Thursday, January 22nd - 2026 - From movies on the lawn to a world-class Shell Show and AI-powered whale songs, we’ve got your total Fort Lauderdale weekend guide. Plus Yacht Rock at the Parker, "Thumb Buddy" art for the kids, and where to find the best Smashburgers in downtown this weekend.

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Stuff You Won't Want To Miss:

Friday night the Parker plays host to the Doo Wop Project. Hear Doo Wop classics like the Del Vikings’ “Whispering Bells,” The Tymes’ “So Much in Love,” The Marcels’ “Blue Moon,” The Four Seasons’ “Sherry,” and Motown’s “My Girl.”
Want to explore the markets this weekend? There's the Market at the Fort Lauderdale Beach. Pompano has the Green Market. And the Flamingo Flea is both at the Marina Village (Saturday) and Tarpon River Brewing (Sunday).
Saturday and Sunday it's the Shell Show. Explore an extraordinary collection of shells from around the world, all on display and available for sale. 40 scientific exhibits, 45 artistic exhibits, and 16 vendors from around the country.
Sunday night at The Parker, is there anything more South Florida than to celebrate a night of Yacht Rock - all the classics you love to hear! Yacht Rock Revue, hailed by Rolling Stone as the “world’s premier soft-rock party band,” invites listeners on a nostalgic voyage through the sun-soaked melodies of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Next Saturday (31st) is the Fort Lauderdale International Book Fair at Esplanade Park. Come out to celebrate words, stories, and the magic of literature.
Also next weekend (starting on Friday the 30th) the world-famous Riverdance show will be at the Broward Performing Arts Center. This fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

😉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.

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Featured Fort Lauderdale

Come out this weekend and celebrate the Grand Reopening of Huizenga Park.

There will be tons of events to pick from including a movie on the lawn on Saturday night!

Huizenga Park is Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s signature gathering place, exquisitely designed, activated, safe, and welcoming. A space for everyone, to be used from morning through the evening, and every day of the year. A series of uniquely designed outdoor rooms offers opportunities for leisure, dining, physical activity, events, and meet-ups. Originally built in the late 1990’s by the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, a full renovation completed in 2026 sets Huizenga Park as the new standard for urban parks in Fort Lauderdale.

There is also a new food option in the park. Come out and try a Smashburger while you explore the new settings!

So... You Think You Know Florida

You probably already know... this week is the Avenue of the Arts Festival here in Fort Lauderdale.

What you might not know... our Acton team will be out on Sunday for the AOTA FEST Block Party Day 2: Kids Art Education & Mural Tours.

Guests will be able to take tours of the murals in progress and meet the artists as they work. There will also be the Kids Art Education activities. That's what we will be doing!

Come out discover the magic of creativity with our "Thumb Buddies" arts and craft activity! Here, children press their thumbprints onto a canvas, embarking on an imaginative journey to transform these prints into fabulous, wearable art. Each thumbprint becomes the centerpiece of a unique, enchanting character, reflecting your child's creativity and flair. It's more than just a fun activity; it's a special keepsake that they'll cherish and proudly wear. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this burst of creativity and awesomesauce in action!

More Treats To Try

We don't let just anyone sponsor this newsletter. Here's who "made the cut" this week:

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January 24th and 25th - Come on out and see the Grand Reopening of Huizenga Park!
And the Avenue of the Arts (AOTA) Festival is coming up at the end of the month. Come out for the Kids Art and Mural Tours!
Tickets are now available for 2026 Florida Renaissance Festival! Starts on Saturday, February 7th in Deerfield Beach.
ESTEAM Summer Camps - This summer, families can expect hands-on learning experiences in robotics, engineering, coding, art, and technology, including LEGO® movie-making and LEGO® robotics.
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Quote Of The Week

"Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, "What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now."

Yes, evil often seems to surpass good. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope." ~ Painter Vincent van Gogh on hope

Flotsam & Jetsam

You've probably heard about SETI - the search for extraterrestrial life is all the rage after the recent documentary Age of Disclosure.

But I bet you haven't heard of CETI.

For centuries, we’ve looked at the ocean and heard nothing but mystery. But what if the "clicks" and "codas" echoing through the abyss aren't just random sounds, but a complex language filled with history and heritage?

Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) is changing the way we perceive the inhabitants of the deep. Through their Listen to Whales platform, they are inviting the world to eavesdrop on the private lives of sperm whales—not as biological specimens, but as members of a sophisticated society.

At the heart of this project is a groundbreaking use of Artificial Intelligence. By deploying advanced machine learning, Project CETI is working to:

Listen: Capture thousands of hours of vocalizations.
Decode: Identify patterns in the "codas" (rhythmic click sequences).
Translate: Bridge the gap between human and whale communication to understand what is being shared across the waves.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Project CETI is the shift in perspective. We are no longer just looking at a species; we are looking at cultural beings.

"Whales aren't just swimming in the ocean; they are participating in complex clans, speaking distinct dialects, and passing down stories through generations."

By recognizing that these creatures have their own unique social structures and family histories, we begin to see the ocean as a shared home rather than a resource. This living platform offers real-time updates on their findings, creating a bridge of empathy that transforms "the deep" into a place we are deeply connected to.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about curiosity; it’s about conservation. When we understand that a whale has a family and a "voice," the urgency to protect their habitat becomes personal. Project CETI uses this immersion to inspire global action, proving that when we truly listen, we find a million reasons to save our oceans.

Word Play Of The Week

"Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth"

The idiom "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means that when you receive a gift or something given to you for free, you shouldn't be overly critical or skeptical about its value or quality. Instead, you should be grateful for the gesture and accept it with appreciation, regardless of any imperfections or shortcomings it may have. Essentially, it's a reminder to be gracious and not to nitpick or scrutinize gifts given freely to you.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" originates from the practice of examining a horse's teeth to determine its age and overall health. In ancient times, people would often give each other horses as gifts, and one way to assess the value of the gift was by checking the teeth of the horse. ~ Source

Idea Of The 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?

👍 or 👎 You Decide!

And most importantly, what FTL businesses and experiences should we be highlighting?

Hi! I'm Tobin from Acton Academy Fort Lauderdale and Family Friendly Fort Lauderdale.

[🌞 #FFFTL] 🐳 What are whales actually saying (and a whole new Huizenga Park!)