Greetings {name},

We hope you'll enjoy this weekly list of events and cultural opportunities in the community.

Please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty, bounty and serene nature of our countryside.

The Turkey Point Power Station on Biscayne Bay is 8 miles due west of Elliot Key.

Friday, January 26 is Spouse's Day, a time to enjoy and appreciate your better half.

Saturday, January 27 is Chocolate Cake Day, a time to indulge in that consummate American classic dessert: Chocolate Cake.

Thursday, February 1 is National Freedom Day, a chance to reflect on and remember the importance of freedom as a basic tenet, a founding principle, a bedrock doctrine of our society.

February 1 is also the first day of Black History Month, a time for remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Friday, February 2 is Groundhog Day, celebrated with Punxsutawney Phil who, if frightened by his shadow, will return to his burrow, indicating that there will be six more weeks of winter. If Phil does not see his shadow, then spring is on the way.

Sunday, February 10 is Lunar New Year, also commonly known as Chinese New Year, is the most widely celebrated and most important holiday across Asia. It marks the start of the Year Of The Dragon.

Sunday, January 28 from 2 to 5pm
Free Ribs on Sunday
You heard it right. Head over to Miami's Ribs at 25750 SW 177th Ave -- next to Soroa Orchids -- to taste the genuine smoked goodness of Miami's Ribs smokehouse with a free portion of ribs for every new customer. And you might find the best smoked brisket you've ever tasted, plus a big menu full of smoked meat specialties, with great side dishes and drinks. Bring the whole family along, and meet up with friends at Miami's Ribs on Sunday from 2 to 5pm. Call 305-800-7427. Get details online. 

Get Involved and Make a Difference
Pot Hole Reporting
DTPW Road and Bridges crews need citizen's help to quickly identify the worst pot holes that might damage cars. You can help by calling or using the online link below to provide as much information as possible so that DTPW can easily locate hazardous pothole. They always want you to provide an address using the online form; sometimes this can be a challenge. If possible, take a picture that shows the location and the depth of the pot hole. You can upload this easily using the online form. You have the option to provide your name, email and phone number, or just remain anonymous. Call 311 or 305-468-5900. Better yet, use this link to report pot holes in Miami-Dade County.

Thursday, January 25 at 7pm
Community Conversation and Resource Expo
Residents of District 8 are invited to the Moss Cultural Arts Center to participate in an evening dedicated to community engagement and empowerment -- the Community Conversation & Resource Expo, hosted by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins. This expo endeavors to deliver essential updates from diverse county departments, addressing issues directly impacting our community. The event promises an interactive session where you can engage with representatives from various departments and gain valuable insights into their ongoing initiatives, and have any questions or concerns answered. The evening will include a presentation by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, who will share pertinent updates on the current status, future plans, and key developments in District 8. Please RSVP online.

Thursday, January 25 at 7pm
Elixir of Life Augmented Reality Game
Enjoy an enchanting evening of exploration and entertainment at the highly anticipated launch event for the Elixir of Life augmented reality game at the Cybrarium. Hosted by the City of Homestead in collaboration with Cybrarium and Before It's Too Late (BITL), the launch event promises an exclusive firsthand experience of this innovative augmented reality game set within the captivating walls of the Cybrarium Library. The Elixir of Life AR game is designed to transport players into an immersive world where they'll embark on a thrilling quest through two distinct realms - the untamed Everglades and the cosmic wonders of Astro-Odyssey. Get details online.

Weekend of January 26-28
75th Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo
Experience the annual Miss Rodeo Homestead contest and three days of Barrel Racing, Bull Riding, Roping, Riding and Wrestling -- plus special acts like the Homestead Everglades Posse Precision Mounted Drill Team performs at the 75th Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo. Tickets are $35 per day for adults, $25 for kids 4 to 12. Military and Senior discounts are offered at the box office on site/event day only. Doc DeMilly Rodeo Arena at Harris Field, 1034 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33030. Call 305-247-3515. Get details online.

