Hey Fort Lauderdale! Send off summer with a bang as you fill your social calendar with a variety of events. This September, the city’s restaurants are celebrating Dine Out Lauderdale to sample the city’s culinary landscape without breaking the bank. There are tons of concerts to choose from, with the likes of Eric Clapton, Hall & Oates, Sam Hunt, The Struts, and more leaving you spoilt for choice. Art enthusiasts will find plenty to do with coloring workshops, a big bugs exhibit, and an array of events hosted at the Downtown Hollywood Art Walk & Artisan Market.

And we’re also giving you a head start in planning your extended Labor Day staycation with our curation of events. Further, on the virtual front, you’ll find a wholesome collection of thoughtful conversations and artmaking workshops. 

Read on below to find our complete list of Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale this September 2021:

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale - September Events at a Glance

Special: Labor Day Weekend Events

September 2021: Fort Lauderdale In-person Events

• Restaurant LauderDeals - Dine Out Lauderdale: Throughout September
• Animalia Selling Exhibition: September through October 23
• The Struts at Revolution Live: September 1
• Big Bugs Final Weekend at Flamingo Gardens: September 4-6
• Disney On Ice - Mickey's Search Party: September 9-12
• Lookout On Las Olas - Shane Duncan Band: September 10
• Colored Pencil Drawing & Painting Workshop: Saturdays, September 11 – October 16
• The Human Baton - Tribute to American Heroes: September 11
• Make Fetch Happen - Dog Adoption: September 11 & 12
• Paddle With a Purpose Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup: September 18
• Downtown Hollywood Art Walk & Artisan Market: September 18
• Run for the Kids 5k: September 18
• Dora and Diego Character Breakfast at MODS: September 18
• 10th Annual Brazilian Festival Florida: September 18-19
• FemAle Brew Fest 2021: September 18
• Full Moon Kayak Tour: September 20
• Movies by Moonlight - La La Land: September 24
• Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep: September 25
• Surf N’ Sounds: September 25
• Concerts at the Seminole Hard Rock: September 9, 22, 25 & 26
• Pompano Beach Arts Programs: Throughout September
• Events at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: Throughout September  

September 2021: Fort Lauderdale Virtual Events

• Distinguished Speaker Series - Manta Ray Panel Discussion: September 2
• Native American Dreamcatcher "Online/Virtual" Workshop: September 10
• Creativity Exploration - Art of the Archetype: September 11
• Zoom Conversations at the Stonewall: September 1, 7, 14 & 23
  
  

Special: Labor Day Weekend Events in Fort Lauderdale

You deserve this extended break! With Labor Day (September 6) bringing us all extra time off, here are some great ways to spend your holiday weekend itinerary in Fort Lauderdale:

• Use this as the perfect excuse to head out to the beach for a weekend Hatha yoga class followed by a farmers’ market or to explore the Las Olas Oceanside Park farmers, antiques and artisan market.
• Get closer to nature with a Live Animal Presentation or Mangrove Habitat Walk at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
• Looking for something family-friendly? Catch the last Family Summer Special weekend at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, where kids 17 and under get in free with an adult.
• Gearheads should gear up to compete in or simply gawk at this Sundays-only Dream Car Classic in Hollywood before Labor Day, where you’ll find a huge collection of hot rods, custom cars, classic rides, trucks, and more.
• Artsy folk can hope to discover something new as they walk into the eclectic World of Anna Sui, on display throughout the weekend to October 3 at the NSU Art Museum.
• Those looking for a Labor Day cleanse could head over to the Love & Light Spiritual Emporium for a walk-through, New Moon Energy Clearing session using smoke, sound, water, fire, salt, and scent.
• Fancy some movie musical madness? Catch a big Hollywood musical with dinner & show, pizza & wine, an audience sing-a-long, movie trivia, costume contests, and more at the Wilton Theater Factory.
• Looking to dive into adventure? Set sail on the Ken Vitale Wreck Diving Tour to explore this three-wreck, artificial reef off the coast from Port Everglades.
• And of course, there’s plenty of quiet beaches around Fort Lauderdale, where you could simply head over for a relaxing picnic.
  
  

September 2021: In-Person Events in Fort Lauderdale

Restaurant LauderDeals - Dine Out Lauderdale: Throughout September

Various Participating Restaurants

Dine Out Lauderdale is here! Go ahead and sample all you like while you appreciate the wide spectrum of flavors in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy three-course meals at the top restaurants in town for $35 and/or $45. You have all month long to drop into the likes of Aruba Beach Café, Café Ibiza, Living Room at the W Fort Lauderdale, Lona Cucina Tequileria, Shady Distillery, Sushi Garage, The Indian Harbor, Wild Sea, and more.

Animalia Selling Exhibition: September through October 23

Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts, 481 S Federal Hwy 2nd Floor, Dania Beach

Your display is incomplete without these delicate yet “wild” creations. The Animalia Selling exhibition opened in August and boasts of a selection of multicolored animals created by the glass maestros of Murano, Italy. The pop-up collection features the techniques developed in Venice during the 1930s and mastered over the decades. The wearable glassworks from the house of Italianissimo by Diane and Mauro Gennaretti will be the highlight of the collection with proceeds benefiting WMODA’s educational programs.

The Struts at Revolution Live: September 1

Revolution Live, 100 SW 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Up for a rock concert? Then you have to turn up for The Struts’ Strange Days Are Over tour. They’re touted to be the next great British rock band and have opened for the likes of The Rolling Stones, Guns’n Roses, and the who.

Big Bugs Final Weekend at Flamingo Gardens: September 4-6

Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S Flamingo Rd, Davie 

It’s the final weekend to catch David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit! Ten larger-than-life insect sculptures await you at this botanical garden, including a 10-foot-tall Daddy Long Legs and a 17-foot-long Praying Mantis. With great photo ops, live specimens, bug games, and educational interactives, this fun exhibit has all the makings of great summer memories.

Disney On Ice - Mickey's Search Party: September 9-12

BB&T Center, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise

Immerse yourself in a Disney adventure on ice with Mickey’s Search Party! This world-class skating performance comes complete with edge-of-the-seat acrobatics and unexpected stunts. Follow Tinker Bell on her quest through Disney’s fantastic worlds for clues and the opportunity to see the stars from the likes of Moana, Coco, Frozen, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, and The Little Mermaid.

Lookout On Las Olas - Shane Duncan Band: September 10

The Veranda, 788 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 

Get that feel-good vibe going before the weekend, as you listen to the country/rock tunes of the 5-piece Shane Duncan Band. You can choose to go low-key by bringing your own chairs or VIP with pre-arranged seating, two beers, and light bites at this 21+ event. 

Colored Pencil Drawing & Painting Workshop: Saturdays, September 11 – October 16

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale

Photo by Sticker Mule on Unsplash

Master the fine art of color pencil drawing and painting like a pro without spending years behind the easel. Bonnet House’s new drawing instructor, Galal Ramadan will help perfect your skills in no time, so you can bring your imagination to life as meaningful artwork.

The Human Baton - September 11th Tribute to American Heroes: September 11

Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

It’s going to be an epic 9/11 tribute, so make sure to pick your spots early. Top athletes representing the four teams of our nation’s heroes - Fire Fighters, Police, Military, and Patriots - will be bringing the Human Baton exhibition to life. Turn up on the beach to watch these competition winners guide their teams as they skydive from helicopters, drift around the Seabreeze Boulevard loop, show off in a GT sports cars down SR A1A, dominate the surf in Thundercats, and finish off the relay with an epic foot race up to the beach. 

Make Fetch Happen - Dog Adoption: September 11 & 12

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, 20 West Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

Looking for a furry friend to take home, forever? Head out to this pop-up doggie market hosted by Abandoned Pet Rescue. As you look around to find your new fuzzy best friend and companion, you’ll also get to enjoy some rosé, live music, fabulous eats, and cocktails. Make your heart full and rescue a deserving pet that will be sure to change your life forever.

Paddle With a Purpose Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup: September 18

Delevoe Park, 2520 NW 6 St, Fort Lauderdale

Photo by Jasmin Sessler on Unsplash

Join the remarkable team of volunteers that’s removed over 13,500 lbs. of trash from the North Fork of the New River in just one year. Gear up with a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and snacks to get dirty for a cause. You can even bring along minors aged 15 and above. 

Can’t make it this month? Thankfully, the watery and shoreline cleanup event takes place every third Saturday.

Downtown Hollywood Art Walk & Artisan Market: September 18

1945 Hollywood Blvd, Downtown Hollywood

Rising quickly in popularity, this monthly art walk, live performance exhibit, and market has turned into a trendsetting event for Broward County. Enjoy a day dedicated to art, music, fun, and food in Downtown Hollywood as you visit galleries and shop around. Highlights include a pop-up artisan market, guided mural tour, curated gallery tour, and live art performance by Impulse Art.

Run for the Kids 5k: September 18

LauderAle Brewery, 3305 SE 14th Ave, Fort Lauderdale

Join this fun morning 5K run, walk, or jog to kick off the weekend on a feel-good note with food trucks, entertainment, and more to keep up your spirits. Coming together in-person at LauderAle Brewery, and virtually, for their second edition, proceeds from this cause will help provide quality early childhood education scholarships and family support services to the Jack & Jill Center and its affiliates. 

Dora and Diego Character Breakfast at MODS: September 18

Museum of Discovery and Science, Keller Science Theater, 401 SW 2nd St, Fort Lauderdale

MODS has a new exhibit, and you’re invited to breakfast with it! Get interacting with the museum’s latest acquisition, Dora and Diego – Let’s Explore! as you dig into their hearty breakfast buffet. The weekend event will feature meet and greet photo ops with the Dora and Diego, music, sing-alongs, hands-on activities for all ages, and a chance to explore the rest of the museum at leisure.

10th Annual Brazilian Festival Florida: September 18-19

1005 Seabreeze Blvd Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, South End Fort Lauderdale

Experience Brazil’s rhythm, passion, excitement, and more at this two-day festival. A multicultural experience unlike any other, the entire family can come together to enjoy the international acts, myriad of music genres, folklore, delicious food options, kids’ activities, and more brought about at this community festival.

FemAle Brew Fest 2021: September 18

Kimpton Goodland, 2900 Riomar Street, Fort Lauderdale Beach 

Ladies take center stage at this open for all (even men) beer lovers’ festival. Sample the most amazing brews from the best female brewers and female experts in the industry. Make sure to take your pooch along to this pet-friendly event (with water handy, of course) and enjoy a fun mix of music from female-led bands, for-purchase bites at the Botanic Restaurant & Bar, and shopping from female-owned businesses. A portion of the proceeds from the fest will be donated to Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR). 

Full Moon Kayak Tour: September 20

Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures, George English Park and Boat Ramp, 1101 Bayview Drive, Fort Lauderdale

Photo by Pete Nowicki on Unsplash

Paddle up for a romantic kayak tour under the rising full moon through the Isles of Venice in Fort Lauderdale. Hosted by Blue Moon Outdoor Adventures, your ticket includes s’mores, kayak gear, lights, and a professional tour guide.

Movies by Moonlight - La La Land: September 24

Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Have you really enjoyed summer if you haven’t watched a movie under the stars? Part of the Movies by Moonlight Summer Series, catch La La Land (the last movie of the season) on the Main Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Bring along your favorite movie date, blankets, lawn chairs for this evening affair. You could even drop by early for some pre-movie entertainment with musicians Casey Luden and Adonis.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep: September 25

300 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale

Photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

Do your bit to help clean up Fort Lauderdale Beach, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural treasure. Join like-minded volunteers, as they comb the beach for cigarette butts, can tabs, bottle caps, and more, to help keep our beaches in top shape as well as well-preserved for local wildlife.

Surf N’ Sounds: September 25

Esplanade Park, 400 Southwest 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale

Drop by Esplanade Park to enjoy a laid-back weekend soiree related to all things Salt Water. Enjoy food and shopping from local vendors or join the VIP area for craft beer and tequila tastings, lite bites, plus special performances by local musicians.

Concerts at the Seminole Hard Rock: September 9, 22, 25 & 26

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood

It’s a treat for all concert lovers! Find out below who’s playing when at the Seminole Hard Rock this September:

• Sam Hunt, September 9. He’s been called “stylistically provocative” and “deceptively phenomenal,” and not without reason. This is your chance to catch the critically-acclaimed hitmaker, with one of the top country albums of 2020 to his name, live in action.
• Daryl Hall & John Oates with Special Guest Squeeze, September 22. You have to hear it to believe it! One of the most sampled artists of today, this soul duo finds fans in the likes of Gym Class Heroes and John Mayer.
• Banda MS, September 25. Looking to sample something less mainstream? Show up to hear out Banda MS belting out their finest banda sinaloense music along with acoustic as well as norteño music segments.
• Eric Clapton, September 26. It’s the concert of the decade! This Rock and Roll Hall of Famer needs no introductions, so find yourself a seat and bear witness to the legend.

Pompano Beach Arts Programs: Throughout September

41 NE 1st St, Bailey Contemporary Arts, Pompano Beach

There’s more in-person music and virtual art talk in store this September! Here’s what the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center has up its sleeve:

• A Taste of Jazz, September 9. One of the most versatile and unique jazz trombonists on the scene, Dante Luciani will show you how he leads by example at the Frost School of Music with a special performance.
• Lyrics Lab – All Arts Open Mic, September 15. Bring along your songs, lyrics, work poems, verse, stories, jokes, and more to this no-ego open mic night. Stand up and share or simply sit down to enjoy it all with a cocktail as show host Erick Carter accompanies you on this interesting evening.
• Virtual Artist Talk with Sanaz Mazinani, September 16. An extension of the "Camouflage: Patterns of Disruption" exhibit, this Zoom discussion follows Sanaz Mazinani’s narrative on the realities of contemporary warfare, which are often under-represented in Western media.

Events at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts: Throughout September

201 SW 5th Ave, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale

Au-Rene Theater

• Brian Regan, September 9. Those interested in a light-hearted evening full of laughs should hear out the comedian’s sarcastic take on daily life.
• Paw Patrol Live! September 11-12. Treat the kids to a great pirate adventure, complete with a pup rescue and a treasure hunt.
  
  

Amaturo Theater

• An Evening with Antoni, September 11. Join New York Times’ bestselling author Antoni Porowski as he celebrates the publication of his Let’s Do Dinner cookbook.
• Nurse Blake – The PTO Comedy Tour, September 25. Catch up on Nurse Blake’s masterful storytelling and hilarious anecdotes from his time in nursing school.
• Spyro Gyra, September 28. This American Jazz fusion band brings it’s A-game onstage with a soulful performance.

Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker

• Firefall, Pure Prairie League, And Orleans, September 22. Three legendary bands come together for an unforgettable evening full of country rock melodies.
• Rick Springfield, September 26. Catch the legendary, Grammy award-winning power-pop singer, songwriter, entertainer, and performer rock out some of his top hits.
  
  

September 2021: Virtual Events in Fort Lauderdale

Distinguished Speaker Series - Manta-Ray Panel Discussion: September 2

oin this evening discussion hosted by the Museum of Discovery and Science, with panelists Guy Stevens (Ph.D. & Founder of the Manta Trust), Emily Humble (research fellow at the University of Edinburgh & genetics specialist at Manta Trust), plus Stephen Kajiura (Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University) in discussion on how to save manta rays.

Native American Dreamcatcher "Online/Virtual" Workshop: September 10

Photo by Megan Thomas on Unsplash

Do you want to build a dreamcatcher? Learn the lost art of making an authentic Native American Dreamcatcher from Erika Tommie as you join this free, virtual workshop. Simply gather your supplies from the Carver Ranches Branch library and tune into this hour-long session to understand the historical meaning, legend, and symbology behind the items used to craft a traditional dreamcatcher.

Creativity Exploration - Art of the Archetype: September 11

Hosted by the NSU Art Museum, this Zoom class comes inspired by the World of Anna Sui exhibit currently on display at the museum. Join educator and mindfulness instructor Lark Keeler to create collages celebrating and connecting to an archetype. All skill levels are welcome with a list of materials easily found at the local market.

Zoom Conversations at the Stonewall: September 1, 7, 14 & 23

Stonewall National Museum’s Zoom conversations are back this month with:

• A September 1 conversation with artist Jose Figueroa, discussing his drawing practice plus his first completed public mural project in West Oakland.
• A September 7 conversation with art historian Amelia Jones, discussing the book Queer Communion: Ron Athey.
• A September 14 conversation with SAGE’s Director of Advocacy Aaron Tax, discussing why older LGBTQ people need the Equality Act.
• A September 23 conversation with artist Eric Rhein, discussing his art and activism, as covered in his monograph-memoir.

Where are you planning to be this September? Drop us a comment @blackbookproperties on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter.