Lauderdale’s Favorite Festivals: Jazz, Music & More
Lauderdale isn’t just beaches—discover vibrant events, favorite eats, jazz by the river, and behind-the-scenes bathroom hacks for big fests. Join Marv and Jen as they share local secrets, event highlights, and a few laughs along the way.
Explore why residents love living in Fort Lauderdale as hosts Marv and Jen swap nostalgic stories and current favorites on the city’s signature events and happenings. The episode features everything from the laid-back Sunday Jazz Brunch along the New River to the vibrant Bank of America Starlight Musicals series at Holiday Park. You’ll get the inside scoop on must-see venues, best snacks, unique festival arrival hacks (ever tried paddleboarding to brunch?), and how to perfectly plan your festival day for max fun and minimal hassle.
They weigh the pros and cons of attending giant beach festivals like Tortuga, discuss the reality of event crowds, their preferences for live music versus cozy nights in, and which venues and restaurants offer the best food and people-watching. Whether you’re into country music, classic rock, or arts and crafts, there’s something for everyone—including tips for comfortable, clean restrooms at public events and smart strategies for traffic and parking. The hosts also touch on Lauderdale’s evolving skyline and share a few comic memories about attempting new activities or finding family names on commemorative bricks along the Riverwalk.
Events:
- Tortuga Music Festival: https://www.tortugamusicfestival.com/
- Sunday Jazz Brunch: https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/sunday-jazz-brunch
- Starlight Musicals (Bank of America Starlight Musical Series): https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/special-events/special-events/starlight-musicals
Companies or Products:
- Royal Restrooms (portable restroom trailers): https://www.royalrestrooms.com/
Restaurants:
- Blue Jean Blues: https://www.bluejeanblues.net/
- Quarterdeck: https://www.quarterdeckrestaurants.com/
- The Poor House: https://poorhousebar.com/
- Coconuts: https://www.coconutsfortlauderdale.com/
Website: https://www.letstalklauderdale.com/
Let’s Talk Lauderdale is hosted by Marvin Bee & Jen Stewart.
Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Lauderdale stories and pass this episode along—because every Fort Lauderdale memory deserves an audience.