The Ninth Annual South Beach Jazz Festival (SBJF) will offer a kaleidoscope of musical, artistic and cultural experiences for the entire family to enjoy during this January Winter event. Sponsored by the humanitarian group Power Access, the festivities kick off the New Year on January 9-12at venues across Miami Beach. Also, participants can expect best-in-class, Grammy Award-winning jazz artists, complimentary art gallery tours and a showcase of emerging jazz students. In addition, the public is invited to virtually participate in a panel discussion addressing accessibility and inclusion in the arts for persons living with disabilities, the core mission of the festival.
Capital One Orange Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinals 09
The 91st edition of the Capital One Orange Bowl will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on January 9, 2025, starting at 7:30 pm. The competing teams are yet to be determined but will consist of the Atlantic Coast Conference champion (or the highest-ranked ACC team if the champion is in the playoff) facing off against the highest-ranked non-playoff non-champion from the Big Ten or the SEC. Team announcements will be made in December. The Orange Bowl, first played in 1935, is the second-oldest college football bowl game after the Rose Bowl, which began in 1902. The Sugar Bowl and Sun Bowl also debuted in 1935.
Sarah Silverman: Postmortem 11
Catch comedic powerhouse Sarah Silverman live. Her Postmortem tour arrives at The Fillmore Miami Beach on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Certainly, known for her sharp wit and insightful social commentary, expect a night of laughs with her signature blend of humor and provocation. With a career spanning over two decades Silverman tackles a wide range of topics. This is a can’t-miss event for fans of stand-up comedy and those who appreciate Silverman’s unique comedic voice. A two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian, actress, writer, and producer, Sarah Silverman is a force in the entertainment industry. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts: 8:00 pm.
Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival 17-19
The Miami International Science Fiction Film Festival returns to the James L. Knight Center. Immerse yourself in a weekend of visionary films exploring futuristic worlds, alien encounters and cutting-edge technology. The festival kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday January 17 with imaginative cinematic experiences. Showcasing the best in science fiction cinema. Stay tuned for more details as the event date nears.
Tamiami International Orchid Festival 17-19
The Tamiami International Orchid Festival, known as the largest January Winter event in the U.S., will be in Miami from January 17 to 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center. The annual festival showcases orchid beauty and diversity through exhibits and educational activities. Local societies and vendors create stunning displays of exotic orchid species. Additionally, ninety national and international growers offer a wide range of orchids and related products for purchase. On-site parking is $5 per day, with entry through Gate #2 at 109th Ave and Coral Way.
This Holiday Musical month of December is a blockbuster for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami. Mark your calendar for Pretty Woman, a lively adaptation of the beloved romantic film starring Julia Roberts. Set to an original musical score. Which includes songs by Grammy Award-winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. This iconic love story is brought to life in a captivating and theatrical way.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Dec 8-10
As the marquee event of Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, Art Basel Miami Beach is back at the Miami Beach Convention Center with its annual fair devoted to the best in international contemporary art. The accompanying satellite fairs, gallery shows, celebrity-splashed holiday musical parties have become known as Miami Art Week.
Candlelight: Holiday Musical Featuring “The Nutcracker”
Dec 15-16
Enjoy a live holiday musical in December. Experience with a candlelight concert at Miami Scottish Rite temple in Downtown Miami, featuring music from “The Nutcracker” and more. All under the glow of candlelight. Enjoy the sounds of a string quartet performing a program of holiday favorites.
SoundScape Cinema Series
Dec 13, 20 and 27
December in Miami is the perfect time to enjoy a movie under the stars. The SoundScape Cinema Series at the New World Center in South Beach invites you to do just that in a beautifully landscaped park where movies are projected onto the concert hall’s monumental 7,000-square-foot projection wall. Held on Wednesday evenings, December’s movies are “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
Zoo Lights and Holiday Musical
Nov 24 – Dec 30
Experience Zoo Miami in South Dade in a whole new light during Zoo Lights, the annual holiday tradition when the zoo stays open late with a dazzling array of more than 1 million lights. In these immersive light displays, you’ll experience animal lanterns and festive entertainment, plus you’ll enjoy seasonal treats, like cookies and hot chocolate. With a 26-foot-tall LED tree, themed nights and the chance to meet Santa, Zoo Lights is a fun-filled holiday treat for the whole family.
Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Holiday Festival
Dec 28-31
Immerse yourself in Miami’s native cultural heritage at the Miccosukee Indian Arts & Crafts Festival. Filled with music, art and entertainment in the heart of the Everglades Area, this holiday tradition is a local favorite where you can experience authentic native food, a crafts market, alligator demonstrations, a fashion show and more.
Colorful Fireworks for the Grand Finale over Lake
New Year’s Eve At Bayfront Park
Dec 31
For an iconic Miami New Year’s celebration, Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami hosts a spectacular party with fireworks lighting up Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. You’ll enjoy cocktails, live entertainment and a champagne toast to ring in 2024. See more ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Miami.
It’s going to be a huge month at the Kaseya Center where, in addition to the Miami Heat, the arena welcomes this November some of the biggest names in Latin and popular music. Maluma takes the stage November 4-5, then Pitbull, Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin bring their triple-headline tour to town on the 10th and 11th. Pink performs on the 14th, Marc Anthony on the 17th and 18th, Doja Cat on the 21st, and Travis Scott closes out the month on the 27th and 29th. Don’t miss the excitement.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest starting this November 9 – 1/7
It’s not really Christmas in Miami until you’ve taken a picture in front of the tunnel of lights that leads to Santa’s Enchanted Forest. The local holiday tradition continues in Doral with thrilling midway rides, elaborate Christmas scenes, music, animals and hundreds of thousands of lights. This November even though the temperature might not quite feel like winter, a trip to Santa’s puts you squarely in the holiday spirit. Regular hours are 5 p.m. to midnight, though the attraction sometimes stays open later on busy nights and weekends.
The streets outside Miami-Dade College’s Wolfson Campus transform into a sprawling outdoor book store as the school hosts the annual Miami Book Fair. In addition to thousands of books for guests to browse and buy, the fair also offers readings from top authors. This year’s lineup includes Jada Pinkett Smith, Joan Baez and Henry “The Fonz” Winkler.
Miami Dolphins Vs. Las Vegas Raiders 19
The Miami Dolphins have one of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL, putting up a franchise-record 70 points earlier this year. The Fins are poised to make a run at the Super Bowl, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and speedy receiver Tyreek Hill. They’ll take on the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens at 1 p.m.
Miami Short Film Festival 17-19
Contrary to what some big studios think, great movies don’t have to be three hours long. Discover the genius of short film during the Miami Short Film Festival, where features of 30 minutes or less fill the big screen at the Regal South Beach Cinema, O Cinema and a special screening room at the Deering Estate. The festival also includes filmmaker workshops and a closing awards ceremony. Find your film and purchase tickets in advance.
URGE Festival 24-27
Immediately after Thanksgiving, Miami’s LGBTQ+ community turns its attention to the URGE Miami Thanksgiving Festival, a four-day circuit party filled with electronic music and outrageous performances. The full lineup has yet to be announced, but the weekend’s crowning event is a Sunday beach party followed by a Monday morning after-hours event.
A haven for tourists as fall rolls around and the weather gets chilly everywhere else, things heat up in Miami with Halloween activities, high-speed races, and upbeat music and culinary festivals. Check out Miami’s hottest October events that will turn up the fun.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrating Hispanic culture in Miami is a must-do. The destination is home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of Latin people and cultures. Exciting Hispanic Heritage Month events will be offered throughout Miami for art and culture lovers. Those wanting to experience visual art should head to Doral for the Hispanic Heritage Doral Art Exhibit for a showcase of local art. You can also experience a collective art exhibition, La Mano Hispana (The Hispanic Hand), in Hialeah. Reading enthusiasts can celebrate Hispanic diaspora literature at in-person author discussions with Rosa Lowinger, Elizabeth Cerejido and Lisandro Pérez. If you’re in the mood to party, head to Little Havana. It’s Miami’s Cuban culture capital, for the annual Celebrating Milestones event on Calle Ocho. Socialize with local artists and small business owners. Experience salsa dancing, domino games, art galleries and, of course, authentic Cuban food.
