Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee

Tallahassee is exhaling after last week's monster hurricane largely bypassed the capital city.

The fresh month of October starts with another First Friday, a Downtown GetDown and a flurry of fall activities.

Congrats to Tallahassee's own Bill "Sauce Boss" Wharton for winning the solo/duo category in the North Central Florida Blues Society’s International Blues Contest in Gainesville. He'll be on his way to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge in January.

FSU takes on Clemson in Doak at 7 p.m. Saturday. FAMU's game at Alabama State Hornets is at 3 p.m.

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

1. Lyle Lovett and his Large Band check in at Ruby Diamond

A genius at blending humor and melancholy with a Texas sensibility, Lyle Lovett ("If I Had a Boat," "She's No Lady," "L.A. County") brings his Large Band to Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Sunday as part of Florida State's Opening Nights. Tickets are $85-$70. Visit openingnights.fsu.edu.

The singer, composer, and actor, has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Lovett fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Whether touring as a duo, with his acoustic group or the large band, Lovett’s live performances show not only the breadth of this Texas legend’s deep talents but also the diversity of his influences.

Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and was named Texas State Musician.

2. Head out for the Downtown GetDown

Yes, we know the Florida State football is struggling right now, all the more reason to come out and support team spirit with music and food and friends at the Downtown GetDown from 6-10 p.m. Friday at the Adams Street Commons, corner of Adams and College Avenue.

The series is free to the public and will include live music from local bands Tom & The Cats and Two Foot Level, the Fun 4 Tally Kids Zone, performances by community dance groups, and numerous food and craft vendors. Downtown GetDown series brings together the best local food vendors, favorite local musicians, and activities for kids of all ages.

The Tallahassee Downtown Improvement Authority announced the limited return of the Downtown GetDowns for fall 2024. Beginning in the late 1990s, the Downtown GetDowns were a key part of the annual event calendar in downtown for over 20 years and attracted thousands of attendees from across the community. The events are made possible by the support of Tri-Eagle Sales, Social House Vodka, and the Adams Radio Group.

3. Listen local at The Sound Bar's Soundfest

A relative newcomer to Tallahassee's music venue, The Sound Bar opened in November of 2023 and has been planning its first local music festival for months. The venue at 1105 Tharpe St. rolls out its first festival from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. The Soundfest lineup consists of six Tallahassee bands, two Tallahassee soloists and two Tallahassee duos. Tickets are $20.

Here's the lineup: JC & the Backscratchers, 3 p.m.; Bruce Graybeal, 4 p.m.; La Danca de Shiva, 4:45 p.m.; You Two, 5:45 p.m.; Flamingo Party Band, 6:30 p.m.; Saylor Dollar, 7:30 p.m.; Gamble Cosmos, 8:15 p.m.; Russ Skinner, 9:15 p.m.; The Elements, 10 p.m.; ElevenOFive, 11:05 p.m. Visit thesoundbartallahassee.com.

The Sound Bar also has a menu of dips, chili tots, brisket tacos, quesadillas and nachos, from B52 Nachos to Centerstage Nachos, with all the trimmings.

4. Theatre TSC dips into history with 'Radium Girls'

Theatre TSC lights up the new fall season with a tale about radioactive metals. In 1926, radium was a miracle cure and luminous watches were the latest rage — until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. "Radium Girls," by D.W. Gregory, opens at 8 p.m. Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 11-12 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 13.

Inspired by a true story, the play traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees.

All performances take place at TSC’s Turner Auditorium, 444 Appleyard Drive. For ages 13 and up. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for non-TSC students and children. TSC students, faculty and staff receive free admission. Tickets can be reserved online at tsc.fl.edu . Cash and checks only when purchasing tickets at the door.

5. Music for Food turns to Mendelssohn

Here's a way to hear great music and help hurting communities: check out this weekend's Music for Food concert, featuring music of Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn.

The 2024-25 season for Music For Food kicks off with its first concert, "All in the Family" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at Grace Lutheran Church, 2919 Miccosukee Road. This is the first of 4 programs this year to help fight hunger in the community.

The concert features the talents of siblings Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn and a string quartets by each of them, including one of Fanny's 6 pieces to be published during her lifetime, the lovely song, "Italien." The accomplished cast of performers include Kristina Nilsson, Caroline Holden, Melissa Brewer, Zlatina Staykova, Carla Connors, Tim Hoekman, Corinne Stillwell, Megumi Terry, Miriam Tellechea and Mitchell George.

Music For Food Tallahassee is an all-volunteer, musician-led initiative to fight hunger in the community, part of a national organization with 22 chapters across the country. Bring non-perishable food and monetary donations; 100% of the funds raised will benefit the FSU Food for Thought Pantry. Donations may be made by cash, check payable to the FSU Foundation, or online at dsst.fsu.edu. Suggested donation is $20/adult, $5/student.

Bonus event: Get happy at Blue Tavern

Music can be the antidote for the angst — storm related, political and otherwise — that's been hanging heavy in the air lately. Start off with Two Clever for happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St. Greg Brown brings a mix of originals and covers inspired by country, bluegrass and folk. Catch "three chords and the truth" for the $10 cover.

1st Saturday "Swim" begins with Bluegill Bill & guest Ben Banks from 5-7 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by the Will Fulkerson Quartet. This All Star band will be playing the music of Wayne Shorter, Christian McBride, Cedar Walton, Joshua Redman and features Joe Goldberg - sax, Will Fulkerson - keys, José Serrano - bass, and Lawrence Turner - percussion. Jam session begins at 10 p.m. $10 cover.

OTHER EVENTS

Blue Tavern : Happy hour at Blue Tavern, 1205 N. Monroe St., with Bunny Bread from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday with Corey Hall. $5 cover. Happy hour with Rachel's Reading Room, 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. Happy hour with Mes Amis from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, followed at 8 p.m. by Free Jazz Thursday with Longineu Parsons, Michael Bakan, and Brian Hall.

Cascades Park: Tallahassee unveils a replica of the First Florida Capitol - a log cabin that served as Florida's first legislative home after the city was designated as the state's capital in 1824. Constructed by over a hundred volunteers, the replica was built in honor of Tallahassee's bicentennial. The community is invited to celebrate its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Cascades Park.

First Friday: First Fridays at Railroad Square, a long-time monthly favorite, gets lively from 6-9 p.m. Friday, 602 McDonnel Drive. Although some business still recovering from tornadoes, you can enjoy a relaxed evening of perusing open galleries, creative micro-businesses and sampling local food.

Great Oaks Pub at Southwood: Firewall lights up the Great Oaks Pub from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday. Their repertoire covers a wide range of artists from contemporary 80’s to current hits. No Cover, no minimum, full restaurant and bar. Call 850-942-4653 for reserve seating.

House of Music: Friday Night Dinner with Music by Keal Franklin, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St. No cover.

( This story was updated to add new information.)

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

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