BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – It’s still blazing hot on the Space Coast, but autumn is approaching.
The first day of fall arrives on Sept. 23, which means the launch of a new cultural season. Whether you’re in the mood for concerts, festivals or live theater, there are plenty of choices across Brevard, News 6 partner Florida Today reports.
Recommended Videos
Event details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
Fairs and festivals
Space Coast Pride Festival and parade in Melbourne
The parade will kick off the day in downtown Melbourne on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m., starting at the Melbourne Auditorium, heading down Hickory Street and wrapping around E. New Haven Ave. The 2023 Space Coast Pride Festival will follow from noon to 6 p.m. in downtown Melbourne along E. New Haven Ave. between Livingston St. and Depot Drive. It will include all-day entertainment on the main stage, over 160 vendors, food trucks and more. Admission is free. Visit spacecoastpride.org or facebook.com/SpaceCoastPride.
Concerts, Theater and Performing Arts
Eric Johnson: Treasure Tour at the King Center
Grammy-winning guitarist, vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Eric Johnson will perform in the Studio Theatre at the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $62.75. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
Improv Shows: ‘Fun & Games’ at Funky Dog Improv
Watch your favorite improv players at Funky Dog Improv, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., #101, in the Eau Gallie Arts District. They offer live comedy improv shows inspired by audience suggestions from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Tickets are $20, and beer, wine and other refreshments are available for purchase. Visit funkydogfl.com.
‘Fall into Music: One Small Step’ concert in Melbourne
The Melbourne Community Orchestra presents a concert of galactic orchestral favorites at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 6-7 at 7 p.m. The program will include selections from Danny Elfman’s “Mars Attacks,” Richard Hayman’s arrangements of “Star Trek” and “Star Wars,” Vaughn William’s “Toward the Unknown Region” and Holst’s “The Planets.” Four high school choirs will join the orchestra for certain pieces. There will be pre-show music starting at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-285-6724 or visit mcorchestra.org.
Alfie Silva: Impressionism at The Tangiers
Impressionist Alfie Silva performs at The Tangiers, 4500 Dixie Highway, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. The performance promises to showcase his ability to mimic the voices and mannerisms of various notable personalities, from legendary celebrities to political leaders. Tickets start at $35. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
Fall concert on Merritt Island
The Community Band of Brevard will give a free concert to usher in the fall season at the Merritt Island High auditorium, 100 Mustang Way, on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-258-5580 or visit communitybandofbrevard.com.
‘Cabaret’ at Melbourne Civic Theatre
The musical “Cabaret” is on stage at Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., weekends through Sept. 10. Daring, provocative and exuberantly entertaining, “Cabaret” follows nightclub singer Sally Bowles in the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Tickets are $35. Call 321-723-6935 or visit mymct.org.
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at Henegar Center
The show “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is playing at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, through Sept. 3. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical reimagines of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. Tickets start at $37. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Surfside Playhouse
William Shakespeare’s comedy is playing at Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, Sept. 1 through 17. The story involves four Athenians who run away into the forest, only to have Puck the fairy mismatch the lovers while also playing a trick on Titania, the fairy queen. Tickets start at $25. Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayhouse.com.
‘The Prom’ at Titusville Playhouse
The musical “The Prom” is on stage at Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, Sept. 8 through Oct. 1. A troupe of hilarious, self-absorbed and down-on-their-luck Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend. Tickets start at $29. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ at Cocoa Village Playhouse
The musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” is at Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., Sept. 22 through Oct. 8. When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce. Tickets range from $23 to $35. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.
‘HalloQween’ at Titusville Playhouse’s Shuler Stage
The show is at Titusville Playhouse’s Shuler Stage, 301 Julia Street, Sept. 22-30. Jordyn Linkous stars in a night of over-the-top drag featuring familiar songs and characters. Tickets are $20. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
‘The Addams Family’ at Henegar Center
The show “The Addams Family” is playing at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, Sept. 29 through Oct. 22. Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family, and they are coming together for dinner. How will the creepy, kooky Addams family react? Tickets start at $37. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.
Zach Williams at the King Center
Grammy award Christian musician Zach Williams will bring his “Break the Chains through Grace Experience,” an evening of worship, inspiration and revelation, to the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
Steve-O, The Bucket List Tour at the King Center
Comedian, author and “Jackass” star Steve-O will bring his Bucket List Tour to the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. Not only are the stunts more ridiculous than what you already expect, Steve-O made a multimedia comedy show out of them. Not for kids, or the faint of heart. Tickets start at $35. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
Sybil Gage in concert on Merritt Island
The Space Coast Jazz Society presents jazz singer Sybil Gage in concert at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. Gage is currently artist in residence at Heidi’s Jazz Club in Cocoa Beach. Tickets are $15 for Jazz Society and Veterans Memorial Center members, $20 for guests and free for students under 25. Bring your own food and drink, tables and seating are provided. Visit spacecoastjazzsociety.org.
Pablo Cruise at the King Center
The band Pablo Cruise brings their down-to-earth vocals and elegant, infectious grooves to the Studio Theatre at the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Friday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. The band started in 1975 and is known for mega hits like “Whatcha Gonna Do When She Says Goodbye?” and “Love Will Find A Way.” Tickets start at $69.50. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
Classic Albums Live: Fleetwood Mac at the King Center
Classic Albums Live brings “Fleetwood Mac: Rumors” to the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. Classic Albums Live recreates albums live on stage, note for note, cut for cut, using the world’s best musicians. Tickets start at $29. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
‘The Music of Games’ concert in Melbourne
Melbourne Municipal Band’s concert band will celebrate the music of games, from spy games to video games to sports, in a pair of concerts at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. The concert will highlight the music of all our favorite games. Admission is free. Call 321-724-0555 or visit mmband.org.
Auditions for ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Henegar Center
The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, will hold auditions for the musical “A Christmas Carol” on Sunday and Monday, Sept. 17 and 18. In the show, Curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge faces his selfish ways when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve Performance dates are Nov. 17 through Dec. 10. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.
Bluegrass concert in Titusville
JT’s Bluegrass hosts Chicago bluegrass band “The Special Consensus” at Shepherd’s Hall, 2063 Garden Street, Titusville, on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. Special Consensus approaches bluegrass with boundless energy and an aesthetic reverence that tickles the ribs, tugs at the heart, and puts a restless two-step into boots and bare feet. Admission is $28. Call 321-693-5508 or visit jtsbluegrass.com.
Craig Diamond at The Tangiers
Master magician and comedian Craig Diamond will perform at The Tangiers, 4500 Dixie Highway, Unit 1A, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. Diamond’s exceptional skills and hilarious approach to magic have earned him high acclaim in the entertainment industry and well-known cruise lines. Entertainer Alfie Silva will deliver the show’s opening act. Tickets start at $45. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
‘American Icons’ concert in Melbourne
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra celebrates American music in a concert at the Scott Center at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. The all-American program features works by Gershwin, Bernstein, Ellington and more. A second show will be at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door or free for ages 18 and younger or with a college ID. Call 855-252-7276 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org.
Bryan Callen at the King Center
Actor, comedian and podcaster Bryan Callen brings his “Unreasonable Tour” to the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. Callen is best known for his recurring role as “Coach Mellor” on ABC’s “Schooled” and “The Goldbergs,” and as one of the original cast members of MadTV. Tickets start at $29.50. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
Roberto Restuccia at The Tangiers
Jazz guitarist Roberto Restuccia will give a concert with special guest saxophonist Tom Braxton at The Tangiers, 4500 Dixie Highway NE, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. While experimenting with different styles, Restuccia has gravitated towards the smooth jazz genre, which, he says, “grabs me from every direction, mixing funk and jazz, with openings to blues it up.” Tickets start at $45. Call 321-783-9004 or visit brevardmusicgroup.com.
Auditions for ‘Sister Act’ at Cocoa Village Playhouse
Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., will hold auditions for ages 13 and older for the musical “Sister Act” on Sunday and Monday, Oct. 1 and 2 at 6:30 p.m. In the show, a woman hiding in a convent helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. This feel-good comedy smash is based on the hit film. Prepare one minute or 16 bars of music, or sing “Happy Birthday” with piano accompaniment. Dance combinations will be taught at the audition, so dress comfortably with appropriate shoes. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.
Other events
Free zoo admission for kids
Throughout the month of September, children 11 years of age and younger will receive free admission to Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, when accompanied by a paying adult who is a Florida resident. No more than three children may be admitted for free per paying adult, and this promotion may not be combined with any other offers or discounts. All adults must again present a state-issued photo ID or utility bill with address and matching photo ID. Call 321-254-9453 or visit brevardzoo.org.
Tour the historic home at Green Gables
Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, will host an open house on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 127-year-old historic home is a living history museum showcasing life in the early years of Melbourne. Visitors will learn about the history of the Wells family, who played a key role in the development of the community. The cost is $10, or free for children 12 and younger. Visit greengables.org.
First Friday Art Walk in EGAD
The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) hosts a First Friday Art Walk on the first Friday of every month from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll between businesses viewing art, finding treats and mingling with artists. Visit egadlife.com.
