Labor Day Weekend Alternatives

Beyond barbecues and booty shakin' this Labor Day Weekend in Miami.

Jimmy "J.J." Walker

8/31/2010

Leave the partying on South Beach for the tourists this weekend because Miami has plenty going on.

LASER SHOW

Head to the Miami Science Museum for Fabulous First Friday Laser & Music Show for laser light shows accompanied by music from the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, and Pink Floyd. First, check out the free Planetarium Star Show at 7:30pm and rooftop observatory viewing from 8:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. Miami Science Museum and Planetarium, 3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami; 305-646-4200. Laser show admission: $4 children - $8 adults.

MARLINS

Marlins take on the Atlanta Braves with a post-game performance by Miami-born rapper Pitbull with special guest Fat Joe. Also, the first 15,000 fans 21 and older will receive a Marlins Rally Flag courtesy of Budweiser.

Saturday, September 4 at 7:10 p.m. Sun Life Stadium, 2267 NW 199 Street, Miami Gardens; 877-MARLINS or www.marlins.com.

GALLERY WALK

Coconut Grove galleries showcase paintings, photographs and mixed media pieces by emerging artists during its monthly Grove Gallery Walk . Exhibitions will include “Beaded Deep Ocean Exhibit” at Blu Moon Studio, “The Culture of Nature” at Nomade Gallery and “Caliginosity” and “Hydrographic” at the Dharma Studio. Also taking center stage will be is “The XV International Ballet Festival of Miami 2010: A Collective Exhibition of 15 Artists Presenting Works Inspired by the Dance” at Rodezart.com Gallery.

Saturday, September 4 at 7 p.m. Blu Moon Studio (3444 Main Hwy.), Nomade Gallery (3133 Commodore Plaza), Dharma Studio (3170 Commodore Plaza), Rodezart.com Gallery (3015 Grand Ave.), Coconut Grove.

LAUGH

Jimmie Walker (yes, Good Times' JJ) hosts the Labor Day Laugh-A-Thon with opening act comedian Alan Prophet. Admission is only $10, includes a free drink, proceeds to be dontated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Also, don't miss the drawing for a trip for two to New York City, all expenses paid, three-night stay including a live taping of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Monday, September 6 at 3 p.m. Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek; 954-977-6700. $10.

BLUES PICNIC

Stuff your face with delicious Southern treats and enjoy a soulful blues show by the Blackstar Blues Band at the historic Deering Estate.

Sunday, September 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami; 305-235-1668. Tickets $10-$30.

COMEDY-A-THON

Get ready for a Labor-Day Weekend of side-splitting laughter with screenings of South Florida's own "Porky's" and the Comedy-A-Thon at Cinema Paradiso featuring a line-up of hilarious comedies.

September 4-5 at Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-525-FILM. Tickets: weekend pass for FLIFF members $10, non-members $15 or per individual screening $1 members, $3 non-members. Check www.fliff.com for schedule.

SINGLES
A Singles Affair hosts a Singles Jazz Party for singles of all ages with live jazz music, dancing, light buffet and lots of singles. The cost is $13.

Sunday, September 5 at 7pm at BLUE JEANS BLUES 3320 NE 33 Street in Ft Lauderdal; 954-370-7352.