Let’s talk Hipster…. Art walk this weekend anyone?

What to do this weekend? Good god the life of sobriety is sooooo boring, NOT!! I can’t believe the amount of scheduling, calendar planning, available activities to do have been around me all this long, but instead I hid in a dark hole of this tobacco, whiskey musky scent mixed with a faint hint of Fabuloso when I could be out discovering all the beautiful attributes to my city!!! The number one question I have been getting asked is, am I bored? Of course! But it is all about what I am going to do with the boredom that matters. Since I am new into my sobriety, I don’t see me dancing at some live concerts or experiencing a nightclub any time soon, so what else is there to do on the weekends?!… The answer Is LOTS! And I can tell you exactly what fun is happening this weekend! Living in the city of Fort Lauderdale is a bonus to my sobriety actually! Based on travelers reviews, Fort Lauderdale ranks a lofty 23rd among the best places to visit in the USA!!!! I am able to explore the natural beauty of Fort Lauderdale, everything is unpretentiously unique when we talk tropical tranquility. But this weekend is exceptionally special.

Art Walks and Jam Sessions!!!! Okay, hipsters, help a girl out here, art walks are awesome! This is where open galleries showcase their new art exhibit, local artists and artisans sell gifts and goods with a variety of food and entertainment. An art walk can be such a magical thing, from the people you go with, the people and vendors you meet, to creative ideas for your next birthday bash or home event you plan to host. Art walks are a great way for exposure to local artist and build awareness of their work, plus, Who doesn’t like to walk around a charming downtown setting and wander in and out of businesses looking at beautiful and interesting artwork? This is a great way to feel in touch with the artist community and connect the art you buy with a memorable story. Friday: Friday Night Sound Waves on Fort Lauderdale beach is a great time! The Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series takes place every Friday night from 6:00 - 9:00pm, at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub located at Las Olas and A1A. Attendees are encouraged to slide off their shoes and slip into the weekend, while kicking back on the sand with family and friends, to take in the ocean breeze and spectacular sights and sounds as a lead into their weekend. I enjoy the sand in my toes, the vibe of the busy restaurant scene, and lots of locals dancing away….plus a nighttime walk under the stars on the beach?!! Lauderdale Night Market - Lauderdale Night Market features a curated selection of handmade, homemade, and remade merchandise, food vendors, and a local musician spotlight along with a first of its kind Night Picnic amenity complete with table, pillows, lights, place settings, blanket, and décor that attendees can book in advance for a special date night or night out with your friends. The Night Market is located at Peter Feldman Park. Although I have not been yet, I have been told the ambiance of relaxing on your blanket with the picnic setting is a special way to remember your weekend. https://www.goriverwalk.com/greater-fort-lauderdale-events/lauder-night-market-2021-12-03

Jazz Jams - Gold Coast Jazz Society presents the First Friday Jazz Jams. Jazz students are invited to bring their instruments and participate in this free open jam session. Audience members of all ages invited to attend. The Friday Jazz Jams provide students a chance to perform with a live professional backline, provided by the Gold Coast Jazz Society for each jam session. The Jam session is located at ArtServe 1350 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 https://www.goriverwalk.com/greater-fort-lauderdale-events/first-friday-jazz-jams-2-2022-03-04

Las Olas Oceanside Park Market – taking place every Saturday from 9 am - 4pm, the Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers, Antiques and Artisan Market features an eclectic array of traditional market fare. Visitors will delight in the 40+ local and artisan vendors displaying a fine selection of organic produce, international cheese, baked goods, plants, clothing, jewelry, art and so much more. https://www.sunny.org/event/las-olas-oceanside-park-farmers-antique-and-artisan-market/33238/

Art Walk Wilton Manors - Art Walk Wilton Manors is a fun, open-air event held on the third Saturday of every month. The event brings area artists and craftspeople together with the Wilton Manors community on the sidewalks of beautiful Wilton Drive. Shop, dine and play! I have a blast at the thrift stores, local eateries, and even trivia game nights at the pubs. The best thrift store that I enjoy is Out of the Closet, lots of fun items to explore there! Saturday: Art walk MASS district – This is my absolute favorite one. They have several areas of downtown with lots of pop up events nd vendors weekend nights. One of my favorite sections of this is the Sunny Side Up Market on Sundays which has locally sourced fresh produce and artisanal goods as well as more live music and shopping. 844 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304https://www.massdistrict.com/

FATVillage Art Walk - Ft Lauderdale's Arts District is about 10 years old. FATVillage (Flager Arts & Technology Village). There are murals on warehouse walls, artists have studios, they have small shops, restaurant. Although the FATVillage Arts District has been in existence for over a decade now, it is just beginning to hit it's stride. Already one of the most exciting sections of Fort Lauderdale, the surrounding neighborhood is rapidly changing with the introduction of the Brightline Train Station connecting Miami with Orlando just a few blocks away, construction of a number of apartment buildings, hotels, and restaurants, and the nearby MASS District of bars, coffee shops and nightlife. My number one place to hang out there is Glitch Bar, a laid-back hangout with old-school arcade games & pinball, weekend DJs, trivia nights & a full bar. https://www.fatvillage.com/ 521 NW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Sistrunk Market Place – The complex boasts a brewery, distillery, event space featuring over a dozen food & beverage concepts each with a unique specialty offering to our guests. Sistrunk is about to tempt your taste buds. However, Since I am no longer drinking, I enjoy the hip food, wild atmosphere, and live music.

115 NW 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311https://sistrunkmarketplace.com/

Sunday: New River open air Market – Set along the banks of the New River under the shade of historic live oaks, the Open Air Market will feature more than 52 vendors offering a selection of curated locally made crafts, farm-fresh vegetables, fresh-baked bread and pastries, specialty plants including orchids and succulents, organic food, natural health and beauty products and more. Gourmet bites and beverages will be available to purchase onsite. Live music and a tattoo artist will add another artistic dimension to this community event.

https://www.sunny.org/event/new-river-open-air-market/34542/

Jazz brunch - The Sunday Jazz Brunch is an ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. This free, live outdoor concert series features the area’s best local jazz artists. Listen to the music on three different stages on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Well-behaved leashed pets are also welcome to attend. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Eventgoers can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants. 888 E Las Olas Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/jazz-brunch

Forest Bathing at The Bonnet House – Sunday Mornings 10am- 12pm Join Don Oprea in the Bonnet House Hammock and relax among the trees. Listen to the sounds and enjoy the sights of nature around you. I really enjoy tuning out the world and taking time for myself. Forest Bathing, shinrin-yoku – Shinrin in Japanese means “forest” and yoku means “bath”. Slow down and enjoy two special hours of relaxation with nature. I am planning on signing up for this ASAP! Sounds very relaxing.

https://www.bonnethouse.org/event/forest-bathing/ 900 N. Birch Rd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 But if all else fails, we also have Elton John at the Hard Rock to look forward to also!! Stay safe, and enjoy a sassy and sober (or not!) weekend!!!