No money? No problem. Here are 8 free things to do in Brevard this weekend

Christina LaFortune, Florida Today
·3 min read

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

1. African American Read-In at Florida Tech

The annual African American Read-in at Florida Tech has become one of the largest celebrations of Black history on the Space Coast. This year's event will be on Friday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
The annual African American Read-in at Florida Tech has become one of the largest celebrations of Black history on the Space Coast. This year's event will be on Friday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Florida Tech, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, will host the "Let's Vibe" African American Read-In in the Evans Library on Friday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. This event celebrates the words, rhythms, and sounds of Black authors, musicians, poets, playwrights, and scholars. Florida Tech students, faculty and alumni join with members of the community to showcase these works and amplify the voices and influences of Black achievement. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit fit.edu.

2. Pirate Costume Bash in Melbourne

Y’arrr! The 21st annual Pirate Costume Bash and Festival will be at Squid Lips Waterfront, 1477 Pineapple Ave., Melbourne, on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The event will include live music by Buck Barefoot Band and Panama Band, door prizes, costume contests and more. Admission is free. Visit madhatterpromotions.com.

3. ‘Splash! of Watercolor’ art show in Melbourne

Brevard Watercolor Society is set to make a splash with "Splash," its annual watercolor show. The event exhibits the talents of Brevard’s best artists, such as last year’s Best of Show winner Therese Ferguson.
Brevard Watercolor Society is set to make a splash with "Splash," its annual watercolor show. The event exhibits the talents of Brevard’s best artists, such as last year’s Best of Show winner Therese Ferguson.

Brevard’s largest watercolor show, presented by the Brevard Watercolor Society, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Azan Shriners Center, 1591 West Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne. The show includes watercolor paintings on display and for sale by local artists, painting demonstrations, raffles, silent auctions and a marketplace. Admission is free. Visit brevardwatercolorsociety.org.

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4. 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.

5. South Beach concert series in Melbourne Beach

There will be a free concert by Rezen 8 at South Beach Community Park on Friday, Feb. 16.
There will be a free concert by Rezen 8 at South Beach Community Park on Friday, Feb. 16.

The band Rezen 8 will give a free concert at South Beach Community Park, 500 Old Florida Trail, Melbourne Beach, on Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Visit facebook.com/events/612586027449012.

6. Ranger-led tour of Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Turkey Creek Sanctuary offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month. To sign up, call 321-676-6690.
Turkey Creek Sanctuary offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month. To sign up, call 321-676-6690.

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.

7. Free boat trip to Samsons Island

Samsons Island in Satellite Beach, is accessible only by boat. The island includes trails, bird watching, camping areas, wildlife, and some picnic tables.
Samsons Island in Satellite Beach, is accessible only by boat. The island includes trails, bird watching, camping areas, wildlife, and some picnic tables.

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 9 a.m., weather permitting. Guests will meet back at the main dock at noon for the return trip. Trips will depart from and return to the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Reservations are required. Call 321-773-6458 or visit satellitebeach.gov.

8. Goodwill ‘Thrift Love’ donation drive

Got too much stuff? Make a donation to support Goodwill Industries of Central Florida's "Thrift Love" donation drive on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Got too much stuff? Make a donation to support Goodwill Industries of Central Florida's "Thrift Love" donation drive on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida will host a “Thrift Love” donation drive on Saturday, Feb. 17, to express gratitude to donors. While supplies last, community members who make a donation at their local Goodwill store or Donation Xpress will receive a coupon for $5 off a $30 purchase, to be used within two weeks of the donation. For details and locations, visit goodwillcfl.org.

Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: No money? No problem. Here are 8 free events in Brevard for Feb. 16-22