40 fun things to do in Brevard in August, from improv comedy to movies in the pool
We've rounded up 40 fun things to do on the Space Coast in August. 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 Wing Battle in Wickham Park
The fourth annual Space Coast Wing Battle will be in Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event, geared for adults ages 21 and older, will feature all-you-can-eat wings, alcoholic beverages, live music and games. Admission includes unlimited samplings of wings, domestic beer and hard seltzers starting at 7 p.m., and VIP tickets include early entry and unlimited local craft beers and cocktails starting at 6 p.m. There will be live music by Hot Pink, games and more. All wing vendors will compete for the title of Space Coast Wing Battle Champion, decided by a panel of judges. General admission is $50, and VIP tickets are $70. Visit spacecoastwingbattle.com or facebook.com/events/1201559167351618.
Viera Rock Fest at the USSSA Stadium
The live outdoor concert will be at the USSSA Stadium, 5800 Stadium Pkwy., Viera, on Saturday, Aug. 26 starting at 4 p.m. Featured artists and bands include Hot Pink, Switch, Daniel Jüde and Positive Chaos. There will also be food trucks and vendors. General admission tickets are $25, and skybox tickets are available for an additional fee. Visit vierarockfest.com or facebook.com/events/207557648761645.
Concerts
'The Wild West' film music concert in Viera
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra salutes the wild, wild West in an epic film concert at AMC Avenue 16, 2241 Town Center Ave., Viera, on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. This exciting program will celebrate Western movie and TV scores from the likes of John Barry, Elmer Bernstein, Dimitri Tiomkin, John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Bruce Broughton, Ennio Morricone, while the scenes play out on the big screen above. It will also feature the world premiere of Mark Piszczek’s “American Frontier Suite,” a symphonic suite of old folk songs from the old west and American frontier. A second concert will be at AMC Indian River 24, 6200 20th Street, Vero Beach on Sunday, Aug. 6 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.
Selwyn Birchwood at Heidi's Jazz Club
Blues musician Selwyn Birchwood will perform at Heidi’s Jazz Club, 7 N. Orlando Ave., Cocoa Beach, on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. With two Blues Music Awards already on his shelf and critically acclaimed records, Florida native Birchwood is one of the blues’ brightest young stars, playing exhilarating, visionary new roots music that he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” defined by raw and soulful musicianship played with fire-and-brimstone fervor. Tickets start at $20. Call 321-783-4559 or visit heidisjazzclub.com.
'Let's Take a Ride' concert in Melbourne
Melbourne Municipal Band presents a free concert at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 9 and 10 at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature music about moving, by way of train, horse, donkey and pirate ship. Bring your own picnic dinner or purchase food on site. Admission is free. Call 321-724-0555 or visit mmband.org.
BSO Summer Evenings concert in Suntree
Brevard Symphony Orchestra will host a summer chamber music concert at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. BSO concertmaster Lisa Ferrigno celebrates her 25th season with a duo recital with pianist Scott Watkins featuring “Faure” Violin Sonata No. 1 and more. Tickets are $25. Call 321-345-5052 or visit brevardsymphony.com.
Walt Stacey in concert on Merritt Island
The Space Coast Jazz Society presents jazz/R&B guitarist Walt Stacey in concert at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, on Sunday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. Stacey has performed across the US and Europe with several bands and solo artists in clubs, theaters, arenas and stadiums. In addition, many performances on radio, television, and Broadway. 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.
David Pastorius and Local 518 at The Tangiers
With their unique blend of progressive pop and rock, David Pastorius and Local 518 will perform at The Tangiers, 4500 Dixie Highway, Unit 1A, Palm Bay, on Friday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, rock or raw talent, the show promises an exhilarating night filled with electrifying energy and awe-inspiring musicianship. Tickets start at $30. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
'The Golden Sounds of the Platters' at Surfside Playhouse
Take a trip down memory lane with this concert featuring vocalist Eddie Stovall. It will be at Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 and at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25. The award-winning “Golden Sounds of the Platters” features hit songs like “Only You”, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”, “The Great Pretender” and many more. Tickets start at $25. Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayhouse.com.
Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin at the King Center
Classic Albums Live brings Led Zeppelin: Physical Graffiti to the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, Aug. 26 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.
Theater
'9 to 5, the Musical' at Titusville Playhouse
The show based on the popular 1980 movie is on stage at Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, weekends through Aug. 20. Three unlikely friends are pushed to the brink by their sexist, egotistical boss and take control of their office and their lives. Tickets start at $29. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
'Cabaret' at Melbourne Civic Theatre
The musical is on stage at Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., weekends from Aug. 4 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.
