Greetings {name},

We hope you'll enjoy this weekly list of events and cultural opportunities in the community.

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

The historic Coral Gables Country Club has long been a centerpiece of social life in the City Beautiful and home to the Granada Golf Course.

Saturday, January 20 at 10am
30th Annual Redland Riot Road Rally
Every third Saturday in January, since 1994, this fruity, tropical history tour through the Redland agricultural region has delighted hundreds of families, history buffs, foodies and nature lovers with a whimsical adventure through the countryside. Dozens of car teams go searching for clues and enjoying the bounty of the Redland, stopping at wonderful places along the way. Meet at Cauley Square at 10am to get started. The big finale is at Schnebly Redland's Winery in the Miami Brewing Company Tap Room at 5pm. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site.

Saturday, January 20 is National Cheese Lover Day. Set out a tray of several varieties of your favorite cheese, invite a few friends over to share and celebrate all things cheese.

Tuesday, January 23 is National Pie Day, an opportunity to savor fresh baked dessert delicacies. The most popular pies in the United States are Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan, Cherry, Blueberry, Key Lime, Lemon Meringue and Peach.

Friday, January 26 is Spouse's Day, a time to enjoy and appreciate your better half.

Saturday, January 27 is Chocolate Cake Day, a time to indulge in that consummate American classic dessert: Chocolate Cake.

Sunday, February 10 is Lunar New Year, also commonly known as Chinese New Year, is the most widely celebrated and most important holiday across Asia. It marks the start of the Year Of The Dragon.

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 -- including restaurant row in the 100 block of Giralda. 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

Thursday, January 18 at 11am
Splendor in the Garden
Lush, tropical landscapes become the perfect setting for Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s trendiest event of the year -- Splendor in the Garden luncheon and fashion show fundraiser. The event benefits Fairchild’s education, conservation science, and horticulture programs. Get details online.

Thursday, January 18 at 4:25pm
May December at Landmark Theatres
Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under the pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past. Get details online.

Thursday, January 18 from 5 to 7pm
Happy Hour at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus
Met up with friends at the Bierhaus Plaza to enjoy Happy Hour at Fritz And Franz Monday through Friday from 5 to 7pm, with specials on Bitburger or Köstritzer draft beer and Fetzer wine. Get details online.

Thursday, January 18 at 6pm
American Sign Language Class
Meet on Thursdays at the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Clubhouse at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd., for American Sign Language classes taught by a Deaf instructor, following the Signing Naturally curriculum. No experience needed to participate. Classes are open to participants ages 18 and older. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 from 8am to 4pm
Friday Mini-Camp at Deering Estate
Offered during select Teacher Planning Days at the Deering Estate. Every camp has a different theme and explores a different aspect of nature, allowing campers to have fun while also learning about different fields of science. Please bring lunch and snacks, refillable water bottle, closed-toe shoes, change of clothes, sunblock, bug spray, hat and sunglasses. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 from 9am to noon
Florida Arbor Day at Tamiami Pinelands
Meet up with friends and fellow volunteers at Tamiami Pinelands for a tree planting event to celebrate Florida Arbor Day. The entrance is at SW 124 Street at SW 128 Court. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 at 10am
Pinewood Cemetery Invasive Plant Removal
Meet at the entrance of Pinewood Cemetery, 7301 Erwin Road where volunteers will remove invasive plants and litter found throughout this historic cemetery. Parking is very limited, so carpooling, ridesharing, public transport or walking is highly recommended. There is a bus stop at the corner of the cemetery entrance. Get details online.

Starts Friday
Driving Madeleine
92-year-old Madeleine embarks on a taxi ride to her new retirement home accompanied by Charles, a disillusioned but tender-hearted driver. As Charles drives her through the streets of Paris, Madeleine's extraordinary past unfolds, and an unexpected friendship blossoms. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 at 6pm
Movies Under the Gables Moonlight
Disney's The Parent Trap. Bring the family to Movies Under the Gables Moonlight at the Kerdyk Park (6611 Yumuri Street, presented in collaboration with the Coral Gables Art Cinema, hosted by the Community Recreation Department. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 at 7pm
James Grippando - Goodbye Girl
Books & Books is thrilled to present an evening with James Grippando discussing his captivating book: Goodbye Girl: A Jack Swyteck Novel. Piracy costs the movie and music industry billions. No one has been able to stop it. But that won’t stop Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck. Get details online.

