What’s Ahead At The Broward Center And The Parker This Season

By Megan Fitzgerald

From Broadway and live music to comedy and family programming, the 2026-27 season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Parker offers something for just about everyone. Raiza Velez, director of publication relations and communications for the Broward Center, gives us a look at what’s coming this season–from returning favorites to unexpected acts.

Between the Broward Center’s riverfront stages and the intimate setting of The Parker, a huge variety of entertainment is coming this fall. How would you describe the distinct experience audiences can expect at each venue?

They offer very different experiences. The Broward Center is a destination in itself, set along the New River with picturesque waterfront views and so many ways to experience the arts. You can see Broadway in Fort Lauderdale in the Au-Rene Theater, discover something unexpected when Broward Center’s Broward OFF Center series returns to the Abdo New River Room or enjoy Slow Burn Theatre Co. in the Amaturo Theater. There’s an energy across the campus, whether you’re enjoying the riverfront, meeting for a drink or dinner or heading into a performance.

The Parker has a magic all its own. It’s a beloved Fort Lauderdale venue with more than 50 years of history, and you feel that sense of occasion when you walk in and see the grandeur of the lobby. Then you enter the theater and it becomes wonderfully intimate. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, and that closeness creates a special connection between the artist and audience. It feels both grand and intimate, which is a rare combination.

The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series is always a major highlight. What titles are kicking off the season, and what makes this year’s lineup particularly exciting?

We’re kicking off the Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale season with BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, and we’re proud to be one of the first stops on its national tour. It brings the beloved music of the legendary album to the stage along with the story of the musicians behind it. That music is deeply personal for so many people in South Florida. It’s part of the soundtrack of their lives, families and cultural history.

Then we have the return of the blockbuster HAMILTON, followed by Death Becomes Her. And those are just the first three titles! The season also includes MAMMA MIA!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Outsiders, The Notebook and SIX. It’s a really strong mix of new productions, returning favorites and some of the most talked-about shows on Broadway today.

Beyond Broadway, when you look across concerts, comedy, dance and other performances at both venues, what are some of the freshest or most unexpected acts coming this fall?

The variety this fall is incredible. Slow Burn Theatre Co. opens its season with Come From Away, and we have music from Caamp and Grahame Lesh, comedy from Atsuko Okatsuka and John Oliver.

Then you have artists and shows that don’t fit neatly into a category. John Cameron Mitchell brings the Hedwig and the Angry Inch 25th Anniversary Movie Tour, Trisha Paytas comes to The Parker and Broward OFF Center returns with shows including Con Man. You can come for someone you already love and discover something completely unexpected.

Are there any shows this fall that offer audiences something beyond a traditional performance, whether that’s an interactive experience, a familiar film or television favorite brought to the stage, or another unusual format?

Absolutely! We have several opportunities to experience favorite fandoms in a completely different way. Outlander in Concert, Sonic Symphony and UNDERTALE: 10th Anniversary Symphony bring the music of television and video game worlds to life onstage. John Cusack will also join us for a screening of High Fidelity followed by a live conversation, giving fans a chance to revisit the film and hear directly from its star.

The Broward Center also strives to make the performing arts accessible to the community. What sensory-inclusive performances, educational programs or family offerings should audiences know about this fall?

Making the arts welcoming and accessible is central to our mission. Our Sensory-Inclusive Performances create a supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum and individuals with other sensitivity issues, with adjustments to lighting and sound, a more relaxed atmosphere and the freedom to move or respond naturally.

This fall, we’ll offer Sensory-Inclusive Performances of Clifford the Big Red Dog and Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And as we head into the holidays, our stages will be filled with family and seasonal programming, giving audiences plenty of opportunities to make live theater part of their traditions.

If you could personally hand someone a ticket to one show this fall that they might otherwise overlook, what would you choose and why?

I’d hand them a ticket to Caamp. They may not be as familiar to some of our longtime audiences, which is exactly why I’d choose them. Their mix of folk, Americana and indie rock is made for a live setting. I love the idea of walking into a theater curious about an artist and leaving with a new favorite. That sense of discovery is part of what makes a season like this so much fun.