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The 5 best things to do around Tallahassee this weekend

Anna Harden June 20, 2024 in dday Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , - 8 Minutes

Trains, music and Artopia.

The Big Bend Model Railroad is coming to the fairgrounds for a show this weekend and the Downtown Concert Series is back at Cascades Park.

Get art for your walls and support a good cause at Artopia, where local artists donate their work to benefit Big Bend Cares, which helps those affected by HIV and promotes community well-being.

Here's a roundup of fun events in and around Tallahassee, compiled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts' online directories, and other sources.

1. Hang in there: Don’t miss Artopia 2024

Calling all art lovers!

Artopia, Tallahassee's largest charity art auction, returns to the Tucker Civic Center on Saturday, June 22nd at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate their 26th year of promoting the arts and strengthening community wellness.

Hosted by Big Bend Cares, which provides services to people living with HIV and runs HIV prevention and education programs.

Artopia 2024 will feature an atmospheric live auction featuring paintings, woodwork, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry – all donated by dedicated local and regional artists. There will also be a silent auction with more art and a wide selection of gift certificates and experiences from local businesses. Acoustic duo Hot Tamale will entertain guests as they enter the Civic Center lobby for Artopia.

Grab your loved one and enjoy an evening while you help Big Bend Cares raise money for the Customer Service Department. Proceeds from Artopia stay in Big Bend and fund medical care, food, shelter and transportation for the people we serve.

General admission tickets are $25. Visit bigbendcares.org/Artopia.

Water fun: “Hidden Gem”: FSU’s Lakefront Park – “The Rez” – offers community fun and relaxation

2. Experience the indie band Willis at a concert in the city center

The Downtown Concert Series returns this weekend with the second installment of a free, family-friendly show featuring Willis and On the Edge from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at Cascades Park.

Willis, an indie rock band from Nashville, will headline the concert. Willis is comprised of five members known for their eclectic sound and has 1.8 million monthly Spotify listeners. Their hit “I Think I Like When It Rains” has been streamed more than 150 million times and they are playing at Lollapalooza in Chicago this August. Local band On the Edge will open for Willis, who have a new release called “I Can't Thank You Enough” out on April 5. The band mixes a Southern blues sound with a surf rock vibe.

Visitors can enjoy delicious food and drink from food truck vendors such as Mardi Gras Sno Balls, Indian Kitchen, LaSalle, J's Shack and Lugo's Burritos.

3. Mean Mary returns to the Blue Tavern

Songwriter Greg Brown performs at Happy Hour on Friday, June 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., followed by the upbeat Latin songs of Isa Y El Combo Machete at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.

Check out the Old Time Jam on the 4th Saturday from 4-6pm, with hosts Andrea Stanley, Laura Gayle Green and Steve Hodges (of Mes Amis). Stay for a double bill with Mean Mary and Shane Parish from 7-11pm on Saturday. Mean Mary starts at 7pm, Shane Parish at 9:30pm, admission $10.

No Depression calls Mean Mary: “The voice of a ragged angel combined with the banjo playing of the devil… you'll want to run away with her.” Equally versatile on guitar, violin and 8 other instruments, Mary is internationally known for her lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals and songs with complex storylines.

Athens, Georgia-based guitarist Shane Parish is on tour to promote his latest album, Repertoire, out May 10. The album consists of 14 solo guitar arrangements of works by John Cage, Charles Mingus, Capt. Beefheart, Alice Coltrane, Aphex Twin, Ornette Coleman, Kraftwerk, Eric Dolphy and more. Listen to Shane's new album on Bandcamp — which features a fun cover of Charles Mingus' “Better Get Hit in your Soul.”

4th Model Railroad Exhibition and Sale in Tallahassee

All aboard! Railroad enthusiasts and curious newbies are invited to the 33rd Annual Tallahassee Model Railroad Show and Sale, held Saturday, June 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road.

One of the highlights of this year's show are the T-TRAK displays. T-TRAK is a modular system for HO and N scale model railroads that allows hobbyists to create detailed and customizable layouts.

This two-day extravaganza features model railroad exhibits, exciting activities and a number of vendors, including a quilting exhibit. Admission is $10 per adult (12 and under free), which covers admission for both days. Visit bbmra.club.

