1. Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (954) 760-9898
Address: 1314 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 007
Description: For over 25 years, the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival has given aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to mingle with celebrities and producers. Along with competition films, the festival also shows films from around the world. Most tickets are in the $10 to $20 range. Along with screenings, there are talks with guest speakers from the industry (Michael Moore was one of the speakers in 2010). There are also plenty of after parties to attend, some of which are free with a ticket stub. Entrance to others can be purchased anywhere from $10 to $75. Festival volunteers can see free films for every 10 hours of volunteer service and should inquire by e-mail at volunteers@fliff.com.
2. Culture Room
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (954) 564-1074
Address: 3045 North Federal Hwy.
Description: The awesome indie bands this strip mall music venue books makes the drive north well worth it. Animal Collective, La Roux, Matt and Kim, and TV on the Radio have all played sets here. More mainstream acts like Rooney and Lily Allen have also been known to put in an appearance. Although the venue is 2 stories, the space feels intimate giving concertgoers the opportunity to feel up close and personal with their favorite singer or band. Considering this, ticket prices are a bargain with most costing $20 or less. Be sure to check their website for a calendar of upcoming shows.
3. Revolution Live
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (954) 727-0950
Address: 200 West Broward Blvd.
Description: Miami music lovers consider Revolution to be their own even though it’s located in Ft. Lauderdale. The venue books both big-name acts like Dashboard Confessional and Lady Gaga and lesser-known bands like Of Montreal and Ratatat. A recent $1 million sound and lighting upgrade allows musicians to put on their best show possible. With a 1,000 person capacity indoors and a 2,000 person capacity outside, Revolution strikes that Goldilocks balance of not too big, not too small.
4. Cinema Paradiso
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Nightlife
Address: 503 SE 6th St.
Description: This Ft. Lauderdale indie theater is worth a drive for unusual flicks that can’t be seen elsewhere. There’s an updated schedule on the website and films typically show for several times throughout its run. Movie buffs should also check out the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, which uses Cinema Paradiso as a venue during its April to November run.
5. The Ft. Lauderdale Swap Shop
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (954) 791-7927
Address: 3291 West Sunrise Blvd.
Description: Known as the World’s Largest Drive-In, there are 14 screens that play every genre imaginable. Check the website for schedules.
6. Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (954) 760-9898
Address: 1314 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 007
Description: Contact volunteers@fliff.com.
7. Florida Panthers
City: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (954) 835-7000
Address: 1 Panther Pkwy.
Description: Ice hockey season takes place from Oct through Apr, but tickets are available for pre-season and practices as well. The Florida Panthers are the city’s token team. They play at the Bank Atlantic Center north of Miami in Ft. Lauderdale. The Panther Ticket Exchange (https://teamexchange.ticketmaster.com) is the best place to start for purchasing and trading tickets.