With public school starting next week, time to get in one last carefree, fun time with the family. Fortunately, Vero Beach has plenty from which to choose.
First up is the recreation department’s 47th annual Aerial Antics Youth Circus, running Thursday through Saturday at St. Edward’s School. The event stars 250 students ages 3 to 25 who will show off their gymnastic, dance and aerial feats. This is a long-standing Vero Beach tradition and showcases students enrolled in the school’s Aerial Antics summer camp. You’ll be amazed at what you see. Shows begin 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, Friday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 7 in the gymnasium of St. Edward’s School, 1895 St. Edward’s Dr., Vero Beach. Tickets are $8 general, $7 children ages 6 to 12 years and seniors 55 years and older. For more information, call 772-772-567-2144 or visit COVB.org.
You might enjoy that barbecue so much that you want more. No worries, because this is the perfect weekend for you. The Gifford Youth Orchestra will hold its Barbeque Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Walking Trail. The event includes music, children’s activities and the chance to help the great nonprofit organization. For more information, call 772-213-3007 or visit GYOTigers.org.
Ballet Vero Beach and Riverside Theatre are partnering to present performances this weekend by the popular New York City dance company “konverjdans.” Pronounced, “converge dance,” that’s with a lower-case “k.” This should be a thrilling look into the bona fide genre of contemporary ballet, says Adam Schnell the artistic director for Ballet Vero Beach and the school of dance director for Riverside Theatre. (For more on konverjdans, see the main story in Arts.) Shows begin 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, and Saturday, Aug. 7, on the Stark Stage at Riverside Theatre, 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. You may also watch the performance at home. A video will be up for two weeks approximately five days following the final show. Single tickets for either the live in-person show or the streamed show are $40 general admission and $10 for students with ID. In addition, there will be a student showcase 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7. Admission to the student showcase is free. Call 772-905-2651 or visit BalletVeroBeach.org.
Enjoy the heavens on Saturday evening when the Environmental Learning Center launches a Star Party to celebrate the Perseid Meteor Shower. The event, which runs 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., invites you and your family and friends to get up-close viewings with high-powered telescopes. There will also be space-themed presentations, storytime and crafts for children, and food trucks. Ken Verderame will talk on “The Universe: How Big, How Far, How Fast” in order to help you comprehend some mind-boggling facts. Organizers urge you to bring your own blanket and/or lawn chair. But really, a blanket will make it easier on your neck. And don’t forget the binoculars. Organizers say that the new moon will make this year’s Perseid meteor shower especially spectacular. The rain date is Saturday, Aug. 14. Admission is included with your $5 entrance to the ELC. It is free for children under the age of 12 years. The Environmental Learning Center is at 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach, Fla. Call 772-589-5050. Be sure to register for the event at DiscoverELC.org.
This happening weekend winds up with a concert by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra. They will perform “Summon the Heroes: Music of the Olympics,” featuring music familiar to the Olympics opening ceremonies, four works by John Williams and many more. Of particular interest is “Phoenix,” by guest composer Daniel Perttu. Tenor Bryan Hayes also performs. The concert will be conducted by Aaron Collins. It starts 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 at Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St., Vero Beach. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. It is free for children 18 and younger and for students with an ID. Call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.