Things To Do

February-December 2023

Because events can change, contact the event host or visit its website to be sure the event is still on and times have not changed.

RECURRING

Saturday

• Farmers Market, green market and Jazz Market Arts and Crafts – Melody Lane, downtown. Farmers Market 8 a.m.-noon; Jazz Market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Live jazz at the gazebo through April. 940.1145

• Behind the Scenes Tours – St. Lucie County Aquarium, Seaway Drive, 2 p.m. Call first. 462.3474

• Fin-Tastic Feeding – Fish feeding at Manatee Observation Center, 2 p.m. 429.6266

Second Saturday

• Comedy Corner – Sunrise Black Box Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Fourth Saturday

• Comedy Corner – Sunrise Black Box Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Every Monday

• St. Lucie Aquarium Feeding Frenzy Tours – at the aquarium, February and March only, 10:30 a.m.  462.3474

Every Tuesday

• Farm to Fork – Green market at Treasure Coast Research Park, 3-6 p.m. Call first. 467.3107 or 569.8922

First Tuesday 

• St. Lucie County Aquarium’s Smithsonian Exhibit of saltwater marine life in living native habitat – this is the once-a-month free admission day. This is also beach cleanup days for volunteers who want to participate from 8 to 10 a.m. 462.3474

• Jazz – Sunrise Theatre Black Box Theatre, Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. November and April. 8 p.m. Tickets: 461.4775

Second Tuesday

• Jazz – Fort Pierce Yacht Club – June-October. Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. 7-10 p.m. 460.5299

Second and Fourth Tuesday

• Jazz – Sunrise Theatre Black Box Theatre, Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. December through March. 8 p.m. Tickets: 461.4775

Fourth Tuesday

• Jazz – Fort Pierce Yacht Club – June-October. Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. 7-10 p.m. 460.5299

• Jazz – Sunrise Theatre Black Box Theatre, Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. December through March. 8 p.m. Tickets: 461.4775

Fifth Tuesday

• Jazz – Sunrise Theatre Black Box Theatre, Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society. November and April. 8 p.m. Tickets: 461.4775

Tuesdays through Saturdays

• Harbor Branch Tour – A 1.5-hour golf cart tour of the 144-acre campus for adults and children 10 and older. Learn the history of the oceanographic institute, learn about its research, and impact on human lives. 10:30 a.m. to noon. $25 per person. Must reserve the day before by calling 242.2293 before 4 p.m. 

• St. Lucie Aquarium – Feeding Frenzy Tours, April-December at 10:30 a.m. 462.3474

Every Wednesday

• Ocean Science Lecture Series – Learn from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute scientists and hear about their latest discoveries. January through March. Call for lecture details. 4 p.m. 242.2293 

• Green Market and Food Co-op – Marina Square, 12-6 p.m. 971.8480

• Volunteer Gardening Day – Heathcote Botanical Gardens, 9 a.m.-noon. Visit www.heathcotebotanicalgardens.org or call 464.4672 for more information.

• Fin-Tastic Feeding – Fish feeding at Manatee Observation Center, noon. 429.6266

 Every Third Wednesday

• Bonsai Collection Tour – Tour the extensive James Smith Bonsai collection at Heathcote Botanical Gardens. Learn the history and enjoy the amazing shapes. 2-4 p.m. November-May. 464.4672 

 Second Thursday

• Harbor Branch Specialty Experiences – Learn about specific marine science topics during interactive workshop-like experience. January-May, 1-2:30 p.m. Reservations required. $40 per person. 242.2293

 

Third Thursday

• Behind the Scenes Tour of Smithsonian Research Station – South Hutchinson Island, 2 p.m. Suspended temporarily. Call for updates. Registration required: visit: http://tinyurl.com/SmithReg or call for more information.

• A Walk in the Garden – Heathcote Botanical Gardens, 11 a.m., November through May. Take a walk through the gardens with the horticulturist or a docent. 464.4672

 

Every Friday

• Indian River Lagoon Research Boat Tours – Harbor Branch north of Fort Pierce. Call 242.2293 for information. 

