Greetings {name},

Sunday, March 13 is when Daylight Saving Time starts. Remember to spring forward and set clocks one hour ahead when you go to bed Saturday evening. This begins the season of more light in the eventings with the sun now setting after 7:30pm.

Thursday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, a time to celebrate Irish culture with themed parties, drinks and food. It also marks two years since the weekend that most of the US was shut down back in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

As always, make plans to enjoy the great outdoors in our little city. Walk down Miracle Mile, experience the live theatre and the best movies, browse the book stores, look into the art galleries and meet up with friends at the restaurants. Visit the parks and public spaces to appreciate the bounties of nature. 

Enjoy the best of Coral Gables in the coming days.

Robert and Robin Burr

please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty and serenity of our majestic city

Coral Gables Waterway and Cocoplum Circle

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Thursday, March 17

Saint Patrick's Day Weekend Party at the Bierhaus

Meet up with friends at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus plaza for a celebration of all things Irish with live music and Irish Food Festival and of course -- plenty of beer. Admission is free. Fritz and Franz Bierhaus is located at 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc/

Final Curtain

On Your Feet Musical

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre wraps up its production of On Your Feet! -- the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile. Call 305-444-9293. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Drawing Held April 1

Actors' Playhouse - Azamara Voyage

Purchase your tax-deductible tickets for the Actors' Playhouse Raffle - featuring a luxurious Azamara voyage for two in a Veranda stateroom between April 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. The drawing will be held April 1, 2022. No limit to the length of your voyage. Voyage certificate is valued at approximately $8,000. Contest is open to anyone who purchases a ticket. Participants do not have to be present to win. https://one.bidpal.net/apraffle/search/azamara

Through March 27

The White Card at GableStage

The Florida premiere of Award-winning poet/playwright Claudia Rankine's first published play, The White Card comes to GableStage, posing the essential question: Can American society progress if whiteness remains invisible? https://www.gablestage.org/production/

GableStage YouTube Channel
The White Card Conversations

Enjoy the third Conversation Inspired by "The White Card" moderated by Katie Christie, Founder and Director of Voices United on the GableStage YouTube channel. Katie is joined by Camilla Haith, Costume Designer of The White Card.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ3ZJaOXyHk

Thursday, March 10 at 9am

Wind Beneath Our Wings Auction

Engage with the Wind Beneath Our Wings virtual fundraiser, including a behind-the-scenes Raptor ER field trip, Raptor Happy Hour, Keynote presentation by Dr. Paul Gray, and an online auction. Bidding starts Thursday, March 10 at 9am and ends Friday, March 11 at 8pm. Register and bid online.

Thursday, March 10 at 5:30pm

Encore! - Jazz On The Mile

Enjoy the refreshing weather and the soulful sounds of jazz during Encore!, a free concert series by Frost School of Music performers presented by the Business Improvement District from 5:30 to 7:30pm every other Thursday at McBride Plaza, 150 Miracle Mile. Get details online.

Friday, March 11 at 7:30pm

Music of Mason Bates — Frost Wind Ensemble

Enjoy a live performance at UM Gusman Concert Hall as Bates’ Bootleggers Break makes its world premiere. Composer of the Grammy-winning opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Mason Bates was named the most-performed composer of his generation in a recent survey of American music. As a composer, DJ, and curator, he is transforming how classical music is created and experienced. Legendary conductors from Riccardo Muti to Michael Tilson Thomas have championed him, and his symphonic music received widespread acceptance for its unique integration of electronic sounds. Get tickets in advance online.

Starts Friday

Drive My Car

Ryusuke Hamaguchi's Drive My Car received Academy Award nominations in four categories: Best Picture, Best International Feature, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Winner of the Best Screenplay award at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, and adapted from Haruki Murakami’s short story of the same name, Drive My Car is an engrossing mystery, a parable of human connection, and a road movie traveling the path of love, loss, acceptance and peace. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/drive-my-car/

Saturdays from 8am to 2pm

Farmers' Market At City Hall

Enjoy Coral Gables' iconic farmers market from 8am to 2pm every Saturday through March 26 featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers and plants, free tai chi classes, gardening workshops, cooking demos, and activities for children. https://www.coralgables.com/farmers-market-at-merrick-park

Saturday, March 12 from 10am to 4pm

Villagers’ Garden Tour - A Trip to The Redland

Join the Redland Retreat special tour for an exceptional educational and recreational experience hosted by The Villagers historical preservation society, starting at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, 21900 SW 157th Ave, a delightful 20-acre nature preserve dedicated to conservation, reforestation, and education. Visitors will learn about the area’s significant nursery business and have the opportunity to purchase plants. Tickets may be purchased for $50 in advance from Villagers' members or online. On the day of the tour, tickets will be available at Patch of Heaven and Plant Creations at 28301 SW 172nd Ave. Tour-goers will receive a map to guide them as well as detailed information about landscaping highlights. Get complete details and tickets online. 

March 12 and 13 from 10am to 4pm

Orchids In Bloom Festival at Fairchild Gardens

Watch orchid vendors compete for top prize at the Orchid Show and Exhibit presented by the Orchid Society of Coral Gables in the Garden House. Purchase exotic and tropical orchids. Attend lectures by our Orchid Experts and Scientists. At The Million Orchid Project Lab, transplant orchid seeds in the STEMLab. Enjoy hundreds of spectacular butterflies at Wings of the Tropics. Explore the Children’s Garden. Orkids Encounter is calling all kids and kids at heart: join an Orchid adventure through the Garden to explore and discover one of the largest plant families. Complete your mission and earn your Expedition Discovery Orchid Pin. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/orchids-in-bloom-2022/

Saturday, March 12 at 10:30am

Growing Orchids In South Florida

Are you just beginning to explore the world of orchids and looking for some tips and tricks? Or have you been growing them for years and are searching for new techniques? Either way, our Growing Orchids in South Florida class is perfect for you, so Join Dr. Sandy Schultz from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Fairchild Gardens. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/growing-orchids-in-south-florida-with-dr-sandy-schultz/

Saturday and Sunday at 11am

The Sound of Music

Set in the 1930s in Salzburg, Austria, The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria (Julie Andrews) who successfully becomes a governess to disorderly children of Naval officer Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) by showing them kindness, love, and music in a changing world. Directed by Robert Wise, this heartfelt musical was scored by the illustrious Rodgers and Hammerstein, giving generations songs like My Favorite Things, Edelweiss, and Do-Re-Mi. 57 years after its initial release, the film is still considered a classic across the globe. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/sound-of-music/

March 12 and 13

Shrek - The Musical, Jr.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle presented by the Actors’ Playhouse Musical Miracles, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical. It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. Saturday, March 12 at 2:30 and 7pm. Sunday, March 13 at 5pm. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens-theatre/

Saturday and Sunday

The Conversation

Lonely wiretapping expert and devout Catholic Harry Caul (Gene Hackman) is hired to record a seemingly innocuous conversation in San Francisco’s Union Square between two lovers. Upon re-hearing the tapes, however, Caul believes he may be putting the couple in danger if he turns the material over to his client (Robert Duvall). But what one hears can ultimately turn out to be quite different from what was actually recorded. Plays Saturday at 9:30pm, Sunday at 2:50pm. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-conversation/

Sunday, March 13 at 4pm

Alhambra Amped - At Music Inside Out

Enjoy your favorite american rock, pop and country tunes played by electric strings, drums and keyboard as Alhambra Orchestra performs at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11295 Red Road at 4pm. The amplified ensemble, playing futuristic-looking electric violins, violas and cellos, plus bass guitar, keyboard and drums, will present an hour of classic rock and pop tunes, with a bit of country. Immediately following them, the choir from South Miami Middle School will perform. Bring chairs and blankets, and snacks if desired, to enjoy this free community event. Call 305-668-9260. https://alhambraorchestra.org

Starting Monday, March 14

Register for Summer Camp in Coral Gables

Parents: Summer camp registration opens for residents and members on Monday, March 14. Non-resident registration opens on Monday, March 28. Register online or in-person at the War Memorial Youth Center Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays from 8am to noon; or email: parks@coralgables.com. https://www.coralgables.com/summercamps

Tuesday, March 15 at 7pm

Seth Meyers - I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared!

Enjoy a virtual evening with Seth Meyers in conversation with Judy Blume discussing his new picture book -- I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared! Tickets are bundled and include a copy of the book that will be shipped after the event. When you’re a bear who is easily scared, it’s hard to have friends. Fortunately, Bear has one: Rabbit, who is very brave. Equal parts hilarious and touching, this funny tale of adventure, bravery, and daring rescue will both inspire the adventurous spirit in all of us and make us laugh along the way. With the unfailingly witty voice of one of America’s favorite comedians, Seth Meyers’s debut picture book is bound for hilarity history. Get details for this Zoom event online.