Learn to play bocce
The Italian American Club, 1471 Cypress Ave., Melbourne, invites bocce players to join an area-wide bocce league for casual games and social gatherings. If you have never played bocce, the club gives free lessons Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. and every second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m. Call 321-242-8044 or visit iac321.com.
Meet artist Gretchen Hunt at Eau Gallery
Eau Gallery, 1429 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District, hosts the exhibit “Euphoria,” a show by artist Gretchen Hunt, from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4. This exciting show features zen like renditions of the sky as well as ethereal images inspired by the cosmos. Meet the artist at a First Friday reception on Friday, Sept. 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-253-5553 or visit eaugallery.com.
Friday Fest in Cape Canaveral
The City of Cape Canaveral will host a Friday Fest on Sept. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the intersection of Taylor and Poinsetta Aves. It will include food and craft vendors, beer and wine for purchase and live music by Love Valley. Leashed pets are allowed. Admission is free. Call 321-868-1226 or visit cityofcapecanaveral.org.
Free ranger-led tour of Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month, excluding holidays, from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the sanctuary Nature Center and bring sturdy tennis shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, binoculars and a hat. Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails. Each tour will be led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690.
Free boat trip to Samsons Island
Samsons Island is a 52-acre passive nature island in the Banana River, accessible only by water, with docks on the south, east and north sides of the island for public use. The City of Satellite Beach provides free boat transportation to and from Samsons Island conservation area and nature park on the first and third Sunday of each month at noon, weather permitting. Guests will meet back at the main dock at 3 p.m. for the return trip. Trips will depart from and return to the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Due to increased popularity and limited availability, reservations for the boat shuttle are required. Call 321-773-6458 or visit satellitebeach.gov.
Swing for Charity Golf Tournament in Viera
GFWC Viera Woman’s Club hosts the fundraiser golf tournament at Duran Golf Club, 7032 Stadium Parkway, Viera, on Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 8:30 a.m. It will be in scramble format with 4-person teams, and will include a golf ball drop, a 50/50 drawing and other prizes. The cost is $340 per team, which includes green fees, cart, range balls, goodie bags and a barbecue buffet. Proceeds will benefit charities including the Supply Zone, Brevard Schools Foundation, Family Promise of Brevard, HOBY Scholarship, Read Across America, Space Coast Discovery Center, the Suntree/Viera Library and the VWC Book Club. Visit gfwcvierawomansclub.com.
Fly-in/Drive-in breakfast at Warbird Air Museum
Valiant Air Command’s Warbird Air Museum continues its monthly Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9. Tickets are $12, which includes a chef-prepared breakfast and admission to the museum for the rest of the day. Tickets for children under 5 are $5. The museum is at 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, five miles from Kennedy Space Center. Call 321-268-1941 or visit warbirdairmuseum.com.
Native plant workshop in Satellite Beach
Why is landscaping with native plants important? Find out at a free workshop at the Satellite Beach Community Center, 565 Cassia Blvd., on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Here’s the science to prove how important your landscape choices are. Experts from the Florida Native Plant Society will share a copy of Dr. Doug Tallamy’s presentation ‘Restoring Nature’s Relationships’ with amazing nature photography showing the relationship between plants and wildlife. Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit eventbrite.com or brevardlandscapetour.org.
Space Coast Postcard Club meeting in Cocoa
The Space Coast Postcard club invites you to attend a meeting at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, at 2 p.m. Sept. 10. Please call 585-267-9403 or email dcanfield8@cfl.rr.com to verify that the time or date has not changed. Visit facebook.com/Postcardspacecoastclub.
Late Night Ballin’ in Palm Bay
The Palm Bay Recreation Department is bringing Late Night Ballin’ to the Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd NE, on the second Friday of each month, continuing on Sept. 8. Late Night Ballin’ is a free basketball program for teenagers ages 13-18 and runs from 8 to 11 p.m. Last entry to the gym will be at 9 p.m. All participants under 18 need to have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Participants will be required to participate in a short 10-to-15-minute mentoring session each month from a guest speaker at 9:15 p.m. before continuing with basketball activities. The rest of the dates for 2023 are October 13, November 17 (3rd Friday), and December 8. Proper basketball shoes are required to play. Call 321-952-3443.
Paws and Escape in Cocoa Village
Tails at the Barkery hosts an escape room fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 16 between 5 and 10 p.m. at Epic Escape Rooms, 305 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Village. Guests can select one immersive, 60-minute escape room experience, with choices including “Killer Basement,” “Welcome to Eatenville,” “The Lost Temple” and “Taken.” Proceeds will benefit Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. The cost is $40. Call 321-305-4584.
