The Exchange Club of Vero Beach is hosting the Sangarita Challenge at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the United Against Poverty UP Center, 1400 27th St. This spirited evening will bring together local restaurants to vie for titles in three categories: best margarita, best sangria and best overall drink. Attendees can sample the contenders while supporting the Exchange Club’s charitable work. Tickets are $50 and details can be found at ExchangeClubOfVeroBeach.com.
The Environmental Learning Center will hold a special Mangrove Workshop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. An Oyster Mat Construction workshop runs from noon to 3 p.m. that day. While the Oyster Mat Construction workshop will be held nearby, the exact location will be provided upon registration. These sessions promise a hands-on opportunity to learn, take action, and contribute directly to protecting the Indian River Lagoon and its surrounding habitats. The ELC also has activities for those who prefer to get on the water. Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals are available daily offering self-guided or guided explorations through mangrove tunnels and open waters. Whether renting solo, joining a group tour, or booking a private guide for $100 for two hours, paddlers can expect up-close encounters with wildlife and a chance to explore the lagoon’s vibrant ecosystem. Reservations are required, and there are guidelines on age, safety and physical ability, with weight limits of 250 pounds and mandatory personal flotation devices for younger participants. For those looking to mix relaxation with a bit of learning, the ELC’s customizable water excursions remain a perfect option throughout the month. Visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes early for orientation, dress for sun and water with hats, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes, and leave alcohol, smoking and vaping behind. Each trip offers not just recreation but also a chance to understand the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem and the importance of preserving it. The Environmental Learning Center is at 255 Live Oak Dr., Vero Beach. For more information call 772-589-5050 or visit DiscoverELC.org.
Riverside Theatre’s Comedy Zone presents headliner Philly Plowden and feature act Johnny C. this weekend. Shows are 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23. Plowden is known for his observational humor and funny stories about his own life. Johnny C is a nationally touring standup comic and a regular on iHeart Radio and SiriusXM. He was a finalist in the World Series of Comedy competition. Table seating is $25 and side seating is $15. Riverside’s Live in the Loop stage free concerts this weekend feature the Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society with Mark Green on trumpet and Rappture delivering a blend of smooth jazz and soulful blues on Thursday, Aug. 21; SoulTime, a four-piece band blending soul, funk, disco, Motown and modern hits into an irresistible dance soundtrack on Friday, Aug. 22; and Meltdown, a Treasure Coast alternative rock band inspired by acts like Fuel, Audioslave and Pearl Jam, performing covers and originals with a 1990s and 2000s edge on Saturday, Aug. 23. All concerts run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In addition to the Comedy Zone and the Live in the Loop free concerts, Riverside has something special this summer: the SAK Comedy Lab. Plan ahead to see these popular shows which run from 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23. SAK Comedy Lab shows are the “Duel of Fools” at 6:30 p.m. and “King of the Hill” at 8:30 p.m. In Duel of Fools, two teams of professional improvisers go head-to-head in fast-paced scenes, songs and characters inspired by audience suggestions, with attendees serving as the judges. This is SAK’s signature improv show and promises a lot of fun watching the comedians make up songs, scenes and characters right in front of you. King of the Hill features comedic battles until only one winner remains. This is a five-person improv competition that uses audience suggestions to create scenes, songs and characters. After each round, the audience selects the winners. All the comedy shows are rated PG-13 as there is frequently adult language. Both shows offer table seating at $25 and side seating at $15, with casual dining and a full bar available. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-231-6990 or visit RiversideTheatre.com.
