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Free Family Fun at The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach

This summer, hit pause at The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park), where sun-soaked weekends and starry nights are filled with music, movement, markets and movies. Presented by the Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Community, which makes up the City of Fort Lauderdale Beach Business Improvement District (BBID), these free events invite everyone to take a well-deserved “day off” — or several.


“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

Things kick off in May with a high-energy mix of live music, wellness events, special market activations and an outdoor screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to celebrate the end of the school year. The LOOP also recognizes National Small Business Month with giveaways and a photo contest to support the local vendors who shape its vibrant atmosphere.

From Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations in June to International Yoga Day and Global Running Day events with lululemon, the summer calendar is full of meaningful moments.

Whether they’re here for a stroll, a stretch, or just to soak it all in, The LOOP is where the community comes to take a breath and take in the best of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Highlights include:

MAY

National Small Business Month and National Photo Month | May 

May marks both National Small Business Month and National Photo Month, giving The LOOP the perfect opportunity to spotlight the local makers and community partners who bring The MKT to life. 

Throughout the month, the community is invited to participate in the Small Business Photo Contest by snapping a photo of their favorite market moment — whether it’s a product they picked up, a vendor who made their day, or a memorable experience at the park. By tagging @oceansideparkmarket on Facebook or Instagram, participants will be entered to win a $50 MKT gift card each week. Even better, the featured vendor in each winning post will receive a complimentary market space in June. 

At The MKT, small business goes beyond the booths. From wellness instructors like Lisa Pumper and Nzingah, who lead free community yoga, to partners like Dog Training Elite with their Leash Up at The LOOP series, the More @TheMKT programming celebrates the people who help strengthen the community in meaningful ways.

The Worst Party Ever | Sunday, May 18, at 11 a.m. 

Don’t let the name fool you — this is the kind of “worst” we could all use more of. Join The LOOP for a free, energizing yoga class led by Jef Benet, ClassPass’s top-rated fitness instructor in the county. Whether they’re coming for the movement, the mindfulness, or the ocean breeze, this community-centered wellness event is all about good vibes and feeling your best. Bring a mat, bring a friend, and leave the stress behind. 

Cost: Free 

Yoga with Nzingah| Sunday, May 25, from 9 to 10 a.m.

Join The LOOP and experience the transformative power of vinyasa yoga with Nzingah. This dynamic vinyasa flow yoga class links breath with movement. The invigorating practice, led by a passionate instructor, builds strength, flexibility and inner peace. Suitable for all levels, the instructor’s guidance will take participants on a journey of self-discovery through movement.  

Cost: Free, sponsored by the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation Department and FIT LauderdaleComplimentary bottle of Smartwater with class. Registration and a signed waiver are required. 

Memorial Day at THE MKT| Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The LOOP invites the community to celebrate Memorial Day with a special edition of The MKT, taking place on Monday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In honor of the holiday, the weekend staple will feature an expanded lineup of local vendors, offering a variety of handmade goods, artisan foods and fresh produce. Guests can enjoy traditional Memorial Day fare, including burgers, barbecue, lemonade, ice cream and fresh fruit. The family-friendly event will also include lawn games and live music by Marcus Amaya, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all ages. As a tribute to the holiday, American flags will be distributed to the first 100 guests as a gesture of remembrance and appreciation. 

Whether they’re here to shop, relax or reflect, The LOOP invites the community to spend the day in good company, honoring the meaning of Memorial Day and supporting small businesses who make the community shine. 

Movies by Moonlight: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off | Friday, May 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. 

Kick off the unofficial start of summer with a night that channels the carefree charm of Ferris Bueller himself. On Friday, May 30, The LOOP will roll out the lawn for a special Movies by Moonlight screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, transforming Las Olas Oceanside Park into a retro-inspired celebration for all ages. 

The evening begins at 6 p.m., with pre-movie activities that bring the spirit of the film to life. Guests can step into Ferris’ world with a green screen photo booth, complete with themed costumes, and take part in a full-scale “parade moment” featuring the South Florida Pride Marching Band — a nod to the iconic “Twist and Shout” scene that lives rent-free in all our minds. 

Nostalgia will be fully fueled with classic hot dogs, a scoop-worthy ice cream station inspired by Ferris’ “passed out at 31 Flavors” cover story, and free popcorn for kids under 16, courtesy of Swiggle (with online registration).  

The celebration also includes a playful nod to Ferris’ day at the ballpark, with an interactive baseball-for-beachball challenge. Kids can step up to catch pitches from a real machine — just like Ferris at Fenway — and trade a solid catch for a signature FTLBeach beachball. 

In recognition of National Bike Safety Month, lifestyle nonprofit FREERIDE will be on-site, giving away free scooters to the first 30 children ages 6 to 13 who register on-site. They’ll also be sharing bike safety tips, handing out sunglasses and distributing reflective slap bracelets to keep kids safe and seen. 

The theme of summer exploration continues with community partners showcasing fun ways to keep kids engaged all season long. From the Museum of Discovery and Science’s STEMobile and Mathnasium’s summer tutoring programs, to School of Rock’s music offerings and Two Bees Parties’ Ferris-themed hair braiding and face tattoos, there’s something for every kind of kid — and every kind of parent looking to make the most of their family's “days off.”

The film begins at 8 p.m., but early arrival is encouraged to enjoy all the festivities. Whether Ferris was your childhood hero or you're introducing him to a new generation, this is one night made for memory-making.

Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and let’s send the school year out in style — no hall pass required.

Cost: Free 

JUNE 

Global Run Day with lululemon | Wednesday, June 4, from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.

