EVENTS

Public Festivities

11 Nov - Veterans Day
second Mon in Oct - Columbus Day
last Mon in May - Memorial Day
Mar/Apr - Easter
third Mon in Jan - Martin Luther King Jnr Day
third Mon in Feb - Presidents Day
1 Jan - New Year's Day
25 Dec - Christmas
4 Jul - Independence Day
first Mon in Sep - Labor Day
fourth Thu in Nov - Thanksgiving

January
Art Miami
This modern and contemporary art show features more than 100 international galleries, mostly from Latin America and Spain. Call (866) 727-7953 or (216) 750-4620 for more information.
Beaux Arts Festival
Arts, crafts, and assorted media from more than 300 exhibitors star at the juried Beaux Arts Festival of Art at the University of Miami’s Lowe Art Museum in Coral Gables. Call (305) 284-3535 for more information.
D. S. Clarke Antique Show and Sale
More than 750 booths are filled with antiques from exhibitors from around the world at the Coconut Grove Expo Center. Call (561) 988-9898 for more information.
FedEx Orange Bowl Classic
This collegiate gridiron bowl between the Atlantic Coast and Big East conferences plays out at Dolphins Stadium. Call (305) 341-4700 for more information.
South Beach Dachshund Winterfest
The dog-friendly Tides Hotel -- Ocean Drive’s Art Deco jewel and home of the 1220 at the Tides and Tides restaurants -- puts on the haute dog while hosting champagne toasts, photo opps and revelry leashed to the annual South Beach Dachshund Winterfest at Lummus Park, mirroring a similar event in New York City. Call (305) 604-5070 for more information.
Original Miami Beach Antique Show
More than 1,000 dealers provide shopping pleasure for antique lovers at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Call (239) 732-6642 for more information.
Redland Natural Arts Festival
For nearly three decades, the Fruit and Spice Park has featured a weekend of arts and crafts, food, music, jugglers, puppets and more. Call (305) 247-5727 for more information.

February
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
As one of the nation’s largest, most prestigious art festivals, the Washington Mutual Coconut Grove Arts Festival features more than 325 renowned artists exhibiting in a dozen categories. Call (305) 447-0401 for more information.
Coral Gables Bluesfest
Local and national blues bands provide accompaniment to Austrian, German, American and Creole refreshments in front of Fritz & Franz Bierhaus. Call (305) 774-1883 for more information.
Home Design and Remodeling Show
Home furnishings, accessories, interior design, architecture, and more star at the Coconut Grove Convention Center. Call (305) 667-9299 for more information.
International Map Fair
Hundreds of antique maps are presented each year at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Call (305) 375-1492 for more information.
Miami Beach Festival Of The Arts
Paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, photography and more are showcased at this juried show of more than 100 artists from across the nation. Call (305) 865-4147 for more information.
Miami Film Festival
Miami Film Festival (MIFF), presented by Miami Dade College uses several venues for screening independent domestic and foreign films, often selected for artistry rather than wide box office appeal. Call (305) 237-FILM for more information.
Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail
With more than 2,000 exhibitors at various locations including the Miami Beach Convention Center, this show features powerboats, sailboats, engines, electronics, accessories and more. Call (954) 441-3220 for more information.
Shake-A-Leg Mid-Winter Regatta
Experienced sea salts with physical disabilities compete on Biscayne Bay in one of many Shake-A-Leg events and programs. Call (305) 858-5550 for more information.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
A world-class wine, spirits and food tasting unfolds along with sparking dinners, a beachside barbecue, a champagne brunch, and more. Call (305) 348-9463 for more information.

