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Greetings {name},

We hope you'll appreciate our curated list of community events and cultural opportunities in the coming days.

The bridges over the Coral Gables Waterway at Cocoplum Circle (Cartegena Plaza) where LeJeune Road, Old Cutler Road, Ingraham Highway, Sunset Drive and Cocoplum Road meet.

Friday, May 17, the third Friday in May, is National Endangered Species Day, a time to raise awareness about the many animals that are on the endangered species list.

Saturday, May 18 is International Museum Day, a good opportunity to visit, appreciate, and support your local museum.

Saturday, May 18, the third Saturday in May, is the Preakness Stakes race, held for the first time in 1873. The winner is awarded the prestigious Woodland Vase by Tiffany.

Saturday, May 18 is Armed Forces Day, an opportunity to pay tribute to all men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces.

Monday, May 20 is National Amelia Earhart Day, commemorating her record-setting attempt in 1937 to fly around the world when lost in the Pacific Ocean.

Wednesday, May 22 is National Maritime Day, reflecting the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country.

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

Now On Exhibition
Mid-Career Artists, Future Masters
Cernuda Arte proudly presents a showcase of twelve midcareer contemporary artists with exceptional trajectories, destined for even greater heights. For their remarkable and distinct talent, each of these artists have garnered substantial collector support both domestically and internationally. Their work has graced prestigious exhibitions, publications, art fairs, and institutions, solidifying their positions as important voices in today’s contemporary art world. Mid-Career Artists, Future Masters is currently on view at Cernuda Arte, 3155 Ponce. Call 305-461-1050. Get details online.

Save The Date
Saturday, May 18 at 4pm
Zhu Wang, Piano Virtuoso Flight
The Miami Chamber Music Society continues with Miami Chamber Fest 2024. Pianist Zhu Wang was awarded First Prize in the 2020 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions. His Carnegie Hall debut made The New York Times’ Best of Classical Music 2021 list. The concert begins with Nina Shekar's contemporary "Light Up" from "Postcards," followed by Mozart's elegant Sonata in D Major, K.311 and Richard Strauss' romantic "Ramble on the Last Love" Duet, Ravel's exhilarating "La Valse," and Bach's intricate Duets. Transitioning to contemporary Chinese music, Wang performs Zhang Zhao's "Pi Huang" before concluding with Brahms' monumental Handel Variations, Op.24, a breathtaking tour-de-force of contrapuntal mastery. Wang's virtuosic pianism and profound musicality make this this a night to remember. The performance takes place at Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia. Get details online.

This Weekend
Redland International Orchid Festival
The Fruit and Spice Park is once again the location of the Redland International Orchid Festival -- a bucket list event for orchid lovers in South Florida -- with three days of pure orchid mania. See the vendor list, get details and purchase discounted tickets online.

Starts June 10
Actors' Playhouse Summer Theatre Camp
See your child take center stage at the Miracle Theatre as professional instructors take them on an eye-opening theatrical journey that is sure to make this a summer to remember. Get details online.

Thursday, May 16 at 6pm
Devil in a Blue Dress
In post-war Los Angeles, decorated war hero Ezekiel 'Easy' Rawlins (Denzel Washington) navigates the racially divided cityscape as a private investigator. When tasked with locating a missing socialite, Easy is thrust into a perilous web involving the white power elite and the vibrant black community of Central Avenue. Get details online.

Thursday, May 16 from 6 to 10pm
La Cucina di Threefold - PopUP restaurant
Threefold Café will host a series of pop-up tastings to introduce La Cucina di Threefold (an Italian restaurant) set to open in mid-June. The pop-up menu is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 6 to 10pm. Chef Reid Goram has curated the pop-up menu with Italian favorites, including Risotto ai Funghi, Linguini Carbonara, Penne Cimi di Rapa or Chicken Marsala which will be served at la Cucina di Threefold when it opens at The Linki, 3060 SW 37th Avenue in Coral Gables. Threefold Cafe is located at 141 Giralda Avenue. Get details and RSVP online.

Thursday, May 16 at 7:30pm
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
The extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse's early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, Back to Black that catapulted Winehouse to global fame. Told through Amy's eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time. Get details online.

Thursday, May 16 at 7:30pm
Eternal Sunshine: Piano Quartets By Fauré & Brahms
Brahms’ and Fauré’s glorious first piano quartets kick off Summer with Symphony like brilliant bursts of sunshine after a passing storm at the Congregational Church. Get details online.

Thursday, May 16 at 7:30pm
Jesse Blumberg - Love's Magic at Sanctuary
Experience Love's Magic, featuring golden-toned baritone Jesse Blumberg -- a mesmerizing musical exploration of the beauty and mystery of love. From the joy of new love to the melancholy of love lost, this program highlights the power that music has to unearth the deepest human emotions. This program is centered around selections from Ricky Ian Gordon’s Green Sneakers, a song cycle for baritone and string quartet that was written specifically for Jesse Blumberg. Get details online.

Thursday, May 16 at 8:15pm
IF - Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone's imaginary friends -- and what she does with that superpower -- as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. Get details online.

Fri/Sat/Sun May 17–19
Redland International Orchid Festival
The Fruit and Spice Park is once again the location of the Redland International Orchid Festival -- a bucket list event for orchid lovers in South Florida -- with three days of pure orchid mania. See the vendor list, get details and purchase discounted tickets online.

Fri/Sat/Sun May 17-19 from 9am to 5pm
R. F. Orchids Open House 2024
It's Open House Weekend at R.F. Orchids. Stop by the orchid nursery this weekend for super specials, a raffle, with local and international vendors, garden tours and much more, at 28100 SW 182 Avenue. Call 305-245-4570. Get details online.

Friday, May 17 at 10:30am
Furry Tales - Reading With Avi The Poodle
Read your favorite stories alongside Avi the Poodle at Pinecrest Library. Reading aloud to a registered therapy dog helps improve literacy skills and boost confidence. Bring your own book or choose from the library's collection. Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 5 to 12 years old. Get details online.

Friday, May 17 from 5 to 8pm
ArtLabbé Foundation's Gallery Night
Attend the launch of the ArtLabbé Foundation to enjoy an evening of art and connection at 2522 Ponce. This special gallery night will showcase the incredible artwork created by special needs groups and is a free event open to the public. The new foundation is dedicated to art therapy classes and exhibitions featuring works by special needs groups. This initiative aims to provide therapeutic artistic outlets and a platform to celebrate and appreciate the unique talents of these artists. Get details online.

Friday, May 17 at 5:30pm
EcoExpressions: Guided Art Walk
Experience a journey through art and ecology during the EcoExpressions: Guided Art Walk, offering a unique blend of artistic exploration and environmental consciousness. Event Highlights include Giralda Plaza, The Plaza Coral Gables and ArteVivo Gallery. To enhance the experience, enjoy complimentary wine as you reflect on the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship. Get details online.

Friday, May 17 at 7pm
Evil Does Not Exist
Following his Academy Award success with Drive My Car, Ryusuke Hamaguchi crafts a chilling fable exploring humanity's intricate connection to nature. In rural Mizubiki near Tokyo, Takumi and his daughter, Hana, maintain a simple existence by providing essentials for a local udon restaurant. However, when a talent agency proposes a lavish glamping site nearby, offering urbanites a snowy retreat, Takumi grapples with ethical dilemmas. Get details online.

Friday, May 17 at 7pm
Moon Viewing at Deering Estate
Enjoying a magical view of the moon and the stars from the Deering Estate front lawn. Bring binoculars or telescope, pack a picnic and chairs, blankets, and enjoy a relaxing evening with family and friends for this after-hours outdoor admission. Picnic tables are available on a first come, first serve basis in the Royal Palm Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring battery operated lantern or flashlight (flames/candles not permitted). All attendees must get their ticket in advance. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 from 9am to 3pm
Turtlepalooza Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation Awareness Day
In celebration of the start of sea turtle nesting season, Miami-Dade County Parks’ Sea Turtle Conservation Program will host their annual Turtlepalooza Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation Awareness Day at the Crandon Park Nature Center, 6767 Crandon Blvd. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at 11am
Coral Gables Magazine Scavenger Hunt 2024
Each registered team will be given a packet of clues to solve at The Plaza and in the surrounding neighborhood. Return to The Plaza at 2pm to submit your answers. Get details online. 

Saturday, May 18 from 11am to 3pm
Gables Family Literacy Festival
Embark on a literacy journey with the family at the fourth annual Gables Family Literacy Festival under the Youth Center tree canopy. This daylong celebration and Scholastic Book Fair promote summer reading and the literary arts. The festival provides a unique experience for all ages and abilities and includes a street fair with literacy exhibitors and vendors, free literacy screenings and evaluations, children’s activities, book donation and exchange areas, food vendors and much more. Email: specialevents@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5600. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at noon
Vanya (National Theatre Live)
Andrew Scott brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens' radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation which explores the complexities of human emotions. Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at 2:30
Book Club: Great Conversations
Advance critical, reflective thinking and social and civic engagement by discussing works and ideas of the 20th and 21st century that are of enduring value -- in person at the Pinecrest Library or online via Zoom. Registration is required for online access and a Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.  Call 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at 3pm
Chopin for All - Mateusz Krzyżowski
Enjoy a performance by Mateusz Krzyżowski, a young Polish pianist who won the first prize at the XII International Paderewski Piano Competition in Bydgoszcz in 2022. He also received the award for the best performance of WA Mozart's piano concerto. He was a semi-finalist at the 2021 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. Get details online. 