Friday, January 19 at 8pm
In Her Own Voice - Seraphic Fire at Church of the Little Flower
Conductor Elena Sharkova returns for a concert highlighting the creative expressions of women composers and poets -- In Her Own Voice. Enjoy a diverse program of music where the lives, experiences, passions, and pains of women are described in their own voices. From the Romatic-era voices of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel and Clara Schumann to medieval mystic Hildegard von Bingen and contemporary composers Reena Esmail and Caroline Shaw, be captivated by these often overlooked contributors to music history. Get details online.

Saturday, January 20 from 8am to 2pm
Coral Gables Farmers' Market
Every Saturday from 8am to 2pm through March 23, bring the family out to Merrick Park across from City Hall for the Coral Gables Farmers Market. Local vendors bring fresh Florida produce, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers and plants, plus activities for children. Get details online.

Saturday, January 20 from 9am to noon
Bird-Friendly Gardening Day with Tropical Audubon
Learn about native plants that attract birds and other pollinators, and weeding invasive species at the Bird-Friendly Demonstration Garden and near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds of the Tropical Audubon Society. Get hands-on experience creating wildlife habitat under the expert guidance of TAS resident Master Gardeners. Get details online.

Saturday, January 20 at 9am
Field Trip: Tamiami Pineland Addition
The Florida Native Plant Society welcomes members and friends to join a field trip to the Tamiami Pineland Addition property at SW 122 Avenue and SW 128 Street, acquired by the Miami-Dade County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program. It consists of eight acres of pine rockland and marl prairie habitat. This location is undergoing a large-scale restoration effort in early 2024 to expand the footprint of the natural area; a large portion of the site currently occupied mostly by Brazilian pepper and exotic grasses will be scraped and replanted with native vegetation. Get details online.

Sat/Sun January 20-21 from 10am to 5pm
A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild
Taste your way through chocolate confections, decadent desserts, and savory bites at A Festival of Chocolate, Fairchild Gardens' annual extravaganza inspired by cacao. Experience a weekend filled with all things chocolate, including chocolate pairings, chocolate-themed drink specialties, and a variety of chocolate infused foods all aimed at unlocking flavors, delighting your palate and reminding you of the bounty from the tropics. Cacao trees are available for purchase for your home garden all weekend long as well as 'chocolate scented' orchids. Get details online.

Sat/Sun, January 20–21 from 10am to 5pm
Pinecrest Gardens 20th Anniversary Art and Design Fair
The Pinecrest Gardens Art and Design Fair draws over five thousand visitors and sixty artists over two days in January, including designers and artisans; presenting independently juried art, collective arts, nonprofit exhibitors, live music, and performers. Get details online.

Saturday, January 20 at 10:30am
Art Class: Cacao Pods in Watercolor and Color Pencil
Capture the beauty of cacao pods through painting and drawing with instructor Carlos Gallostra. Develop dynamic illustrative compositions from life in watercolor and color pencil. Learn and master techniques including layering, burnishing, and color mixing. All levels are welcome. Get details online.

Saturday, January 20 at 2pm
The Final Frontier Family Concert
This family friendly concert at Gusman Concert Hall features music inspired by outer space such as Haydn’s Overture to Il Mondo della Luna and music from films. Astronauts, planets, stars... they are all around us, so ignite your imagination and explore the universe. Tickets are $20. Family Special: $30 bundle for a family of four. Get details online.

Sunday, January 21 at 6am
Amerant Bank 5K at City Hall
The Amerant Bank 5K to benefit United Way Miami starts and ends at the historic Coral Gables City Hall with a festive post-race party. A fun-filled day awaits runners, walkers, athletes, families and wellness enthusiasts. Proceeds from the race will support nearly 100 quality programs at 63 impact partners and grantees strengthening the education, financial stability and health of Miami-Dade County. Get details online.

Sunday, January 21 at 10am
Bike Tour - The Architectural Villages
City of Coral Gables Founder George Merrick planned 14 international themed villages for Coral Gables, but only seven were built. Be amazed at the architectural styles from around the world that exist right here in our own backyard. Bike tours start at the Coral Gables Museum and include museum admission. Get details online.

