistic excellence and the production of investment quality art continues to be the trademark of this 10-day festival, which runs March 20-29. For details, visit forgottencoastenpleinair.com.
OTHER EVENTS
Big Bend Sierra Club: Monthly meeting begins with social hour at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Req Room, 1208 North Monroe St. Ben Naselius, Red Hills Conservation Planner with the Tall Timbers will speak at 7 p.m.
Blue Tavern: Shape Note Singing, 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday with Charlie Morris. $5 cover. 1206 N. Monroe St. Happy Hour Rad Reading at 5 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. Young talent Ana Blalock brings her voice at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 26. The 16-year-old singer-songwriter was born and raised in Tallahassee. Her music blends heartfelt southern storytelling with a timeless country sound.
Cafe de Martin: Smooth Jazz Friday with SoundCzech, 8-9 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2743 Capital Circle NE.
Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar: Eleven O Five, 9-11 p.m. March 20, 1122 Thomasville Road. Doors open at 8 p.m.
The Getaway Grille and Bar: Kettle Black, 7-10 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2386 Allen Road.
The Moon: Get The Led Out, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 1105 E Lafayette St. Tickets are $50 reserved, $39 general admission. Visit moonevents.com.
Inaugural Thomasville Ritz Music Festival: The Leftovers – Whosoever South – Trae Pierce and The T-Stones; 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21, The Ritz Amphitheater, 131 South Stevens St., Thomasville, Georgia.
Trinity United Methodist Church: Organ Recital with Eric Plutz, organist at Princeton University, 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 120 W Park Ave. The Tallahassee Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, in partnership with the FSU College of Music, will present the free recital.
University Symphony Orchestra: Celebrating 100 years of the FSU Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, Opperman Music Hall. The women of the USO honor this historic milestone by replicating that first 1926 orchestra concert of the then Florida State College for Women. Led by FSU alumna Dr. Alexandra Dee. $10.
The Winehouse: Corine Samwel with Chanson Blue, 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 1355 Market St. The band consists of Philip Temple, lead and rhythm guitar; Jose Reyes, lead and rhythm guitar; Kendrick Jacobs, upright bass and tuba; and Corine Samwel on vocals. $10 cover.
Woodville Founders Day Festival: The Woodville and surrounding communities are invited to come together to celebrate local history, culture, and community pride at the 14th Annual Woodville Founders Day Festival from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at J. Lewis Hall Sr. Woodville Park, 1492 J. Lewis Hall Sr. Lane.
Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
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
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