7 December 14-20, 2023 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com New Times | Contents | Letters | news | Night+Day | CuLture | Cafe | MusiC | Month XX–Month XX, 2008 miaminewtimes.com MIAMI NEW TIMES | CONTENTS | LETTERS | RIPTIDE | METRO | NIGHT+DAY | STAGE | ART | FILM | CAFE | MUSIC | THU 12/14 ▼ COCONUT GROVE CHEERFUL TREK Forget the sleighs! Embrace the Christmas spirit with a festive run. This Thursday marks the second edition of the Jolly Jog, an event that encourages participants to dash through the neighborhood while supporting those in need. The 5K fun run invites you to don holi- day attire — Santa caps, ugly sweaters, any- thing red and green— for the race that kicks off and concludes at Regatta Grove. Attend- ees who bring an unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary Santa hat and a Christmas lights necklace. After completing the race, join the afterparty to keep the holiday vibes going strong. 7 p.m. Thursday, at Regatta Grove, 3415 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove; thejollyjog.com. Registration is free via event- brite.com. SOPHIA MEDINA ▼ DOWNTOWN CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE This Thursday, La Goony Chonga concludes her Goonyverso Tour at the Ground. Hailing from Miami, La Goony draws inspiration from both hip-hop and Latin culture, skill- fully blending them to forge a distinctive identity. At 31, she stands as a prominent fig- ure in the neoperreo movement, contributing to the evolution of reggaeton and Latin trap. In her latest album, Goonyverso, she collabo- rates with acclaimed producers Danny Daze and Nick León and songstress Maxine Ashley. 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Ground, 34 NE 11th St. #2, Miami; thegroundmiami.com. Tickets cost $30 via ticketmaster.com. JOSE D. DURAN FRI 12/15 ▼ SOUTH MIAMI-DADE FOLLOW THE LIGHT Typically, the animals take center stage at Zoo Miami, but during Zoo Lights, the spotlight shifts to the one million dazzling lights adorning the park. On select nights until De- cember 30, the zoo immerses visitors in the holiday spirit, featuring a majestic 26-foot- tall tree, hot chocolate, riverboat rides, and special appearances by Santa Claus and the Grinch. You can enjoy animal encounters and seize the opportunity to deliver your letters to Santa. On December 16, for one night only, Fantasy Theatre Factory will perform its pro- duction of Scrooge! A Fractured Christmas Carol. 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 30, at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami; 305-251-0400; zoomiami.org. Tickets cost $18.95 to $26.50. ASHLEY-ANNA ABOREDEN ▼ DOWNTOWN AW, NUTS! Is it truly Christmas in Miami without the en- chanting presence of the Sugar Plum Fairy? In 2017, MCB staged its new production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, ushering in the holiday season in South Florida despite the lack of snow. While the company has been en- chanting audiences with this holiday classic since 1990, the 2017 rendition brought a revi- talizing touch to the annual spectacle and con- tinues to be the version seen today. Following its brief run at the Broward Center, The Nut- cracker takes center stage at the Adrienne Ar- sht Center for the Performing Arts starting Friday, boasting a cast of more than 100 danc- ers bedecked in dazzling costumes and per- forming against a backdrop of glimmering sets. 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday through December 24, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; 305-949-6722; arshtcenter.org. Tickets cost $43 to $244. ASHLEY-ANNA ABOREDEN ▼ HOLLYWOOD FALL FROM GRACE Emmy Award-winning writer, actor, and comedian John Mulaney graces the stage at Hard Rock Live in a performance promoted as “John Mulaney: in Concert.” Despite the concert billing, there won’t be any singing; rather, you can anticipate Mulaney showcasing more of the stand-up expertise you know and love. In April, Mulaney released his special Baby J on Netflix, marking his first one in five years. In the show, he candidly addresses the challenges, including the impact on his “likability,” following the dissolution of his marriage and his time in rehab. 8 p.m. Friday, at Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood; 954-797-5531; myhrl.com. Tickets cost $108 to $238 via ticketmaster.com. JOSE D. DURAN SAT 12/16 ▼ PEMBROKE PINES KAWAII SANTA Even cosplayers can’t escape the allure of holiday cheer. OtakuFest Holiday Special, hosted at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, offers a seasonal spin on the traditional January event. This one-day con- vention encourages you to revel in the festive spirit by donning costumes inspired by your favorite anime characters. Expect to encoun- ter vendors, gaming tournaments, interactive panels, and appearances by industry guests. In keeping with the holiday theme, you can sign up for the ugly holiday sweater contest and a holiday-inspired cosplay competition. Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, at Charles F. Dodge City Center, 301 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines; otakufest.com. Tickets cost $15 to $25 via eventbrite.com. SOPHIA MEDINA ▼ SOUTH BEACH STRIDE OF PRIDE The inaugural SlutWalk took place in Toronto in 2011, calling for an end to rape culture and the stigmatization of victims. The movement gained momentum, leading to SlutWalks being organized globally. This Saturday, SlutWalk Mi- ami convenes at South Pointe Park to advocate for sex workers’ rights while championing body autonomy and LGBTQ rights. The event is orchestrated by Mistress Mei (@multi- verseofmei), who refers to themselves as a “friendly neighborhood puta.” Given the focus on supporting sex workers, allies are encour- aged to refrain from hogging the spotlight — it’s not about you — but encouraged to express sol- idarity. Attendees are urged to bring signs, pots, and pans, amplifying the call for marginalized voices to be heard. You can also show your sup- port by signing the petition at bit.ly/decrimmi- ami. 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, at South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Register via eventbrite.com. ASHLEY-ANNA ABOREDEN ▼ FORT LAUDERDALE SPIKE YOUR NOG Can you hear the jingle of sleigh bells? Brace yourself for the festive chaos as Santa and his mischievous elves descend upon downtown Fort Lauderdale. SantaCon Fort Lauderdale is making its return this Saturday, courtesy of the Restaurant People, the hospitality group known for the Las Olas hot spot YOLO. Em- brace the holiday spirit by donning your most festive attire and participating in this free N I G H T DAY W E E K O F D E C E M B E R 1 4 - 2 0 , 2 0 2 3 M I A M I N E W T I M E S . C O M / C A L E N D A R | B R O W A R D P A L M B E A C H . C O M / C A L E N D A R GOSPEL TRUTH The Blind Boys of Alabama at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts Sunday Photo by Jim Herrington ®
