SoFlo Festivals, Fairs & Festivities gives you a monthly look ahead to celebrations throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties. Here’s our list for May, but keep coming back to this post because we’ll continue to add events. Also, prices may not reflect taxes and fees.
561 Music Festival
This fifth annual celebration of Florida’s independent music scene will have an expanded three-stage setup with more than 30 bands performing. There will also be local food and beverage vendors as well as artisan and merchandise booths.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 2
WHERE: Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach
COST: Free admission; VIP Experience tickets are $50
INFORMATION: 561musicfestival.com
Michael W. Twitty
Author and culinary historian Michael W. Twitty will headline an event at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, May 7. (Michael W. Twitty/Courtesy)
‘An Evening with Michael Twitty’
Culinary historian Michael W. Twitty will explore the connections between African American and Jewish culinary traditions and how food tells the story of culture, identity and migration. There will also be a book signing. Twitty, a James Beard Foundation Book Award winner, is author of “Koshersoul,” “The Cooking Gene” and “Recipes from the American South.” The event is being produced through a partnership between the David Posnack Jewish Community Center and the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. Before the event, food trucks — The Square Bowl and Gold Soul — will be there from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and there will be an interactive spice lab.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7
WHERE: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
COST: Free admission; $75 VIP Experience (includes a tasting, meet-and-greet session, recipe booklet and screening of a documentary short (or $100 with a “KosherSoul” book)
INFORMATION: dpjcc.org/twitty
Mayor’s Chess Challenge
This chess series will make a stop in Pembroke Pines, where it will be hosted by Mayor Angelo Castillo. Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in the Beginners, Intermediate and Advance placements. There will even be Rookie Station/No Stress Chess Area for those who’ve never played.
WHEN: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 9
WHERE: Club 19 at Pembroke Lakes Golf & Racquet Club, 10500 Taft St., Pembroke Pines
COST: Free
INFORMATION: 954-392-2116; ppines.com
43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards
These music awards will recognize reggae, dancehall, soca and world music and bring together performing artists, industry leaders and fans.
WHEN: Sunday, May 17 (red carpet arrivals start at 6 p.m., with the awards showcase at 7:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill
COST: $65 for general admission; $99 VIP (early arrival, red carpet, reception, prime seating); $143 VVIP (early arrival, red carpet, reception, priority seating)
INFORMATION: 954-777- 2055; lpacfl.com
‘Journey to Kingston’
This celebration of reggae and dancehall music from Jamaica will put a spotlight on performances by Spragga Benz, Wayne Wonder, Agent Sasco and more. The event will be hosted by Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, May 30
WHERE: Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place
COST: $90.60, $106.65 and $165.50
INFORMATION: miramarculturalcenter.org