Adults dressed as their favorite fantasy characters, beer with zoo animals and a chance to do good while having fun top our culture writers weekend suggestions.
“Cos play” or costume play is a major part of the PalmCon fun this weekend. (Post photo/Thomas Cordy)
Carlos Frias, features writer: Dust off that Halo outfit. It’s time for PalmCon!
Yes, Palm Beach County’s own comic book convention is back, Saturday and Sunday at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. But if you have never been to one of these, it’s about much more than comic books. It’s a pop culture nexus, where there’s something for everyone, from “Doctor Who” fans to disciples of professional wrestling.
This year’s show has a “Star Wars” theme because of the upcoming movie, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which opens in the United States on Dec. 18.
If nothing else, go just to see the amazing costumes that fans — cosplayers — devise.
A full lineup of featured guests and link to purchase tickets — $13.50 a day or $20 for a full two-day pass — is up at PalmCon’s website.
The convention runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday until 5 p.m.
Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach
Cason Cottage in Delray Beach, decorated for Christmas in 2012. (Post file photo)
Staci Sturrock, features writer: Calling all culture buffs
This Saturday, admission to 1,400 museums, botanical gardens and historical homes nationwide is absolutely free thanks to “Smithsonian” magazine.
Here’s the deal: Saturday is Museum Day Live, when “Smithsonian” will pick up the admission tab for you and a friend.
Participating South Florida institutions include Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Cason Cottage in Delray Beach and the Children’s Science Explorium in Boca Raton.
For the full scoop, and to download your two free passes (that’s the only way to get in for free on Saturday), go to SmithsonianMag.com.
Liz Balmaseda, food editor: Good music, good food, good cause
Visit Paddy Mac’s in Palm Beach Gardens this Sunday and the pub will donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to a good, local cause. The pub will be hosting a benefit for local music scene supporter Shelagh Dufault, an artist and special-needs teacher recovering from surgeries related to an appendix tumor. Organized by her son, guitarist Spike Dufault, Sunday’s “A Good Time for a Good Cause” benefit features bluegrass trio The Killbillies (3 to 4:30 p.m.) guitar duo Andy Stein and Mike Hill (4:45 to 5:30 p.m.) and pop act 900 Seconds (6 to 8 p.m.).
The Irish pub is running a few tempting early-bird specials throughout September, including an $11.95 fish-and-chips deal. Other nicely priced dishes include lamb shank ($13.95), “Three Nut-Crusted Dolphin” ($13.95), and bangers and mash ($11.95). All dishes are served with Irish bread and scones. The deals are served from 4:30 to 7 p.m. daily throughout the month.
Paddy Mac’s: 10971 N. Military Tr., Palm Beach Gardens; 561-691-4366; PaddyMacsRestaurant.com
Barbara Marshall, features writer: Drink beer, save wildlife
Brew at the Zoo proved so popular the first time around that the Palm Beach Zoo is doing it again with Brew 2 at the Zoo Saturday night.
This time, guests can sample Florida’s best craft beers, with special emphasis on those brewed right here in Palm Beach County. You can pair them with offerings from a variety of area restaurants in the Zoo’s Tropical Cafe.
There are a different ticket levels. For $35, guests receive a own mug, samples from more than 25 breweries and the opportunity to purchase food.
Take it to the VIP level at $65, and the food is free, as are some special premium beers and you’ll take home a tee shirt.
Not drinking? A $15 designated driver ticket includes admission plus all the free water and soft drinks you can hold.
Brew 2 at the Zoo: Saturday, VIP admission 5:30, regular admission at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561 -547-9453.