 

First Friday

• Friday Fest – Downtown Fort Pierce, 5:30-9 p.m. Call for rain date or to see if canceled. 466.3880

 

Second Friday

• Lunch and Learn – Manatee Center, noon. Bring lunch. Call for topic. December through April. 429.6266

 

Third Friday

• Coffee with Mayor of Fort Pierce – Fort Pierce Yacht Club, Veterans Memorial Park, 8 a.m. Call 466.3880 first to see if it is scheduled for in-person or on the internet.

• Art Walk – Visit the downtown galleries on Second Street and the Peacock Arts District, 5-8 p.m. 462.2783

• Creekside Chat – Volunteers chat with students in the outdoor classroom of the Manatee Observation Center, 2 p.m. Call 429.6266, option No. 3, for details.

 

Fourth Friday

• Coffee with St. Lucie County Commission Chairman – SLCTV studio, Room 101, County Administration Building, Fort Pierce. 8:30 a.m. Call to find out how to attend. 462.1400

FEBRUARY

Saturday, Feb. 4

• A Jazz & Pop Phantasmagoria – at McAlpin Center for the Arts, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, 2 p.m. 800.220.9915

Sunday, Feb. 5

• The Kat and Dave Show: An Evening with David Foster and Katharine McPhee, Sunrise Theatre, 7 p.m. 461.4775

• Free Admission Sunday for Dashboard Dreams: The Florida Highwaymen and the American Road – Backus Museum & Gallery. 465.0360 

Wednesday, Feb. 8

• The Hidden World of Harmful Algae in the Indian River Lagoon – Presented by Malcolm McFarland at the Johnson Education Center, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 4 p.m. 461.7710

Thursday, Feb. 9

• Trying to Reason with the Hurricane Season – Presented by William Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator for President Obama 2009-2017. At Indian River State College, Fort Pierce campus, 10 a.m. 462.7880

Saturday, Feb. 11

• Treasure Coast Pirate and Seafood Festival – Ahoy, calling all buccaneers! It’s time for the Treasure Coast Pirate Fest brimming with all things pirate. Veterans Memorial Park on the Indian River Lagoon becomes a pirate encampment with pirate ships and crews, pirate weapon demonstrations with cannons, re-enactors, a kids zone, music, pirate artists and pirate or nautical themed arts and crafts. Enjoy seafood and tropical drinks. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.treasurecoastpiratefest.com

• One Act Play Festival – Pineapple Playhouse. Call for time. 465.0366

• The Simon and Garfunkel Story – Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Sunday, Feb. 12

• Treasure Coast Pirate and Seafood Festival - Ahoy, calling all buccaneers! It’s time for the Treasure Coast Pirate Fest brimming with all things pirate. Veterans Memorial Park in Fort Pierce on the Indian River Lagoon becomes a pirate encampment with pirate ships and crews, pirate weapon demonstrations with real cannons, historical re-enactors, a kids zone, music, pirate artists and pirate or nautical themed arts and crafts. Enjoy seafood and tropical drinks. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. www.treasurecoastpiratefest.com

Wednesday, Feb. 15

• Aquarium After Dark – St. Lucie County Aquarium and Smithsonian exhibit returns with a chance to see the aquarium inhabitants settle in for the night. Special flashlights let you see how remarkable marine nightlife is. Enjoy pizza on the patio before entering, 5:45-8 p.m. Call to register early because these sell out. 465.3271

• Exploring Nature’s Bounty: The Wealth of Natural Products from the Sea – Presented by Amy Wright at Johnson Education Center, Harbor Branch, 4 p.m. 461.7710

Friday, Feb. 17

• Highwaymen Weekend – At the Backus Museum, Fort Pierce, on the outdoor mural plaza. Paintings available for purchase, and an exhibition of Highwaymen paintings called Dashboard Dreams: The Florida High-waymen and the American Road. 465.0630

Saturday, Feb. 18

• Highwaymen Weekend – At the Backus Museum, Fort Pierce, on the outdoor mural plaza. Paintings available for purchase and an exhibition of Highwaymen paintings called Dashboard Dreams: The Florida Highwaymen and the American Road. 465.0630

• Highwaymen Heritage Trail Festival – The free event will feature the original and second generation Highwaymen artists, guided tours, food and craft vendors, kids zone, art contest exhibit and live jazz music at Moore’s Creek Linear Park on the corner of Seventh Street and Avenue D, behind the county building. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit https://cityoffortpierce.com/483/Highwaymen-Heritage-Trail-Festival or call 742.9833 for more information.

