Labor Day Weekend things to do: Jimmy Buffett Day events, closing party at The Wharf, Ice Spice, Sommore

If joy seems to be having an out-of-nowhere cultural moment right now, the sunny spirit of Jimmy Buffett returns this weekend with something to say: “Hold my margarita.”

The inaugural celebration of Jimmy Buffett Day in Florida occurs on Friday, the almost anniversary of the part-time Palm Beach resident’s passing on Sept. 1, 2023 from a rare form of skin cancer. The honor was officially designated in February by the state Legislature, which noted that the beloved entertainer found his voice as a songwriter in the Florida Keys and was a tireless advocate for the coastal environment, philanthropy and a “free-spirited” life.

From West Palm Beach and Delray Beach to Hollywood, there will be no shortage of places in South Florida to honor the man, his music and the infectious optimism that became his brand only because it felt so authentic.

The center of Jimmy World in South Florida is his Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, which will host three days of celebrations, including music by former members of Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.

The resort will open festivities at the Hollywood Beach Bandshell on Friday, highlighted by a performance by former Coral Reefers Doyle Grisham and Roger Bartlett and others from 6 to 9 p.m., a fan costume contest at 7 p.m., and a Cheeseburger in Paradise pop-up restaurant with a full bar from 5 to 9 p.m.

On Saturday, local-favorite Buffett tribute band Jimmy Stowe & the Stowaways perform at the bandshell from 7 to 9 p.m., with another costume contest (8 p.m.) and Cheeseburger in Paradise (6 to 9 p.m.). In the resort lobby, you’ll find commemorative Jimmy Buffett merchandise and island apparel at the shop Live Life Like a Song, with proceeds benefiting the charity Singing for Change .

The Changes in Latitude Celebrity Brunch at the resort’s JWB Prime Steak and Seafood is Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with chef Carlo Sernaglia celebrating island flavors and the spirit of Buffett’s iconic songs.

The hotel’s Margaritaville Restaurant will have Buffett Bingo with prizes from 4 to 5 p.m. ($5 to enter), and the bandshell will wrap up Sunday festivities with the Buffett Beach Band (7 to 9 p.m.), costume contest (8 p.m.) and Cheeseburger in Paradise (6 to 9 p.m.). For information on all events at the resort, visit MargaritavilleHollywoodBeachResort.com .

Events in West Palm Beach kick off early with a free performance on Thursday by Buffett tribute band the Caribbean Chillers during Clematis by Night on the downtown waterfront. Cohosted by Parrot Heads for the Palm Beaches and Friends of Manatee Lagoon , the concert will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and include a “Bubbles Up” homage, with attendees blowing bubbles in unison as a show of affection. Bubbles will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be food and drink vendors on-site. Yes, margaritas. Visit WPB.org/events .

You may recall that Buffett effectively called an end to the pandemic in Florida in May 2021 with four sold-out concerts on Old School Square in Delray Beach , where the city will celebrate on Friday with Party in Paradise, a tropical hootenanny featuring the Caribbean Chillers. The 5 p.m. event will include a costume contest, limbo competition, coconut painting, games and, yes, margaritas. Tickets cost $20+, or $5 for guests age 12 and younger. VIP access is sold out. Visit DelrayOldSchoolSquare.com .

Across town at Deck 84, restaurateur Burt Rapoport, who first met Buffett 30 years ago at a fundraiser for Dreyfoos School of the Arts, will bring a little Key West to his waterfront hotspot on Friday from noon to 9:30 p.m. Taking place with a Jimmy Buffett soundtrack, the event will include commemorative T-shirts and specials on food and drink inspired by his music. A dollar from the sale of cocktails from Deck 84’s signature Boat Drinks menu and from the T-shirts will go to the Golden Bell Education Foundation . Visit Facebook.com/deck84delray .

THURSDAY

The final frontier: This is the final weekend to enjoy “ Space Explorers: The Infinite ” at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach , with shows presented daily through Monday. The immersive 45-minute experience takes visitors 250 miles above Earth and into the International Space Station in you-are-there scenes filmed with specialized 3D VR cameras. Shows are limited to guests age 8 and older. Children age 8 to 12 need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian to attend. Showtimes are 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Labor Day. Tickets cost $45 to $55 for adults, $35 to $40 for students, and $25 to $30 for children age 8 to 12. For tickets, showtimes and a downloadable waiver, visit Kravis.org .

Shine on: Critically lauded interpreters of a seminal rock discography, The Australian Pink Floyd Show plays the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $44.50+ at BrowardCenter.org .

