Thunderbirds on the Beach, Bollywood Rhythms, Willy Wonka on Stage, and Streisand All Week
The Air Show Roars, Ballet Dances, and Barbra Hits the Boards
Thursday, May 7th, 2026 - The skies over Fort Lauderdale Beach fill with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-22 Raptors this week. Two days, free admission, and make sure to bring your beach chair. Plus: Willy Wonka opens Thursday, Miami City Ballet dances Friday and Saturday, and Barbra Streisand's greatest hits play three nights running. A stacked week from top to bottom.
Stuff You Won’t Want To Miss:
TONIGHT | Mini Muse at the NSU Art Museum. Free drop-in art-making project. Open to all skill sets. Create alongside families, artists, and neighbors.
ALSO Tonight | Devon Allman's Blues Summit. Featuring the Devon Allman Project, Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, and Laka Soul. Blues legends on one stage — a rare gathering.
Friday | Free movie for 12 and under at Savor Cinema. Come see Time Hoppers: The Silk Road follows the adventures of four gifted children from Vancouver’s Aqli Academy in the year 2050.
Friday | Aladdin (Presented by Heroes of Hip Hop). The Disney classic reimagined by Heroes of Hip Hop. Fresh take on "A Whole New World.".
Also Friday | One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works. Part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. A legendary tribute to the greatest band ever — all the hits, the magic, the energy.
Saturday and Sunday | Fort Lauderdale Air Show. Two-day aerial spectacular featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Breathtaking formations, speed, and precision. Bring beach chairs and arrive early for best viewing. FREE admission.
Saturday Morning | Want a great way to do some good while also watching the jets fly overhead? Come out for this month’s Beach Sweep.
Saturday | Creativity Exploration: Wander in Watercolor. A guided watercolor exploration workshop. Learn technique while creating alongside an instructor.
Saturday Afternoon | The Art of FLO. This dynamic showcase brings together unique artists of all abilities, blending poetry, music, and performances into one unforgettable night.
Saturday Music | Pop Up Music In the Park. Huizenga has a full slate of events all week. But if you want to quiet Saturday evening, mosey on over for music in the park.
Saturday Night Dancing | Konpa Pompano Beach! Feel the rhythm and energy for an exciting dance workshop celebrating Haitian Heritage Month and one of Haiti’s most iconic dance styles
Also Saturday and Sunday | Miami City Ballet. Paul Taylor’s Company B kicks things off with swing, sass, and the irresistible harmonies of The Andrews Sisters—an all-American dance party with vintage flair.
Sunday to Tuesday | Don’t Rain On My Parade - The Music of Barbara Streisand. Features new orchestrations, highlighting Streisand’s timeless hits alongside hidden gems from her vast repertoire. This will be an unforgettable tribute to one of the most iconic voices of all time.
SAVE THE DATE - May 16 | Smoke On The Water BBQ Feast. This annual festival will bring together top pitmasters, BBQ enthusiasts, and food lovers for an assortment of smoked and grilled fare.
😉 Hey - quick question. Did we miss anything? Each week we do our research but you might know of an event, an organization, or a local business that deserves some love here in our weekly basket of goodies. Just hit reply to this email and let us know!
Featured Fort Lauderdale
You Might See Us… Before You Hear Our Roar 🛩️
This week (practice) and this weekend (the big show) the FTL skies will be filled with the latest jets for the 2026 Fort Lauderdale Air Show.
For two days, the pristine sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach will transform into the ultimate front-row seat for one of the most prestigious aerial displays in the country. Whether you’re a die-hard aviation enthusiast or just looking for a spectacular way to spend a family weekend, this year’s lineup is set to be one for the history books.
The roar you’ll hear over the Atlantic comes courtesy of some of the world’s most elite pilots. This year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline the event, showcasing their world-famous “diamond” formation and mind-bending precision maneuvers in their signature red, white, and blue F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Joining them is the F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Watching this fifth-generation stealth fighter perform gravity-defying “cobra” turns and hovering maneuvers is a visceral experience that truly has to be seen (and felt) to be believed.