Saturday, May 18 at 4pm
Zhu Wang, Piano Virtuoso Flight
The Miami Chamber Music Society continues with Miami Chamber Fest 2024. Pianist Zhu Wang was awarded First Prize in the 2020 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions. His Carnegie Hall debut made The New York Times’ Best of Classical Music 2021 list. The concert begins with Nina Shekar's contemporary "Light Up" from "Postcards," followed by Mozart's elegant Sonata in D Major, K.311 and Richard Strauss' romantic "Ramble on the Last Love" Duet, Ravel's exhilarating "La Valse," and Bach's intricate Duets. Transitioning to contemporary Chinese music, Wang performs Zhang Zhao's "Pi Huang" before concluding with Brahms' monumental Handel Variations, Op.24, a breathtaking tour-de-force of contrapuntal mastery. Wang's virtuosic pianism and profound musicality make this this a night to remember. The performance takes place at Sanctuary of the Arts, 410 Andalusia. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at 8pm
A Rock Sails By
Sean Grennan brings audiences another stellar play filled with humor and heart at Miracle Theatre. Dr. Lynn Cummings, an astrophysicist, tries to bring science and faith into balance while grappling with personal questions, reconnecting with her daughter, and mourning the loss of her husband. When an unidentified object is discovered heading toward Earth, a less-than-reputable online magazine misquotes her, casting doubt on her credibility. Dr. Cummings hopes to witness nothing remarkable and thus save her reputation, but there is no telling what she will discover beyond the stars. The play continues through June 9. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at 8pm
Laughs In Spanish
Art Basel is about to begin and Mariana, director of a swanky modern gallery, has a big problem on her hands. Her showroom is an active crime scene. When Mariana’s movie star mother tries to save the show, everything gets hilariously complicado. Performed in English con un poquito de español, this fast-paced, cafecito-infused comedy about art and success -- and mothers and daughters -- is a joyous snapshot of Cuban and Colombian-American culture set in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. Get details online.

Saturday, May 18 at 9:30pm
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet lead an all-star cast in this comical, romantic and poignant look at breakups, breakdowns and breakthroughs. 20th Anniversary. Get details online.

Sunday, May 19 at 10am
Bike Tour -  Literally Coral Gables
It’s no fiction, the literary history of Coral Gables includes book shops, libraries and even a few writers. Mitch Kaplan, the owner of Books & Books, will lead the first edition of this novel tour of the written word in Coral Gables. Get details online.

Sunday, May 19 at 1pm
Best Pollinator Plants for South Florida
Meet at the Deering Estate Visitor Center to learn about the best native and non-native plants to have in your garden -- plan now and install them during the rainy season. Featured plants include larval host and nectar plants for butterflies, as well as links to more information on the best plants for pollinators in your neighborhood. Get details online.

Sunday, May 19 at 2pm
Orchestra Miami Downtowner Caberet
Enjoy a wide variety of Cabaret music by several famous classical composers, performed by Orchestra Miami at First Church Miami in Downtown. Selections include songs by Kurt Weill, William Bolcom, Benjamin Britten and a performance of Paul Schoenfield's virtuosic Piano Trio Cafe Music. Get details online.

Sunday, May 19 at 6pm
45th Annual GMSB Grande Finale Concert
The Greater Miami Symphonic Band (GMSB) presents its 45th Season Grande Finale Concert at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall. Music Director Robert Longfield and Guest Conductor Robert Carnochan will lead the band in Alfred Reed's Fifth Suite for Band (International Dances), Respighi's classic Pines of the Appian Way, Valerie Coleman's rousing Roma, and David Maslanka's masterpiece, Give Us This Day. Get details online.

Monday, May 20 at 6pm
Tótem
In a bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol navigates her father Tona's birthday preparations, witnessing her family's emotional journey unfold in this poignant film by director Lila Aviles. Get details online.

Monday, May 20 at 6:30pm
Voices From Florida - Coral Gables Woman’s Club
The Coral Gables Woman's Club has been a central part of the City Beautiful since 1923. This program spotlights the club's legacy and showcase how they're preserving its heritage in their online digital collections. Members of the club will also share their insights and stories. The Coral Gables Woman's Club digital collection has been made possible in part by a grant from the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Call the Coral Gables Library at 305-442-8706 or email capleybr@mdpls.org. All ages are welcome. Get details online.

Monday, May 20 at 7pm
Luis Miranda, Jr. - Relentless
As part of Democracy Week, the Books & Books Literary Foundation is delighted to present Luis Miranda, Jr., Latino trailblazer and father of Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda, presenting his riveting new memoir: Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America. Get details online.

Tuesday, May 21 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. Get agenda details online. 

Tuesday, May 21 at 5pm
Movie Night - Being There (Peter Sellers)
Simple-minded Chance (Peter Sellers), a gardener who has resided in the Washington, D.C., townhouse of his wealthy employer for his entire life and been educated only by television, is forced to vacate his home when his boss dies. While wandering the streets, he encounters business mogul Ben Rand (Melvyn Douglas), who assumes Chance to be a fellow upper-class gentleman. Soon Chance is ushered into high society, and his unaffected gardening wisdom makes him the talk of the town. Call the Coral Gables Library at 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. Ages 13 years and older. Get details online.

Tuesday, May 21 at 7pm
Democracy Series: An Evening With Eddie Glaude, Jr.
For Democracy Week, the Books & Books Literary Foundation is proud to present Eddie Glaude, Jr. presenting his important new book: We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For. Narrated with passion and philosophical intensity, this book is a powerful reminder that if American democracy is to survive, we must build a better society that derives its strength from the pew, not the pulpit. Get details online.

Wednesday, May 22 at 6pm
Underground Millennial Club at the Library
Meet up with Millenial Mates at the Coral Gables Library to play board and improvisational games, test your trivia knowledge and more. Call 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. For ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Wednesday, May 22 at 8pm
Blues Jam Session at Titanic
Every Wednesday evening, Titanic Brewery transforms into a blues club with an open-stage blues jam session organized by UM professor Chris Cosner at 5813 Ponce. Get details online.

Thursday, May 23 at 6:30pm
Meditation Class at the Library
Discover your true self through Sahaja Meditation and see your full potential unfold at Coral Gables Library. Learn to calm and balance yourself, avoid extremes and live in tune with your environment. Call 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. Beginners are welcome. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Thursday, May 23 at 7pm
Congregational Church's Pastor Laurie Hafner
Books & Books is proud to present an evening with the Reverend Dr. Laurie Hafner discussing her essay “Abortion and Faith in Florida” from the new anthology Fighting Mad: Resisting the End of Roe v. Wade. Get details online.

Thursday, May 23 at 7:30pm
Freylakh: From Classical to Klezmer
Chamber Fest Miami presents: Freklakh, From Classical to Klezmer' -- a dynamic program featuring masterworks by Mozart, Ravel, Arutiunian, and Schoenfield, seamlessly blending classical sophistication with the vibrant energy of klezmer music. This extraordinary concert invites audiences to experience the diverse and vibrant tapestry of musical expression through the impeccable virtuosity or tree award-winning musicians -- Arnaud Sussmann, violin; Moran Katz, clarinet; Marina Radiushina, piano. With their boundary-defying musical exploration, these tree musicians will transport you through a kaleidoscope of emotions and cultures at The Hub, 5950 Kendall Drive. Get details online.

Saturday, June 8 at 10am
Royal Poinciana Walking Tour
Experience the Simpson Park and South Miami Avenue Walking Tour presented by Dade Heritage Trust. View a South Florida natural hammock and the Royal Poinciana tree-lined South Miami Avenue. Start at DHT Headquarters, 190 SE 12th Terrace. This is a free event, but donations are welcome. Get details online.

Saturday, June 8 at 2pm
Royal Poinciana Symposium at the Pinecrest Library
In partnership with the Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade, Steve Pearson, former Director of the Gifford Arboretum and past president of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, will present the history of the Royal Poinciana, its origins in South Florida and its use by early settlers. Steve will also present information on the care and horticultural aspects of the tree, and the inspiration it has provided in art, music, and poetry. The event is free with free parking at the Pinecrest Library. Get details and RSVP online.

Thursday, June 13 at 7:30pm
Hot Fiddle - CAP 2024 Summer Concert Series
The Community Arts Program (CAP) 2024 Summer Concert Series opens with with Hot Fiddle. Virtuoso violinist Ashley Liberty and brilliant pianist Daniel Strange bring an epic genre-busting ride -- from classical and jazz, to fiddle and rock. The concert takes places at the Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd. Get details online.