CCIRC Arts & Entertainment Calendar for IRG

Arts, entertainment and fun in Vero Beach, Sebastian and Indian River County as compiled by the Cultural Council of Indian River County for Dec. 13 -20

Isola Arts offers Waldo’s Secret Art & Antique Barn Sale Sat. Dec. 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sun. Dec. 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a very unique art event at Waldo’s Secret Art & Antique Barn. Drive to the back of the property next to the silos where you’ll find art, music and libations waiting for you. Location: 5000 12th Street in Vero Beach. 

Ballet Vero Beach Presents: Nutcracker on the Indian River Dec. 13 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Dec 14 at 12:00 p.m. at Riverside Theatre.  The production retains all the whimsy and magic of the original ballet but moves the action to the year Vero was founded (1919). Contact Ballet Vero Beach for tickets.

Environmental Learning Center offers WinterGreen Night Lights on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. A wonderful community celebration with thousands of holiday lights, campfires, and the popular Magical Mangrove Encounter, where we take guests by canoes through illuminated mangrove tunnels at night. A truly unique experience.

The Heritage Center offers a Walking Tour of historic downtown Vero Dec. 13 and 14 at 10:00 a.m.  Meet at Heritage Center at 10:00 a.m. to begin exploring the genesis of Vero Beach, from the pre-Columbian Indians to the present. Tour lasts about 90 minutes. Donation required.

Vero Beach Museum of Art offers Holidays at the Museum celebration Saturday Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.   Admission is free every second Saturday of the month. Second Saturdays features a variety of cultural offerings, including the widely popular Museums Studios for families.  Activities vary each month.

Riverside Theatre offers Playtime in the Park on Dec. 13 and 20, 11:00 a.m. A FREE program for the community’s youngest audience members, it includes dance and theatre offerings from our education programs on the Theatre’s Loop Stage. Ideal for kids 2-5, entertaining for parents and the whole family, too!

Christ by the Sea United Methodist Church presents their Christmas Cantata Dec. 13 at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. Celebrate the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ set to a full musical production with a mixed choir, a full orchestra, liturgical dancers, dramatic scenes, and uplifting narration! Featuring opera singers and musicians from Florida and other states. Free will offering appreciated.

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation offers Kids Write Outside 1 p.m. Dec. 14. Creative writing activities for children ages 3 to 11 at the historic LRJF pole barn. Indian River State College Mueller Campus in Vero Beach.

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation offers Historic House Tours Sunday 1-5 p.m. Dec. 14 (Every second Sunday through April).  Come learn about the historic “cracker” style architecture and life of national author, Laura (Riding) Jackson. A docent led tour at the Indian River State College Mueller Campus in Vero Beach.

The City of Vero Beach presents their annual Christmas Boat Parade on Sunday, December 14, starting at 6:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. The best places to watch the Boat Parade are at the Marina, Quail Valley, Royal Palm Pointe and Young’s Park.

Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation offers Historic House Tours Tuesday 1-5 p.m. Dec. 16 (Each Tues. to the end of April, 2026).  See how the noted poet and author lived in her “cracker” architecture-styled house during a docent led tour at the Indian River State College Mueller Campus in Vero Beach.

Gifford Academy for the Performing Arts offers their annual Piano Recital and Holiday Gathering Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Gifford Community Center.  Join the Academy students as they present their musical flair for your holiday enjoyment.

Vero Beach Museum of Art education staff and docents offers an Art Talk “Portraying Personalities” on Dec. 17 at 12:00 p.m.  An in-depth focus on select artworks from special exhibitions and the permanent collection. Registration required

Environmental Learning Center offers Wild Wednesdays on Dec. 17 at 3:00 p.m. Join at the F.U.N. Zone Nature Playscape (Families Unplugged in Nature). Designed with homeschool families in mind, this is a chance for kids and parents to unplug, connect with others, and enjoy all the outdoor spaces the ELC has to offer.

Vero Heritage Center presents its monthly Blue Grass Event Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. A different Blue Grass band every month until May for your delight. This month features the smooth and contemporary sound of award-winning band Flatlanders. There is no admission charge, but chairs can be reserved for $20.

Environmental Learning Center offers a Sunrise Guided Kayak Excursion Dec. 18 at 7:00 a.m. Start the day on the water as the sun climbs over the horizon. Paddle through calm morning currents and discover the lagoon’s beauty coming to life.  Please arrive 30 minutes before start time.