 • Let’s Dance! – Original works by student choreographers and Ballet Vero Beach Fellowship students at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, 2 and 7 p.m. 800-220-9915

• Mania: The ABBA Tribute – Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Sunday, Feb. 19

• Highwaymen Weekend – At the Backus Museum, Fort Pierce, on the outdoor mural plaza. Paintings available for purchase, and an exhibition of Highwaymen paintings called Dashboard Dreams: The Florida Highwaymen and the American Road. 465.0630

Wednesday, Feb. 22

• NY Rockabilly Rockets: Shake, Rattle and Roll – Sunrise Theatre, 7 p.m. 461.4775

• In Search of Sea Ghosts and Unicorns – The Untold Stories of Beluga Whales and Narwhals. Presented by Gregory O’Corry-Crowe at the Johnson Education Center, Harbor Branch, 4 p.m. 461.7710

Friday, Feb. 24 – Sunday, March 5

• St. Lucie County Fair – Come one, come all. Horses, horticulture, unusual rabbits, sleek cows, and a rooster-crowing contest; home arts including quilting and crafty men demonstrating wood turning. And a great carnival with loads of rides. It’s all part of the 58th year of the St. Lucie County Fair. Don’t miss pottery, pies and quilts, the demolition derby, the rodeo, the small animal costume and parade contest, great fair food, and school exhibits. Times vary daily. Visit www.stluciecountyfair.org or call 464.2910 for details. 

Saturday, Feb. 25

• New York Mets spring training – Kick off the season with the first home game of spring training when they play the Miami Marlins at Clover Park in St. Lucie West. Learn more about the schedule and tickets by going to www.mlb.com or calling 871.2115.

• Nature Fest – Games, hands-on activities, exhibitors, live animals, children’s authors, demonstrations at Manatee Observation Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 429.6266

MARCH

Wednesday, March 1

• Keeping the Sea Free of Debris – Educating our Community and Taking Action. Presented by Gabby Barbarite at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Reservations required. Go to www.fau.edu/hboi.osls for more information.

Thursday, March 2

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

March 3-April 30

• Fine Print; Rediscovering the Backus Portfolio on Paper and Canvas – Backus Museum & Gallery. Reception March 17, 6-8 p.m. 465.0630

Friday, March 3

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot – The music of Billy Joel and much more. Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Saturday, March 4

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 and 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Electric Light Orchestra Experience – Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Sunday, March 5

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 p.m. 465.0366

• Juice and Jazz – Backus Museum, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Win a masterpiece of Florida art, enjoy a live jazz concert on the outdoor mural plaza. Refreshments, fresh juice, coffee, mimosas. 465.0630

Wednesday, March 8

• NASA’s Ocean Color Satellite Program – Presented by Tim Moore at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Reservations required. Go to www.fau.edu/hboi.osls for details.

• Non-native Reptiles of the Treasure Coast – Presented by Ken Gioeli, natural resources extension agent for St. Lucie County. Non-native reptiles are increasingly common here. St. Lucie County Aquarium, 420 Seaway Drive, 9-10 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments 8:30 a.m. 462.3474

Thursday, March 9

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Company – Tony Award-winning humorous and thought-provoking musical by the late Stephen Sondheim at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce. 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

• Ireland with Michael Londra – Sunrise Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 461.4775

Friday, March 10

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Company – Tony Award-winning humorous and thought-provoking musical by the late Stephen Sondheim at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

Saturday, March 11

• Company – Tony Award-winning humorous and thought-provoking musical by the late Stephen Sondheim at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce. 2 and 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 and 8 p.m. 465.0366

Sunday, March 12

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Move clocks forward.

• Wait Until Dark – Thriller. Blind housewife threatened by three con men. Pineapple Playhouse, 7 p.m. 465.0366

Tuesday, March 14

• Gordon Lightfoot – the legend in concert. Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Wednesday, March 15

• Emerging Environmental Issue in the Indian River Lagoon – Ocean Acidification, presented by M. Dennis Hanisak and Kristen Davis at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Reservations required. Go to www.fau.edu/hboi.osls for details.

Friday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Saturday, March 18

• Carbonaro – Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Sunday, March 19

• Waterside Blues Jazz Concert at Marina Square Park. Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society, Melody Lane, 1-4 p.m. 460.5299

Monday, March 20-Friday, March 24

• Jazz Week – For the week’s special shows please see the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society’s calendar at https://www.jazzsociety.org/p/16/event-calendar/d/20230301 or call for details at 460.5299

Wednesday, March 22

• Marine Global Earth Observatory – Presented by Dean Janiak, biologist from the Smithsonian Marine Research Station. Biodiversity of marine life is concentrated along the coasts, but our shorelines are changing rapidly. The MarineGEO program, a global network of partners led by the Smithsonian, is focused on the causes and consequences of this change on marine biodiversity, which is fundamental to a healthy ecosystem. St. Lucie County Aquarium, 420 Seaway Drive, 9-10 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments 8:30 a.m. 462.3474

Thursday, March 23

• Jay and the Americans – With special guest Chris Ruggiero. Sunrise Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 461.4775

Friday, March 24

• Powwow – 57th anniversary of the Native American event, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds. Hosts: Northern Drum – Warpaint Singers and Southern Drum – Ottertrail. Tepee display, flute music, Native American food, vendors, storytelling and more. Camping available at the fairgrounds with special pricing for Scout units. Visit www.facebook.com/FIHApowwow/ or call 519.7888 for details and information.

Saturday, March 25

• Powwow – 57th anniversary, annual Native American event, 10 a.m. -9 p.m. at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds. Hosts: Northern Drum – Warpaint Singers and Southern Drum – Ottertrail. Tepee display, flute music, Native American food, vendors, storytelling and more. Camping available at the fairgrounds with special pricing for Scout units. Visit www.facebook.com/FIHApowwow/ or call 519.7888 for details and information.

• The Music of Neil Diamond – Tribute by Marr Vee and the Killer Vees at the Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

• Swap Meet – Lawnwood Stadium parking area at 1302 Virginia Avenue, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. For details call 462.1100 and ask for Parks Department.

Sunday, March 26

• Powwow – Thunder on the Beach. Annual Native American event, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds. Hosts: Northern Drum – Warpaint Singers and Southern Drum – Ottertrail. Tepee display, flute music, Native American food, intertribal dancing and dance seminars, gourd dancing at 10 a.m., storytelling, princess competition, vendors. Visit www.facebook.com/FIHApowwow/ or call 519.7888 for details.

Friday, March 31

• R.E.S.P.E.C.T. The Aretha Franklin Story – Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

APRIL

Saturday, April 1

April Fools’ Day

• Broadway and the Movies Forever – McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce. 2 p.m. 800-220-9915

Thursday, April 13

• Singing Spectacular – IRSC Chorale and IRSC Company Singers at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, 7 p.m. 800-220-9915

• Theresa Caputo Live – Sunrise Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 461.4775

• Movies Forever – at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce. 2 p.m. 800.220.9915

Friday, April 14

• Singing Spectacular – IRSC Chorale and IRSC Company Singers at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

Saturday, April 15

• Singing Spectacular – IRSC Chorale and IRSC Company Singers at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, 2 and 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

Sunday, April 16

• Menopause The Musical – Comedy musical at the Sunrise Theatre, 3 p.m. 461.4774

Tuesday, April 18

• Million Dollar Time Machine – Sunrise Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 461.4775

Wednesday, April 19

• The Martin and Lewis Tribute Show – Sunrise Theatre, 7:30 p.m. 461.4775

Thursday, April 20

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, Fort Pierce, 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Cold Cases, College Students and Community Service – Presented by Kimberlie Massnick, assistant professor of criminal justice at Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, 10 a.m. 462.7880

Friday, April 21

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

Saturday, April 22

• Fort Pierce Oyster Fest – Enjoy plump oysters made in a variety of ways at this popular festival at Veterans Memorial Park and Riverwalk Center, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Festival-goers can enjoy seafood and landlubber food, too. Live entertainment, arts and crafts and merchandise vendors. The shells are used afterward to create new habitat for baby oysters in the lagoon to filter and clean the water. Visit www.fortpierceoysterfest.com for more information.

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 and 8 p.m. 465.0366

Sunday, April 23

• Fort Pierce Oyster Fest – Enjoy plump oysters made in a variety of ways at this popular festival at Veterans Memorial Park and Riverwalk Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Festival-goers can enjoy seafood and landlubber food, too. Live entertainment, arts and crafts and merchandise vendors. The shells are used afterward to create new habitat for baby oysters in the lagoon to filter and clean the water. Visit www.fortpierceoysterfest.com for more information. 

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 p.m. 465.0366

Thursday, April 27

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

Friday, April 28

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Mary Poppins presented by Tradition Preparatory School – Sunrise Theatre, 7 p.m. Call first in case this is canceled. 461.4775

Saturday, April 29

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 and 8 p.m. 465.0366

• Mary Poppins presented by Tradition Preparatory School – Sunrise Theatre, 7 p.m. 461.4775

Sunday, April 30

• Steel Magnolias – Small group of close friends share the good and the bad of their lives. Pineapple Playhouse, 2 p.m. 465.0366

• Mary Poppins presented by Tradition Preparatory School – Sunrise Theatre, 7 p.m. 461.4775

MAY

Saturday, May 6

• The Cream of Clapton Band – The Very Best of Clapton, Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

Thursday, May 11

• The Council – at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce, 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

May 12-June 17

• Through the Eye of the Camera Annual Juried Exhibition – Very popular exhibit at the Backus Museum and Gallery. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m. May 12. 465.0630

Friday, May 12

• One Night of Queen – Gary Mullen & the Works return to rock the Sunrise in tribute to the legendary Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon. Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

• The Council – at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce. 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

Saturday, May 13

• Brian Regan – Sunrise Theatre, 8 p.m. 461.4775

• The Council – at McAlpin Fine Arts Center, Indian River State College, Fort Pierce. 2 and 7 p.m. 800.220.9915

Sunday, May 14

Mother’s Day

Monday, May 29

Memorial Day 

• Ceremony, Veterans Memorial Park, 11 a.m. 

JUNE

Monday, June 19

Juneteenth Day

• Juneteenth Celebration – see your local paper. Details not available at time of printing.

JULY

Tuesday, July 4

Independence Day

• Stars Over St. Lucie – Fireworks at 9 p.m. over the Indian River Lagoon at Marina Square. 

OCTOBER

• Ghosts of Fort Pierce Past Historic Walking Tours – look for it in the last week of October. The two-evening tour features four routes, each about an hour long. Each route has about eight stops where the walkers will meet characters from the past. Tours leave about 15 minutes apart. Call Main Street Fort Pierce or watch its website for dates and specifics. www.mainstreetFortPierce.org or 466.3880.

NOVEMBER

Thursday, Nov. 23

Thanksgiving

Last week of November

• Garden of Lights, the exquisite and unique display at Heathcote Botanical Gardens usually starts the last week of November. 

DECEMBER

Sunday, Dec. 3

• Sights & Sounds on Second – Christmas parade in downtown with floats, marchers, music and magic all around. Annual family friendly good time with the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree in the roundabout at Indian River Drive and Avenue A, parade and other activities. 466.3880

 

FORT PIERCE magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or schedule changes. Please check with the facility before attending any event.