discover_art2.jpgFriday, July 27

Discover Art! Family Festival: The Little Haiti Cultural Center  presents this free, family-friendly global celebration from 4-8 p.m., showcasing children’s art, local talent, live music, food and a special evening of dance curated by Afua Hall, a Miami Herald “20 Under 40 Artist.” Visit facebook.com/LittleHaitiCulturalCenter

2012 Singles Conference: Ronn Elmore is guest speaker, 7:30 p.m. at The Faith Center, 5555 N.W. 95th Ave., Sunrise. Call 954-742-7832.

Party Like a ROC Star: Relying On Christ Ministries presents single’s after party, 10 p.m., Plantation Renaissance Hotel, 1230 S. Pine Island Rd., Plantation. Tickets $40. Special guests include DJ “Big Man” Kelly from Hot 105 and 99 Jamz. Call 954-742-7832, or visit facebook.com/tfcrocministry

Saturday, July 28

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway: Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell will host her second annual event for financially disadvantaged children residing in District 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South Dade Park, 28151 S.W. 164th Ave., Miami. There will also be a resource fair, kids’ activities, free food, a raffle and fun for the entire family. Call 305-378-6677.

Parks Night: Baseball fans can help support their local park system while also enjoying reserved baseline seating tickets for only $18 per ticket (up to 50 percent off) when Manager Ozzie Guillen and the Miami Marlins take on the San Diego Padres, 7:10 p.m. at Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way. Visit marlins.com/parks

Monday, July 30

Magic City Monday: The Bahamas Junkanoo Shakers, 10:30 a.m. at the Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 N.W. 22 Ave., Miami. Kids $3, chaperones free, call 305-636-2350.

Business Alliance Meeting and Reception: Join Miami-Dade and Broward Public Schools Superintendents Alberto Carvalho and Robert Runcie as they discuss their Supplier Diversity initiatives, the districts’ commitment to doing business with minority and small businesses, work-to-career preparedness, the role of education and the priorities of the school systems. Admission $20. Call 305-762-6151 or visit sfmsdc.org

Wednesday, August 1

International Day of Fasting & Praying: The Hon. Sandra Grant Griffiths, Jamaican general consul, invites you to pray and fast for Jamaica’s spiritual renewal and transformation, 6:30 p.m. at the Holy Family Episcopal Church, 18501 N.W. Seventh Ave., Miami., and 7:00 p.m. at Ascension Peace Presbyterian Church, 2701 N. State Rd. 7, Lauderdale Lakes. Call 954-249-5073.

Thursday, August 2

Tacolcy Summer Finale: Join the Liberty City agency’s Freedom School scholars and staff, 6 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 N.E. 59th Ter., Miami. The theme this summer is Celebrating 50 Years of Motown. Admission free. Call Denise Rainey at 305-751-1295 ext. 115 or visit tacolcy.org

Friday, August 3

Tax-Free Weekend: This year Florida’s sales tax holiday weekend begins at 12:01 a.m., Friday, Aug. 3 and ends at midnight, Sunday, Aug. 5. During this period no Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear and certain accessories selling for $75 or less per item, or on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item.

Saturday, August 4

Submarine Presentation: OceanGate Foundation is holding a special presentation for family audiences to discuss the history of submarines, present info on submarine research taking place in Miami, field questions from the audience and more, 2 p.m. at the Miami Science Museum, 3280 S. Miami Ave. Attendees will also be able to take a closer look at the S101 submarine on display. Visit miamisci.org

Sunday, August 5

SunTrust Jazz Brunch: Celebrate the end of summer with soulful jazz music such as the Alex Dean Band, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the New River in Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. Call 954-462-0222.

Ongoing:

Ninth Annual Fundraiser Luncheon: The Historic Hampton House invites you to join in, 12 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Church of the Open Door, 6001 N.W. 8th Ave., Miami to honor Miami’s homegrown achievers Harry Coaxum, John R. Marks and Ronald Blocker. Donations $50. To RSVP, call 305-638-5800. 

Fort Mose: Through July 29 the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 170 N.W. Fifth Ave., Delray Beach, hosts Colonial America’s Black Fortress of Freedom, the traveling exhibit from the Florida Museum of Natural History exploring the history of America’s first legally sanctioned free black community, Fort Mose. Hours 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday; Saturday by appointment; closed Sundays. Admission $5; members free. Call 561-279-8883 or visit spadymuseum.org

The Fabulous 40s: The life and Times of Blacks in Fort Lauderdale Between 1940 & 1950 exhibit at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-357-6282.

Shark: Throughout July at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale this major exhibition contains photographs, sculptures and video as well as a section devoted to the sensational impact of the 1975 Steven Spielberg film Jaws. It is guest curated by acclaimed wildlife artist, author and environmentalist Richard Ellis.

Hospice Volunteers Needed: VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Broward needs volunteers who can make friendly visits to terminally ill patients and their families and provide relief for caregivers. All volunteers must take orientation. Email anne.warren@vitas.com or call 954-777-5396

South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center 2012-2013 Season: SMDCAC embarks on its second season of performances featuring an outstanding lineup of presentations showcasing a diverse set of artists and performing arts events. The center is located at 10950 S.W. 211 St., Cutler Bay. Tickets for the season go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 4. Buy online at smdcac.org or call 786-573-5300.