Melting Pot: One of the region’s favorite rolling restaurants, Jenny With the Pot will be at Yeasty Brews Artisanal Beers in Lauderhill on Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. when she’ll showcase her innovative (and delicious) Birria Ramen Tacos . If you know you know … Visit Instagram.com/jennywiththepot .

FRIDAY

Auto magic for the people: The Miami International Auto Show rolls out on Friday, beginning a 10-day run at the Miami Beach Convention Center through Sept. 8. Of course, you’ll be able to get a peek at the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD and the latest designs from Ferrari, Porsche and Rolls-Royce. But this year’s show offers a new feature, the indoor EV Test Track , where attendees can test-drive the most innovative new electric vehicles from automakers including Chevrolet, Alfa Romeo, Hummer and Lucid Motors, among others. Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for children age 6 to 12, and free for guests age 5 and younger. Visit MiamiAutoShows.com .

Friday night live: Bush brings its Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood at 6:30 p.m. Friday, joined by Jerry Cantrell, Candlebox and Bone UK . Tickets start at $85+ at MyHRL.com . … Pop-rockers Imagine Dragons , on a world tour supporting the album “Loom” (released in June), play iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach at 7 p.m. Friday. It’s a sellout, but Verified Resale options are available at LiveNation.com . … Mexican singer-songwriter Edén Muñoz , former leader of norteño-banda group Calibre 50, brings his solo tour to The Fillmore Miami Beach on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64+ at LiveNation.com .

Wharf closing: Five years after it changed the conversation about nightlife on the riverfront in downtown Fort Lauderdale , The Wharf will close for renovations after a two-day “bon voyage” blowout on Friday and Saturday. The exceedingly popular outdoor bar will get “a venue refresh” that will make The Wharf a “permanent fixture” in its prime location on the New River, co-owner Emi Guerra said. The reopening date remains TBD. For information on closing weekend and to RSVP, visit WharfFTL.com .

Las Olas opening: Artist and entrepreneur Joshua Tiktin will host the grand opening of Las Olas Kollective on Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m., adding a sister location to Kollective outposts in Wynwood and Delray Beach. The evening will include browsing among more than 30 artists, music from DJ Illset , light bites and drinks. City Commissioner Steve Glassman is scheduled to cut the ribbon at 5 p.m. Visit Instagram.com/lasolaskollective .

Friday laughs: Popular comedian Sommore brings The Chandelier Experience to The Studio at Mizner Park in Boca Raton on Friday and Saturday, at 7 and 9:30 p.m. each night. Tickets cost $35+ and $50+ at TheStudioAtMiznerpark.com . … Chris Porter (“There’s No Money in Babies”) has overcome a lot in carving out a career as a touring stand-up comedian — for instance, growing up in Kansas. Porter will be at the Dania Improv in Dania Beach at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $22+ at DaniaImprov.com .

Friday tributes: Blink-182 simulators Blink-180 Deux will headline a bill at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, joined by Live From 05 (playing Paramore) and Beeline (doing Weezer’s iconic debut album). Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $9.25+ as part of a four-pack. Visit JoinTheRevolution.net . … Fleetwood Mac tribute True Rumours plays The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton at 9 p.m. Friday. Tickets start at $20+ at FunkyBiscuit.com .

SATURDAY

Canes vs. Gators: It’s Labor Day Weekend and Jimmy Buffett Weekend, but as important, it’s Canes vs. Gators Weekend, with the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators kicking off their college football seasons in Gainesville at 3:30 p.m. Saturday to see whose life is ruined first. Even if you are an unaffiliated newcomer to the area ( especially if you are an unaffiliated newcomer) it will be a fun experience watching these rival fan bases hate on each other. Broward County Canes will be set up for an official watch party at Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill on the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale (visit Facebook.com/UMBrowardAlumni ), while Broward Gators can be found at the Carolina Ale House in Weston and Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub in Hollywood (visit Facebook.com/BrowardCountyGatorClub ). In Palm Beach County , the Canes’ official watch events will be at Duffy’s Sports Grill locations in Boynton Beach and North Palm Beach ( Facebook.com/pbccanes ), while Biergarten in Boca Raton has also been a welcome home for Miami fans ( Facebook.com/BiergartenBoca ). If you want to surround yourself with UF fans in Palm Beach County, they’ll be gathered at Old Key Lime House in Lantana , with satellite parties at Bounce in Delray Beach , Roxy’s Pub in West Palm Beach and Stormhouse Brewing in North Palm Beach (visit Facebook.com/pbcgatorclub ).