Sunday, January 21 at 10am
Introduction To Archery
Attend an enlightening and interactive Miami Eco Adventures seminar that delves into the origins and fascinating history of archery, both as a sport and as a tool for survival. Expand your knowledge through engaging educational sessions before receiving expert instruction on proper archery techniques. Once you've gained valuable insights, put your newly acquired skills to the test by taking aim at targets during practice shots. A. D. Barnes Park is located at 17555 SW 79th Ave. Call 305-666-5885. Get details online.

Sunday, January 21 from 10:30am to 1pm
Tune Into The Rhythm At Macondo Weekends
Feel the beat every weekend with live performances that set the vibe at Macondo Coral Gables, 205 Aragon, near Books & Books. Experience their refreshing brunch, specialty Colombian coffees, and a menu with heavenly dishes -- along with live music on the weekends. Get details online.

Sunday, January 21 at 11:30am
Matt Dixon - Swamp Monsters
Books & Books is thrilled to present a morning with Matt Dixon discussing his compelling book: Swamp Monsters: Trump vs. DeSantis -- the Greatest Show on Earth (or at Least in Florida). From NBC News senior national politics reporter Matt Dixon, the wild inside story of how Donald Trump made a star of Ron DeSantis and then set out to destroy him, showing how their struggle for supremacy has turned Florida into the crucible of the new GOP -- and of America’s future. Get details online.

Sunday, January 21 at 2pm
Biltmore Hotel Tour
Join Dade Heritage Trust's knowledgeable and personable guides for this informative walking tour of the Historic Landmark Biltmore Hotel and Resort. Get details online.

Monday, January 22 at 8pm
Cory Doctorow - The Internet Con
Books & Books is thrilled to present an evening with Cory Doctorow discussing his 2 captivating books: The Internet Con: How To Seize the Means of Computation. Twitter, Facebook and other Big Tech platforms are hard to leave by design. They hold hostage the people we love, the communities that matter to us, the audiences and customers we rely on. The impossibility of staying connected to these people after you delete your account has nothing to do with technological limitations: it’s a business strategy in service to commodifying your personal life and relationships. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 23 at 9am
Coral Gables City Commission Meeting
The City of Coral Gables will be holding its Regular Meeting in City Hall Chambers. Members of the public may participate in person, but are also able to participate via the Zoom platform. View the agenda online.

Tuesday, January 23
Schnitzel Time at Fritz And Franz Bierhaus
Meet up with friends at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus for the Tuesday Schnitzel Special all day long; and Wednesday to Friday during lunch from 11am to 3pm. Fritz And Franz Bierhaus offers authentic German and Bavarian cuisine, a fantastic selection of imported beer on tap (order Das Boot size if you dare). There's a fine selection of wine and a full liquor bar with cocktails. Try the oven roasted pork shank weekly specials, the gourmet burgers, the brats, Swabian käsespätzle pasta, the Rib-Eye Steak Au Poivre, and the best German potato salad in South Florida. After the meal, try a shot of schnapps or honey liqueur. The outdoor plaza is an ideal setting for gatherings. Call 305-774-1883. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 23 at 3:30pm
Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL)
The Land Acquisition Selection Committee will hold a meeting at the Pinecrest Library. The EEL identifies and secures lands for preservation per the requirements and conditions set forth by Chapter 25B-11 of the Miami-Dade County Code. Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 23 at 7pm
Badlands at Landmark Theatre
After a charismatic rebel blows away her dad, a baton-twirling teen decides it just might be fun to join him on his shooting spree through Montana's badlands. Starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates. Get details online.

Wednesday, January 24 at 3pm
Furry Tales - Reading with Alani
Read your favorite story to a certified therapy dog named Alani. Reading aloud to a registered therapy dog may help improve literacy skills and boost confidence. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Presented by Heel 2 Heal Therapy Dogs. Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 3 to 8 years old. Get details online.

Wednesday, January 24 at 5:30pm
Architect Phineas Paist: The Untold Story
Attend a captivating Link+Learn session to delve into the untold dynamics that shaped Paist's art and architecture. Uncover the influence of his Quaker upbringing, classical education, and extensive European travels on his iconic designs. Dr. Nicholas Patricios, curator of our exhibition "A True Artist," will guide the remarkable journey of a true artist and architect. Be part of this insightful discussion and gain a deeper appreciation for the mastermind behind Coral Gables' City Beautiful. Get details online.

Wednesday, January 24 at 6pm
Laura Belgray - Tough Titties
Books & Books is excited to present an in-person evening with Laura Belgray to discuss her new book: Tough Titties: On Living Your Best Life When You're the F-ing Worst. Tough Titties is one big permission slip to be a dork, a sometimes-unspiritual slacker, a late bloomer and, ultimately, 100% yourself. It'll also have you snort-laughing in public and tapping whoever's nearby to say, "Lemme read you one more part!" Which is annoying, but tough titties. Get details online.

Thursday, January 25 at 5:30pm
Music at McBride Plaza - Puddley
Enjoy the sounds of Puddley, talented musicians studying at UM’s Frost School of Music, with their unique Soul, Funk and R&B repertoire at McBride Plaza on Miracle Mile from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Get details online.

Thursday, January 25 at 7pm
Martini Night On The Mile
Ladies, meet up at JohnMartin’s at 253 Miracle Mile for a fantastic night of delicious food, drinks, and more. Every Thursday it's Martini Night On The Mile, featuring $8 JohnMartinis from 7pm ’til close. Get details online.

Thursday, January 25 at 7:30pm
Nick Smart & The Frost Jazz Orchestra
Enjoy a delightful performance at Gusman Concert hall featuring music by English trumpeter and composer Kenny Wheeler, with Royal Academy of Music Jazz Director Nick Smart. Get details online.

Friday, January 26 at 10:30am
Floral Design with Tropicals
Submerse yourselves into the Floral World with Professional Event Designer and Florist, Anna Noriega of Alorè Event Firm. Learn tricks of the trade and acquire an understanding of tropical flowers, event design, basic floral composition, seasonality, and technique. Bring your own medium size vessel or pot. Everything else will be provided. Get details online.

Friday, January 26 at 7:30pm
Thomas Pandolphi - Chopin and Rachmaninov
The Lamar Louise Curry Concert Series is proud to provide yet another thrilling free concert to the music-loving community. Thomas Pandolfi, together with the First Coral Gables Chamber String Ensemble, will present a evening of Chopin and Rachmaninov. Mr. Pandolfi is one of the leading pianists of our time -- a Steinway Artist who will begin recording for Steinway Spirio later this year. The First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables is located at 536 Coral Way. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 from 9am to noon
Fight Like A Girl Self Defense Class
Coral Gables Police Department is offering a free six day self-defense course for women ages 16 and up. For complete program information and to register, email: nflores@coralgables.com

Saturday, January 27 at 5pm
Woop Woop Beer Fest at Bay 13
Celebrate Australia Day at Bay 13's Woop Woop Beer Fest showcasing 39 regional craft breweries, with Australian food, wine sampling, live music, unique merchandise, fun games and more. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Coral Gables Art Cinema. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 3pm
Orchestra Miami - Mad For Mariachi
Learn about the Beautiful Tradition of Mariachi as Orchestra Miami presents Mad For Mariachi, the second program in the Family Fun series at Pinecrest Gardens, with the Homestead-Miami Mariachi Conservatory and Mariachi Los Mora-Arriaga. Delve into the rich history and global influence of mariachi culture. Supported by members of Orchestra Miami, the 65 students of the Homestead-Miami Mariachi Conservatory takes center stage, showcasing the incredible talents of its youth. Get details online.

Starts Wednesday, January 31 at 8pm
Legally Blonde  - The Musical
Actors' Playhouse presents a fabulously fun award-winning musical at the Miracle Theatre based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, which follows the transformation of Harvard’s beloved blonde Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances -- this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal. Get details online.

Saturday, February 17 from 10am to 4pm
The Annual Garden Walk of the Upper Keys
Garden enthusiasts are invited to participate in the annual Upper Keys Garden Walk, starting with a fabulous selection of hand-made arts and crafts, orchid accessories and more at the Francis Tracy Garden Center in Islamorada at mile marker 94 Bayside. Tickets for the self-guided tours of these enchanting private gardens are $30. Get details online. 

Support The Bierhaus
Keep Fritz & Franz in Coral Gables
Send a message to the City Officials showing your support to renew the long-term lease for Coral Gables favorite German-Bavarian venue. Sign the petition online.

Dependable Friendly Computer Service
Two Computer Guys
Since 1998, the team at Two Computer Guys has been available for safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service -- for small businesses, families, students, seniors and anyone who needs a little help with their computer. TCG solves problems to get computers up and running at top speed quickly. Serving more than a thousand clients in South Florida over the past three decades. Call 305-444-1984 when you need a little help. Get details and schedule an appointment online.