March
Asian Culture Festival
Homestead’s Fruit and Spice Park is where South Florida’s Asian community stages an exposition of exotic foods, crafts, clothes and jewelry. Call (305) 247-5727 for more information.
Ball of the Wild
Formerly called Feast with the Beasts, this music-filled black tie fundraiser catered by South Florida's top restaurants takes place at the Miami MetroZoo. Call (305) 255-5551 for more information.
Calle Ocho
Little Havana's festival of food, music and Latin culture stretches out over the 23-block area flanking SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho), sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. Call (305) 644-8888 for more information.
Ford Championship Golf Tournament
Top pro golfers compete in this international event, hosted by the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. Call (305) 592-2030 for more information.
Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition
Carnival rides, food, circus, entertainment and student exhibits are at The Fair Expo Center. Call (305) 223-7060 for more information.
Miami Grand Prix
The annual season opener of the world famous Indy Racing League, at Homestead-Miami Speedway's 1.5 mile oval track. Call (305) 230-5000 for more information.
Miami International Orchid Show
Blooming for more than 60 years, this show at the Coconut Grove Expo Center features landscaped exhibits, rare and exotic orchids for sale, lectures, demonstrations and walking tours. Call (305) 255-3656 for more information.
NASDAQ 100 Open
A top-tier event on the WTA tour and ATP circuit, the NASDAQ 100 Open on Key Biscayne's Crandon Park Tennis Center draws top-ranked tennis professionals. Call (305) 442-3367 for more information.
Miami Riverday
At Jose Marti Park, Miami Riverday celebrates the natural resource aspects and heritage of the Miami River. Festivities feature live music, kids’ activities, river boat tours, water taxis, historical re-enactments, environmental education booths and cuisine with local flavor. Call (305) 361-4850 for more information.
Winter Party
Aiding the Dade Human Rights Foundation, the gay and transgendered community sponsors five days of dance parties on South Beach at several venues. Call (800) 494-8497 for more information.

April
Merrick Festival
Coral Gables hails city founder George Merrick with French and Italian movies, “Taste the Gables” cuisine, art exhibits, performances and more. Sister cities including Pisa, Italy and Aix-en-Provence, France join the celebration. Call (305) 491-4180 for more information.
Easter Seals’ Walk With Me
As the opening event for the Merrick Festival, Easter Seals’ Walk With Me helps put hope within reach for people with disabilities. Registration is followed by the walk to the finish line on the first level of Village of Merrick Park. Call (305) 547-4713 for more information.
Miami Riverday
Historic presentations, food, live music and lectures about the Miami River, its history and environmental import highlight this free all-day festival, at Jose Marti Park. Call (305) 361-4850 for more information.
Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The original art-deco Colony Theater hosts hundreds of full-length and short features from around the world. Call (305) 573-1044 for more information.

May
Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend
Starting the last weekend in April, this gourmet food and wine weekend features more than 30 global wineries and top restaurants, combining an auction, gala dinner and show with other interactive events. Call (305) 445-8066 for more information.
Miami Fashion Week of the Americas
Presenting dozens of designers from throughout Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, Miami Fashion Week of the Americas unfolds under a fashion tent at 21st and Collins on Miami Beach. Awards include Designers Choice, Pret-A-Porter Style, and Excellence in Evening Wear. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.
CityStyle
Also under the fashion tent immediately following Fashion Week of the Americas, CityStyle -- a hot sister event -- spotlights designers, manufacturers, retails and innovaters creating buzz. Designers slated include names like Sean John Collection, Taylor and Madison, Johnny Handsome / Johnny Girl, Mia Shvili, Apple Bottoms, and Reebok. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.
Easter Seals Festival of Chefs
Easter Seals Miami-Dade’s Festival of Chefs tantalizes as a culinary extravaganza featuring nearly two dozen area chefs, plus television personalities, authors, and more, combining with a live auction, raffle prizes, and talent from Easter Seals’ Culinary Arts Education & Training Program. Call (305) 547-4713 for more information.
Coral Gables Wine & Food Festival
Presented by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, the Coral Gables Wine & Food Festival on historic "restaurant row" opens Giralda Avenue to foot traffic only for a celebratory evening of philanthropy. Superb food, exquisite wine, and live music raise funds for the American Lung Association of Florida-South Area (ALAFSA) and Pulmonary Research at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Call (800) 524-8010 or (954) 524-4657 for more information.
Great Sunrise Balloon Race
Hot air balloons take to the skies for a colorful race from Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. Call (305) 596-9040 for more information.