5. Florida High Band reunion at The Moon

The Florida High Demons reunion band will play the music for a show from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22 at The Moon, 1105 E. Lafayette St. Tickets are $10 in advance on the Moon's website or $10 at the door. Dance and sing along to a slew of oldies featuring songs by the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, the Cookies, Wilson Pickett, Linda Ronstadt, the Everly Brothers, the Crystals, Eric Burden, Paul Simon and more.

The band consists of Scott Carswell (vocals), Jan DeCosmo (vocals), Valerie Johns (vocals), Bill Jones (lead guitar, banjo and vocals), Caroline Jones (vocals), Jimbo St. John (bass), Steve Van Gorder (keyboard and vocals), James Vance (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Danni Vogt on drums.

Bonus Event: Experience World Cultures at Tallahassee Raqs

Immerse yourself in the cultures of the world, Visit Tallahassee and Leon County present Tallahassee Raqs, a world dance festival on Saturday, June 22, at the TCC Turner Auditorium, 444 Appleyard Drive. This event features world-class fusion and belly dance instructors, captivating performances and a professionally filmed show.

Get a glimpse into the world of Oriental and Fusion dance, including workshops, a hafla and performances. The event schedule begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. Magic of Fan Veils with Vania Ojeda: 10 a.m.-noon. Sensual Arms and Latin Combos with Omaris: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Dance performances: 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Experience a spectacular show featuring the talents of teachers and performers on a theater stage, culminating in a film recording of the show. Workshops range from $75-120 for two people, the show/hafla is $25-35. To register, visit tallahasseeraqs.com.

OTHER EVENTS

Blue Tavern: Tuesday, June 25: 5-7pm Sacred Harp Shape Note Singing, followed at 8pm by Bluesday Tuesday with Belmont & Jones. Admission $5. Wednesday, June 26: 5-7pm Happy Hour with Warren Sutton and Shanice Richards, followed at 8pm by Open Mic Night. Thursday, June 27: 5-7pm Katareen Diaz in support of her new album Late Bloomer, followed at 8pm by Movies & Meat Pies: Sweeney Todd Night.

Great Oaks Pub in Southwood: Kick off summer by rocking out to the beat of Baby Gray on Friday, June 21st from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Great Oak Pub, 3750 Grove Park Drive. Bobby and Michele will sing their hearts out under the oak trees on the outdoor gazebo stage. Call early for reservations at 850-942-4653. No admission, full bar and restaurant.

Island Wing Company Bar & Grills LCP brings rock 'n' roll, roots and originals to Island Wings, 1370 Market St., from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, June 21. LCP will also be recapping a celebration of the “Good Thing!” CD release party featuring Lee C. Payton on guitar and vocals, Mike Stone on drums, Evan Bradford on bass and harmony vocals, and Jeremy Sullivan on lead guitar. CDs will be available at the performance.

National Amateur Radio Field Day: Members of the Tallahassee Amateur Radio Society (TARS) will participate in the National Amateur Radio Field Day on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Tom Brown Park, northeast of the tennis courts. This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. Since 1933, amateur radio operators across North America have set up temporary amateur radio stations in public locations during Field Day to demonstrate the science and skill of amateur radio. Field Day demonstrates the ability of amateur radio to operate reliably under all conditions.

Pride Book Fair with Alcohol: Check out the books and more Fridays from 6-8 p.m. at Midtown Reader, 1123 Thomasville Road. Whether you're an avid reader, looking for the perfect gift, or just want a fun night out, the Pride Boozy Bookfair is the place for you. Grab a drink from the Piebrary – they offer wine, beer, bottled water, coffee, tea, and of course, cake.

Tallahassee Theatre: “Noises Off,” a play within a play, will be performed June 21-30 at Theatre Tallahassee, 1861 Thomasville Road. Show times are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. The performance continues June 28-30. Tickets are $15-$25. Visit theatretallahassee.org.

The soundbar: Here's the weekend schedule at The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St.: Friday, June 21: 7 p.m. Rust & Gold ($20 admission); Saturday, June 22: 7 p.m. Gamble Cosmos ($5 admission); Sunday, June 23: 4 p.m. Drummer on the Move; Monday, June 24: 7 p.m. Rockitz Live Rehearsal; Tuesday, June 25: 8 p.m. Karaoke; Wednesday, June 26: 7 p.m. Music Quiz; Thursday, June 27: 7 p.m. Comedy Open Mic Night.

Got an event coming up? Email details to [email protected].

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