This is the weekend the Thunderbirds come to South Florida. Two things worth building your Saturday around - and one of them is entirely free, no strings attached.

Saturday and Sunday - Fort Lauderdale Air Show

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-22 Raptor Demo Team perform over Fort Lauderdale Beach both days, noon to 3pm. Free from the sand, no ticket needed. Just show up, find a spot on the beach, and look up.

This is one of the most impressive free events South Florida hosts all year. The Thunderbirds fly in tight formations that don't look physically possible. The F-22 Raptor Demo is a solo performance that's even more unreal up close. Give yourself two hours minimum - you'll want to stay for the whole thing.

📍 Fort Lauderdale Beach, A1A (18th St to Sunrise Blvd) · 🕐 Sat-Sun May 9-10, 12pm-3pm · 💰 Free

Saturday - Mother's Day Orchid Giveaway, Downtown Delray

If you're already planning to shop for Mother's Day, do it on Atlantic Ave and make it count. Shop $200 or more at participating Downtown Delray retail shops between May 1-10, and you can pick up a free Phalaenopsis orchid at one of three pickup locations Saturday, May 9 from 11am-4pm.

Limit 5 orchids per person, while supplies last. If you're planning to shop anyway, this is just a free orchid on top of your existing plan. Downtown Delray on a Saturday morning in May is also just a nice place to spend a few hours.

📍 Downtown Delray Beach (3 pickup locations on Atlantic Ave) · 🕐 Thurs-Sat May 7-9, 11am-4pm · 💰 Free with $200+ qualifying purchase

While You're Out

If you're heading to Delray for the orchid giveaway, Chubby Cat is right there in Downtown Delray - a new Japanese izakaya on NE 2nd Ave with a menu worth sharing. If you're driving to Fort Lauderdale for the air show, go early, bring sunscreen, and expect to stay longer than you planned.

See you out there.

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