The Drive-In Laser Light Show returns to the Indian River County Fairgrounds, 7955 58th Ave., Vero Beach, with dazzling light displays synchronized to music through the decades, at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, and Saturday, Jan. 10. Families can tailgate in their cars or bring blankets and chairs for front-row infield seating. Food vendors will be on site, and outside snacks and drinks are welcome. Admission is $35 per carload at Freshtix.com/events/vero-lasers.
Bark in the Park fills Riverside Park with wagging tails and community cheer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. The free event benefits the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County. Highlights include K-9 demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Department, a dog costume contest, dog-human look-alike competition, a lure course, and a kids’ zone. Food trucks and vendors round out the day. Visit HSVB.org.
Sunset Saturdays Free Concert Series, presented by the Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce and GHO Homes, featuring Johnny & the Blaze, kicks off from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Humiston Park, 3000 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach, with beer, wine and food vendors available. Attendees can bring chairs but no coolers. Call 772-226-5459 or visit VeroChamber.com.
Art by the Sea, presented by the Vero Beach Art Club, will be on view Saturday, Jan. 10, and Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, 3001 Riverside Park Dr. More than 200 artists will display paintings, photographs, jewelry, ceramics and mixed-media pieces. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with an artists’ reception and awards at 10 a.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Visit VeroBeachArtClub.org.
The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce presents Florida Highwaymen: Journey, a vivid showcase of works by the famed landscape painters who overcame social and economic barriers to capture Florida’s natural beauty. The exhibition runs Jan. 9 through March 1, with a 6 p.m. reception Jan. 16 at 500 N. Indian River Dr. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5. Call 772-465-0630 or visit BackusMuseum.org.
Riverside Theatre unveils the Tony Award-winning musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” Jan. 9 through Feb. 1 on the Stark Stage. The dark comedy follows Monty Navarro, a low-born man who learns he’s ninth in line to inherit an earldom and takes a murderous route toward fortune and title. Previews run Jan. 9-11, with the official opening Jan. 13. Tickets start at $55, with student discounts available. Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990 or RiversideTheatre.com.
Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” presented by Vero Beach Opera with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, performs at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, 1707 16th St. The performance includes English supertitles and features a fully staged production of Verdi’s tragic tale of love, power and revenge. Tickets range from $32 to $52 at VeroBeachOpera.org.
Another visual treat arrives the same day with the Winter Art Show Opening Reception at the Galleries of First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Blvd. From 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, the community is invited to explore “Women in Art,” featuring the work of pen-and-ink artist Kristin Moger and mixed-media artist Bonnie Bolton. Music Director Dr. Jacob Craig will provide piano accompaniment during the reception. Admission is free. Regular gallery hours are from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and on Sunday mornings. The show continues through March 30. Call 772-562-9088 or visit FirstPresVero.org.
The Ocean Research & Conservation Association presents Natalie Stephans’ “Restoring Resilience: Habitat Projects that Heal the Lagoon” at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the D.J. Rainone Research & Science Center. Free. Visit TeamORCA.org.
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation Speaker Series Fundraiser welcomes best-selling novelist Scott Turow, author of “Presumed Innocent,” to the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Ave., Vero Beach. A 5 p.m. VIP reception is available for $250, followed by the $60 main event at 6:30 p.m. and an 8 p.m. book signing. Visit LauraRidingJackson.org for tickets.
