Happy Juneteenth, happy Father’s Day weekend and happy summer!
Although Tallahassee celebrates Emancipation Day on May 20, a bonus day to honor freedom ahead of July 4 is always welcome.
Cook up a special burger for Dad, get out for live music or a festival and watch the sunset on the first and longest day of summer, June 21.
Here’s a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, press releases, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.
1. Bite into the juiciest Watermelon Festival
Monticello is ready to celebrate the melon in all its red and juicy glory.
Monticello’s beloved Watermelon Festival returns for its 75th year June 19–20 with this year’s theme: Stars, Slices & Stripes. This special edition blends patriotic pride, summertime fun, and its signature watermelon flair into one unforgettable weekend from 3-9 p.m. June 19 and and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 20.
From the crowd-favorite parade at 10 a.m. Saturday to family fun on the Festival Field to live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of sweet slices, this year’s festival celebrates community, country, and tradition—with a playful, all-American twist. Visit monticellowatermelonfestival.com.
2. Visit the Caribbean Heritage Music Festival
Experience the colors, flavors, and traditions of the Caribbean at the 3rd Annual Caribbean Heritage Music Festival from noon-10 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Life Church International, 4409 Blountstown Highway (West Pensacola St. heading West, just past Capital Circle S.W.).
The festival features cultural displays, authentic Caribbean food and drinks, and stories from Griots who will share their traditional folk tales from noon-4 p.m. Performers include Yohan Henry, The FAMU Essential Theatre Associates, Monilita, and Kimberly Mulan.
Caribbean Cultura Caribe Concert from 6-10 p.m. ($25 for adults; student discounts at door; kids 12 & under free) features performances by Lili Forbes, Kenya Baker, P. EJ and the Oasis Band, Ericka Horne & Akcire Dance, Deshone and Tish Hedrington. Participation and dancing are encouraged. The concert takes place at the JP Moore Celebration Center, 2555 N. Monroe St.
3. 20 years of rocking and rolling
The Tallahassee Roller Derby continues its 20th anniversary season by taking on The World – a “friendly” group composed of familiar faces from other Florida leagues.
The battle takes place at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at FAMU’s Hansel E. Tookes, Sr. Recreation Center, 2101 Wahnish Way. Doors open at 4 p.m.; outside snacks and water bottles are allowed, and folding chairs are highly recommended due to limited seating. Tickets are available at the door for $20 or in advance for $15 through tallahasseerollerderby.com. Kids 12 and under, and FAMU students with Rattler Card, get in free.
4. Groove to Seep’s Gumbo Nation
Chris Seepersaud leads the musical talents in Seep’s Gumbo Nation in a variety of musical flavors filled with funk, improvisation, soulful voices, instrumental fire for a Juneteenth celebration at 8 p.m. Friday, June 19. Seep’s Gumbo Nation is a special group that only plays a few times a year with Tom Longfellow as special guest in saxophone; with Deanna Miller and Jewel Rose on vocals; rhythm section with Jack Straub on bass and Reo Morris on drums; and Seepersaud on guitar, keys, organ, and vocals. There will be plenty of crowd participation and uplifting music to lift spirits. $12 cover.
Seepersaud has also released on streaming services a jazz fusion EP featuring local jazz sax monster Joe Goldberg called “From The Attic” as well as a Sitar Experiment EP called “Sitar Lab Vol. 1” which was created for the many Tallahassee music lovers who enjoy world music. Seepersaud is the rare performing and teaching sitar player within a few hundred miles.
5. Boom Chick Ramblers deliver retro energy
The Boom Chick Ramblers stir up fresh, rhythmic energy for the Tallahassee music scene with their dedication to early jazz, blues, and Americana with two shows this week.
You can catch the Boom Chick Ramblers live at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Blue Tavern 1206 North Monroe St. $10 at the bar. Then at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, they play at the Levitt AMP Music Under the Oaks series at Lewis Park on East Park Avenue. Bring a blanket and lawn chair.
By focusing on the infectious, driving 2-and-4 beat that defined the dance halls of the 1920s and 1930s, the group delivers an authentic musical experience that resonates with both history and energy. The ensemble features a blend of fiery fiddle, guitar, and harmonica leads complemented by tight harmonies.
Bonus event: The Sounds of Downtown Music Crawl
Experience an evening of live music as talented local musicians perform in four of your favorite downtown bars and restaurants from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, during the Sounds of Downtown Music Crawl. Stroll from venue to venue, discover local artists, and enjoy the atmosphere of downtown Tallahassee.
