Annual Events & Festivals - Annual Events
Visitors and locals alike are never at a loss for things to do throughout the year. Annual events reflect the city’s culture and diversity, which stretches from arts and music festivals to ethnic and garden festivals. Keep in mind that dates vary year to year so it’s always best to check the website to verify dates and details. This list is organized by month, then event type.
There are a few websites that provide great resources for event and festival searches. One, the Miami New Times, has upcoming events reviews and listings. The official Miami Calendar of Events is listed on the website of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/calendar.aspx) and is updated regularly. Customizable searches can be done by date, event type, and keyword.
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
2. Beaux Arts Art Festival
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: The 60-year anniversary festival took place in January 2011 and the annual event remains the oldest art show in the city, which attracts roughly 100,000 visitors from all over the world. The University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus is typically the site of the festival, which is free all weekend. Free festival admission also includes access and free admission to the Lowe Art Museum, which emphasizes Renaissance, Baroque, American, and Asian art and contains 17,500 objects in the collection. Other Beaux Arts Festival features include live music and food options. Unlike Art Basel, the show offers pieces priced for all budgets. There’s also a student showcase where high school juniors and seniors can display their works at the Lowe.
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
4. Miami Jewish Film Festival
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (305) 573-7305
Description: The 10-day event is held at several venues throughout the city and showcases a wide range of films from almost every genre, all of which focus on Jewish life. With the exception of opening and closing nights, tickets are typically $11. In previous years, several films have had their premiere in Miami and attract an international audience including documentary and dramatic filmmakers and audiences. Volunteers may receive ticket discounts or incentives. Visit the website to access the volunteer form or e-mail mjff@caje-miami.org for more information.
5. South Beach Comedy Festival
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: The lineup will be familiar to anyone who watches late-night television as comedians featured in previous years have performed on Comedy Central and are popular locals—not surprisingly, the Comedy Central Network is a regular sponsor. Ticket prices vary, but there’s always a free stage at the Lincoln Road Bandshell (Lincoln near Euclid Avenue) each night of the festival. As with any comedy show, be prepared for 2-drink minimums and the possibility of being mocked. Check the website or e-mail thepunchline@southbeachcomedyfestival.com for more information.
6. Orange Bowl Fan Zone
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: The Orange Bowl Game Day Fan Zone is hosted by Bud Light and pumps up the crowd with marching bands from local universities (Iowa and Georgia Tech in 2010) and local talent; in 2010 performers included Tilt, First October, Odyssey Road, and Synchronicity. Interactive games, contents, and sports memorabilia are features as well as food and beverages. Keep an eye out for the players, who occasionally make a cameo appearance. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by calling (305) 341-4702 or on the day of the event.
7. Florida International Fine Art Fair (Fifaf)
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (888) 772-8926
Description: The first annual event will take place in February 2012 and touts itself as a “new generation” fair that will present international and fine and decorative art dealers and all types of art; paintings, sculpture, furniture, photography, books, and jewelry, to name a few. Though the pieces will span from the 18th to 20th centuries, a particular emphasis is put on 20th-century design. Expect parties and events given the entrance of this fair into the Miami art scene.
8. The Israel Film Festival
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Held in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami annually, this 25-year-old festival highlights Israel’s film and television industry with the intention of encouraging intercultural exchange and dialogue. Documentaries, feature films, student shorts, and television dramas are showcased. Tickets cost the same as a normal movie in theaters. Interested volunteers should contact (877) 966-5566 or volunteer@israelfilmfestival.org.
9. Volleypalooza
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Local fashion models take the spotlight of this annual event—and not simply because they attend. This beach volleyball tournament is appropriately held on the beach across from 8th and Ocean Drive and is played by models from local agencies. Celebrities have attended and participated and the event typically attracts musical guests, including Third Eye Blind and Mya in past years. The event is free but arrive early to get good seats.
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
11. Dade Heritage Days
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Since 1972, historic preservation advocacy group Dade Heritage Trust runs events and initiatives that promote honoring the city’s history. Dade Heritage Days, run by the organization, sponsors events throughout the city yearly in Mar and Apr. There are numerous tours of sites ranging from the Biltmore Hotel to a Cold War–era missile base to a moonlit garden tour at Vizcaya Museum. There are also other events such as a classic car show, a seafood festival, and a canoe trip. The festival manages to secure prestigious presenters from PBS and National Geographic. Check the website for schedules and pricing.
12. Food And Garden Festival
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: Food Network celebs often make appearances at this Fairchild festival yearly in March, which features food demonstrations, educational activities, and tastings. Learn about sustainable seafood, how to use a wok, or how to pack a healthy school lunch. A farmer’s market featuring produce from local South Florida farms is also set up. Tickets are $20, a steal considering you are seeing some of the same faces from the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
14. Miami International Agriculture And Cattle Show
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (305) 228-3414
Address: 7900 SW 40th St.
Description: Potential buyers from as far as Turkey and Russia attend this annual 3-day show. Miami’s proximity to Latin America has turned the city into an international meeting point among cattlemen from Central and South America. The show promotes Florida’s largest industry and its growth. Nearly 12 breeds of cattle from 15 states are represented at the show. There are also horse shows featuring Paso Finos and Andalusian horses as well as demonstrations given by experts in the field. Over 100 flower, plant, vegetable, and fruit exhibitors set up at the event as well. All proceeds benefit children with autism.
15. Miami International Film Festival
City: Miami, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (305) 237-3456
Description: Miami’s 10-day film festival is recognized for its international focus, particularly on Ibero-America. Founded in 1983 by Nat Chediak, the festival underwent a tumultuous period when Chediak resigned in 2001, going through several directors in a matter of years. The festival has finally seemed to have found its footing highlighting often radical films by young filmmakers. Tickets to movie screenings cost $12 with reduced prices for seniors, students, and members of the Miami Film society. Those interested in the film industry or just looking to save money can acquire free tickets by volunteering through the festival. To apply, visit the website for the application or contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@miamifilmfestival.com.