Dance at the Sebastian Elks lounge
The EL-EOEs of the Sebastian Elks will host a dance at the Sebastian Elks lounge, 731 Fleming Street, on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Peter “The Pooz” Puzzo will sing music of all eras, and the kitchen and bar will be available to purchase food and drinks. There will also be a door prize, raffle, 50/50 drawing and dancing. Proceeds will benefit Tunnels to Towers. Tickets are $12. Call 772-589-1516.
You Matter Day on Merritt Island
Nonprofit organization Do It For Hunter hosts a variety of ‘You Matter Day’ events starting at Merritt Island High School, 100 Mustang Way, on Saturday, Sept 16. The events to commemorate National Suicide Awareness Month will also take place at locations throughout Merritt Island, including Audobon Elementary, Edgewood Jr/Sr High, and area businesses. The day is aimed at saving lives from suicide and for sharing hopeful, positive messages and resources for those who need help with their depression or anxiety. There will be games, drawings for giveaways and more. All activities are free. For a complete list of participating locations, visit doitforhunter.org.
3rd Thursday at The Avenue Viera
This free, family-and-pet friendly night will be outdoors in the Central Park area of The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave., on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, vendors, complimentary snacks and a free drink or ice cream. There will be live music by Last Call. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an event ticket. Visit avenueviera.com.
Friday Fest in Cocoa Beach
Downtown Cocoa Beach will hold a Friday Fest on the third Thursday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. This month, it will take place on Friday, Sept. 15. There will be live music, crafts, small businesses and food vendors. Visit cocoabeachmainstreet.org.
Fall kickoff sock hop in Melbourne
Melbourne Municipal Band’s Rock & Roll Revue will kick off their fall season with a concert at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Admission to the concert is $15, but there will be free dance lessons starting at 6 p.m. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. Call 321-724-0555 or visit mmband.org.
Pirate Pub Crawl in Cocoa Village
Revelers ages 21 and older are invited to buckle their swashes and join a pirate-themed pub crawl through Cocoa Village on Saturday, Sept. 23 starting at 6 p.m. The event starts at the Elks Lodge, 315 Florida Ave., Cocoa at 6 p.m., followed by Murdock’s at 7 p.m., George & Dragon at 8 p.m., Village Biergarten at 9 p.m., Pub Americana at 10 p.m. and Dog N Bone at 11 p.m. A costume contest will take place at 8 p.m. Tickets good for six drinks are $20 in advance or $30 at the event. A 50/50 drawing will benefit The Children’s Hunger Project. Call 321-543-1346 or visit madhatterpromotions.com.
Harvest Festival at Green Gables
Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, hosts a harvest festival on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop from unique artisans while enjoying arts and crafts, children’s activities and live entertainment by Jessica Spears. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Admission to the festival is free. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the historic home will be open for tours in which visitors will learn about the history of the Wells family, who played a key role in the development of the community. The cost for a house tour is $10, or free for children 12 and younger. Visit greengables.org.
‘Silent Movie Magic: The General’ in Suntree
Organist Andrew Galuska will provide accompaniment to Buster Keaton’s 1926 silent masterpiece “The General” at Advent Lutheran Church, 7550 N. Wickham Road, Suntree, on Sunday, Sept 24 at 3 p.m. In the movie, after being rejected by the Confederate military, not realizing it was due to his crucial civilian role, an engineer must single-handedly recapture his beloved locomotive after it is seized by Union spies and return it through enemy lines. Admission is free. Call 321-259-8515 or visit adventbrevard.org.
Food Truck Friday in Rockledge
The City of Rockledge hosts Food Truck Friday at Rockledge City Hall, 1600 Huntington Lane, on Friday, Sept. 22 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A food truck list will be released one week prior to the event. Admission is free. Call 321-221-7540 or visit cityofrockledge.org or facebook.com/CityOfRockledge/events.
Brevard Library Con in Viera
Brevard Library Con returns for the darkly magical month of October at the Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Melbourne, on Sunday, Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will include favorite fandoms, manga, books, anime, comics, games, STEM, cosplay, performances, food trucks and vendors. The event is open to all ages. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/events/799295844870744.
National Night Out in Rockledge
Join your friends and neighbors for a harvest themed evening and stand up to crime at the Rockledge Public Safety Department’s 2023 National Night Out. The event, taking place at 1801 S. Fiske Blvd, is on Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. The free family event will feature food, treats, activities and more. Call 321-690-3213, ext. 3117, or visit facebook.com/events/861922248941159.
Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below: