On a strong live-music weekend in a great summer concert season, country star Morgan Wallen is here for two massive shows at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Friday and Saturday.
Wallen will be here with music from his new record-breaking record, “I’m the Problem,” his third consecutive double album, a remarkable achievement for the most prolific songwriter of our time (sorry, Taylor).
Some critics have again sniffed at a “monotonous” listening experience, as if Morgan Wallen making a lot of signature Morgan Wallen music for Morgan Wallen fans is a bad thing. The album includes what may be the ultimate clapback to those grumps, the cliche-encrusted “Miami” — polarizing at best, it is Wallen’s “Ishtar” (or, in today’s terms, his Huda from “Love Island”). It also will be one of the biggest sing-alongs at Hard Rock Stadium this weekend.
For the record, you can still get tickets to both shows, starting at $110+ on Friday and $134.95+ (obstructed view) on Saturday. Visit Ticketmaster.com.
This weekend also offers the classic outdoor summer jams of Friday’s visit by The Offspring, joined by Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory, pride of Coral Springs, at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show start at $30+ for general-admission lawn access. Visit Ticketmaster.com.
Saturday brings a long-awaited concert by Elvis Costello & The Imposters at The Fillmore Miami Beach on a tour focused on Costello’s audacious first decade of music. Tickets are available, starting at $86.50+ at Ticketmaster.com.
While we’re at it, here is an update on 10 more memorable summer concerts happening in South Florida through Labor Day Weekend.
Coldplay: Their Music of the Spheres World Tour stops at Hard Rock Stadium for two performances on July 26-27. Both concerts are essentially sold out, with resale tickets well over $400 at Ticketmaster.com.
Shania Twain: The country icon’s unlikely renaissance, which included a headlining set at Tortuga Music Festival in 2023, continues at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Aug. 1-2. Tickets start at $136.70 for the first show and $116.15 for the second concert. Visit MyHRL.com.
The Weeknd: His album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” had the largest debut week of the year until Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” came along. The Weeknd will play two nights at Hard Rock Stadium on Aug. 15-16, joined by Playboi Carti And Mike Dean. Tickets start at $91.15 for both shows. Visit Ticketmaster.com.
The Who: On their farewell tour, titled The Song is Over, rock icons Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey will lead the band through decades of generational rock anthems at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Aug. 16. Tickets start at $89+ at SeatGeek.com.
Erykah Badu: The trailblazing neo-soul singer, composer and producer will bring the Abi + Alan Tour — a collaboration with hip-hop producer The Alchemist, who helmed her imminent album — to The Fillmore Miami Beach on Aug. 19. General-admission tickets start at $79.50+ at Ticketmaster.com.
Katy Perry: The singer will bring music from 2024 album “143” to Miami’s Kaseya Center on Aug. 23 as part of The Lifetimes Tour, her first major South Florida tour stop since 2017. Tickets start at $83.40 at Ticketmaster.com.
Blink-182: Led by longtime core members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker, the pop-punk legends will kick off their Missionary Impossible Tour at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Aug. 28. Tickets start at $229.15 at MyHRL.com.
Def Leppard: Nearly 50 years after their formation, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers bring room-shaking anthems to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Aug. 29. Tickets start at $130.40 at Ticketmaster.com.
Against All Authority: South Florida-bred punk veterans will bring the revolutionary spirit of the album “24 Hour Roadside Resistance,” celebrating its 25th anniversary, to Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 30. Tickets start at $29.50 at JoinTheRevolution.net.
Lady Gaga: The multihyphenate pop star brings The Mayhem Ball Tour to the Kaseya Center in Miami on Labor Day Weekend, with performances on Aug. 31, Sept. 1 and Sept. 3. Tickets are available, starting at just under $300 for the final show. Visit Ticketmaster.com.
THURSDAY
Mouse call: The nonprofit arthouse theater Savor Cinema in downtown Fort Lauderdale has a new sound system that will elevate the 1940 Disney classic “Fantasia” and its dazzling classical-music soundtrack (featuring conductor Leopold Stokowski and The Philadelphia Orchestra) during a special screening on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 ($8 for FLIFF members) and include a reception with free candy station and a signature beverage created for the screening. Visit FLIFF.com.
Georgia, the whole day through: We’re coming up on the end of peach season in Georgia, so Palm Peach Co.’s three Peach Drop events this weekend may be the last, who knows? How it works: You order your peaches by 11:50 p.m. Thursday — a 12-pound box with about 25 peaches costs $30 — and they will have fruit in your hands within 48 hours of it being picked in Peach County, Georgia. You can pick them up during Peach Drops on Saturday at The Daily Grind Coffee in North Palm Beach (8-11 a.m.) and SaltWater Brewery in Delray Beach (1-4 p.m.), or on Sunday at Tarpon River Brewing in Fort Lauderdale (1-4 p.m.). If you miss the deadline to order, Palm Peach Co. typically has a few boxes available for walk-ups, but they are very limited. Visit PalmPeaches.com.
Messing with the Zoltan: Popular comedian Zoltan Kaszas moved to the U.S. from Hungary when he was 4 and was raised in trailer parks near the Mexican border in Southern California, learning English while watching pro wrestling on TV. Lotta jokes in there somewhere. You can catch him at the Fort Lauderdale Improv in Dania Beach on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $30.90 at ImprovFTL.com.
Bleep this: We now live in a world in which Comedy Central, in airing the episode of “The Office” about Jim and Pam’s wedding, including Andy’s fateful dance move, felt compelled to bleep out the words “penis” and “scrotum.” It is into that humorless landscape that kitschy-cool bar Revelry in Pompano Beach will introduce Thursday night vibrator races. The monthly second-Thursday event aims to raise money for nonprofit rescue Good Luck Cat Cafe while having a few laughs. You’ll also find for-fun wagering, prizes, giveaways and Revelry’s locally famous cocktails and food. Admission is free. The first race is at 7:30 p.m. Visit RevelryFLA.com.
FRIDAY
Pho real: The Saigon Night Market tour will stop at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach this weekend, a culinary and cultural experience taking place 3 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. More than 100 vendors will offer a variety of authentic Asian street food from Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, Japan and elsewhere, along with live music and other cultural performances. You also can channel your inner Joey Chestnut in a pho-eating contest (with cash prizes). Tickets cost $10+ (Friday and Sunday) and $12+ (Saturday) and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Parking costs $10. For more information, visit SaigonNightMarket.com.
Taylor and Billie: Laser music night under the full-dome planetarium at Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach on Friday will present two shows featuring the songs of Taylor Swift (6 and 8 p.m.) bracketing a new laser show of moody pop grooves by Billie Eilish (7 p.m.). Tickets for each show cost $15 at CoxScienceCenter.org.
Freestyle night: The tour Freestyle Free for All hits Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Friday at 8 p.m., with a dozen stars of the genre celebrating its 40th anniversary. You’ll hear hits from members of TKA, The Cover Girls, Betty Dee of Sweet Sensation, Lisette Melendez, Johnny O and The Mad Stuntman from Reel 2 Real (“I Like to Move It”). Tickets start at $58.45 as part of a Me+3 four-pack. Visit MyHRL.com.
Weekend laughs: Character actor and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Jon Lovitz will be at the Fort Lauderdale Improv in Dania Beach for performances at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $40.90+ at ImprovFTL.com. … On the same stage, comedian D’Lai (HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” Kevin Hart’s “Laugh Out Loud”) will perform at 10 p.m. Friday and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, with tickets starting at $30.90+ at ImprovFTL.com. … Former University of Miami student and “Jackass” star Steve-O will spend the weekend at the Miami Improv in Doral, with performances at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 7 p.m Sunday. Tickets start at $35.90+ at MiamiImprov.com.
Friday tributes: Led by singer Bob Donahue (very good), South Florida-based Given to Fly: The Pearl Jam Experience is a tribute band worth seeking out. They will perform at the Boca Black Box at 8 p.m. Friday, with tickets starting at $51.09. Visit BocaBlackBox.com. … Boca Raton’s free Summer in the City concert series continues on Friday at 8 p.m. with a tribute concert featuring the music of Santana and the Steve Miller Band at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Gates open at 7 p.m., and lawn seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit MiznerAmp.com. … David Bowie tribute band Fame and Duran Duran synthesizers Planet Duran will do an all-ages show at Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Friday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15+ at JoinTheRevolution.net. … Carbonell Award-winning actor and singer Shelley Keelor will bring her tribute show “Bette Midler: Bathhouse to Broadway” to The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton for performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 6 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Limited standard tickets remain, starting at $49.75, with some resale tickets also available. Visit TheStudioAtMiznerPark.com.
