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Homer's epic poem from the 8th century BCE is sparking imaginations again in the 21st century with Christopher Nolan's blockbuster "The Odyssey" opening to boffo reviews last weekend.
The Challenger Center is showing the 3-hour movie, and director Alan Hanstein posted on socia media: "To accommodate the incredible and unprecedented demand to see The Odyssey in IMAX at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, we’ve added 2 p.m. screenings to the schedule every day this week."
The film is also showing on IMAX at Tallahassee Mall 20 and CMX Cinemas.
Keep in mind the unabridged audio version of Homer's epic poem, narrated by Ian McKellen, runs 13 hours and 3 minutes.
Study up before you go and ponder the poetic frame of mind with professors and poets Barbara Hamby and David Kirby doing some epic readings of their own at Blue Tavern on July 24.
Here's a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, press releases, the Council on Culture & Arts, online listings and elsewhere.
1. Celebrate the 38th Art in Gadsden Exhibition
The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum, 13 N. Madison Street, Quincy, will celebrate one of the region’s most beloved art traditions: the 38th Annual Art in Gadsden Juried Exhibition. With an opening at 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, this exhibit will feature 105 original works of art by 87 artists from across North Florida and South Georgia.
The celebration begins with the Public Opening & Awards Ceremony on July 24. Doors open at 5 p.m with live music by Hot Tamale and refreshments, followed by the Awards Ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free for museum members and children, $5 for nonmember adults, and $3 for adult students.
During the first weekend of the exhibition, shop the Art in Gadsden Flash Sale. Select from a wide variety of art for yourself, family and friends. Proceeds support participating artists and Gadsden Arts.
This year’s award-winning works will be selected by Amanda Karioth Thompson, an independent arts consultant and founder of AKT Artful. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Thompson brings 20 years of experience as a practicing artist and arts administrator, with a strong background in arts education and community engagement.
Art in Gadsden continues through the summer with programs that invite you to connect more deeply with the artists and their work. On Thursday, Aug. 20, from noon-1:30 p.m., Grace Robinson, Director & CEO, and Ashley Williams, Curator, will lead a Dine & Discover Luncheon conversation with the 38th Art in Gadsden award winners.
On Saturday, Aug. 29, museum members are invited to take part in Artists’ Studio Visits, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creative spaces and the artistic process with Terry Hawkins, Dean Gioia, Fred Sangulliano, and Terry Francisco. Gadsden Arts will also be giving an exclusive behind the scenes tour of its permanent collection and facilities. Regional art is on display throughout the museum, including Relics and Dreams: Jan Austin-Hicken, and the third Gadsden Arts Artists Guild Exhibition of 2026, all on view through Saturday, Sept. 5.
2. Get in the groove with Praxis and Poesis at Blue Tavern
Chris Seepersaud and Marlon Williams help start the weekend with some R&B, jazz, soul, and a whole lot more for happy hour at the Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., at 5 p.m. Friday, July 24.
That should get you primed for poetry when Jazzmatazz presents Praxis and Poesis at 8 p.m. with poems and writings from professors Barbara Hamby and David Kirby; along with Wayne Pearcy on trumpet; Eren Gümrükçüoğlu, guitar and digital sound art; and Michael Bakan on percussion. $10 cover.
4th Saturday Old Time Jam gets jammin' at 4 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by The Hillside Junket. This favorite family-band – Brian, Jennifer & Katy Hill – are back with Ken Baldauf and Haden MacBeth for another evening of top shelf country and bluegrass. $10 cover
3. Catch the Songwriter's Showcase at Amicus
The 4th Tuesday Songwriter Showcase tunes up starting around 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 27, at Amicus Brewing Ventures, 717 South Gadsden St.
The event features area singer-songwriters performing 25 minute sets of original material. All styles are welcome and the show provides a significant diversity of genres and styles. Hosted by long time area musician Michael Brawer, the event has featured area notables including Del Suggs, Allie Lanigan, Robynn O’Leary, Skyhouse2, and Traci Horenbein among many others. This week five local artists will perform: Joe First aka Jose Primero, Devin Brown, Kenyon Roberts, Larry “Tao Jonz” McCraw, and Michael Douso.
4. Escape to Christmas in July in Thomasville
Thomasville, Georgia, is mixing up the summer vibes with its second Annual Christmas in July downtown event at 144 E. Jackson St., from 2-7 p.m. Friday, July 24.
Enjoy an afternoon of tropical holiday fun featuring live entertainment, Summertime Santa, special promotions, shopping, and plenty of island-inspired surprises throughout downtown. From beachy décor to summer-themed activities, participating businesses will be bringing holiday cheer with a tropical twist.