June
American Black Film Festival
Film executives, directors, actors, and the public gather for screenings staged throughout the city. Call (212) 966-2411 for more information.
Fete De La Musique Coconut Grove
Celebrated around the world, Coconut Grove’s Fete De La Musique provides a day of free entertainment with more than 65 bands on multiple stages with jazz, rock, pop, soul, classics, and more. Call (305) 495-9655 for more information.
Florida Dance Festival
For more than a quarter century, the Florida Dance Festival has thrilled audiences with new themes and talents from classic ballet to dance for people with disabilities. Call (305) 867-7111 for more information.
Tropical Ag Fiesta
At Fruit and Spice Park in the Homestead / Redland agricultural area, the Tropical Ag Fiesta, going strong for three-quarters of a century, never stops growing. Newer events include chef demos using tropical fruits and a tropical fruit dessert contest. While adults sip lychee, carambola, or passion fruit wine, children can partake in old fashioned Florida farm activities, including a watermelon eating contest and hayrides. Parking is free. Call (305) 247-5727 for more information.
Lizard Day
Children are invited to bring their favorite lizard to the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium for fun and games, and competitions with other lizards. Call (305) 646-4200 for more information.
Miami / Bahamas Goombay Festival
Coconut Grove's summer street party celebrates the life and times of early Bahamian and Keys residents.

July
International Mango Festival
Mangos star at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s International Mango Festival, a weekend of tree sales, tastings and evaluations, lectures, food demos, kid’s activities, music and more. The Veranda Restaurant serves snacks, lunch and – best of all -- mango smoothies. Call (305) 667-1651, ext. 3311 for more information.
4th of July Coral Gables
The venerable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables serves as a setting for fireworks, music and more. Call (305) 273-7687 for more information.
4th of July Miami Beach
Live music and fireworks take place near the sand at Collins Avenue near 72nd Street. Call (305) 539-3063 for more information.
Parade of Beds & Races
From Peacock Park this zany event with the Parade of Beds, bed races and more rolls through streets of Coconut Grove along with music and fireworks. Call (305) 221-9395 for more information.

August
Homestead Main Street Fest On the first Friday in August, artists and chefs of Homestead host a street party along Krome and Washington avenues.
Peruvian Independence Day Festival
The Fair Expo Center hosts Peruvian music along with food, arts and crafts. Call (305) 258-2240 for more information.
Snake Day
Slithery fun takes place with the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium inviting guests and their snakes for a day of games and learning. Call (305) 646-4200 for more information.
Super Sand Blast
On Ocean Drive, between 9th and 10th streets, kids and guests can enjoy a sand castle building competition, live music from the Islands, face painting and free food. Call (305) 673-7030 for more information.

September
Arabian Nights Festival
Opa-Locka, with its Islamic architecture, hosts an annual festival of live music and theatrical presentations at its airport. Call (305) 688-4611 for more information.
Homestead Agricultural Festival and Barbecue
A petting zoo, live country music, and barnyard dance go along with the barbecue. Call (305) 248-1624 for more information.
International Ballet Festival
From late August to mid-September, the Jackie Gleason Theatre and the Manuel Artime Performing Arts Center host leading ballet companies performing contemporary work. Call (305) 535-0255 for more information.
IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Festival
From Conga lines to history lectures, this celebration of African, Caribbean and Cuban culture unfolds at Miami-Dade Community College Wolfson Campus. Call (305) 476-0388 for more information.
Music Fest
Reggae, salsa, jazz and more entertain at this festival where blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Call (305) 358-7550 for more information.