'She Always Sneezed Twice' at Surfside Playhouse
The original play "She Always Sneezed Twice" by John A. Torres, winner of the Arlan Ropp Playwright Competition, will be at Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, on Aug. 4 through 13. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayhouse.com.
'Sirens of Summer' at The Tangiers
Talented performers from Cupcake Burlesque present a night of glamour and vintage burlesque at The Tangiers, 4500 Dixie Highway, Unit 1A, Palm Bay, on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m. The show will transport you back to the golden age of striptease, with stunning costumes, sultry dance routines, and just the right amount of tease. This event is for ages 18 and older. Tickets start at $35. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' at Henegar Center
The show is playing at the Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne, weekends from Aug. 11 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.
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, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Tickets are $20, and beer, wine and other refreshments are available for purchase. Visit funkydogfl.com.
'Late Night Catechism' at the King Center
The comedy will be at the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, Aug., 5 at 7:30 p.m. Part catechism class, part stand-up routine, “Late Night Catechism” is an uproariously funny play in which the irrepressible Sister teaches class to a roomful of “students,” who may find themselves on stage as part of the action. Tickets start at $37. Visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
'A Little Night Music' in Satellite Beach
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra partners with Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera del Sol to present a fully staged production of Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” at the Satellite High auditorium, 300 Scorpion Court, Satellite Beach, on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. The show will feature professional singers, traditional costumes and digital scenery. Set in the enchanted birch groves of Sweden, “A Little Night Music” sings and waltzes its way through the lives of mismatched couples who are about to make some very surprising discoveries about their true desires. A second show will be at Vero Beach High performing arts center, 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach, on Sunday, Aug. 27 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.
Auditions at Melbourne Civic Theatre and Cocoa Village Playhouse
Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, will hold auditions for the play “Dracula” by Steven Dietz on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a hideous fate. Performance dates are Oct. 6 through Nov. 12, 2023. These are open auditions featuring cold readings from the script. Call 321-723-6935 or visit mymct.org.
Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., will hold auditions for ages 13 and older for the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” on Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. In the show, when a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning musical farce. 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.
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Other events
Tango for Tails in Cocoa Village
This fundraising event at Milpa Tacos y Tortillas, 207 Brevard Ave., Cocoa Village, on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m., will help raise much needed funds for Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines, Inc., whose mission is to provide a better life and second chance for companion animals. Enjoy a four-course dinner with sangria and a special Argentine Tango presentation. Tickets are $50. Proceeds will be donated to Rescue Rebels by Cash 4 Canines, Inc. Reservations must be made in advance at Milpa Tacos y Tortillas or by calling 321-631-1133.
Flick-N-Float: 'The Haunted Mansion'
Watch the movie ‘The Haunted Mansion’ (PG) from the pool at McLarty Park Aquatic Center, 790 Barton Blvd., Rockledge, on Friday, Aug. 4. Swimming begins at 7 p.m., and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. In the movie, A realtor and his wife and children are summoned to a mansion, which they soon discover is haunted. The cost to swim is $4, and the movie is free to watch whether you’re in the pool or on the lawn. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Tubes will be provided for floating in the pool, but outside flotation devices are not allowed. Call 321-633-1874 or visit facebook.com/events/625064539192542.
Tour the historic home at Green Gables
Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, will host an open house Saturdays 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.
Friday Night Frolic in Cocoa Village
Get ready to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of music, laughter and memorable experiences at Myrt Tharpe Square Gazebo in Cocoa Village on Friday, Aug. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday Night Frolic features live music by talented local bands and specially crafted signature drinks. Each purchase of a signature drink comes with a coupon for discounts at participating shops. Admission is free. Call 321-631-9075 or visit visitcocoavillage.com.
Friday Fest in Cape Canaveral
The City of Cape Canaveral will host a Friday Fest on Aug. 4 at 6 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 Rocket City. Leashed pets are allowed. Admission is free. Call 321-868-1226 or visit cityofcapecanaveral.org.
Art gallery receptions in EGAD
Fifth Avenue Art Gallery, 1470 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District, will host a reception for the invitational exhibition “Lavender” on Friday, Aug. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. What do you think of when you hear the word “lavender?” The color, the flower, the scent? In this exhibition, artists explore their interpretations. Call 321-259-8261 or visit fifthavenueartgallery.com.
Eau Gallery, 1429 Highland Ave., in the Eau Gallie Arts District, will host a First Friday reception for watercolor artist Deborah Mills on Friday, Aug. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mills’ works will be exhibited in the gallery through the month of August. Call 321-253-5553 or visit eaugallery.com.
Spotlight artist Lydia Royce at Downtown Art Gallery
The Downtown Art Gallery, 335 S. Washington Ave., Titusville presents an exhibition of ceramics by Lydia Royce, the gallery’s Spotlight Artist for August. Royce is a young artist who, although only 20 years old, has over a decade of experience. Concentrating on wheel throwing has been her main goal for the past year while also dabbling in other ceramic techniques. She creates wheel thrown ceramic vessels including vases, pitchers and tableware, finished with beautiful glazes. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 321-268-0122 or visit thedowntownartgallery.com.
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. Sign up online at satellitebeach.gov.
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, Aug. 12. 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.
Space collectibles show and sale in Cape Canaveral
The U.S. Space Force Historical Foundation will show and sell space memorabilia at the Sands Space History Center, 100 Spaceport Way, Building 90328, Cape Canaveral, on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Sands Space History Center is located just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The event features space-related items including unique and historic pins, patches, models, toys, postal covers, artwork and more. Rupert the Space Armadillo will be there with stickers, pins, and a selfie photo op. Admission is free. Call 321-698-5854 or visit ccspacemuseum.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, Aug. 17 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 Absolute Blue. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an event ticket. Visit avenueviera.com.
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. Aug. 13. 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 Aug. 11. 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 September 8, October 13, November 17 (3rd Friday), and December 8. Proper basketball shoes are required to play. Call 321-952-3443.
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, Aug. 18. There will be live music, crafts, small businesses and food vendors. Visit cocoabeachmainstreet.org.
Big Kid Adventures: Central Florida SunRail Ride
Brevard County Parks & Recreation hosts “Big Kid Adventures” field trips for adults ages 18 and older, departing from Merritt Island Rotary Park, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road. The event on Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. will go to Kissimmee and Winter Park, stopping for lunch at Pannullo’s Italian Restaurant, before traveling to DeBary and returning to Merritt Island. The cost is $35, which does not include the cost of food and drinks. Call 321-455-1385 or visit facebook.com/events/988849308790950.
Tuxes & Tails Gala in Cocoa
Brevard Humane Society hosts the 12th annual Tuxes & Tails Gala at the Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Masters of Ceremonies Mindy & Company of Lite Rock 99.3 FM will be joined by auctioneer Brevard County Sherriff Wayne Ivey. Honorary hosts Tom and Susie Wasdin will welcome guests. Other entertainment will be provided by performers of Cocoa Village Playhouse and the America’s Got Talent- Menestrelli Performing Circus Dogs. Tickets are $150, or $100 for pet guests. Call 321-636-3343, ext. 204, or visit brevardhumanesociety.org.
Woodstock pub crawl in downtown Melbourne
Revelers ages 21 and older are invited to celebrate the ‘60s at a Woodstock-themed pub crawl through downtown Melbourne on Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 5 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required; wear flowers, beads, tie-dye, vintage tees and more. The event starts at Drews Brews & Grille, 2101 Henley Court, at 5 p.m., followed by Lumber Jack’s at 6 p.m., Debauchery at 7 p.m., Meg O’Malley’s at 8 p.m. and Mugsy’s on Main at 9 p.m. Tickets, which include six drinks, are $20 in advance or $30 at the event. Call 321-543-1346 or visit madhatterpromotions.com.
Movie night at Palm Bay Aquatic Center
The movie “Moana” (G) will be shown at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center, 420 Community College Parkway SE, Palm Bay, on Friday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for open swimming, and the diving well will close at sunset when the movie starts. There is a limited capacity inside the aquatic center, so once capacity is reached, patrons are invited to bring blankets and chairs to watch the movie from outside the fence. Admission is free. Call 321-952-2833 or visit palmbayflorida.org. In the event of bad weather, call the Aquatic Center Rain-Out Hotline at 321-726-5680.
Food Truck Friday in Rockledge
The City of Rockledge hosts Food Truck Friday at Rockledge City Hall, 1600 Huntington Lane, on Friday, Aug. 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. A food truck list will be released one week prior to the event. There will be music by DJ Johnnie V. Admission is free. Call 321-221-7540 or visit cityofrockledge.org or facebook.com/CityOfRockledge/events.
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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 clafortune@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 40 fun things to do in August in Melbourne, Viera, Palm Bay