Other scheduled acts include:
U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet demonstrations
The Red Bull Helicopter (performing aerobatics usually impossible for a chopper!)
SOCOM Para-Commandos skydiving team
A-10 Thunderbolt II (the legendary “Warthog”)
Pro Tips for the Best Experience
The air show is a massive event, and a little planning goes a long way:
Arrive Early: Gates to the premium viewing areas open at 9:00 AM, and the flight performances typically run from 11:45 AM to approximately 3:00 PM. Beach space fills up fast!
Location, Location: The “Show Center” is located on State Road A1A, centered near Sunrise Blvd. While you can see the jets from miles away, the closer you are to the Sunrise Blvd area, the better the acoustics and low-altitude views.
Pack the Essentials: Bring plenty of sunscreen, ear protection (it gets loud!), and a comfortable beach chair. If you aren’t in a ticketed area, remember to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated under the Florida sun.
Know Your Options: While the show is free to view from most of the beach, there are upgraded “Drop Zone” and VIP options available at FortLauderdaleAirShow.com if you want dedicated restrooms and narrated commentary.
Getting There
With A1A closed to through traffic in the show zone, parking can be a challenge. Consider using ride-share services, the Brightline, or the Water Taxi to avoid the gridlock. If you must drive, the Galleria Mall offers paid parking with a short walk over the bridge to the beach.
The Forecast: Clear skies and roaring engines. We’ll see you on the sand!
So... You Think You Know South Florida
You probably already know... every community is proud of its young people.
What you might not know... is just how much talent is being practiced all around us.
Some of them are musical. Our own daughter is getting ready for the year-ending concert of the Florida Youth Orchestra (she plays cello).
For others, they stand in the brightest lights on stage.
From candy factories to magic carpets, our local students are taking over some of the region’s biggest stages this week. If you’re looking for a dose of creative energy, here is your roadmap to the best student productions and celebrations happening right now.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Roald Dahl or Disney magic, there’s a seat waiting for you:
Willy Wonka Jr. (Katz Yeshiva High School)
When: Opens Thursday, May 7
Where: The Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Aladdin (Heroes of Hip Hop)
When: Friday, May 8
Where: Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Little Mermaid Jr. (Posnack School)
When: Wednesday, May 13
Where: Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
And The Grand Finale: The South Florida Cappies
Think of it as the Oscars of High School Theater. On Monday, May 12, the 24th Annual South Florida Cappies Gala arrives at the Broward Center.
This isn’t just any awards show—it’s the culmination of a year where student critics review each other’s work, fostering a genuine community of young artists. It is a high-energy, deeply moving night that celebrates the grit, talent, and passion of the next generation of performers.
Pro Tip: If you have even a passing connection to the arts, the Cappies Gala is a “don’t miss” event. The talent on display will leave you feeling very good about the future of the stage!
Supporting local theater has never looked (or sounded) so good. See you at the show!
More Treats To Try
We don’t let just anyone sponsor this newsletter. Here’s who “made the cut” this week:
(Hit reply to this email if you want to reach over 1300+ local families for just $100)
👉 Buy YOUR OWN Classified Ad Here 👈
The Opulent Reset. For the woman who built it all, and forgot herself inside of it. A private four-day return to yourself on the white-sand shores of Turks & Caicos.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale | Riverfront outdoor venue with weekly events: 2-for-1 martinis Thursdays, Seaciety Saturdays (beer buckets + live music), and Big Sunday Energy Sundays. Free RSVP on Eventbrite. 🔗 https://www.wharfftl.com
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale | One of South Florida’s premier contemporary art museums. Current exhibitions: Selma is Now (through June 27) and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel (through June 14). Free First Thursday every first Thursday of the month, 11 AM–7 PM. 🔗 https://nsuartmuseum.org
Children heading off unhappily to school for another dreary day? Have you looked at Acton? The model is pretty different from a traditional school, and it seems to click for many who are not thriving in a standard classroom. Book a visit to see for yourself.