SATURDAY
Earn your wings: The third annual South Florida Wing Bash returns to South County Regional Park in Boca Raton on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. The all-you-can-eat (and drink) event will include more than 20 chefs tempting a panel of judges and guests voting for the coveted People’s Choice award. They include Cheffrey Eats, Windy City Pizza, Indulge BBQ, Earl’s Slow and Low BBQ, Atomic Biscuit, Brass Rooster Wing Factory, Joe’s Backyard Smokehouse, TJ’s Southern Kitchen and more. Along with unlimited wings, you’ll also find bottomless beers, seltzers and spirits, as well as live music, ax throwing and a golf simulator. Tickets start at $64.99+ for all-you-can-eat-and-drink access from 7 to 10 p.m.; VIP admission is $84.99+ for entry at 6 p.m. Visit: BattleBrosEvents.com.
Buns of fun: Meanwhile, across town, the Boca Burger Battle will fire up the grills at lovely Sanborn Square Park in downtown Boca Raton on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. A longtime favorite event, now in its 12th year, the evening will offer all the burgers and beverages you can handle while competitors from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale duke it out for a panel of judges that includes Carmine Gialanella (host of WILD 95.5’s “Carmine & Maegan In The Morning,” CBS News 12 anchor Sam Kerrigan and former Palm Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth. A highlight for your ears will come from popular local band Spider Cherry. Tickets cost $71.30 for 7 p.m. entry, $91.88 for VIP access at 6 p.m. Proceeds support local nonprofit Children’s Giving Foundation. Visit BocaBurgerBattle.com.
Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel
Boca Burger Battle is expected to draw thousands of folks to lovely Sanborn Square Park on Saturday. (Michael Laughlin/South Florida Sun Sentinel file)
A different burger: We were moping around after seeing that all tickets are gone for the Annual Neighborhood Cookout: Smoke & Sunset, hosted by Tropical Smokehouse and Celis Juice Bar at Civil Society Brewing Co. in West Palm Beach on Saturday. But then we landed on Tropical’s Facebook page and watched chef Rick Mace making the new Panko Shrimp Burger, part of a limited-time menu collaboration with 100-year-old Japanese condiment company Kewpie. Bro, you’re killing me. The burger goes for $16.50. Check out other items on the Kewpie x Tropical Smokehouse menu, available through the end of the month, at Facebook.com/tropicalsmokehouse.
A place to chill: Two of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s most reliable purveyors of chill authenticity will join forces on Saturday as the ladies of Sunny Side Up Market set up at Rhythm & Vine in Flagler Village for a gathering called Vintage & Vine. The throwback market from 4 to 8 p.m. will include vendors offering accessories, jewelry, vintage clothing and more, along with cocktails and food-truck eats. Visit Facebook.com/sunnysideupmarketBGN.
‘A singular force’: Singer-songwriter, guitarist and University of Miami alum Raul Midón comes to The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton on Saturday to share music from new album “Lost & Found,” with shows set for 6 and 9 p.m. In appreciating the work of this Grammy-nominated performer, blind since birth, it’s hard to improve on the words of music writer Peter Chakerian at the Cleveland Plain Dealer: “With a guitar as his orchestra and a voice that defies genre, definition and gravity, Raul is a singular force. He can inhabit a room in a way very few can.” Tickets start at $39.24 for general-admission standing room, but table seats are still available. Visit FunkyBiscuit.com.
SUNDAY
Crazy ‘Love’: As you are no doubt well aware, the inescapable escapist reality dating show “Love Island” will have its Season 7 finale on Peacock on Sunday, when one couple will win a $100,000 prize and legions of fans will feel like they’ve lost something important in their lives. You can experience the finale with a crowd of fellow worshippers at Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton, which will host a “Love Island” watch party from 8 to 10 p.m. It’ll be shown on a big screen with the sound on — like the Super Bowl. Visit CrazyUncleMikes.com.
Jessie’s whirl: Currently in the middle of a global tour, Grammy-nominated, Colombian-Canadian singer Jessie Reyez will bring music from her new album, “Paid in Memories,” to The Fillmore Miami Beach on Sunday at 8 p.m. Tickets (all access is general admission) start at $48.10 at Ticketmaster.com.
Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and X @BenCrandell.
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