July brings a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. July 4 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and Broward highlights this special milestone with exhibitions, concerts, and cultural heritage lectures that highlight the country’s, and our state’s diverse art and art forms.
Art
Summer Exhibitions at the Hollywood Art and Culture Center
The Hollywood Art and Culture Center presents three special shows as part of their “2026 Summer Exhibitions” on display through August 30.
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“Veterans’ Voices: A 250th Anniversary Portfolio” offers a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with prints created by local military veterans. Miami artist Tom Baker, who specializes in printmaking and book arts, worked with local South Florida veterans through the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in a series of printmaking workshops where veterans designed, carved, and printed works that reflected on the nation’s founding.
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“Jen Little: Wax. Pigment. Fire.” a solo exhibition featuring the works of Jen Little, whose unique use of the encaustic technique results in vibrant, textured paintings of layered color. Little’s encaustic technique fuses beeswax, color pigment, and resin over an open flame to create textures and visual depth in her colorful paintings. Little has a background in graphic design and also works in multimedia, collage, and acrylics to create imagined landscapes and abstract pieces.
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“Sunshine & Ink: The Florida Printmakers” six South Florida Printmakers come together to show off the versatility and unlimited potential of the printmaking medium with bold and vibrant prints. From silkscreen prints to woodblock prints to handmade books, this exhibition includes works from:
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Tom Virgin – Miami-based educator and artist whose work has appeared at Walker Art Center (Minneapolis) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York). He has worked as an art educator within Miami-Dade Public Schools for over 20 years.
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Brian Reedy – Another Miami artist, Reedy works in block printing, in which he hand-carves wood blocks to create images. Inspired by myth and pop culture, he combines the ancient block printing technique with a cartoon or comic book aesthetic to create bold prints.
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Ingrid Schindall – Schindall works in both printmaking and book arts, creating artist books with handmade paper, found objects, recycled paper and other unique materials. Her studio, Shared Printmaking Facilities, is a public book arts studio and printmaking studio that promotes printmaking through trainings, studio rentals, workshops, and other book and print-related services.
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Chee Bravo – Multidisciplinary Bravo works in painting, digital collage, and installation in addition to printmaking. Bravo’s work has been recognized by Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places Commission; she also earned a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
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Joseph Velasquez – Velasquez’s prints draw on popular culture and his Chicano heritage (Mexican-American), reflecting on hardship, injustice, and determination. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Art at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).
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Jennifer Basile – Basile brings her passion for the environment to her art, transforming landscape renderings and images of nature into prints. She is a Professor of Studio Art with over 20 years of experience teaching art at Miami Dade College; her work appears in collections at the Tucson Museum of Art (Arizona) and the Museum of Art and Design, Freedom Tower in Miami.
The Hollywood Art and Culture Center also holds a free, family-friendly arts day on July 19 with a printmaking workshop led by printmaker Joseph Velasquez; guests should bring a blank tote bag, light-colored t-shirt, or flat fabric-based item for their print.
A special guided tour of the exhibitions with the Hollywood Art and Culture Center’s Assistant Curator, Charles J. Adkins Jr., takes place July 18 during the Hollywood Art Walk (every third Saturday). The guided tour on July 18 is free. For all other dates, regular entrance fees apply to view the exhibitions.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sunshine & Ink: The Florida Printmakers, Jen Little: Wax. Pigment. Fire., and Veterans’ Voices: A 250th Anniversary Portfolio Exhibitions
WHERE: Hollywood Art and Culture Center, 1650 Harrison Street Hollywood
WHEN: Exhibition Hours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, exhibits run through Sunday, August 30 with a Guided Tour, 5 p.m., Saturday, July 18; Free Arts Day, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 19
COST: $10, adults, $5, students and seniors, free admission for members, free admission to the July 18 tour and free arts day on July 19
INFORMATION: (954) 921-3274 or learn more on the exhibitions page and visit the Eventbrite link for information about the July 18 tour and the free arts day on July 19
BEST FOR: All ages
Across This Land: America At 250 And Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks In Photography Exhibitions At Coral Springs Museum Of Art
The Coral Springs Museum of Art presents two exhibitions showcasing the beauty of American landscapes with “Across This Land: America At 250” and “Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks In Photography Exhibitions” on view at the Museum through August 1. Both exhibitions showcase the physical beauty of the nation and invite a deeper appreciation for the unique spaces—both urban and natural—in the United States.
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“Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks In Photography Exhibitions” is a retrospective exhibition of 45 black-and-white photographs spanning Butcher’s long career as a landscape photographer. Butcher started his career as an architect, but soon transitioned into photography after encountering the work of famed landscape photographer, Ansel Adams. He began photographing wild landscapes in his native California as well as other western states. And when he moved to Florida, he was entranced by the pristine beauty of the Everglades and Big Cypress National Reserve and began developing massive black-and-white photographs of these places. His photography work and conservation efforts go hand-in-hand, with Butcher providing eco tours of Big Cypress National Preserve. His art aims to create contemplative moments, encouraging viewers to be in the moment. Butcher’s work has appeared internationally in the National Gallery in Prague and here in Florida, like the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg and the NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale. He is a recipient of the National Medal of Arts (2022), the highest award granted to artists from the U.S. government; he also received the North American Nature Photography Association Lifetime Achievement award and was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.
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“Across This Land: America At 250” commemorates America’s 250th anniversary with works from different artists working across different mediums, all depicting landscapes, waterways, urban environments, everyday spaces, and other places that speak to the land as a site of America’s collective memory and identity. The exhibition urges viewers to slow down, reflect, and connect with the physical world through sensory engagement.
Admission to “Across This Land: America At 250” and “Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks In Photography Exhibitions” is free; exhibitions are on display through August 1.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Across This Land: America At 250 and Clyde Butcher: Lifeworks In Photography Exhibitions
WHERE: Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855A Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: Exhibition Hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, exhibits run through Saturday, August 1
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 340-5000 or learn more on the exhibitions page
BEST FOR: All ages
The History of Florida Archaeology with Palm Beach Natural History Museum at Broward County Libraries
Uncover Florida’s hidden past with “The History of Florida Archaeology” with Palm Beach Natural History Museum, a series of free lectures on Florida’s ancient past held at different Broward libraries. The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History (PBMNH) specializes in the study of Florida’s natural history and ancient human cultures. Their Florida archaeology series includes:
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Shadows and Spirits of the Past: This lecture discusses the first humans and human cultures that populated Florida starting from the end of the last Ice Age about 10,000 years ago. The lecture covers the hunter-gatherer groups that populated Florida through to the development of agriculture and complex societies. “Shadows and Spirits of the Past” is held at Hallandale Beach Branch library on July 7.
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Megalodon-Miocene Marine Macropredator: This lecture covers the ancient marine predator, the Megalodon, the giant prehistoric shark that emerged during Earth’s Miocene Epoch and roamed the world’s oceans for 20 million years. “Megalodon” takes place at Southwest Regional Library on July 11.
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Conquistadores, Missionaries, and the Lost Tribes of Florida: This lecture examines the Native Americans that lived in Florida at the time of Europe’s first contact with the region in 1513 with Ponce de Leon’s arrival. The lecture follows the story of the tribes that called Florida home, and their centuries of contact with Europeans, including the missionaries, diseases, and armed conflicts that devastated Florida’s tribes. “Conquistadores, Missionaries, and the Lost Tribes of Florida” is held at Young At Art (now Broward County Library Branch) on July 23 and at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center on July 25.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: The History of Florida Archaeology (Shadows and Spirits of the Past, Megalodon-Miocene Marine Macropredator, and Conquistadores, Missionaries, and the Lost Tribes of Florida)
WHERE: (Shadows and Spirits of the Past) Hallandale Beach Branch, 300 South Federal Highway, Hallandale (Megalodon-Miocene Marine Macropredator) Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan Street, Pembroke Pines (Conquistadores, Missionaries, and the Lost Tribes of Florida) Broward County Library Branch, 751 Southwest 121st Avenue, Davie and African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: (Shadows and Spirits of the Past) 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 7 (Megalodon-Miocene Marine Macropredator) 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11 (Conquistadores, Missionaries, and the Lost Tribes of Florida) 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 23 at Broward County Library Branch and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, July 25 at African American Research Library and Cultural Center
COST: Free
INFORMATION: Hallandale Beach Branch (954) 357-6380 or learn more on the event page
Southwest Regional Library (954) 357-6580 or learn more on the event page
Young At Art (now Broward County Library Branch) (954) 357-5437 or learn more on the event page
African American Research Library and Cultural Center (954) 357-6282 or learn more on the event page
BEST FOR: Teens and adults
A Musical Journey through Florida at Tamarac Community Center
Florida folk musician, performer, and storyteller Chris Kahl presents “A Musical Journey through Florida,” a musical presentation covering Florida’s culture, environment, and history, from Ponce de Leon’s landing in Florida in 1513 to the building of the Florida East Coast Railway, to hurricanes, mosquitoes and Florida’s Space Coast. Kahl’s musical storytelling draws on his childhood growing up near the Kennedy Space Center on the Space Coast; his presentation includes live performances of original songs from Kahl’s albums, “Sunshine Kid” (2009) and “Orange Blossom Memories” (2006).
“A Musical Journey through Florida” is part of Florida Talks, a series of educational presentations on Florida’s history and culture sponsored by Florida Humanities, a division of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories, literature, culture, and history of Florida and its communities. Chris Kahl’s “A Musical Journey through Florida” is held at Tamarac Community Center on July 29; entrance to the event is free.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: A Musical Journey through Florida
WHERE: Tamarac Community Center, West Commercial Boulevard, Tamarac
WHEN: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 29
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 328-0401 or learn more on the event page
BEST FOR: Adults
Music
All-Time Greatest Hits of American Folk Music at Northwest Regional Library
Join musician and educator, Matthew Sabatella, for a musical performance of favorite American folk songs to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at Northwest Regional Library on July 6. Sabatella illuminates American history and musical traditions with a concert of well-known folk music spanning American history, from the folksong revival of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s back through the music of colonial America. Sabatella also shares the history and stories behind these beloved folk songs during the program.
Sabatella performs solo and as a member of Rambling String Band. Rambling String Band performs in the tradition of American folk music, playing Appalachian music, blues, bluegrass, country, spirituals, sea shanties, ballads, work songs, and more. Sabatella and the Rambling String Band bring these older styles of American music to life through their performances, and Sabatella regularly teaches on American music and music traditions at Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and Florida Atlantic University. His organization, Ballad of America, educates and celebrates the diverse music of the United States through programs and their music library, which shares the stories and history behind America’s music and musical traditions.
“All-Time Greatest Hits of American Folk Music” is a free, all-ages performance and presentation.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: All-Time Greatest Hits of American Folk Music
WHERE: Northwest Regional Library, 3151 North University Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 6
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 357-7990 or learn more on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Listen to America Series Presents: America, the Beautiful at Broward County Libraries
Emily Kennedy and Patrice Risi hold a summer concert on July 22 at South Regional/Broward College Library to celebrate patriotic songs and the stories behind them with “Listen to America Series: America, the Beautiful.” This musical performance features patriotic songs performed by Kennedy on the trumpet with Risi on piano. Guests will also get the chance to join the performance with provided instruments. The event includes a discussion about the history behind the music as well as themed crafts and refreshments.
Kennedy is a composer and musician with a background in piano, guitar, and trumpet. She performs a variety of music genres from Latin to jazz and has performed solo and in ensembles. She is a 2025 recipient of the Broward Cultural Division’s Artist Support Regional Grant. Risi is a pianist, vocalist, and music educator with over 20 years of experience teaching music to adults and children. She also spent five years with the Florida Philharmonic Chorus. Together, Kennedy and Risi have performed numerous concerts throughout Broward for the public, including the “Jazz Around the World” concert series and holiday jazz concerts in 2025.
Additional concerts in the “Listen to America Series” are held at different Broward libraries in August and September. Each concert is free to attend.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Listen to America Series Presents: America, the Beautiful
WHERE: (July 7) Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch Library, 10500 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise (July 18) Pembroke Pines/Walter C Young Resource Center, 955 Northwest 129th Avenue, Pembroke Pines (July 22) South Regional/Broward College Library, 7300 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: (Sunrise Dan Pearl Branch Library) 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 7 (Pembroke Pines/Walter C Young Resource Center) 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 18 (South Regional/Broward College Library) 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 22
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 825-5577 or learn more on the event page
Starlight Musicals at Holiday Park
The City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department brings their annual “Starlight Musicals” to Holiday Park from June through August. The “Starlight Musicals” are a series of free, all-ages concerts for the public featuring local South Florida musicians and bands and a variety of musical genres, from blues to R&B. Each concert highlights a specific music genre with a different band or musician headlining.
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July 10 (Blues), The Pitbull of Blues: This South Florida band combines traditional and original blues and features front man, Josh Rowand, on guitar.
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July 17 (Pop/Popular Music) ReaXtion Band: An ensemble of vocalists and musicians on keyboard, guitar, drums, bass, and percussion instruments, the ReaXtion Band plays popular hits meant to entertain a crowd.
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July 24 (Rock with Horn instruments) Brass Evolution: Known for their emphasis on brass horn instruments in their music, Brass Evolution finds inspiration in classic rock as well as the Big Band music of the 1930s and 1940s.
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July 31 (Rock): Shaw Davis Band & The Black Ties: The band blends blues with hard rock and their sound evokes retro rock icons from the 1960s and 70s.
Additional concerts take place on August 7 and August 14. Admission to the “Starlight Musicals” is free; guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and snacks; food and beverages are also available for purchase. And to benefit the local community, bring non-perishable food items (including pet food) for donation to support food pantries including The Pantry of Broward and Abandoned Pet Rescue.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Starlight Musicals
WHERE: Holiday Park, 1150 G. Harold Martin Dr, Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, July 10, July 17, July 24, and July 31
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 828-5363 or learn more on the event page
BEST FOR: All ages
Summer Symphony Series at Charles F. Dodge City Center
The South Florida Symphony Orchestra comes to the City of Pembroke Pines for the “Summer Symphony Series” at Charles F. Dodge City Center on July 12. These free, community concerts feature live music from the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), South Florida’s largest professional orchestra dedicated to making symphony music more accessible. The organization’s programming includes music education and live symphony performances for public school children as well as free community concerts to bring symphony music to a wider audience.
The July concert includes a performance from the South Florida Symphony String Quartet. Additional concerts on August 16 and September 13 feature the SFSO’s brass quintet (a five-member musical ensemble of brass instruments such as the trombone, tuba, and the French horn) and vocalists. Admission is free.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Summer Symphony Series
WHERE: Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 12
COST: Free
INFORMATION: (954) 450-1060 or call ahead at (954) 392-2122; learn more on the event page and the Artscalendar page
BEST FOR: All ages
Jazz in the Galleries at Coral Springs Museum of Art
Experience the sounds of famed jazz guitarists with “Jazz in the Galleries” at Coral Springs Museum of Art on July 23. Three South Florida musicians from the Gold Coast Jazz Society bring “The Greats of Jazz Guitar” to life in their performance: jazz bassist Phil Flanigan, drummer David Nizri, and guitarist Martin Hand. The trio will play music from influential jazz guitarists such as the great jazz improvisationalist, Wes Montgomery, bluegrass singer and guitarist, Jim McCall, the talented jazz guitarist Joe Pass, and the prolific Kenny Burrell, who played alongside other jazz greats like John Coltrane (saxophone) and Dizzy Gillespie.
“Jazz in the Galleries” is a ticketed event; food and beverages are available for purchase during the evening.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Jazz in the Galleries
WHERE: Coral Springs Museum of Art, 2855A Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23
COST: $20, general admission, $5, Museum members
INFORMATION: (954) 340-5000 or learn more on the event page
BEST FOR: Adults
