Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do in Tallahassee this Juneteenth weekend
Due to a forecast of more rain and bad weather the Jefferson County Watermelon Festival has been canceled, the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce announced late Thursday. "Unfortunately, our weather prediction has changed since our “Rain or Shine” announcement this morning regarding the 72nd Watermelon Festival this weekend. In the interest of public safety and other logistics, we are having to cancel the festival this year.
Important dates light up the weekend with Father's Day, Juneteenth and that first long day of summer on June 21.
Start the celebrations with a shaved ice or a hunk of juicy melon at Monticello's 72nd Annual Watermelon Festival on Friday and Saturday.
Here's a roundup of entertaining happenings around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts online listings and elsewhere.
1. Juneteenth: Empowerment Day at Cascades Park
Capital City Cultural Community Outreach will be hosting its 3rd annual “Juneteenth: Empowerment Day” celebration from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Cascades Park.
Empowerment Day looks to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the American South while also paying homage to Florida’s Emancipation Day of May 20. As Floridians, May Day (May 20th) is celebrated in honor of the state’s proclamation, but Juneteenth is a chance to unify all descendants of slaves and the African diaspora.
Much in line with Black independence seen in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Black Wall St over 100 years ago, Empowerment Day is a highlight for black entrepreneurship and community building alike. The event will host 10 food and 100 retail vendors. There will also be a scholarship presentation of $2,000 at the end of the event, awarded to 3 local students by Capital City Cultural Community Outreach and their sponsors.
2. Get a bite of Monticello Watermelon Festival
The 72nd Annual Watermelon Festival, a summertime tradition in Monticello since 1949, is ready for juicy fun on Friday and Saturday. The theme for this year is “Homegrown Happiness.”
From pageants to parades, bed races and barbecue, this event offers small town fun for the entire family. There will be vendors from 4-9 p.m., kids entertainment, a beer garden and a street dance from 7-9 p.m. Friday featuring Baby Gray.
The Kiwanis 5K Run & Walk starts at 8:15 a.m. Saturday and the Watermelon Parade rolls at 10 a.m. in downtown Monticello. Other events include an Vendor Village, kids events, antique car show, watermelon games, arts and crafts and more. Visit monticellowatermelonfestival.com.
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3. Revival raises the roof at House of Music
Get ready for uplifting rock 'n' roll when Tallahassee band Revival graces the stage at House of Music at 8 p.m. Friday. The soaring vocals of Avis Berry along with Jeff Davis, Dillon Bradley-Brown, Chris Skene, John "JB" Babich, and Paul Harvey draw from the rich traditions of old-fashioned rock 'n' roll, blues, and gospel. Revival's mission is to perform music that nourishes and rejuvenates the human soul. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Visit houseofmusictally.com.
4. Edessa and all that Jazzmatazz at Blue Tavern
Andrew Salow brings jazz piano to happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St. At 8 p.m. Edessa, the all-female supergroup of Tallahassee, is back to entertain. The group features Jenn Taylor, Rachel Hillman, Miriam Tellechea and Shanice Richards. $10 cover.
The 3rd Saturday Traditional Irish Session begins at 4 p.m. for all players and lovers of Celtic music. Jazzmatazz gets going from 8-11 p.m. Trumpet whiz Wayne Pearcy and piano phenom Will Fulkerson meet up on the rug with bassist Brian Hall and drummer Michael Bakan. And if that's not enough talent for ya, the guys will be joined by 19-year-old SoFlo vocalist extraordinaire Charlie Pace for some great Etta James and Sinatra classics, plus a riveting rendition of local woke-folk hero Grant Peeples' "Slave to Your Imagination." $5 cover.
5. Summer concert: Strike up the Capital City Band
Capital City Band of TCC and TCC Director of Bands, Lisa M. Foltz, presents an evening of concert band music at the Tallahassee Senior Center, Main Auditorium, 1400 N. Monroe St., at 7 p.m. Monday, June 19. $5 donation; free for children. For added fun, wear blue and gold, Tallahassee Community College’s colors. The mission of Tallahassee Senior Services is to offer programs, activities, and opportunities designed to encourage active living, optimal aging, and social fitness for independent adults age 50+. For more information on the Senior Center, activities and events, take a tour, call 850-891-4000 or visit Talgov.com/Seniors.
OTHER EVENTS
The Bloomsday Festival: Featuring "The Irish Laundresses" by Irish Repertory Theatre, 6 p.m. June 15,16 & 18, Goodwood Museum and Gardens, 1600 Miccosukee Road. $20 general admission; $15 students & seniors. Visit tallahasseeirishrep.com/tickets.
Blue Tavern: Happy hour with Shanice Richards, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., followed by Rev. Robert, a master of pre-war blues, from 8-10 p.m. His latest CD is "Shake That Thing." $5 cover. Happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday with Aisha Ivey,, followed by Open Mic Night at 8 p.m. Songwriter John R. Butler ("Hand of the Almighty") is on from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, followed by Free Jazz Five Buck Thursday from 8-11 p.m. Expect the unexpected when the supertrio of Longineu Parsons, Brian Hall, and Michael Bakan hold court. $5 cover.
Fourth Annual Capital City Father's Day Bike Ride and Celebration: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, Anita Favors Thompson Plaza at Lake Anita, 116 West Van Buren St. Omega Lamplights event looks to promote unity and to celebrate fathers, mentors and men who are helping raise youth throughout the Tallahassee/Leon County community. At the conclusion of the ride all participants will be treated to a hot breakfast. Visit eventbrite.com.
Decades Dance: Presented by Mickee Faust Club for the Really Dramatic Arts at Adelaide Schnittman Hall, 609-2 Railroad Square, at 8 p.m. Friday, June 16. Queer as Faust is turning 16, and is ready to party. Come in style from your favorite decade to celebrate queer culture through the decades. Tickets are $8; group tickets are $16.
Hot Tamale: Acoustic duo known for harmonies and upbeat family-friendly performances, will make first appearance at the Tallahassee Farmers Market from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17. The Farmers Market is held every Saturday at 2904 Kerry Forest Parkway, in the lot beside the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church from 8 a.m. to noon. Hot Tamale will be include some great musical numbers for the kids. Be sure to ask for “The Puppy Song."
Great Oaks Pub at Southwood: The Kenny-Hill Band performs from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 16,Great Oaks Pub at Southwood. Brian Hill and Kenny Baldauf, are veterans of the bluegrass genre, with Kenny on banjo and Brian on guitar, fiddle and mandolin. They are joined by Brian’s wife, Jennifer, on stand-up bass and vocals. Full bar and restaurant. Call for reservations at 850-942-4653.
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Father's Day Prime Rib Night: House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St., will have live music by Tim "Whiskey Bandit" Russell and Prime Rib Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sunday Regular menu is available and Prime Rib Special features a 12-oz. cut of slow-cooked medium rare prime rib served with fresh garlic smashed potatoes and choice of grilled asparagus or creamed spinach, au jus and horseradish cream sauce. Also included are Caesar salad and choice of dessert. Dads also get a cold beer! Reservations are strongly suggested. Visit houseofmusictally.com.
Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee this Father's Day weekend