Entertainment includes Charlie Thorne Music (4-7), Lance Farlow Music (3-7) and Rhythm Trail Steel Drum Band (3-7).
5. Chill with tunes at NorthFlora Collective
Come out and enjoy warm sounds in a cool setting from 8-10 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at NorthFlora Collective, 609 Railroad Square. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Kevin Kendall will be releasing his new "Loose Ends" album, and performing songs with a full band and Once Great Estate will be playing songs from their new album that came out on Earth Day.
Bonus event: Learn the library story
Celebrate 25 years of community at the Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library, 2817 S. Adams St., during a special anniversary celebration, "Our Story, Our Library" from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Enjoy free games, music, refreshments and activities for the whole family while rediscovering your library and everything it has to offer.
The event will feature a bounce house obstacle course, scavenger hunt, outdoor games from the Library of Things collection, community partners, story time, and more. Guests can also explore exhibits highlighting the history and legacy of the branch and its connection to the Southside community. Learn more at LeonCountyLibrary.org/BLP25.
Bonus event: More 'Les Mis' at YAT
The Young Actors Theatre continues its run of "Les Misérables: School Edition" this weekend, bringing together 85 student performers in two casts for one of the most ambitious productions in the organization's 50-year history.
While "Les Misérables: School Edition" has been adapted for young performers, it retains the full story, major themes, and emotional impact of the original musical. The production runs approximately 2½ hours, including intermission.
Performances of "Les Misérables" run at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays; July 24-Aug. 2 at Young Actors Theatre, 609 Glenview Drive. Tickets are available at YoungActorsTheatre.com.
OTHER EVENTS
Amicus Brewing Ventures: Loud Ass Country Band, 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 24, 717 South Gadsden St.
The Artist's Workshop: "Artist's Crisis" at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the 926 Bar, 926 W. Tharpe St., for a night of piano karaoke, laughter, and cheer. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or online at facebook.com. The event is fundraiser for group's trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
The Bark: Venezuela Benefit Show with Memoria, Survival Tactics, Guard Dog, Crackbaby2006 at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Doors: 8 p.m. 507 All Saints St.
Blue Tavern: Rhys Bennett plays happy hour at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday: Belmont & Jones. $5 cover. Rad Reading happy hour at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. July birthday party happy hour at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30, with music by Isa y El Combo Machete, followed at 8 p.m. by free movie night with "Wasp Woman." 1206 N. Monroe St.
The Crooked River Lighthouse: Twilight at the Tower, 7-9 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in Carrabelle. Visitors can explore the Keeper’s House Museum and view the historic Fresnel lens. The lighthouse’s first keeper, James Williams, will be at the top of the tower to educate and entertain guests. The evening will also feature live music by Cale Barber, a glowing bonfire with hot dogs, a live reading of "Abbie, Keep the Light Burning," a Draw the Stars activity for kids, and "Venus Watching," with binoculars provided. Admission is free, and climbs are $6.
Duke's and Dottie's: Live music is back with the return of The 850 Band, 8-10 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 1122 Thomasville Road.
The Getaway Grille and Bar: One Eyed JAK, 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2386 Allen Road. The Pick-Ups Summer FunFest, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 25.
Girls of Summer 2026: Festival on Friday, July 24, featuring Lindsay Sparkman with Jerry Evans 7:30-8 p.m., The Dolce Trio (8:15-9 p.m.) and Kit + Char (9:15-10 p.m.). Sopchoppy Theater, 164 Yellow Jacket Road, Sopchoppy. Tickets are $15. Visit sopchoppyevents.com.
The Hub at Feather Oaks: My Sunday Drive, 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 24, 6500 Miccosukee Road.
The Monroe TLH: Friday Evening Jazz, Rhys Bennett, 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 24, 1327 South Monroe St.
NorthFlora Collective: Summer Renaissance, 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, 609 Railroad Square. Doors open at 8 p.m. This celebratory farewell honors the music, memories, and creative impact of the Underground Creatives (UC) community. $5 cover.
Southwood Golf Club: Double Play, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, 3750 Grove Park Drive.
Tallahassee Film Society: "Renoir" opening at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at Challenger Learning Center IMAX. Alos 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. $11 general admission; $9 members and students.
Tallahassee Genealogical Society: Author of “The Westcott Story,” Christine Emmanuel will discuss her recorded family history (2 volumes, spanning 400 years) at the Maguire Center in Westminster Oaks at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Her relative James D. Westcott III, a member of the Fla. Supreme Court, left his estate to his alma mater, the W. Fla. Seminary, which became the Fla. State College for Women, and then FSU. The administration building is named for him.
Have an event coming up? Email details to lime[email protected].
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee
