Mark your calendar: Bluesfest, Science Sunday and free concerts top our list of fun things to do in Brevard for July 12 through 18.
Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
1. Ballroom Bluesfest in Cocoa
Join Brevard Music Group for an indoor, two-day Blues festival at the Space Coast Convention Center, 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, on Saturday and Sunday, July 13 and 14. The festival features all-day live blues from favorite national artists including The Robby King Band, Pat Travers, King Solomon Hicks, Tony Holiday, Eden Brent, The Boneshakers, Katie Henry, Ally Venable and more. Tickets start at $120. Call 321-783-9004 or visit ballroombluesfest.com.
2. ‘Nestico Night’ concert in Melbourne
Melbourne Municipal Band presents a not-in-the-park picnic concert celebrating 100 years of Sammy Nestico at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., on Wednesday and Thursday, July 17 and 18, at 6:30 p.m. Composer and arranger Sammy Nestico was born 100 years ago, and left behind an unmatched legacy of music. Swingtime presents some of the best of his nearly 600 published works, including charts written for Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and Sarah Vaughan. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy during the concert. Admission is free. Call 321-724-0555 or visit mmband.org.
3. Third Thursday at The Avenue Viera
This free, family-and-pet friendly night will be outdoors in the Central Park area of The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave., on the third Thursday of every month. This month’s event will be Thursday, July 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, vendors, complimentary snacks and a free drink or ice cream. There will be live music by Heatstroke. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an event ticket. Visit avenueviera.com.
4. Science Sunday at Brevard Zoo
Beat the heat while learning something neat at Brevard Zoo, 8225 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. The Science Sunday series will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, July 14, 21, and 28 and Aug. 4, 11, and 25 in the zoo’s air-conditioned Nyami Nyami River Lodge. There will be hands-on activities and a blend of education and entertainment for all ages. Each Science Sunday will feature a different theme and set of activities, from animal behavior demonstrations to interactive exhibits on conservation and environmental science. Interactive chats will also be held at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Science Sundays are free with zoo admission. Call 321-254-9453 or visit brevardzoo.org.
Summertime art: Downtown Gallery offers tours for kids, families
Summer tunes: Free community concerts mark an enduring musical legacy
Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda: Your guide to summer fun at Universal Orlando
5. Coin, stamp and collectible show in Melbourne
The South Brevard Coin Club hosts a free coin, stamp and collectible show at the Azan Shrine Center, 1591 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. The next event is Sunday, July 14. Participants can buy, sell, receive appraisals and learn about coins and stamps. Admission is free. Call 321-704-3070 or visit southbrevardcoinclub.org.
6. Classic Albums Live at the King Center
Classic Albums Live brings Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” to the King Center, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Saturday, July 13 at 8 p.m. Classic Albums Live recreates albums live on stage, note for note, cut for cut, using the world’s best musicians. Tickets start at $29. For tickets and additional information, visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
7. Rummage sale in Melbourne
The Wickham Park Community Center, 2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne, becomes a rummage sale shopping venue on Saturday, July 13, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for deals and discover unique items sold by local vendors. Admission is free. Call 321-608-7490 or visit melbourneflorida.org.
8. Tour the historic home at Green Gables
Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, will host an open house every Saturday in July, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The historic home is a living history museum showcasing life in the early years of Melbourne. Visitors will learn about the history of the Wells family, who played a key role in the development of the community. The cost is $10, or free for children 12 and younger. Visit greengables.org.
Do you have a community event? Email tgif@floridatoday.com at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.
Whether you’re interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers – USAToday Network.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.