Looking for enjoyable occasions? Top 5 issues to do round Tallahassee

We are about to dance into fall, with morning temperatures set to dip ever so briefly into the upper 60s on Friday, as the first day of autumn dawns on Sept. 22. We’ll take it.

The Seminoles are out of town, taking on Alabama at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19. The Rattlers are home against the Tennessee State Tigers at 7 p.m.

There’s plenty to groove to this week.

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

1. Arts groups come together for ‘Ballet & Broadway’

For the first time, The Tallahassee Ballet and Young Actors Theatre will share the stage in a collaboration celebrating the powerful connection between ballet, musical theater and live music.

The Tallahassee Ballet is opening its 2026–2027 season with An Evening of Music & Dance: Ballet & Broadway at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Florida State University’s Opperman Music Hall.

The production brings TTB’s professional dancers together with students from Young Actors Theatre and musicians from the FSU College of Music for an evening inspired by Broadway favorites including “Cabaret,” “A Chorus Line,” “On Your Toes,” and “Rent.”

“This collaboration is a wonderful example of what can happen when Tallahassee’s arts organizations come together,” said Lauren Hernandez, CEO of The Tallahassee Ballet. “We have an incredibly talented arts community, and by sharing our artists, audiences, and resources, we make that community stronger. We are thrilled to begin our season by creating something together with Young Actors Theatre and the FSU College of Music.”

“At Young Actors Theatre, we believe deeply in creating opportunities for young artists to work at the highest level and to see themselves as part of a larger artistic community,” said Sarah Roy, CEO of Young Actors Theatre. “Ballet & Broadway brings together the extraordinary talent of YAT, The Tallahassee Ballet, and the FSU College of Music, showcasing how we build a strong pipeline of talent and a thriving performing arts community in Tallahassee.”

The performance will also be dedicated to the memory of Marianne Brooks, a beloved former TTB Guild Chair and longtime volunteer who passed away at the end of April. Tickets range from $32-$58. Visit tallahasseeballet.org/eomad.

2. Rock royalty checks in at Real Cool Time Records

Real Cool Time Records is “beyond excited” to announce that rock ‘n’ roll legend Tommy Stinson, founding member of The Replacements, will bring a “Real Cool Show” to the cozy venue at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Real Cool Time Underground, 1707 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee songerwriter Pat Puckett is the local support for the show.

Tickets are $30.66 and must be purchased in advance. Visit eventbrite.com

Real Cool has this to add about Stinson: “In plain words, Tommy Stinson is a great American musician. You can needle-drop at any juncture of the Minneapolis native’s four-decade-plus career and find a moment of great significance.” Stinson was a key second-generation ingredient in Guns N’ Roses and served a seven-year tenure with Soul Asylum. Stinson also led two bands of his own: Bash & Pop and Perfect, as well as appearing on recordings by the Old 97’s, MOTH and BT.

3. Rock For Lifeline at the American Legion

The cause is serious but the music is fun when the Charlie Brown Band plays rock classics presented by 2-1-1 Big Bend in support of September’s Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.

The Charlie Brown Band, a live tribute band performing covers from the ’80s and beyond – including Sturgill Simpson, Chicago, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, will play the American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive, on Friday, Sept. 18. Doors open at 7 p.m., music is 8–11 p.m. Tickets are $15. Visit 211bigbend.org.

This show benefits Lifeline Connection – because no one should face a crisis alone – and supports September’s Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.

4. University Symphony Orchestra marks centennial

The Florida State University College of Music presents the University Symphony Orchestra: Celebration! concert at7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

The University Symphony Orchestra launches its centennial season with a celebratory program honoring its legacy and America’s 250th birthday through powerful, inspiring orchestral works performed by talented student musicians. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for child or non-FSU student, and free to FSU students.

Tickets are available through the FSU Fine Arts Ticket Office at tickets.music.fsu.edu.

5. Ghosted! A Haunted Mystery Comedy

Monticello Opera House wraps its ghost stories this weekend with “Ghosted! A Haunted Mystery Comedy” playing at Monticello Opera House, 185 W. Washington St., in Monticello. Shows are at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 and Sept. 19 and 5 p.m. Sept. 20.

There’s no escaping family, dead or alive. Celebrity medium, Isaac Ghoulstone, claims to be the worlds greatest psychic and he’s out to prove it. He’s back at his ancestral home of Houlstone Manor for one hell of a séance, and to find the missing deed to the place. The interactive and fun-filled performances are a “let your hair down” good time! Held in the downstairs Perkins Banquet Hall, the show is performed in between courses of the meal. You’ll have a chance to play super-sleuth and determine who-dunnit.

