Friday, November 1

Festival of Souls

Halloween may be over, but the weekend has just begun and not everyone is quite ready to discard of their expensive costumes. Thankfully, The Festival of Souls haunted house spectacular continues after Halloween. With a zombie shoot, a pitch black maze, and a demon mansion, there’s something to do for everybody. Tonight, the Zero to Sixty band will also be performing. Located at Las Olas Riverfront, the Festival of Souls keeps the terror moving. 7 p.m. Las Olas Riverfront. 300 SW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33301.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

One of the biggest events in Fort Lauderdale, this extravaganza showcases yacht builders and designers, exotic cars, and brokerage yachts. A wide variety of boats and sea vessels will on display including runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flat boats, catamarans, ski boars, jet boats, and the list goes on and on. Fort Lauderdale is considered the yachting capital of the world and the popularity of this event proves that. The even continues throughout the weekend. The show locations include the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale Hilton, and The Salls Marina. Times vary. Visit showmanagement.com/fort_lauderdale/event for more information. 

Saturday, November 2

Day of the Dead Celebration

The fourth annual celebration in Fort Lauderdale hopes to not only honor the Mexican tradition but also generate modern interpretations connecting to a broad spectrum of demographics. The event opens at the Museum of Art with puppet shows, art workshops, and cultural lectures. At 6pm the community will gather at Huizenga Park and follow the even founder Jim Hammond and a bunch of his huge puppets to Riverwalk and the America’s Backyard/Green Room entertainment complex. The night portion of this celebration includes wild sideshows, vaudeville, burlesque, and aerial performances at Green Room along with the traditional Mexican Ofrenda altars for loved ones. The event is all day across various locations. Visit dayofthedeadflorida.com for a list of attractions and times. 

Chita Rivera

Known as one of the greatest divas alive today in the musical theater world, Chita Rivera made her name in such landmark musicals as West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago. She also won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress for the gay musical Kiss of the Spider Woman in which she plays the diva dream of a wrongfully imprisoned effeminate inmate. The awards for Chita Rivera are among the greatest an American can receive, including The Presidential Medal of Freedom; she is also the only Latino American to receive a Kennedy Center Honor award. 7 p.m. Wolfson Theatre. 2200 Liberty Ave, Miami Beach, 33139.

Sunday, November 3

John Legend

The singer and ubiquitous songwriter has had success for the past decade working with such high profile singers as Lauryn Hill, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West. His mega-hit “Ordinary People” won a Grammy in 2006. His albums have reached multi-platinum success, and he is considered one of the most sought out collaborators working today. The pinnacle of his success, though, came in August 2006 when he appeared in an episode of Sesame Street. Last year, Legend spent time judging on the TV show Duets before cancellation. 8 p.m. Fillmore Miami Beach. 1700 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, 33139.

Monday November 4th

Taste of the Island

Rumors Bar and Grill hosts the 8th annual Taste of the Island in Wilton Manors showcasing the finest foods and libations of our island city. Held at the beautiful Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve this year, Taste of the Island benefits the Wilton Manors library, Wilton Manors Development Alliance, Kiwanis International, and the Wilton Manors Historical Society. The food and drinks come from over 34 restaurants, including: The Melting Pot, Sunfish Grille, New York Grilled Cheese, Dapur, and Naked Grape Wine and Tapas. Cost is 30$ in advance or 40$ at the door. 6 p.m. Various locations. For additional information, visit tasteoftheisland.org

Stand Up and Ride It

Some gay men think they’re very funny, but the fact of the matter is that for-real comedy is best left to the professionals. Although Fort Lauderdale is not exactly a hot bed for stand-up comedians, every now and then we’re able to pull in some excellent nights of dick jokes and inappropriate racial slurs. At 7 p.m, six hysterical and critically-acclaimed comedians will take the stage for the third annual “Stand Up and Ride it: A Night of Comedy to Fight AIDS”—a red carpet event meant to benefit the Smart Ride 10. The show features both local and nationally-recognized comedians, along with headliner Lisa Corrao from The Jerk Show. A full bar, $10 appetizers and flatbreads, and over $2,000 in raffle items and giveaways will be available at the show. The Smart Ride is a 165-mile bike ride from Miami to Key West which has raised more than $4 million for HIV/AIDS organizations across Florida. 7 p.m. The Plaza Bistro. 2900 Belmar Street, Fort Lauderdale Beach, 33304.

Tuesday November 5

Drake

Gay friendly (and once gay-rumored) Degrassi alumni has had quite the success singing about musical parts of the female anatomy and well wishes for an ex-girlfriend. His early television career led the way to his current rap super stardom. Thankfully, he is part of a newer generation of hip-hop culture alright with the homo. His critically-acclaimed music certainly has crossover appeal and, more importantly, he seemed to be Rihanna’s savior after that messy Chris Brown fiasco. An ensuing feud with the alleged abuser continues to this day, although Drake says he’s forgotten about both Rihanna and Brown. 8 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, 33132.

Wednesday November 6

Josh Groban

Josh Groban may be considered wussy music, but that doesn’t keep the ladies and, ahem, gentleman from flocking to his shows. Noteworthy songs such as “You Raise Me Up” and a duet with Barbra Streisand (“All I Know of Love”) keep him in the conversation of gay straight-boy crushes. His baritone voice can make your hair stand on end or cause your lunch to shoot out of your mouth, depending on your taste. Brink your hankies for what’s sure to be an emotional show. 7 p.m. BB&T Center. 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, FL 33323