October
Columbus Day Regatta
More than 200 sailboats from more than a dozen classes race on Biscayne Bay from north to south on Saturday, and back on Sunday. Call (305) 858-1733 for more information.
Coral Gables Oktoberfest
Food, beer, music, polka dancing, and plus kid’s activities are sponsored by Mozart Stube Restaurant. Call (305) 446-3364 for more information.
Discovery of America Day
This all-day festival of ethnic food, live music and fun includes a re-enactment of Columbus' discovery of America, at Bayfront Park Amphitheatre. Call (305) 541-5023 for more information.
Festival of the Americas
Latin musical headliners entertain at this giant street party with food and fun along Sunset Drive between U.S. 1 and Southwest 57th Avenue. Call (305) 461-1014 for more information.
FIU Music Festival
Top talent performs in assorted musical genres showcasing the Wertheim Performing Arts Center at Florida International University University Park Campus. Call (305) 662-6960 for more information.
Miami Short Film Festival
At the Tower Theater, the Miami Short Film Festival features a week of short films from around the globe combined with gala festivities. Call (305) 586-8105 for more information.
Hispanic Heritage Festival
This month-long celebration at varied locations hails the Hispanic role in discovery of the Americas. Call (305) 461-1014 for more information.
Japanese Cultural Weekend
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts a weekend of music including Taiko drumming, lectures, Ikebana demonstrations and more. Call (305) 667-1651 for more information.
Jewish Book Fair
Famous Jewish authors lecture at bookshops throughout Dade County, particularly in Kendall. Call (305) 271-9000, ext. 268 for more information.
MetroBoo!
Trick-or-treating and costume contests with prizes for ages 12 and younger take place at Miami MetroZoo. Call (305) 251-0400 for more information.
Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Hong Kong-style Dragon Boats race along a waterway. Call (305) 633-0168 for more information.
Stone Crab Seafest at North Beach
The beach around 73rd Street and Collins Avenue becomes an outdoor feast scene with live music, drinks and gourmet delicacies. Call (305) 865-4147 for more information.

November
ExpoNica: The Fair of the Americas
The Fair Expo Center showcases Central and South American culture with arts, crafts, dance, bands and food. Call (305) 227-2929 for more information.
Harvest Festival
Historical re-enactments, music, antique automobiles, quilts, crafts and more are at The Fair Expo Center. Call (305) 375-1492 for more information.
Miami Book Fair International
One of the nation’s largest outdoor book fairs features some 300 booksellers and publishers, and more than 250 authors at Miami-Dade Community College Wolfson Campus. Call (305) 237-3258 for more information.
Nextel Cup Series Ford 400
The biggest names in auto racing each more than 140 m.p.h. at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Call (305) 230-5000 for more information.
Ramble – A Garden Festival
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden hosts this annual gardening festival with plants, accessories and activities for the whole family. Call (305) 667-1651 for more information.
South Florida Auto Show
Auto-related gear and more than 1,000 of the industry’s latest vehicles for the coming year are displayed at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Call (305) 947-5950 for more information.
White Party Week
A week of tea dances, fashion shows and an elegant bash at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens highlight this annual fundraiser fighting HIV/AIDS at various venues throughout the city. Call (305) 667-9296 for more information.
WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade
Walkers, riders, bikers, clowns, bands and floats participate in a Thanksgiving Day Parade, on 125th Street from NE 6th Avenue to NE 12th Avenue. Call (305) 893-6511 for more information.

December
Art Basel Miami Beach
Sister to Art Basel in Switzerland, Art Basel Miami Beach showcases art from more than 150 galleries in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Call (305) 674-1292 for more information.
Everglades Music and Crafts Festival
Alligator wrestling, air boat rides, Native American music, crafts and food highlight this event at the Miccosukee Indian Village. Call (305) 223-8380 for more information.
Greater Miami Dog Club Show
The Fair Expo Center show features several breeds with two rings of obedience training and an agility event, plus booths with food, treats and other specialty items. Call (305) 223-7060 for more information.
Junior Orange Bowl Parade & Festival
Floats and marching bands parade through streets of Coral Gables, with related events involving arts, crafts and children’s sports competition. Call (305) 662-1210 for more information.
King Mango Strut
This zany quarter-century old parody of traditional holiday parades spoofs newsmakers and current events. Call (305) 401-1171 for more information.
Matzo Ball
From a humble start in a Boston bar, Matzo Ball bashes unfolding in more than a dozen cities including San Francisco and Washington D.C. now make a splash in South Florida, attracting some 2,000 or more. Venues in Miami Beach, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach host this holiday party for Jewish singles on the night before Christmas. For more information, call (305) 531-5535 for Miami Beach's Opium Garden, (561) 392-3747 for Boca Raton's Club Boca, and (561) 833-6500 for the Monkey Club in West Palm Beach.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
Tropical Park, decorated with more than 3 million lights, hosts a huge outdoor Christmas fair with a petting zoo and visits from Santa. Call (305) 226-8315 for more information.