Things to do! Brevard’s best weekend entertainment events

Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

1. ‘Lights Up on Broadway’ concert in Suntree

The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra presents “Lights Up on Broadway,” an evening of big songs, bold stories and the sounds of Broadway, at the Scott Center at Holy Trinity, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne, at 7 p.m. on July 18. The program will feature Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with pianist Julian Bond, Bond’s “Rhapsody for a Blue Clarinet, by George!”, performed by Jennifer Royals and music from “42nd Street,” “Cabaret,” “Evita” and “Grease.” A second concert will take place at The Emerson Center in Vero Beach at 3 p.m. on July 19. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, or free for those younger than 18. Call 855-252-7276 or visit spacecoastsymphony.org.

2. Science Sunday at Brevard Zoo

Beat the heat while learning something neat at Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. Summer Sundays will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays in July in the zoo’s air-conditioned Nyami Nyami River Lodge. Each Summer Sunday program will feature a different theme, with hands-on activities, live entertainment, animal encounters and more. The theme for July 19 is “Carnival and Bubble Play.” Summer Sundays are free with zoo admission. Call 321-254-9453 or visit brevardzoo.org.

3. ‘Soundtrack of Summer’ at the Henegar Center

The musical revue “Soundtrack of Summer” is in the upstairs black box space at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, July 17 through 26. The show uses the American classic and pop songbook to weave through a fun and eclectic romp to help beat the summertime blues. Tickets start at $42. Call 321-723-8698 or visit henegarcenter.com.

4. Auditions at Cocoa Village Playhouse

Cocoa Village Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 7 p.m. July 20 and 21. Prepare one minute or 16 bars of music and bring sheet music for an accompanist. Dress for movement. Performance dates are Sept. 4 through 13. Visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.

5. Cocoa Beach Friday Fest

Downtown Cocoa Beach will hold a family-friendly Friday Fest on the third Friday of every month along Minutemen Causeway from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be live music, food trucks and local artisans showcasing their unique crafts. Admission is free. Visit cocoabeachmainstreet.org.

6. Dreamland Miniature Golf in EGAD

Derek Gores Gallery, 1418 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD), hosts Dreamland Miniature Golf on Tuesdays through Sundays starting at 11 a.m. The 18 hole indoor putt putt course was designed by local artists and creatives. There is also a seasonal “Wonder & Wander” scavenger hunt included with each ticket. Admission starts at $20 for adults or $14 for ages four through 11. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Visit derekgores.com/dreamland.

7. Brevard Discovery Garden tour

The Brevard Discovery Garden at the UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Office, 3695 Lake Drive, Cocoa, has launched a self-guided tour program, giving visitors a flexible way to explore the garden at their own pace. The program is available every Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. Visitors will receive a map with suggested stops to explore topics including Florida-friendly landscaping, sustainable gardening practices, native plants and pollinator habitats, edible gardening and composting, water conservation and other environmentally friendly gardening techniques. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/BrevardDiscoveryGarden or call 321-633-1702.

8. 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 1.5 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690 or visit turkeycreek.org.

9. Historical home tours in Brevard

Open house at Green Gables: Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, hosts an open house every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 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.
Lawndale Historic House Museum: The Lawndale Historic House Museum, 1219 Rockledge Drive, Rockledge, is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a fully restored and furnished 1880 pioneer home on the Indian River, with an outdoor garden area. Historical information is given by costumed docents. Admission is a $10 donation for adults, or free for children. Visit friendsoflawndale.com or call 321-632-5650.

Are you planning a community entertainment event? Email [email protected] at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at [email protected].

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