Friday, January 26 at 7pm
Spark the romance at Schnebly Winery
Date night on Fridays at the winery is all about starlit tours, waterfall tastings, and dinner under the open sky. It’s the perfect recipe for lasting memories with your special someone. Diners receive free entry to Country Night at Miami Brewing Company. Get details and RSVP online.

Friday, January 26 at 8pm
Strung Out: Candlelight Concert
Enjoy an intimate string concert as part of Homestead's artists and artisans’ series -- a candlelight concert featuring some of the greatest Rock’n’Roll hits is sure to entertain. On the Seminole Theatre stage, guests will be seated behind the great curtain around a string quartet beneath a sea of lights and music. Strung Out brings a unique spin on candlelight concerts by taking guests out of the audience up onto the stage with the musicians in a warm, intimate environment. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, January 27 from 7:30am to 4pm
Audubon - Everglades National Park Birding
Tropical Audubon Society's Rachel DiPietro will lead this full-day trip in Everglades National Park. Stops are likely to include Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails, Research Road, Long Pine Key, Pa-hay-okee, Mahogany Hammock, Paurotis and Mrazek Ponds, West Lake and the Flamingo area. Meet at 7:30am in the parking lot of the Coe Visitor Center at the park entrance. Bring lunch. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 from 9am to 5pm
Cycad Day 2024 at Fairchild Gardens
The Cycad Society is hosting Cycad Day at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with lectures, a garden tour, and a plant auction. The $30 entrance fee is waived for Cycad Society members. Call 512-836-5087. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 2pm
STEAM Saturdays
Embrace your inner scientist with weekly STEAM projects designed for children ages 8-12. Registration required. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 6pm
Rodeo Dance and Prime Rib Dinner
Soroptimist Internation of Homestead presents the annual Rodeo Dance and Prime Rib Diner at Homestead's Harris Field Pavilion with live music by Whiskey Six. Dinner tickets are $30. Dance only tickets are $30. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 7pm
Schnebly's Voice Grand Finale
Discover the rockstar within you at Schnebly's Voice Singing Contest. Whether you’re a bathroom vocalist or a karaoke maestro, seize the chance to flaunt your talent and vie for fabulous prizes. Only three weekends left, so astonish yourself and the audience with your incredible skills. Get details and sign up to sing online.

Saturday, January 27 at 8pm
DRUMLine Live at Moss Cultural Arts Center
Attend the performance of DRUMLine Live, the show-stopping attraction created by the musical team behind 20th Century Fox’s hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” has already paraded onto some of the biggest theater stages in America, Japan, and Korea. Get details online.

Saturday, January 27 at 9pm
A Night With Spirits at Hotel Redland
Attend a thrilling evening of paranormal encounters at City Hall Bistro (5 South Flagler Avenue) for a spine-chilling journey exploring the world of spirits and the supernatural, filled with eerie tales, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this a night of goosebumps and intrigue will leave you questioning what lies beyond the realm of the living. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 8:30am
Pine Rockland Bike Ride
Embark on an exciting two-hour bike ride through Miami-Dade's imperiled Pine Rockland ecosystem. Discover fascinating facts and hidden gems exploring this unique habitat. Meet at Larry & Penny Thompson Park playground parking lot. Bring your own bike or rent one for $10. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 10am
Introduction to Archery at Larry and Penny Thompson Park
During this seminar, you will be instructed on proper archery techniques, allowing you to refine your skills under expert guidance. Following the lesson, you will have the opportunity to test your newfound abilities by taking practice shots at a target, solidifying your progress. To ensure your participation, advance registration is required for this exclusive seminar. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 2pm
Ten Truths About Tropical Fruit
Learn the truths about tropical fruits that no one told you before. This fascinating class at the Fruit and Spice Park is led by Jeff Wasielewski, Commercial Tropical Fruit Extension Agent from UF/IFAS Extension Office. Call 305-247-5727. Get details online.

Sunday, January 28 at 2pm
Sunday Book Brunch at the Cybrarium
Join the hottest club in town, the Cybrarium's Sunday Book Brunch book club. The theme this month: Travel to a different country through a book. The book for this month: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. This is an an event for adults. Refreshments provided. Registration required. Get details and RSVP online.

Tuesday, January 30 at 4:30pm
Introduction to Computers
Attend a free introduction to computers at the South Dade Regional Library. Learn about a computer's hardware and operating system. Call 305-233-8140 or email: crespim@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Wednesday, January 31 at 5:30pm
Adult Painting Party
Local artist Susan Sorrentino hosts a painting party at the Cybrarium for grown ups. Get details and register online.

Thursday, February 1 at 8:15pm
Argylle - IMAX Laser Projection
Reclusive author Elly Conway writes best-selling espionage novels about a secret agent named Argylle who's on a mission to unravel a global spy syndicate. However, when the plots of her books start to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, the line between fiction and reality begin to blur. See it in IMAX. Get details online.https://www.evo.co/imax

Friday, February 2 at 4:30pm
Create a Valentine's Day Pop-up Card
Create your own three-dimensional card for a special Valentine at the library. Use your favorite colors and learn techniques to make your hearts pop. Materials will be provided. Call 305-233-8140 or email: crespim@mdpls.org. Ages 5 to 12 yrs. Get details online.

Thursday, February 8 from 6 to 8pm
New Artist Reception – Zeal of Zafari Art
Etc, art gallery and antiques on Krome Avenue -- in commemoration of Black History Month -- will be hosting a new artist reception for Fitzgerald Allen, local muralist and sculptor at their downtown Homestead location. His art installations of Zafari Art in various locations throughout Homestead, Miami, and Miami Beach are familiar to locals. There will also be an exhibit of Haitian art in the gallery hall. Etc. is open from 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday at 257 North Krome Avenue. No RSVP is necessary. Call 305-951-5128 or email etc.homestead@yahoo.com for details.

February 10–17
Book Giveaway at Cybrarium
Indulge your love of books and build your home or classroom library with free books from the Cybrarium. Thanks to a generous donation, there are hundreds of textbooks, cookbooks, novels, children's books, and more to give away. New books will be presented each day, so visit more than once. Give a book a new home and fall in love with reading all over again. Get details online.

Saturday, February 17 from 10am to 4pm
The Annual Garden Walk of the Upper Keys
Garden enthusiasts are invited to participate in the annual Upper Keys Garden Walk, starting with a fabulous selection of hand-made arts and crafts, orchid accessories and more at the Francis Tracy Garden Center in Islamorada at mile marker 94 Bayside. Tickets for the self-guided tours of these enchanting private gardens are $30. Get details online. 

Sunday, February 18 from 8am to 5pm
City Bikes - Gravel Miami
Gear up for the ultimate thrill at City Bikes Gravel Miami -- plus the best post-gravel party of the year. Get ready to ride, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories. Get details and RSVP online.

Enchanting Tropical Setting
Wedding Plans at The Winery
Make your special day truly extraordinary. Say "I do" surrounded by the beauty of Schnebly Redland's Winery enchanting venue, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Get details online.

Shop four locations in Downtown Homestead -- all within walking distance

Etc, located at 257 North Krome Avenue is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am to 5pm with antiques and vintage furniture, china, crystal and collectibles, used book exchange, with coffee and tea service. Call 786-283-2437.

Renaissance Antiques is at 61 NW 4th Street, open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 5pm with Furniture, art, rugs, jewelry, china & glassware. Call 305-244-5807.

Jacobsen's Antique Mall at 144 N. Krome Avenue is Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm with art, antiques, collectibles, furniture and accessories. Call 305-247-4745.

Skin Candy at 118 N. Krome Ave with natural soaps, body butters, bath bombs, sugar scrubs, natural deodorants, body oils and more. Call 470-920-5007.