Here’s the lineup: 7 p.m. – Larry McCraw at La Florida; 7:30 p.m. – Bronwyn Chelette at Eve on Adams; 8 p.m. – Therese Whichello at Hayward House; and 8:30 p.m.– The Green Street Sheiks at JoEllen’s.
OTHER EVENTS
American Legion Hall: The Rhythm Remedy Summer Solstice Dance Party with Michael Brawer, Mark Blair, Stephen Vangorder, Greg Moore, Bill Landing, Tom Buchanan and Perry Osborn, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 19. 229 Lake Ella Drive.
Amicus Brewing: Live Music in the Beer Garden with 911, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20. 717 South Gadsden St.
Artopia: Big Bend Cares holds its annual Artopia art auction and fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Goodwood Museum & Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road. Bid on amazing artwork by some of the best local and regional artists with over 500 pieces of art in the silent auction and 10-15 best-in-show pieces in the rousing Live Auction. Acoustic duo Hot Tamale, will be entertaining. Tickets are almost sold out. Visit bigbendcares.org/artopia.
The Bark: Public Error, Big Red, The Dirt Eaters, 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 19. Doors: 8 p.m. 507 All Saints St.
Bird’s Shack: The Pick-Ups Summer Funfest at Birds Shack to celebrate the Summer Solstice weekend 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 19. No cover. The Hillside Junkets play 6-9 p.m. Saturday, June 20.
Blue Tavern: Happy hour with Two Clever, 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. Traditional Irish Session, 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Happy hour with Rhys Bennett on piano, 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday: JC & the Backscratchers, roots blues combo. $5 cover. Rad reading at 5 p.m. Wednesday, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. It’s Your Birthday, Dude! June babies celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25 with music and a movie.
Chill Roadside Bar & Stuff: Golden Hour, The Queen High Straight, Melon Wine, Palace Rats, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20,625 Railroad Square.
Community Jam at Cascades Park: 10 a.m. Sunday, June 21, Cascades Park, 1001 South Gadsden St. COCA and community music partners hold series of jam sessions across from the Florida First Cabin.
Father’s Day Festival: Sovereign Roots LLC holds its Father’s Day Festival of the Sun from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 21, at the Anita Favors Plaza at Lake Anita on FAMU Way. This 4-hour cultural event is designed to celebrate fatherhood and mentorship while strengthening local economic development. Highlights include: Legacy Splashdown: A community water celebration honoring the spirit of leadership. Between Two Pillars Dialogue: A dedicated space for interviews, conversation, and community dialogue. Live Music & Art Walks: Showcasing the rich cultural fabric of Tallahassee. Visit sovcommunity.org.
Fish Camp Tally: Lauren Grace, 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, June 19, 12062 Waterfront Drive.
The Getaway Grille and Bar: Kettle Black, 7-10 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2386 Allen Road.
Growler Country: Dana King, 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 19, 8110 Killearn Plaza Lane.
Lake Tribe Brewing: Sinners + Saints, 6-9 p.m. Friday, June 19, 3357 Garber Drive. Dog Days of SummerPermanent Summer, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Free live music, local food, adoptable dogs, dog vendors, dog-themed merch, tasty treats for both humans and pups.
Ology Midtown: TLHDNB with Rends, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 118 East 6th Ave. Drum & Bass monthly event held every 3rd Saturday.
Ouzts Too Oyster Bar and Grill: Lunar Urge, 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 7968 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville.
Oyster City Tallahassee: Summer Luau with Zoo Defense Squad, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 603 W Gaines St. Dig out your Hawaiian shirts, summer is in the air, featuring Mexico Peach Wheat & Lime Lager beer releases and limbo contest.
The Moon: 10th Anniversary Show with The Rockitz, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Doors: 6:30 p.m. 1105 East Lafayette St. Reserved tickets are $32; general admission is $20. Visit moonevents.com.
Salty Dawg Pub and Deli: Sparky Thorne, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, 3813 North Monroe St.
Southwood Golf Club: Screaming Oysters Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, 3750 Grove Park Drive.
The Yard TLH: Hey! TV Boy!, The Koneyo Project, Broken Couch Club, Ceiling, 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, 1901 Dahlia Drive.
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
By Martha Gruender, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
