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

located only a block from City Hall, the nine hole Granada Golf Course was once the pineapple plantation in old Coral Gables

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.

Thursday, February 1 is National Freedom Day, a chance to reflect on and remember the importance of freedom as a basic tenet, a founding principle, a bedrock doctrine of our society.

February 1 is also the first day of Black History Month, a time for remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Friday, February 2 is Groundhog Day, celebrated with Punxsutawney Phil who, if frightened by his shadow, will return to his burrow, indicating that there will be six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, then spring is on the way.

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

Continues Through February 4
Old Wicked Songs at GableStage
In 1986 Vienna, a young Jewish pianist arrives to study; but before he begins his piano instruction, he must first take singing lessons from the harsh, anti-semitic Professor Mashkan. As the play unfolds through the poetry of Heinrich Heine and the music of Robert Schumann, secrets are revealed, and these two men from different generations find they have much more in common than they think. Directed by playwright Jon Marans, this 1996 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize is a play with music that stars two actors who are classically trained pianists. Sponsored by Funding Arts Network. Get details online.

Thursday, January 25 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 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 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.

Held Over
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 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 6pm
José Luis Cordeiro - The Death Of Death
Books & Books is thrilled to present an evening with José Luis Cordeiro for his insightful book: The Death of Death: The Scientific Possibility of Physical Immortality and Its Moral Defense. Get details online.

Starts Friday, January 26 at 7pm
Razing Liberty Square
Attend the opening night film screening at 7pm followed by a panel discussion at 8:30pm and a reception at 9:35pm. At the heart of Liberty City is the Liberty Square housing project, the first segregated public housing project in the South. The new documentary from Oscar-nominated filmmaker Katja Esson begins at the very moment when Liberty Square is being razed to the ground to make way for the New Liberty Square: a $300 million mixed-income development. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Friday, January 26 at 7:30pm
Thomas Pandolfi - 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 An 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 7:30am to 4pm
Audubon - Everglades National Park Birding
Tropical Audubon Society's Rachel DiPietro will lead this full-day trip in Everglades National Park. Stops are likely to include Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails, Research Road, Long Pine Key, Pa-hay-okee, Mahogany Hammock, Paurotis and Mrazek Ponds, West Lake and the Flamingo area. Meet at 7:30am in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at the park entrance. Bring lunch. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 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 27 from 9am to 5pm
Cycad Day 2024 at Fairchild Gardens
The Cycad Society is hosting Cycad Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with lectures, a garden tour, and a plant auction. The $30 entrance fee is waived for Cycad Society members. Call 512-836-5087. 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

Sunday, January 27 at 10am
Architectural Walking Tour
Enjoy a 90-minute walking tour highlighting Coral Gables’ most notable historic buildings, starting at the Coral Gables Welcome Center, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 100. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 10am
Edible Gardening in South Florida at Kampong
Have you ever wanted to successfully grow your own edible plant garden? Have you struggled to develop your green thumb? Get rid of the food desert around your house. Learn all about how to successfully foodscape in South Florida -- what to grow, when to grow it, and how to consume it. Attendees will learn about proper plant selection and placement. After the lecture, walk around the Kampong National Tropical Botanic Garden's food forest and explore some of the edible plants. For ages 12 and up. Get details online.

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.

Saturday, January 27 at 5pm
Global Frontiers - Share?
The Global Frontiers series is designed to bring two kinds of audiences together: Those who love films and those who care about contemporary issues. Attend the screening of Share? (2023), the first feature film ever to be shot entirely from one fixed camera angle, about a man who struggles to survive after awakening alone, trapped in a society connected only by primitive computers and where the ability to entertain is his only currency. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27, 2024 5:30pm
41st Annual Frost Honor Band Concert
Celebrating community, Frost’s premier wind ensemble shares the Gusman Concert Hall stage with over 200 of Florida’s finest musicians. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 6pm
Mozart & Mimosas at Steinway Gallery
Celebrate Mozart's birthday at the Steinway Piano Gallery  -- a day filled with beautiful music and delicious mimosas -- paying tribute to one of the greatest composers of all time. Whether you're a Mozart enthusiast or just looking for a fun event, this Steinway Gallery concert, featuring the Steinway Spirio piano and Lacertus string instruments, is sure to please. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 7pm
Carey Winfrey - Key West Sketches
Books & Books is elated to present an evening with Carey Winfrey discussing his new book: Key West Sketches: Writers At Mile Zero. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 7pm
Audubon - Conservation Concert with Take Sixx
Meet under the oaks and stars to kick off the much-anticipated 14th annual Tropical Audubon Society's Conservation Concert series. In what has been an extraordinary show of support, the event’s founding band, Take Sixx, will again inaugurate the wildly popular Winter concerts. Their volunteerism has set the tempo for other local bands to follow in their footsteps on the storied Doc Thomas House Keystone Stage. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 6am
Lifetime Miami Marathon
Attracting athletes from all over the world, the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half is one of the most iconic annual athletic events celebrating the culture of Miami and South Beach, and the nationalities of those who participate. Cheer on your favorite runners as they journey from downtown Miami into Coral Gables. Be aware of traffic congestion issues. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 10am
Matheson Mangrove Kayak Trek
Embark on an immersive adventure into the breathtaking allure of Biscayne Bay with Miami EcoAdventures. Journey alongside your knowledgeable naturalist guide as you traverse the intricate mangroves, nature's unique saltwater trees, and unlock a realm teeming with splendid native wildlife. This expedition commences at Matheson Hammock Park, where all the necessary equipment will be provided for your convenience. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 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.

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.

Tuesday Special
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 30 at 7pm
Federico Fellini's Amarcord at Landmark Theatres
A carnivalesque portrait of provincial Italy during the Fascist period, Federico Fellini's most personal film satirizes his youth and turns daily life into a circus of social rituals, adolescent desires, male fantasies, and political subterfuge, all set to Nina Rota's gorgeous, nostalgia-tinged score. 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.

During The Month Of February
Trees Of Knowledge at Fairchild
A wise tree once said, "Knowledge is the key to happiness." Visit Fairchild Gardens in February to gather the knowledge of ten special trees from around the world during this Trees of Knowledge month long event. Embark on an adventure across the Garden's Arboretum searching for the chiseled faces of friendly trees. They are excited to share their unique stories and old origins with you. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, February 3 at 6:30pm
Annual Gala In The Garden Fundraiser at Fairchild
For more than 25 years, the annual Gala in the Garden has been a revered and magical event, earning its place as one of the most enchanting gatherings in South Florida. Set against the lush tropical backdrop of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, this breathtaking affair is celebrated as one of the most loved community events in South Florida. Get details online.

Thursday, February 8 at 5:30pm
Burgerliscious Competition and Tasting Event
It's a city block full of burgers at Alhambra and Ponce -- the annual Burgerliscious Block Party and Competition, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, features a spectacular array of fine burgers from your favorite restaurants, with live music, cold brews, and more. It's a meaty gathering of our community's tastiest and trendiest restaurants. Get details online.

Sunday, February 10 at 4:30pm
Females Voices: Stories and Memorabilia with Dorothy Thomson
100 Voices -- Visit Coral Gables Merrick House for Yesteryear Stories of Coral Gables. Just as Althea Merrick was ahead of her time, Dorothy Thomson created new pathways in Coral Gables politics when she was elected to the City Commission in 1979. Forty-tive years later, she is still the only woman elected Coral Gables mayor in the city's nearly 100-year history. Dorothy will share her stories and memorabilia from an era when female voices were just beginning to gain acceptance and respect. Coral Gables Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way. Tickets are $5 per person. 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.