The fifth edition of the Miami Grand Prix (more laboriously known as the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix) returns to the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday — horsepower without the mint juleps and lovely hats. Seemingly from the get-go this global event got Art Baseled, the accomplishments of its cockpit artists obscured by the weekend crush of celebrities, chic soirees, concerts and brand activations. It’s what we do.
At least we can watch it on TV (if Apple TV counts). There will be Miami Grand Prix watch parties for the 4 p.m. race at Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park and Thrōw Social Miami in Wynwood. (Thrōw Social in Delray Beach is busy setting up for a Kentucky Derby watch party on Saturday and its Scorpion Death Pepper Eating Contest on Taco Tuesday, uh, Cinco de Mayo.)
If you are hosting a Miami Grand Prix watch party at home, trade the mint julep for a cocktail from Hendrick’s Gin, which will have a major presence at the race. The spirit maker’s Another Hendrick’s Spritz combines its new gin release (called Another Hendrick’s) with prosecco, apple juice, club soda and cherry liqueur (garnish with a cherry, orange twist and/or cucumber slices, if you’re feeling fancy). Let’s go …
Thursday
GNR energy: Formula One’s return also means unique concerts such as the Miami Grand Prix kickoff show on Thursday at 7 p.m. by Guns N’ Roses (with must-see opener Stephen Wilson Jr.) at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood. Tickets are available at MyHRL.com. This show was added to GNR’s original Hard Rock Live concert happening on Tuesday, which is essentially a sellout.
Axl Rose and Slash will lead Guns ‘N Roses in shows on Thursday and Tuesday at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood. (Live Nation/Courtesy)
A fine romance: The Kravis on Broadway series brings the romantic musical “The Notebook” — with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson (“The Way I Am”) and book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s “This Is Us”) — to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach on a run through Sunday. Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: Kravis.org.
Thursday magic: Comedian and magician Justin Willman (as seen on 2025 PG-rated Netflix special “Magic Lover”) brings family-friendly mischief, illusions and sleight-of-hand to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets: BrowardCenter.org.
Thursday night live: Fred LeBlanc and Cowboy Mouth uncrate their wild collision of rock, blues, punk and soul at The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton on Thursday at 8 p.m. Tickets: FunkyBiscuit.com. … In a similar vein, the “soul shakin’ swingabilly” of The Mighty Flea Circus (think Wanda Jackson, Stray Cats, Eddie Cochran) will take over the Great Lawn on the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach for the free Clematis by Night concert series on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit WPB.org.
Friday
Classic flavors: James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser will host a one-night-only pop-up dinner on Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his influential Miami eatery Chef Allen’s, where his New World Cuisine put South Florida on the national culinary map. The multi-course dinner, highlighting some of his signature dishes, will take place at Sunness Supper Club in Fort Lauderdale (where Susser is culinary director) from 5 to 10:30 p.m. A raffle will benefit Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Tickets: SunnessSupperClub.com.
Prix party: Yes, without the Miami Grand Prix we would not have a concert uniting strange bedfellows Kane Brown, Marshmello and Nelly at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets: MyHRL.com.
Weekend laughs: Actor and comedian Kevin Nealon (first seen on “Saturday Night Live,” then … everywhere) will perform at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and 6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday. Post-show meet-and-greet sessions are also available. Tickets: Kravis.org. … Jess Hilarious is a comedian, social-media personality, syndicated radio host (“The Breakfast Club”) and now author of the debut memoir “’Til Death Do We Parent.” Catch her at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets: ParkerPlayhouse.com.
Friday night live: Singer, songwriter, sage Steve Forbert brings his eclectic bag of songs to The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton at 7 p.m. Friday, joined by veteran songwriter Seth Walker. Tickets: FunkyBiscuit.com. … Reggae-rock quintet Kash’d Out, pride of Orlando, play the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on Friday with SensaMotion and Beach Fly. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets: CultureRoom.net. … Tampa-based blues-rock guitarist Damon Fowler is at the Arts Garage in downtown Delray Beach at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets: ArtsGarage.org.
Star Wars and Stowers: The Miami Marlins will get a jump on May the Fourth celebrations by hosting Star Wars Night on Friday at loanDepot Park during a 7:10 p.m. game against the lowly Philadelphia Phillies. A one-night-only ticket package includes an exclusive Miami Marlins x Star Wars-themed Hawaiian shirt — choose between Mandalorian or Grogu designs — along with photos with Star Wars characters and other themed in-game elements. Tickets: Marlins.com/StarWars.
The Miami Marlins’ Star Wars Night on Friday will have a ticket package that includes a Hawaiian shirt in Mandalorian, left, or Grogu designs. (Miami Marlins/Courtesy)
Toes in the sand: Miami City Ballet will close the season with its Spring Mix 2 program, “¡Vamos! to the Beach” — featuring Paul Taylor’s Andrews Sisters-fueled “Company B,” Durante Verzola’s world premiere of “Grand Glittering Gershwin” and Twyla Tharp’s iconic “Deuce Coupe,” set to the music of The Beach Boys — at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. Showtimes will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. The production then moves to the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale for performances at 7:30 p.m. May 9 and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 10. Tickets: MiamiCityBallet.org.
Leis and ukuleles: Family-owned Sweet Aloha Ice Cream in Davie will hosts its fourth annual Lei Day celebration, honoring Hawaiian and Polynesian culture and cuisine, on Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. This will include the launch of the Sweet Aloha Hawai‘i Grill pop-up, a partnership with chef Adam Tabura, winner of Season 4 of Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” Admission is free. Information: Facebook.com/SweetAlohaIceCream.
Weekend pizza: New Flagler Village restaurant Craft has come up from Miami (it’s in all the cool spots, from Little River and Midtown to Brickell and Key Biscayne), opening in the old Brass Tap space with a broad menu of fresh and flavor-packed comfort food that deserves our attention. I did the excellent Caprese pizza the other day ($17.95, but $12 on Pizza Monday), and on the recommendation of the waiter it came with a side of beet aioli. Yes, beet beet aioli. For dipping the pillowy crust, I was told. It was a vivid pink and tasted like traditional aioli, but with a nearly imperceptible sweetness. It was delicious and definitely something new, which feels rare these days. To quote Eli Manning, “I’d put that [stuff] on everything.” Along with the ambitious food, you’ll find a flora-lined patio (facing that of Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap on Federal Highway), a comfortable bar, and it’s open for breakfast (8 a.m.), lunch and dinner. Recommended. Visit CraftMiami.us.
Gettin’ jiggy: The Garden District Taproom in downtown West Palm Beach will host Saved by the 90s & 2000s Trivia night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, with prizes for top teams. No one will think you’re wack for dressing the part. Visit GardenDistrictWPB.com.
Saturday
Burger me: The Burger Beast, a South Florida personality of unerring taste in handheld beef, is bringing his Hamburger House Party to Broward County, setting up in the MAD Yard at MAD Arts museum in Dania Beach on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. The festival, which includes unlimited bites, sips and live entertainment, will feature burgers personally approved by my favorite burger taster — me. They include BMC Smash Burgers, Charm City Burger Co., Jack’s Old Fashion Hamburger House, PINCHO, La Birra Bar and the one-and-only Ted’s Burgers. Ticket purchases benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. Visit HamburgerHouseParty.com.
Beer for good: Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton on Saturday will celebrate the release of Breaking the Silence Pale Ale, a collaboration between Barrel of Monks, Dirty Oar Beer Co. and Savage Lyfe Beer Co. to raise awareness and funds for first-responder mental health and suicide prevention. During the event, from 2 to 4 p.m., the brewery will donate 10% of all sales (including beer, merchandise and food) to Survive First, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first-responder mental wellness. In addition, $2 from every pint and $3 from every six-pack of Breaking the Silence sold will go to the cause. Visit: BarrelOfMonks.com.
Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton is releasing a new beer, Breaking the Silence Pale Ale, to support first-responder mental health and suicide prevention. (Barrel of Monks Brewing/Courtesy)
Oyster me: Miami Oyster Fest is an all-you-can-eat event at the Miami Beach Bandshell on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m., with more than 15 leading chefs offering their take on Everglades oysters. Presented by Oyster Reefer and Everglades Oysters, the event will spotlight local oyster farmers while supporting oyster reef restoration across the state. Among the chefs scheduled to participate are Adrianne Calvo (Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Bar), Raul Silveira (Klaw), Jimmy Lebron (Sunkissed), Tam Pham (Tam Tam), Eduardo Lara (The Wolf of Tacos) and Jason Ingrassia (Blue Moon Fish Co.). Tickets: MiamiBeachBandshell.com.
Gear up: The Florida Panthers will be selling discounted team merchandise (25% to 90% off), game-worn gear, equipment and more during the Pantherland Fan Appreciation Sale at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit AmerantBankArena.com.
Creative journey: Palm Beach County Open Studios returns this weekend, throwing down a welcome mat at more than 60 work spaces across the county, where you can meet more than 125 local artists, observe their creative process and add original works to your home. Presented by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County as part of MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas & Culture), Open Studios takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information and a map of participating spaces, visit PalmBeachCulture.com.
Local sounds: The expanding 561 Music Festival — more bands, more stages, still free — returns to Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The fifth annual festival is a showcase for the diverse Palm Beach County music scene, featuring 30 bands (10 more than last year) on three stages (there were two in 2025), led by the likes of Brett Staska, Dominic DeLaney, The Holidazed, Rogue Theory, Sandman Sleeps, Roots Shakedown, Bomb The Algorithm and many more. A variety of food trucks and beverage vendors will be on hand. Hosted by Ben Childs and Hector Diaz of the “561 Music” podcast, the event’s admission is free, with VIP accommodations also available. Information: 561MusicFestival.com.
Weekend DJ: Another pairing that would not be possible without F1, Canadian house duo Loud Luxury (me neither) will perform at The Guitar Hotel pool at the Hard Rock in Hollywood on Saturday at 8 p.m., joined by former Miami Heat star Shaquille O’Neal in his DJ Diesel guise. Tickets: MyHRL.com.
Lynne Sladky/AP
You can catch Shaquille O’Neal as DJ Diesel at the pool at The Guitar Hotel in Hollywood on Saturday. (Lynne Sladky/AP file)
Saturday night live: Grammy-winning Spanish singer-songwriter Alejandro Sanz brings his world tour to the Kaseya Center in Miami at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com. … Enjoy the hits of folk-rock duo America, led by original member Dewey Bunnell, on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets: BrowardCenter.org. … The South Florida Pride Concert Band celebrates its 40th anniversary with The XL Concert, packed with special guests and music, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets: ParkerPlayhouse.com.
Saturday laughs: Florida-soaked social-media creator Josh Wicks Robinson, better known as @Omgitswicks, whose comedic curation of the chaos that is life around here earned him the emcee role at the recent Florida Man Games, has two shows at The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton on Saturday at 6 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets: TheStudioAtMiznerPark.org.
Horsing around: Steve Savor and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival will host their annual Kentucky Derby watch party at 4 p.m. Saturday at Savor Cinema, with the race on a 30-foot, high-definition screen, plus live music, an open bar and barbecue buffet. There will be prizes for the most creative Derby hats and outfits. Tickets: FLIFF.com.
Sunday
Over and out: Miami Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its season finale — the 20th under the baton of music director and CEO Eduardo Marturet — on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Miami’s Arsht Center. The program will include music from Johannes Brahms (“Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73”) and Benjamin Britten (“Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”), as well as the world premiere of “Concertino for Double Bass.” The latter piece will feature double-bass soloist Luis Gomez-Imbert and the music of Chick Corea, arranged by Marturet and assistant conductor Mika Lin George. Tickets, information: ArshtCenter.org or TheMiSO.org.
Love on the run: The inaugural Front Runners Love Wins 5K, a celebration of South Florida’s rich diversity, will take place in Wilton Manors on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Starting and finishing at the iconic Rainbow Bridge, with a post-run festival at Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve, the event will include prize money in men’s, women’s and nonbinary divisions. Registration, information: LoveWins5k.com.
Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on IG: @BenCrandell.