Pioneer Wednesdays is a special program designed to give back to the Fort Lauderdale community by offering residents free admission to the Historic Stranahan House Museum every Wednesday during operating hours. This initiative invites locals to explore the city’s rich history, connect with its pioneering roots, and experience one of Fort Lauderdale’s most significant landmarks at no cost.
Rhythms School of Dance is a training center for Indian Classical dance, Bharatanatyam. Promoting priceless artistic traditions of India through professional training and student performances.
Just hit reply to this email to get started. Work with us to reach over 1250+ Greater Fort Lauderdale families.
Quote Of The Week
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
~ Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and co-founder of Cubism, widely considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Flotsam & Jetsam
With so much going on in the world, and even in the skies above us - here’s the answer to a simple question…
Ever Wondered Where Your Hard-Earned Cash Actually Lands?
We all know that sinking feeling when we look at a pay stub and see a chunk of change heading off to the federal government. But once that money leaves your bank account, where does it actually go? If you’ve ever wanted to demand an itemized receipt for your citizenship, MyTaxReceipt is the digital tool you didn’t know you needed.
The “Receipt” for Your Reality
Most of us think of federal spending in abstract trillions, which is impossible to wrap a human brain around. MyTaxReceipt fixes that by making it personal. Here’s how the magic happens:
The Data: Simply pop in your Zip code and the amount you paid in Federal taxes (if you don’t have your return handy, the site can provide a localized average for your area).
The Breakdown: It generates a sleek, “grocery-store style” receipt that translates those massive federal budgets into actual dollar amounts from your pocket.
The Reveal: You’ll see exactly how many of your dollars went toward National Defense, Medicare, and Social Security, but the real eye-openers are the smaller line items. Seeing the specific amount you contributed to Interest on National Debt or National Parks turns a political debate into a personal ledger.
From “Eye-Opening” to “Action-Taking”
It’s one thing to see your receipt; it’s another thing to speak to the manager. One of the coolest features of the site is the “Message Congress” button. If you look at your receipt and think, “I’d rather see more of my money going toward education and less toward subsidies,” you can send your spending priorities directly to your representatives with a single click.
The Verdict: Whether you want to be a more informed voter or you just love a good data visualization, this tool is a fascinating rabbit hole. It’s a rare moment of transparency in a world of complex spreadsheets.
Curious to see your total? Check out the breakdown and decide for yourself if you’re getting your money’s worth.
Word Play Of The Week
“the whole nine yards”
Everything; the full extent of something. Exact origin disputed, but widely used in American English since at least the 1960s. One theory traces it to WWII aircraft machine gun belts, which were nine yards long — to give someone the whole nine yards meant to fire every round you had. ~ Source
‘Under-The-Radar’ Openings Job Board
Here’s a new section that we are debuting this week with our transition to Substack.
Open position at MODS. Science Facilities & Exhibits. High school diploma and minimum two (2) years’ experience performing building preventive and/or exhibit maintenance.
MODS is also looking for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Serving as a strategic partner to the President & CEO and senior leadership, providing financial stewardship and operational oversight in support of the Museum’s mission.
FIFA 2026 is looking for a Senior Content Manager. Because if you didn’t hear, football (no, not that football) is coming to South Florida in a big way.
Part-time openings at the Broward Center. Head usher, bartenders, and event staff. Even a teaching artist position.
Lastly… One Big Idea For Your Week
Tell Us How We Are Doing
Every week we are working to improve #FFFTL every week, both for your reading experience and to provide a cutting-edge media apprenticeship opportunity for our learners.
We want to hear from you. What do you love? What could we do better FOR YOU? And most importantly, what FTL businesses and experiences should we be highlighting?