Looking for fun events? Top 5 fun things to do around Tallahassee

The big yellow buses are back and routines are settling in as the first week of school winds down and the weekend stretches ahead.

Enjoy the relative quiet.

Traffic will tick up next week as university students begin to move back to town. Brace yourself on Aug. 30 when college football returns to the capital city in a big way with FSU v. Alabama.

Here's a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown

Downtown is getting lively again this summer on Friday, Aug. 15. Catch vibrant melodies at the Sounds of Downtown event at various venues beginning at 7 p.m. Let the music guide you through the heart of Tallahassee Downtown.

This free event features local bands who will be staggered across downtown businesses throughout the evening, creating a music crawl. Lineup and time slots are: Travis Green, 7 p.m. – Metro Deli; Steve Malono, 7:30 p.m. – Chuck’s Fish; Danny Goddard – 8 p.m. – Assembly on Adams; and Panayotis ”Paddy” League – 8:30 p.m. – The Filibuster.

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

The Sounds of Downtown features four bands at four Tallahassee venues on Aug. 15, 2025.

2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

Marcus B. Green Sr., also known as Same Ol G, will be performing at the Caribbean Heritage Music Festival happening on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16, 2025

The Caribbean Heritage Music festival will feature a celebration of music and culture, performances, workshops and panels led by several musicians on topics like “Streaming, Marketing, Metadata, and Performance” and more on Aug. 15-16 at the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive.

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

Lili Forbes will perform at the Caribbean Heritage Music Festival at the American Legion on Aug. 16, 2025.

The live performances will include acts from Marcus B. Green (Same Ol’ G), The Johnson Sisters, Nigel Lewis, Lili Forbes, and others. Friday, Aug. 15, events start at 6:30 p.m. with Same Ole G, Mighty Mouth, The Johnson Sisters and Caribbean Gospel Music Clinics via Zoom. On Saturday, Aug. 16, from 1-4 p.m. catch Soca Palance & Praise and at 6:30 p.m., Lili Forbes, Nigel Lewis, and Positive Vibes Redeemed. Tickets are $25-$40. Visit purplenotemedia.com.

3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

Craig Reeder of Hot Tamale, which is hosting Blues Harp Blow-Out at the Req Room from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.

Hot Tamale is hosting the “Blues Harp Blow-out,” a celebration of harmonica music, from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug.16 at the Req Room, 1208 N. Monroe St. It is a continuation of 10 years of harmonica festivals previously hosted by the Big Bend Blues Society, Hot Tamale stepped up with support from Mike Lanigan of the popular blues band "Swinging Harpoon," to carry on the tradition into 2025.

There will be an informal program with open mic and open jam sessions and other offerings. Hot Tamale welcomes all harp players to participate and all music lovers to come enjoy the show. Donations accepted.

4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

Grant Peeples is back at the Blue Tavern at 8 p.m. Aug. 15, 2025.

Two Clever gets the weekend started at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, followed from 8-11 p.m. by Grant Peeples. He's just back from a month-long tour that stretched from Nashville to Canada! There'll be plenty of stories of the road, and songs both old and new, with a new record coming out later this year. In his own words, he's "loaded for bear." $10 cover.

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

Jus' Funk, led by Justin Varnes will perform at Blue Tavern on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.

3rd Saturday Traditional Irish Session begins at 5 p.m. at Blue Tavern, then things turn funky at 8 p.m. with Jus' Funk Fusion. Justin Varnes and his bass lead this funky combo. $10 cover. The powerhouse group led by bassist Jus' and features Matias Quiceno on guitar, Lawrence Turner on drums, and Rhys Bennett on saxophone and keys.

5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

"Arabella," quilt by artists Wendy Adams and Janet Taylor, part of "A Walk in the Woods" quilt exhibit at LeMoyne Arts opening Aug. 21, 2025.

LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St., opens "A Walk in the Woods," an exhibition showcasing the intricate quilt works of Quilters Unlimited with a reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. The exhibition, which runs through Sept. 20, celebrates the beauty of nature through the art of quilting, offering visitors a unique and creative perspective on the natural world. Free for members and $5 for non-members.

Experience the world of quilting and nature, meet the artists, and enjoy an evening of art, light refreshments, and conversation with live music by Quanta at the opening reception. Muffins & Mimosas with Quilto will be from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, with a morning of muffins, mimosas, and a chance to engage with the talented quilters behind this exhibition. There will be a fun game of Quilto-Bingo with a twist and live music by Hot Tamale.

