Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around

Winter Fest may have been rained out but cooler weather and holiday sparkle is on for this weekend at events all around town.

Breathe. We are taking a break from college football this weekend.

Artists are bringing out their wares at Just One More Downtown Market and other venues, Queen of Hearts is rocking House of Music and Shaw Davis & The Black Ties bring the blues at BBC @ the Legion.

Here’s a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts online listings and elsewhere.

1. Tallahassee Symphony tunes up Handel’s Messiah

The sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 W. Park Ave., will be filled with joyous refrains and exultant arias, including the iconic “Hallelujah” Chorus, in this performance of Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra will be led by Music Director Darko Butorac with guest artist with Jessica Beebe, soprano; Sahoko Sato Timpone, mezzo; Eric Rieger, tenor; Corey McKern, baritone, in this holiday classic. Messiah chorus prepared by Dr. Michael Hanawalt, Director of Choral Ensembles, FSU. Tickets $44-28. Visit tallahasseesymphony.org.

2. Holiday Stroll brightens Cascades Park

Sing and dance to merry melodies as they fill the air of Cascades Park, 1001 S. Gadsden St., from 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at the city’s annual Holiday Stroll. About a dozen different acts including Hot Tamale will perform holiday music throughout the winding trails of Cascades Park, including within Althemese Pemberton Barnes Park at Smokey Hollow. Free hot cocoa and cookies, while supplies last. Check Talgov.com for details.

3. Catch syrup making at Fall Farm Day

Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive, celebrates the region’s cultural heritage with Fall Farm Day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. Fun-filled activities and demonstrations celebrating the historic and the contemporary stories of our region’s farming. Demonstrations and activities include: Blacksmithing in the 1880s Forge, Living History Interpretation on the 1880s Farm, Hands-on Farm Activities, Syrup Making (will begin around 10 a.m. and should be ready for purchase in the museum store by 4 p.m.) Free to members; admission is $10-14.50.

4. Toys for Tots benefit cranks up at Blue Tavern

Songster David Pucik kicks off happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St. Stick around for the Toys for Tots Drive with Lee C. Payton and Hot Tamale and the last Grateful Dead Night of 2023 from 8-11 p.m. Two bands play two sets of your Grateful Dead favorites. $10 cover. Bring a toy: Art supplies, books, stuffed animals, musical instruments, and sports equipment – all highly recommended! The USMC cannot accept realistic looking toy weapons, toys with play-doh, or food.

On Saturday, run in for The Runaway Biscuits from 4-6 p.m. at 2nd Saturday Old Time Jam. Stick around for Jazzmatazz from 8-11 p.m. with PB&J, New Edition, featuring Bill Peterson (piano), Michael Bakan (drums), and Josh Dennis (bass) in a world-class evening of piano trio jazz. $10 cover.

5. A very Lofty Christmas is making candy

The 13th community Lofty Pursuits Christmas and the 14th anniversary for the Lofty Pursuits Marching Band will kick off festivities with plenty of candy cane making from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Lofty Pursuits, 1355 Market St. The candy makers will be performing, and will be joined by A Tuba Christmas, an all low brass Christmas Musical group, The Capitol Bells, a hand bell choir playing holiday music, and The Lofty Pursuits Marching Band. This is all joined with a proper Santa Claus. More information, visit at LoftyPursuits.com.

Bonus events: Artist’s Open Studio

Step into the creative sanctuary of renowned Tallahassee artist Dean Gioia for an Open Studio event from noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3739 Bobbin Brook Way. Art enthusiasts can see Gioia’s latest creations, visit his work space, and talk with the artist. For the past five decades, Gioia has captured the essence of the Red Hills region of North Florida and South Georgia. Celebrated for his use of light and atmosphere, Gioia explores an emotional relationship with the land, its structures, and people.