Environmental Learning Center offers a Beginners’ Bird Walk around the Environmental Learning Center on Dec. 18 (and each third Thursday of the month) from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., registration required.

The Community Church of Vero Beach offers Advent Poetry & Music Series Dec. 18 at 11:00 a.m. The Poetry & Music Series brings together talented, published, and nationally-recognized poets and local musicians to create a collaborative concert of the spoken word and music. You’ll hear improvisation, prepared musical works, piano, organ, and other instruments. All are welcome! Donation suggested.

Riverside Theatre offers Live in the Loop Local musicians play the Loop Outdoor Stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18: Ft. Pierce Jazz Society; Friday, Dec. 19: Jerzi; Saturday, Dec. 20: Real Deal.

The North IRC Library is hosting a Blockbuster Movie Day Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. and every third Friday of the month! Join us to watch a recent release and enjoy free popcorn and water provided by the Friends of the North IRC Library. Admission is free and there is no registration required to attend.

Environmental Learning Center presents A Cuban Season through Dec. 19.  A gallery exhibition featuring six Cuban artists working across painting, engraving, drawing, printmaking, and more. Each piece tells its own story of home, memory, and identity, highlighting the rich diversity of Cuban art.

Environmental Learning Center offers a Guided Kayak Excursion Dec. 20 at 9:00 a.m. Join our trained nature guide and paddle the serene waters of the Indian River Lagoon exploring this unique ecosystem with abundant wildlife and hidden mangrove tunnels! We provide all the gear you need.

Environmental Learning Center offers Little Wonders on Dec. 20 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. An engaging outdoor nature enrichment and early literacy program for children 18 months to 4 years old. Participate in Interactive Story Time, Outdoor Mud Kitchen, Pond Exploration, and Nature Crafts.

Center for Spiritual Care presents Vive FOCA Art Exhibition This is a juried group show featuring approximately 25 of the best artists in town. FOCA is Friends of Contemporary Art. Their art will be up through Dec. 24.

The Cave Gallery of Art presents Essence of the Unseen: Vickie Marsango’s solo painting exhibition explores the power of Abstract Expressionism to transform the intangible into the tangible, giving form to the invisible currents of human emotion, thought, and spirit. On view through Dec. 28.

The Emerson Center presents Small Wonders Exhibition, A Holiday Showcase of Mini Masterpieces Gallery Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Weekdays, closed Wednesdays.  Exhibit Dates to Monday, December 29.

Artists Guild Gallery presents Artist Exhibition for Bernard Jacques Colas, guest artist for December.  The award winning French artist’s works will be on display through Dec 31. 

Vero Beach Museum of Art offers Double Portraits, an exhibition on view through January 11, 2026.  Featuring 47 photographs by 34 artists, each capturing the rich and ever-evolving American South through the concept of a “double portrait.” 

Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County on exhibit Indian River County Administration Buildings A and B. “Reaping The Benefits” is the theme. Featured Artists include Judy Burgarella, Tony Caruso, Mary Carter, John McAleer and Sheila McAvoy. On view until January 15, 2026.

Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County is on exhibit at Indian River County Intergenerational Recreation Center, 1590 9^th Street SW through Jan. 28, 2026. Energized is the theme. Featured Artists include Tony Caruso, Eileen Lovre, Joan Mercer, and Mark Wygonik.

Gallery14 presents Wings of the World: Photography by Mitch Clark and Encountering Nature: The Prints of John H C Davis. Exhibits showing to Jan. 30, 2026.

Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County exhibit at the Indian River County Courthouse, 2000 16^th Avenue, Vero Beach.  The theme is “Bright, Colorful and Tropical”. Solo Exhibit by Eileen Lovre on view until February 6, 2026.

Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County in conjunction with Mandy and Ray Hooker invite you to a viewing at Indian River Distillery. Exhibit Theme: “Olde Florida Stories While Sipping” featuring Mary Carter, Ella Chabot & Tony Caruso. On view through Feb 26, 2026.

Art in Public Places Program sponsored by the Cultural Council of Indian River County is on Exhibit at Vero Beach City Hall, 1053 20th Place until April 23, 2026. In Presence is the theme. Hallway gallery features works by Merana Cadorette. Council Chambers gallery features works by Tony Caruso and Richard Gillmor.