Bonus event: Cane Mill Road at the Req Room

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

North Carolina bluegrass band Cane Mill Road will play the Req Room on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025.

Cane Mill Road comes back for another round of rootsy bluegrass, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, this time at the Req Room, 1208 N. Monroe St. Drinks and food will be available next door at Blue Tavern. Cane Mill Road is near Deep Gap, North Carolina, the home of the late singer Doc Watson, and is inspired by their Appalachian roots. $10 cover.

OTHER EVENTS

Amicus Brewing: Saturday Live at Old City Waterworks, 717 S. Gadsden St., 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Live music with Gaia Jones and The Hot Toddies under the pavilion. Southern Hills Craft BBQ will be serving up their award winning food.

Black on Black Rhyme Poetry Night: The vibe, the rhythm, the cadence, and skills from BackTalk Poetry Troupe at 8 p.m. Aug. 15, Signature Lounge, 242 E. Orange Ave. Black On Black Rhyme Poetry Night Every 1st & 3rd Friday. Tickets are general admission $15 in advance. VIP $25 in advance. Tickets are $5 more at the door. 850-459-7399

Blue Tavern: Kelly Goddard plays happy hour at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, followed at 8 p.m. by Colton Hood with country blues. $5 cover. Isabel Ruano is up for happy hour at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. Mes Amis plays happy hour at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, followed at 7 p.m. by Science Salon kickoff with "Jaws: Who is the Real Monster?" Hosted by TSS President, Martin Bremer.

Fire Betty's Arcade Bar: Pharaohs of Funk, 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug 16, get swinging at Fire Betty's Arcade Bar, 1122 Thomasville Road.

Fish Camp: The Red Hills Band plays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and The Frank Jones Band plays Fish Camp Tally, 12062 Waterfront Drive, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug.16.

Great Oaks Pub at Southwood: JB Babich will be back, along with Steve Fryson, playing from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. JB brings an eclectic song list featuring keyboards and accordion, showcasing the New Orleans funk and boogie woogie. Full bar and restaurant, call 850-942-4653. Public welcome, no cover.

House of Music Tallahassee: Ordinary Boys: Tribute to Smiths & Morrissey, 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St. Plus: New Dawn Fades, tribute to Joy Division + New Order. Doors open at 2 p.m.

Island Wing Company: The LCP Band lights up from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at Island Wing Company on Market Street. Spend an evening of fine food, good friends, and your favorite songs.

Saturday Night Fever Dance: Presented by USA Dance 6010 at Tallahassee Senior Center for the Arts, 1400 N. Monroe St., 7-10 p.m. Aug. 16. $10 for member, $16 non-members, $8 college, $5 kids. Visit [email protected].

The Sound Bar: Jus & Tallanasty raise the bar at The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St., from 7-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. $10 cover. The Reel McCrawdaddy's play at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. $5 cover. Visit thesoundbartallahassee.com.

Tallahassee City Hall: Black Faces, In Black Spaces: A Black Art Exhibit, opening reception 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Tallahassee City Hall Art Gallery, 300 S. Adams St., in collaboration with the Council on Culture & Arts. The display continues through Oct.1.

Tallahassee Urban League: Flea Market returns to historic Frenchtown from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. Flea market vendors will be stationed at the Tallahassee Urban league, 923 Old Bainbridge Road, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, jewelry, old coins, purses, shoes, FAMU Paraphernalia and other items.

1. Tune in to the Sounds of Downtown, 2. Catch Caribbean Heritage Music Festival , 3. Bring on Blues Harp Blow-out at the Req Room, 4. Get in the groove at Blue Tavern, 5. Wrap yourself in 'A Walk in the Woods'

Corine Samwel with Chanson Blue will be performing at The Wine House on Market Street from 7-9:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 2025.

The Wine House: Corine Samwel with Chanson Blue will be performing at The Wine House on Market Street from 7-9:30 p.m. Aug. 15. This will be an evening of European art songs, standard jazz songs, and jazz instrumentals in a great music venue with good food and drinks. The band consists of Philip Temple on lead and rhythm guitar, Jonathan Gray on alto saxophone, Kendrick Jacobs on upright bass and tuba and Corine Samwel on vocals.

Have an event coming up? Email details to [email protected].

(This story was updated to add new information.)

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