Tickets including dinner and show are $57 and may be purchased at monticellooperahouse.org.

Bonus event: Rhythm and jazz at the tavern

Seep & Marlon bring the rhythm for happy hour at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., followed at 8 p.m. by JazzMatazz presents: Daniel Petrocelli Trio. This will be the Blue Tavern debut of the Daniel Petrocelli Trio, with Petrocelli on guitar, Brian Hall on bass, and Michael Bakan on congas, cajon, and assorted Latin percussion.

Daniel Petrocelli, an internationally renowned Venezuelan guitarist, arrived in Tallahassee just over a month ago to pursue his doctorate in classical guitar performance at FSU. For the global musical journey of his Jazzmatazz debut show, he will be joined by the bass-and-percussion tandem of FAMU jazz bass professor Brian Hall and FSU percussionist and ethnomusicologist Dr. Michael Bakan. $10 cover.

The 3rd Saturday Traditional Irish Session begins at 4 p.m. followed at 8 p.m. by Old Porch Swing. String Band Swing done right with five North Florida gents who’ve been pickin’ since they were kids: David on the fiddle, Dennis on the banjo, Ben on guitar, and Jim on bass, Mark Blair on the kit, and everyone sings. $10 cover.

Bonus event: Opening Nights with Madeleine Peyroux

Singer Madeleine Peyroux hails from Georgia, but she sharpened her vocal chops on the sidewalks and bars of France. She arrives with her French-leaning jazz-pop band in tow at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at FSU’s Opperman Music Hall for Opening Nights. Tickets are $50. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu

Bonus event: Celebrate Ray Charles birthday

Tallahassee duo Hot Tamale will be hosting their 6th annual Ray Charles Birthday Picnic from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Greenville, the hometown of the legendary singer. Each year there is a gathering in Haffye Hays Park, in the middle of Greenville, which is just 44 miles east, down Highway 90, from Tallahassee.

There will be live music, stories from people who remember “Brother Ray”, picnic food, and smiles all around. “It is always a friendly, feel-good event” says Craig Reeder, who, along with musical collaborator Adrian Fogelin, make up the acoustic duo Hot Tamale, “and all are welcome!” Musicians are invited to sing a song or two, or join in with the band and play along.

OTHER EVENTS

Amicus Brewing: Firewall, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 717 South Gadsden St.

Bannerman Crossings: Block Party at Bannerman with Michael Miller Band, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 6668 Thomasville Road.

The Bark: Cow Haus presents Sleep Atrophy, The Dirt Eaters, Mia Biton, Ink Rail, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 507 All Saints St. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10 cover. Idiosync, Backwards Driving, Woozy, 8:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.

Bird’s Shack: The Sevens, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 325 North Bronough St.

Blue Tavern: Happy hour with Rhys Bennett at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday: Rev. Robert, a master of prewar blues. $5. Rad Reading Happy Hour at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. Happy hour for September babies with Bronwyn Chelette at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, followed at 8 p.m. by free film night.

Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub: CJ Beach & Lori Green, 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, 1122 Thomasville Road.

The Getaway Grille and Bar: Pineapple Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 2386 Allen Road.

The Hub at Feather Oaks: SoundCzech, 6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 6500 Miccosukee Road.

Island Wings: Eleven O Five, 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 1370 Market St.

Ouzts Too Oyster Bar and Grill: Lunar Urge, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, 7968 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville.

Seminole Radio Control Club: Pilot training 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 19. The club will host their annual fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network, Apalachee Regional Park. The proceeds from landing fees and food sales will be donated.

Southwood Golf Club: The Mae West Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, 3750 Grove Park Drive.

Tallahassee Winds: The community wind ensemble that performs under the auspices of FSU College of Music, will perform in Opperman Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Admission is free.

Wright Weekend: Two days of aviation events at Challenger Learning Center, 200 S. Duval St. “Wright of Passage,” 6 p.m. meet and greet; 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. film screen, followed by Q&A with cast. Sunday, Sept. 20, 9:30-11:30 .m., Aviators & Airplanes, Million Air Tallahassee, 3254 Capital Circle SW. Free admission – All ages welcome. Meet pilots, explore aircraft, take photos, enjoy complimentary refreshments and learn about discovery flights. Visit challengertlh.com/events.

Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee

Reporting by Martha Gruender, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was initially printed September 17, 2026 at 5:11 AM.