Creamy center: Thrōw Social in Delray Beach has all kinds of frolicsome ways to do the long weekend, with DJs, live bands, beer and cocktail specials, jumbo beer pong, jenga, cornhole and more. But the centerpiece of the weekend may be the Twinkie-eating contest on Saturday for a chance to win a free cabana for up to 10 people and a bottle of your choice. Register in person by 7:30 p.m. Admission to Thrōw this weekend is free. Visit Facebook.com/throwsocialdelray .

Football crawl: The College Football Labor Day Crawl on Saturday will encourage fans to parade among hot spots in downtown Fort Lauderdale in team colors (even FSU supporters, a little humbled by their 0-1 start). Beginning with check-in at the Palm Room on Las Olas Boulevard at 5 p.m. (when the 3:30 p.m. Canes-Gators game will still be raging), the crawl also will hit American Social, The Wilder, Coyo Taco and Tin Roof (where you’ll find Broward Noles ) between 5 p.m. and midnight. Tickets cost $30+ and include one free drink at each spot and no cover. For tickets and information, see the EventBrite page .

Saturday night live: Jane’s Addiction , joined by Love and Rockets , plus Crawlers , perform at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $95+ at MyHRL.com . … Bronx-born rap provocateur Ice Spice comes to The Fillmore Miami Beach at 8 p.m. Saturday on her Y2K! World Tour. Tickets start at $75.50+ for general-admission floor access at LiveNation.com .

Smorgasburg seeks vendors: Popular open-air Wynwood food market Smorgasburg Miami is about to take a break — basically taking September off — but first there will be Saturday’s Hui Hou! End of Summer Luau . Taking place from 2 to 10 p.m., the party will include live music (7 to 10 p.m.) and vendor specials throughout. Smorgasburg will then close for renovations to the physical space (additional seating, fresh landscaping, more shaded areas) and a refresh of the culinary offerings. Owner Gaston Becherano is looking for five new food vendors to join the lineup at Smorgasburg, with applications being accepted at SmorgasburgMiami.com (click the “Apply” tab). Becherano expects to reopen on Sept. 28.

Local sounds: Singer-songwriter Kiowa is at Pompano Beach Brewing Co. on Saturday at 7 p.m. Visit PompanoBeachBrewing.com . … The “Americeltic pubgrass” of Uproot Hootenanny will fill Tarpon River Brewing in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Visit Instagram.com/tarponriverbrewing . … Spred the Dub will turn up their ska-reggae intensity at Mathews Brewing Co. in Lake Worth Beach on Saturday at 8 p.m. Visit Facebook.com/mathewsbrewing .

Farewell AWB: Disco-era funk group Average White Band (“Pick Up the Pieces,” “Cut the Cake”) bring their farewell tour to Stage 954 at The Casino @ Dania Beach on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59+ at CasinoDaniaBeach.com .

SUNDAY

All about Meghan: A decade after “All About That Bass,” pop singer Meghan Trainor , now a mother of two, will share the empowering “ self-love anthems ” on her critically praised album “ Timeless ” at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $45+. Visit MyHRL.com .

Party center: North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes (in that underappreciated center on the northwest corner of State Road A1A and Oakland Park Boulevard) will host a free Pre Labor-Day Festival featuring live music on three stages (2 to 9 p.m.), a car show (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and food and drink specials from more than 15 restaurants and bars. The music schedule includes Southern Blood (2 to 5 p.m.), The Smokin’ Aces (5 to 9 p.m.) and the Geneiva Allen Band (5-9 p.m.). Visit Parks.FortLauderdale.gov/laborday .

MONDAY

Weekend movies: Coral Gables Art Cinema on Monday will offer screenings of Francis Ford Coppola ’s neo-noir thriller “ The Conversation ,” given a 4K restoration on its 50th anniversary . Distinguished by a tour de force performance from Gene Hackman as a troubled surveillance expert hired to follow a young couple and the spiral of torment he faces after recording a cryptic conversation between the two, “The Conversation” was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its remarkable supporting cast includes Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, John Cazale, Frederic Forrest and Cindy Williams . Showtimes are at 2 and 9:15 p.m. Monday. Tickets cost $11.75+ (seniors, students, military $10+). Visit GablesCinema.com .

Labor Day tip: A three-day weekend may mean that your favorite restaurant is extending brunch through Monday, which is great. Except if you’re doing the cooking, serving, cleaning and managing all that. My rule of thumb on long weekends — especially so on Labor Day Weekend — is to tip generously . Check your go-to spot for their plans, but among the places planning to serve Monday brunch are YOLO and The Foxy Brown in Fort Lauderdale , Abe & Louie’s in Boca Raton , Elisabetta’s Ristorante in Delray Beach , Banana Boat in Boynton Beach , Batch New Southern Kitchen & Taproom and City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill in West Palm Beach .

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com . Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and Twitter @BenCrandell .