Global Running Day is around the corner, and The LOOP is gearing up for a fun run that’s open to all. Celebrate the joy of running together and embrace inclusivity every step of the way. Whether participants jog, walk or run, everyone is invited. lululemon’s three Broward locations (Sawgrass, River Market and Las Olas Blvd) have partnered with The LOOP and local run leaders to make this day happen.

  • 6:45 p.m.: Meet-up – Meet on the Main Lawn for check-in and get organized for this fun run.

  • 7:00 p.m.: Warm-up – Get to know the group while prepping the body to move.

  • 7:10 p.m.: Movement Starts – There will be different pacers for the event, from run to walk. Different distances will be selected to suit everyone’s goals. Runners will head out.

  • 7:45 p.m.: Let’s Get Social – Hang back and welcome those finishing their movement. Enjoy this time to get social.

Cost: Free

International Yoga Day with lululemon | Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

In celebration of International Yoga Day, lululemon’s Broward County locations — Sawgrass, River Market, and Las Olas Blvd — have partnered with The LOOP to host a community yoga session at Las Olas Oceanside Park.

Open to all levels, this special event invites the community to take a breath, find their flow and celebrate movement and mindfulness in a beachfront setting. Whether they're an experienced yogi or just beginning their practice, the guided session will offer an uplifting and accessible experience designed to inspire connection with their self, their breath, and the world around them. 

Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and positive energy. Smartwater will be provided to all guests, adding a refreshing boost to this wellness-focused experience.

Stay tuned for instructor announcements and registration details. This is the moment to stretch, reset and rise with the sun — all in honor of balance, breath, and community.

Cost: Free

Third Annual Caribbean American Heritage Month Celebration | Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29

Celebrate the vibrant culture, creativity and contributions of Caribbean Americans during a weekend of art, music and community at The LOOP, June 27 through 29. Presented in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this three-day experience brings the sounds, flavors and energy of the islands to Fort Lauderdale Beach.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 27, with a Movies by Moonlight screening of Vivo, Sony Pictures’ animated love letter to Cuban music and culture. Ahead of the film, guests can enjoy live Cuban music, kids' music-themed crafts and a taste of tradition with Cuban snacks under the stars.

On Saturday, June 28, start the day with free yoga with Lisa from 9:45 to 11 a.m., followed by a high-energy performance from Sabor Latino, an eight-piece orchestra playing live from 12 to 3 p.m.

The celebration continues Sunday, June 29, with a lineup that blends movement and music. Enjoy yoga with Nzingah, followed by a Socaerobics fitness dance session sponsored by FIT Fort Lauderdale. Caribbean rhythms fill the park throughout the day with live steelpan music featuring DoMo Joat, and closing with a special edition of Reggae Sundays hosted by Tanto Irie, with a performance by Lee Kelly and the Allstars from 12 to 3 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, The LOOP’s MKT will feature vendors, art installations and interactive experiences curated in collaboration with the Hollywood Arts Committee, The Space Monkies and Fabienne Claude, spotlighting handmade cultural crafts and live art demonstrations.

Free and open to all ages, Caribbean American Heritage Month Weekend at The LOOP unfolds during the weekend MKT; a joyful celebration of heritage, expression and the community that continues to make Fort Lauderdale a colorful and connected cultural destination.

The full weekend lineup includes: 

Friday, June 27, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Movie starts at 8:15 p.m.: Movies by Moonlight Series | Vivo: 

Vivo is a vibrant animated adventure that celebrates the power of music, love and cultural connection. The film follows Vivo, a music-loving kinkajou (a rainforest mammal affectionately known as a “honey bear”), who lives in Havana with his beloved owner and musical partner, Andrés. When fate intervenes, Vivo sets off on a journey from Cuba to Miami to deliver a love song that was never sung. Blending the rhythms of Caribbean culture with the colorful spirit of Miami, Vivo is both a joyful tribute to Latin musical traditions and a touching story about friendship, memory, and honoring those we’ve lost. It’s a heartwarming reminder that music can be a bridge between generations — and that it’s never too late to follow your own rhythm.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES: 

THE MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Immerse in the serene beauty of Fort Lauderdale Beach at The MKT, where breathtaking views and refreshing ocean breezes complement an eclectic array of homemade and handmade fare. From fresh produce and fruit to global flavors and unique items perfect for the home or wardrobe, the market is open every weekend, year-round. Pull up a chair and enjoy live music, participate in fitness classes or join in seasonal “More at The MKT” specialty events, all designed to enhance wellness and enjoyment.  

For more information, visit theloopflb.com/events/categories/market. 

Yoga on the Main Lawn | Saturdays, from 9:45 to 11 a.m. 

Leading Yoga Educator of the Yoga Community of Florida and Fort Lauderdale Beach Yoga, Lisa Pumper, will lead an all-levels yoga flow for everybody on the main lawn at The LOOP every Saturday, from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Yogis can expect good vibes and music to move and groove, and a cool-down aroma therapy treat for a deep rest and weekend recharge while enjoying the ocean breeze, sunshine rays and shady palm trees. Participants should bring a mat, towel or sheet, sunglasses, sunblock, water and friends. A complimentary bottle of Smartwater will be available for all attendees.

Cost: Free

Las Olas Oceanside Park: 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 

The most convenient place to park to access the event is the Las Olas Beach Parking Garage, where the PayByPhone payment option can be used, and parking can be extended from anywhere using the mobile PayByPhone APP  

All The LOOP’s events are free and open to the public.  

For more information, visit theloopflb.com.  

By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of The LOOP.

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