Kicking things off this weekend, the City of Vero Beach Recreation Department’s highly anticipated Aerial Antics Youth Circus returns for its 51st year, the Aerial Antics Circus. This is more than just a show – it’s the culmination of a nine-week summer program that brings children of all ages together to create a dazzling performance rooted in gymnastics and the performing arts. this year’s theme is “An Evening at the Grammys.” Audiences can expect unforgettable, exciting moments choreographed to iconic Grammy-winning songs and artists. The show includes an array of talents from gymnastic feats to fearless aerial routines and synchronized dancing, showcasing the hard work and creativity of the young performers, some of whom train year-round at the Centerstage Acrobatic Complex in Leisure Square. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for children and seniors, and free for children under 5 years of age. The show starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, in the Wachter Activities Center at Saint Edward’s School, 1895 Saint Edward’s Dr., in Vero Beach. For more information call 772-234-8375 or visit COVB.org/206/Recreation-Department and scroll down to the event.
Dance takes center stage at Riverside Theatre with its annual Dance Festival presented by Ballet Vero Beach. This year’s festival features the return of the L.A. Contemporary Dance Company. Founded in 2005, LACDC is known for breaking artistic boundaries with emotionally resonant work that champions inclusivity and accessibility in contemporary dance. Ballet Vero Beach’s partnership with the company aims to offer not only unforgettable public performances, but also intensive summer training for local dancers. The program includes four works, including “Table for One” choreographed by Iker Karrera, which explores how love and hope emerge from grief. This work includes original music by Alex Aller and vocals by Spanish flamenco singer Juan Debel and was commissioned by the Embassy of Spain. Another featured work is an excerpt from “Insecto Primitivo” by choreographer Elías Aguirre, with an original score by Jorge da Rocha. This piece offers a reflection on life as a fleeting, passionate dance and was commissioned by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain. Rounding out the program are two new works by LACDC’s Artistic Director Jamila Glass, whose creative vision continues to expand the possibilities of movement and storytelling. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, on the theater’s Stark Stage. Tickets range from $10 to $85 with discounts available for children. The Riverside Dance Festival offers more than just evening performances. A free Student Showcase begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, where Ballet Vero Beach students will demonstrate what they’ve learned under the guidance of LACDC during their intensive summer training. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com or BalletVeroBeach.org.
The excitement continues the following week with a high-energy event that combines fun and philanthropy. The Mental Health Association in Indian River County hosts its 7th Annual Birthday Par-Tee beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. The event will be held at BigShots Golf, 3456 U.S. 1, Vero Beach. This lively fundraiser includes two hours of golf in a private party room, unlimited hot appetizers, soft drinks, a cash bar, birthday cake, a silent auction, raffles, contests and more. The event supports the vital mental health services provided by the MHA, a nonprofit that offers therapy, screenings, case management, psychological testing, and psychiatric care at its Walk-In & Counseling Center in Vero Beach, as well as peer-run Drop-In Centers in Vero Beach, Stuart and Okeechobee. The Birthday Par-Tee offers various ticket options: $65 for individual access including golf and refreshments, $365 for a private tee box for six guests, and $40 for party-only access. Attendees will enjoy not only a memorable evening of food and fun but also the satisfaction of contributing to an organization making a tangible difference in mental health accessibility throughout the region. To reserve a spot or learn more, call 772-569-9788 ext. 122 or visit mhairc.org.
Remember, you can cool off on these hot days by visiting the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Current exhibits include “A Tangled Plot: Works of Annie Blazejack and Geddes Levenson,” “Timeless: Robert Farber’s Fashion Photography” and “Well Dressed: Artworks from the Permanent Collection.” The Vero Beach Museum of Art is at 3001 Riverside Park Dr. For more information visit VBMuseum.org or call 772-231-0707.
