Family-Friendly Events in Fort Lauderdale Florida

Get ready for a spooktacular evening under the stars at The LOOP’s Halloween edition of Movies by Moonlight! Locals and visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and their favorite movie buddies to enjoy a festive film on the main lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Starting at 5 p.m., shop The MKT for treats, dine at one of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s local restaurants or pack a picnic to complete the outdoor movie experience. Little ghouls and goblins can also join in the fun with trick-or-treating before the movie starts. Limited chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early for a frightfully good time!

Featured Film: Beetlejuice

Synopsis: After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and teen daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a rambunctious spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia.

Cost: Free and open to the public. Family and pet-friendly. Costumes are encouraged.

Time: 5 to 10 p.m.: Marketplace vendors, trick-or-treating, and photo opportunities with characters from the film, 8 p.m.: Movie begins (96-minute run time)

The Broward Out of the Darkness Walk gives people the courage to open up about their own connections to suicide and provides a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those they’ve lost. Let’s come together as a community to honor those we have lost, support those who are struggling, and work towards a brighter future. Together, we can make a difference.

Registration is free; however, individuals and teams are encouraged to raise funds to support the mission of AFSP which is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

Sponsorships and registrations are now open. Let’s help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide – https://afsp.org/chapter/southeast-florida.

MODS is open an hour early for sensory-friendly Museum exploration and activities followed by an IMAX film at 12:30 p.m.

To provide a more sensory-sensitive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum, the theater lights will be turned up and the sound will be lowered. All films will be presented in 2D. No trailers will be shown before the movie. Audience members are welcome to get up, sing, walk, dance and shout without worrying about complaints. Families may bring snacks from home, as well as blankets and other small items to be comfortable.

Guests can also participate in a variety of sensory based activities throughout the Museum. Children will engage in social interactions and improve the processing, modulation and regulation of sensory input to increase participation in a natural environment. Free for both members and non-members. To register, please visit mods.org/sensorysunday.

The ultimate backstage pass to iconic music under the stars! Everyone under the sun is invited to join The LOOP for the Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves “Backstage Pass” series, where iconic tribute acts will light up Las Olas Oceanside Park with legendary hits. From the yacht rock and disco grooves of the Bee Gees and the electrifying energy of Prince to the rock anthems of Rod Stewart and Journey, every Friday night will celebrate the music that shaped generations. Guests will groove into December as the soulful performances of Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and Neil Diamond will set the tone for a festive and unforgettable season.

On Friday, Nov. 8, Friday Night Sound Waves will present Sir Jac is Prince. Sir Jac is a dynamic Florida-based Prince tribute artist who brings an unmatched level of authenticity to his performances, captivating audiences with the look, sound, and energy of the legendary Purple One. With over 10 years of experience impersonating Prince across the U.S., Sir Jac has mastered the essence of the music icon, even earning admiration from Prince himself during a chance meeting at Paisley Park. Backed by a professional band recreating the magic of Prince’s “Revolution,” Sir Jac’s performances are known for their stunning visuals, incredible costumes and electrifying stage presence.

Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5 p.m., along with local artisan vendors and a rotation of food and drink vendors to sip, sup and shop before, during and after the show.

Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District, Friday Night Sound Waves welcomes locals and visitors, the young and the young at heart, to enjoy some of South Florida’s best musical talents, performing an eclectic range of genres.

Tri-Rail, South Florida’s premier commuter rail system, invites talented young singers, ages 5 to 17, to audition for the annual “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition, to be held at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) (401 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale). Auditions will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, offering participants from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties the chance to showcase their vocal abilities and compete for a spot in the 2025 final event.

Tri-Rail’s “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition has become a signature event, uniting children and families across the region. All performers aged 5 to 17 that reside in South Florida are invited to audition. Each act will have up to four minutes to perform in front of a panel of judges who will select the finalists for the main competition in February 2025, during Tri-Rail’s 16th annual “Rail Fun Day,” presented by Herzog. Judges will score based on vocal range, stage presence, and style.

Over the years, “Rail Fun Day” has grown into a beloved community event in Dania Beach, featuring interactive activities, food trucks, cookie decorating, face painting, and more. Last year’s event saw ten-year-old Samantha Schmerling take home the grand prize with her vocal performance, earning her $500, a one-year contract inclusive of a photo shoot with composite cards courtesy of Posche Models & Talent, and a professional studio recording session with MikeSoperMusic.

To secure an audition slot, participants must register at https://bit.ly/SFKGT2024 on or before Tuesday, November 19.