Happy Friday, The Villages. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let The Villages Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.

📰 In the news

Local happenings: A proposed cone shaped ice cream shop awaits approval, gigabit speed internet rolls out in rural areas, and seniors gain free meals and games — catch up here.

State-level stories: Washington weighs making Florida’s springs a national park, coastal parks get ATVs and trackers for turtle patrols, and Orlando lands among top retirement cities — see what else is brewing.

National headlines: Mortgage rates are trending down, investors catapult gold above 3500 an ounce, and a tropical wave eyes the Antilles — peruse the best of the rest.

Highlights this week

• Sign up at circulation desk for ESL
• Connect with others navigating loss
• Engage with Florida’s House Speaker
• Seniors enjoy free Downton Abbey finale
• Raise funds for linemen families
• Anxiety about debt? Get a free consultation

🫶 We got your back

Brews: After a sunny round of golf, nothing beats a crisp craft pint. These area breweries around The Villages are exactly what your summer needed.

Nightlife: From ultraclubs to beachside dives, these party spots prove you can party till sunrise.

Taqueria: From perfectly charred tortillas to fillings that demand a double order, Fiesta Grande Mexican Grill brings the kind of flavor that requires extra napkins and zero regrets.

Bargain shopping: The best finds aren’t always on store shelves. Amazon’s Deals Page is like a never-ending treasure hunt where the good stuff costs less, with new discounts dropping daily.

Save: The average driver pays $175 a month for car insurance, but most of us are paying way more than we should. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us.” This comparison tool may save you hundreds.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →

Today

🤠 Country Night @ WOB Bar & Kitchen | Friday (9/5) at 7:00pm – Dust off those boots and grab a cold one—Country Night is calling. James Doyle takes the stage for a live set while the dance floor heats up. Stick around for Boot Scootin’ Late Night Happy Hour starting at 8 pm, because nothing pairs better with twangy tunes than drink specials that go all night.

🎤 The Boss Project @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center | Friday (9/5) at 7:00pm – If you’ve ever dreamed of belting “Born to Run” in the checkout line, this South Florida tribute nails the real-deal Boss vibe. They’ve got the guitar riffs, gritty vocals, and working-class anthems on lock, so expect goosebumps and bragging rights at happy hour.

This weekend

🎉 12th Anniversary Celebration @ WOB Bar & Kitchen | Saturday (9/6) at 2:00pm – Think midway magic meets a bar crawl, with new anniversary brews you’ll brag about. Wear something carnival-ish or at least don’t look like you just got off the hiking trail. Live music, raffles, and special guest taps round out the good times.

🌈 Ultimate Floyd Tribute @ Joke Joint | Saturday (9/6) at 6:00pm – Listen, $35 scores you dinner, two full-liquor drinks, and a live Pink Floyd send-up at that downtown dive we’d all tried to avoid on karaoke night. Expect epic guitar wails, cheesy light shows, and that inevitable “Comfortably Numb” singalong.

🎭 The Vaudeville Variety Show @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center | Saturday (9/6) at 7:00pm – If you need proof that gravity’s just a suggestion, sneak out to the local playhouse for acrobatics, juggling, and sword swallowing. Expect an hour of uplifting talent, jaw-dropping feats, and chance to ask how bodies bend like that. Vintage vaudeville charm, no corny mustaches required.

👗 Little Black Dress Night @ Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse | Sunday (9/7) at 4:00pm – Think your little black dress has been gathering dust? Dust it off, call to snag your spot, sip, savor, and socialize over $6 wines, bar bites, and piano-laced ambiance that’s as refined as it is relaxed. Just don’t forget the tie for the fellas.

🔔 Sound Healing Meditation @ Grand Oaks Resort | Sunday (9/7) at 4:00pm – Whether you’re convinced ancient bowls are secret mood rings or just desperately in need of peace, this sound bath of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls will vibrate your stress away. Bring your yoga mat, blanket, and an open mind for a blissful, meditative escape.

Next week

📺 Anime Club @ Fruitland Park Library | Monday (9/8) at 4:00pm – Take a break from your usual midweek routine and nerd out at the library’s Anime Club, where we binge classics, dissect storylines, and fold origami until our fingers give up. No prior anime résumé required, just a sense of humor and ramen appreciation.

🎸 1887 Band Playing at The Villages @ Brownwood Paddock Square | Tuesday (9/9) at 5:00pm – Live music, open-air fun, and that perfect small-town square vibe—1887 Band is bringing the soundtrack to your Tuesday night. Grab a chair, sip something cold, and settle in as the tunes roll out under the Florida sunset.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 9/5 Mark & the Martinis @ Old Mill Playhouse – 6 pm
• 9/5 The Boss Project @ The Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 9/6 Triple Crown Party @ Lucky- U Cycles – 10 am
• 9/6 Easton’s Cocktail Dance @ Colony Cottage Recreation Center – 6 pm
• 9/6 Floyd @ Joke Joint – 6 pm
• 9/6 Variety Show @ Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 9/6 Rock Show @ Orange Blossom Opry – 7 pm
• 9/9 Action Jackson Duo @ American Legion – 5:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – The Villages edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Kathy Abruzzo (REALTY EXECUTIVES IN THE VILLAGES)

This Williamsburg Premier surprises at every turn, from the glass-faced cherry cabinets in the kitchen to the 578-square-foot climate-controlled sunroom with tinted glass and stack-back sliders. Soaring 12-foot ceilings, engineered hardwood and porcelain tile floors, and custom trim work add a dash of drama, while the split-bedroom layout keeps things peaceful for guests. The primary suite comes with two walk-in closets, a jetted soaking tub, and a Roman shower that feels more spa than standard.

Perched on over a third of an acre in Bridgeport of Miona Shores, the backyard retreat features a pergola patio and lush landscaping with room to expand or add a pool. A three-car garage, tankless water heater, and a new roof (2024) mean the practical details are covered, and the bond is paid, so you can focus on more important things, like which golf course or restaurant to visit next.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →