There’s a lot going on in Sebastian this weekend. It starts Friday the 13th with “Grill Out Night,” an annual event sponsored by the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce. This year, it’s a Polynesian theme. “It’s definitely family fun,” said Chamber operations director Cheryl Thibault. “Some places will have bounce houses. They’ll play Hawaiian music. You get a map and go to different places. It’s a big party, almost like a scavenger hunt. But instead of trying to find something, you get food (much of it with coconut), mocktails (probably some pineapple in there), little desserts, and a bag full of goodies. You’ll be stuffed by the time you leave.” And, members are all sensitive to people’s desire to be COVID-safe. In fact, you might be able to participate and still stay in your car. “Some of the businesses really get involved,” Thibault said. “It’s their way of giving back to the community. They just want to go all out.” And those businesses may offer sales, discounts and door prizes. The event is free and open to the public. Organizers suggest beginning your Grill Out Night by stopping at the Chamber of Commerce offices where you can pick up a map of the member businesses participating in Grill Out Night. Most of those businesses participating are within walking distance of the Chamber. However, there are some that will be a car ride away. Grill Out Night runs 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 13. The Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce is at 700 Main St. For more information, call 772-589-5969 or visit SebastianChamber.com.
Grab those walking shoes and open your mind – it’s time for Indian River Hauntings Historical Ghost Tour. This is a ghost tour through the history of Sebastian. Since it’s a two-hour walking tour, you are advised to dress comfortably. During the tour, you’ll hear stories about the past and about paranormal evidence gathered by the Florida Bureau of Paranormal Investigation. There may also be a few guests from previous tours who will share their own knowledge. It will be led by Larry Lawson, a retired police detective and founder of Indian River Hauntings. Lawson is quite sincere about all this, so the tour is not filled with staged vignettes designed to frighten guests. “It’s more than a ghost tour,” he said. “It’s not a jump scare. It’s really a historical tour.” Lawson said that you can’t really learn about paranormal activity in an area without first studying its history. “We want folks to hear the stories of the paranormal but also learn about the town they’re living in or visiting,” he said. The tour begins at Café Latte Da, a location that had “an event,” Lawson said. But more importantly, the business has plenty of parking. “But we do have a cool story to go with that building.” The Historical Ghost Tour begins 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 at Café Latte Da, 1101 U.S. 1, Suite B, Sebastian. Tickets are $15 for people 12 years and older, $12 for children 5 to 12 years of age, and free to children under the age of 5 years. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit IndianRiverHauntings.com or call 772-633-3955.
Shake off any freak-out by heading to the Pareidolia Brewing Company’s “Open Mic Jam” on Wednesday evening. This is a very casual spot, perfect for the whole family to relax. And you can even bring Fido because its deck is dog friendly. There are river views and plenty of fun when who-knows-what takes the stage to entertain. Or, bring along your own ukulele or bongos and join in. Yes, you can buy brews, but there’s also wine, seltzer and cider available for purchase. Open Mic Jam runs 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Pareidolia Brewing Company, 712 Cleveland St., Sebastian. Call 772-571-5693 or visit PareidoliaBeer.com.
Back in Vero Beach: If you had plans to attend the Vero Beach Museum of Art’s “Art Unwrapped” event this Saturday, Aug. 14, please be advised that the museum has canceled it. So instead, why not walk across the park to Riverside Theatre and enjoy its Comedy Zone. This weekend’s standup comics are headliner Ken Miller and opening act Casey Peruski. Shows start 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. Food and drinks are available for purchase. Get there early and enjoy free concerts in the Loop before the shows. Show tickets are $20. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.