Best Summertime Events
“Native Gardens” at GableStage
Cultures and gardens clash in the latest GableStage production, “Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarías. Watch as well-intentioned neighbors turn into feuding enemies after a young couple purchases a home next to a well-established couple with a prize-worthy English garden. An impending barbecue and delicate disagreement over a fence line soon spiral into an all-out dispute, exposing both couples’ notions of race, taste, class, and privilege. Read the review: Native Gardens’ Seeds Summer Laughs.
Performances: Wednesday at 2 and 7 pm, Thursday to Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm (through July 16). Tickets range from $45 to $75, with a streaming option available ($27).
GableStage
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Gablestage.org
Mango Festival at Fairchild Garden
It’s that time of year again! Stop by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on July 8 or 9 for the annual Mango Festival held all-day long (10 am to 5 pm). Shop from a wide variety of unique mangos or purchase a tree for your home garden; enjoy tastings, cooking demos, and mango-inspired activities and classes; attend lectures offering insight into various mango types, growing techniques, storing, and harvesting; and enjoy fresh mango smoothies, specialty mango cocktails, delicious food, live music, and family-friendly games.
Tickets are $19.95 and $9.95 for adult and child members respectively and $24.95 and $11.95 for nonmember adults and children respectively. Kids six and younger are free.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Fairchildgarden.org
Urban Sketch Crawl
The Coral Gables Museum is exploring the city’s architecture and history through a new lens this summer with its Urban Sketch Crawl series. The program, held on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 pm, provides a tour of the city with an artistic element. In addition to guides providing historical context, tours will also have art teachers to give pointers and creative direction. Tickets are $15. Read more about it here.
Each crawl has a different focus:
July 12 is Art in Public Places
July 26 is Back to the Beginning
August 9 is Recent Renovations
August 23 is Paist Buildings
Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Ave.
coralgablesmuseum.org
“Defending the Cavewoman” by Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre
A mid-life existential crisis unfolds as “Defending the Cavewoman” digs deep into the caves of the female psyche, debunking the stereotypical myths about how women think. It’s a tongue-in-cheek, affectionate look at the quirks and idiosyncrasies of both men and women, from the modern female perspective. Don’t miss the United States premiere of this inspirational comedy written by Emma Peirson and starring award-winning actress Lindsey Corey.
The show runs from July 19 to August 6, with performances Wednesday to Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm. Tickets are $55 to $65 on weekdays and $65 to $75 on weekends.
Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre
280 Miracle Mile
actorsplayhouse.org
Summer Concert Series at Coral Gables Congregational
This July and August, on every other Thursday evening, Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ will host the Community Arts Program 2023 Summer Concert Series.
On July 20, you can hear New Orleans jazz drummist Shannon Powell (pictured here) and his trio. On August 3, the all-saxophone Sinta Quartet will play classical and modern works. On August 17, you can hear the jazz vocalizations of award-winning Ekep Nkwelle. Shows begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets $35.
Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ
3010 De Soto Blvd (across from the Biltmore Hotel)
communityartsprogram.org/tickets
“Stuart Little” at Miracle Theatre
Based on the classic book by E.B. White, this charming musical about a “little guy underdog” who is determined to survive in a “real people’s world” will touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. Cats, cars, and ships are just a few of the challenges that Stuart faces in his quest to be accepted for who he is.
Performances will be held at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre each Saturday at 2 pm between July 7 and July 30. Tickets are $25. There will be a free sensory inclusive performance on Sunday, July 16 at 2 pm.
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
280 Miracle Mile
actorsplayhouse.org
Art Off the Wall
Presented by the Young Associates of the Coral Gables Museum, this immersive art event on July 20 brings together young professionals, neighbors, and friends. With live art installations, music, an open bar, and a comedy lounge by The Culture Can, this evening will be replete with things to do and see — and all in support of the Coral Gables Museum, where the event will be held. Stop by from 6 to 9 pm to socialize and immerse yourself in experiential art. Tickets are $30 on Eventbrite. Use promo code CGMAG for $5 off.
Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Ave.
coralgablesmuseum.org
Best Reason to Leave the Gables: “The Little Mermaid”
After two sold-out runs of “Beauty and the Beast,” Area Stage is going back to the magical world of Disney to bring “The Little Mermaid” to the Adrienne Arsht Center. Set inside a seaside tavern where sailors and pirates gather to share tales of adventure, Ariel and Eric’s love story will be brought to life in an immersive under-the-sea spectacle. This classic fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.”
The show runs from August 9-27 at the Carnival Studio Theater with performances Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 pm, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 7 pm. Tickets are $52 for students and children, $83.50 for general admission, and $110 for VIP tickets with immersive seating.
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
arshtcenter.org