Wednesday, March 16 at noon

Global Awareness of Miami’s Art & Cultural Assets

Enjoy another free Preserving Our Community webinar hosted by the Villagers, featuring guest speaker John Copeland, Director of Cultural Tourism for Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, who will also offer a preview of Miami’s April Museum Month. Please register for "Global Awareness of Miami’s Art & Cultural Assets" in advance online. https://thevillagersinc.org/villagers-lunch-and-learn/

Wednesday, March 16 at 4pm

Historic Preservation Board Meeting

The City Historic Preservation Board meets at City Hall in Commission Chambers at 4pm. The board considers preservation and protection of historic or architecturally worthy buildings, structures, sites, quaint neighborhoods and artifacts which impart a distinct historical heritage of the City. Get the agenda online.

Thursday, March 17 from 7 to 9pm

Moon Viewing at the Deering Estate

Bring a picnic and chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends as you view the Full Moon in the Miami sky at the Deering Estate. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars. Bugs and mosquitos are not uncommon at dusk. Cost is $10 for ages 4 and up; free for Deering Estate Foundation Members. https://deeringestate.org/event/moon-viewing/2022-03-17/

March 18-19-20

Spring Fling Sale at R. F. Orchids

The annual Spring Fling Sale is on at R. F. Orchids during the weekend of March 18, 19 and 20 with a 20% discount on everything in the nursery, including sale items. Welcome spring into your garden with a incredible variety of stunning tropical delights during this three-day sale at R. F. Orchids nursery, 28100 SW 182 Avenue. Call 305-245-4570 or visit the web site for details. https://www.rforchids.com

Friday, March 18 at 8pm

Starlight Movie Classics - A Man For All Seasons

Support historic preservation and get free admission to an exclusive outdoor screening of A Man for All Seasons (1966) at The Barnacle. This Oscar-winning film stars Paul Scofield as Sir Thomas More, the sixteenth century English Chancellor who stood up to King Henry VIII (Robert Shaw). The story follows the moral struggle between More and Henry VIII when the King rejects the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarry. The movie starts at 8pm. Register online in advance. https://bit.ly/3BQTEdM

Saturday, March 19 - 2:00pm - 3:00pm

David Raymond - The Mermaid of Arch Creek

Join Amazon best-selling local Author David Raymond as he presents The Mermaid of Arch Creek, a humorous adult fairy tale, set in a mystical area rich in history and folklore, right in our backyard. What really caused the Arch Creek Natural Bridge to collapse in 1973? Do you believe in Mermaids? Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 19 yrs.+ https://mdpls.org/event/6005958

Sunday, March 20 from 9am to 4pm

Bike and BBQ

Join the City of Coral Gables and Bike Walk Coral Gables for the return of the annual Bike and BBQ, the most popular bike tour of the year. This 11-mile tour commences at the War Memorial Youth Center and ends with a BBQ-style picnic at Matheson Hammock Park. Following some live music, lawn games and refreshments, participants will have the opportunity to part ways on their own or join the police escorted group to safely ride back to the Youth Center. This ride is recommended for riders ages 10-years and older and for riders that can maintain a minimum speed of 10 mph. This ride is in partnership with Dade Heritage Trust and No Boundaries Sport. Advanced registration is recommended. A goodie bag will be provided to all participants with advanced ticket purchases. 

Sunday, March 27, from 2 to 5pm

A Proper Garden Tea at Merrick House

As part of its Sundays on the Porch with George event series, the Coral Gables Merrick House is hosting A Proper Garden Tea event. On exhibit will be the House linen collection, antique quilts and a unique display of sewing and needlework items. The afternoon will also feature tea and treats, lectures, demonstrations, purveyors of vintage and vintage-inspired collectibles, lawn games and more. It's all part of a celebration of Victorian textiles, treasures, tools and trades. Completed in 1910, the Merrick House is home to many fine examples of furniture and fabrics of the Victorian era (1837 to 1901). Get tickets in advance online.

The Season Is Here

Everglades Swamp Tours

Reserve space with Everglades Swamp Tours for an amazing adventure in the wild Everglades -- with your own custom tour of these vast open spaces. Experience the natural wildlife up close and appreciate the serene nature of this pristine environment. https://www.evergladesswamptours.com

Many of our favorite eateries in the Gables are offering curbside takeout, as well as delivery services. Here's a handy list of choices for Gables residents and friends.

http://www.greatgables.com/CoralGables/ToGo.html