Miami Carnival: A Haven for tourists
October 8 If towering feathered headdresses, bejeweled costumes and the grand pageantry of Caribbean jump bands make your heart race, you don’t want to miss Miami Carnival. Held at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition grounds, the event features the Parade of Bands & Concert,. This is a brilliant spectacle of themed bands in stunningly detailed costumes marching along the parade route. Enjoy 12 hours of dance, music, vendors, prizes and Caribbean food from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
13th Annual Miami Children’s Museum Halloween Bash
October 8 Who said Halloween celebrations have to scare your socks off? That’s certainly not the case with the Not So Scary Family Halloween Bash at Miami Children’s Museum on Watson Island, just east of Downtown Miami. Put on your favorite costume and spend the afternoon trick-or-treating in the museum’s 17 galleries. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, crafts, lunch, character meet-and-greets and, for the most daring in the family, the museum’s Haunted House. Tickets are not required for children under the age of 2. If you’re feeling in the Halloween mood, check out more spooktacular Halloween events for the little ones or enjoy a Halloween-themed adults night out.October 813th Annual Miami Children’s Museum Halloween Bash
Oktoberfest Miami
October 13-15 & 20-22 What better way to enjoy Miami’s warm fall weather than by cooling down with a cold beer at Oktoberfest Miami in Kendall? The longest-running Oktoberfest event in Florida! Besides, this fun festival serves up authentic German beer and savory traditional foods, including bratwurst, schnitzel and pretzels. Stein-holding competitions, German folk dancing, magic shows, bounce houses and live music will round out the 66th edition of this annual family-friendly event.
South Beach Seafood Festival
October 21 Don’t miss the 11th annual South Beach Seafood Festival, which serves as a great reminder to enjoy Florida’s celebrated stone crab season (which begins October 15). Unlike most festivals, where seafood lovers simply meander among food trucks, this South Beach festival features a host of specialty events showcasing the destination’s best chefs and superb seafood. Enjoy this beachfront affair, where Miami’s top restaurants offer pop-up cafés, more than 30 bars serve up delicious cocktails, and culinary demonstrations are provided by Miami’s local Milam’s Markets. Celebrity DJs and three live music stages top off this beachy seafood extravaganza.
Miami Home Design And Remodeling Show
October 20-22 Dreaming about upgrading or changing your living space? If so, putting the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show on your must-do list is a great start. Meet industry leaders, discover new options to renovate or reimagine your property. Meet consult design and remodel experts at this home design and remodeling event held at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition grounds.
Miami Dragon Boat Festival
October 8 Round out the month with the Miami Dragon Boat Festival, a unique boat racing spectacle held at Haulover Park, just south of Sunny Isles Beach. Watch novice as well as top rowing teams compete. See the ornate and beautifully carved dragon heads and tails that decorate the vessels, adding to the fun of the event. Aside from the race, enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, and a health and wellness village. A percentage of the proceeds support the Save Our Sisters Miami program. Consequently, this program introduces breast cancer survivors to the sport.
Candlelight Orchestra: Halloween Special
October 28 The tropical surroundings of Pinecrest Gardens in Pinecrest make a perfect setting for an evening of Halloween favorites. Performed by a live symphony orchestra. The Candlelight Orchestra: Halloween Special takes a spooky turn with performances at 7 and 9:30 p.m. The orchestra will play renditions of “Danse Macabre,” “Transylvanian Lullaby from Young Frankenstein,” “Night on Bald Mountain,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and more.
Events happening during the month of September 2024 in Miami
The Miami International Auto Show
The Miami International Auto Show – one of the largest auto shows in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of people every year – returns to Miami Beach August 30 – September 8. The show is enormous, covering over one-million square feet at the Miami Beach Convention Center, with exciting new unveilings from some of the biggest automakers on the planet. 2024 Spectacular September event details are forthcoming.
The 10-day event will also offer attendees the chance to test-drive some of the latest models from their favorite automakers, discover innovative new electric vehicle (EV) technology and delve into the world of adventure vehicles. In addition, guests can check out rare futuristic cars in a special showcase from Supercar Rooms and see a special Bentley from famed local artist Romero Britto. The Miami International Auto Show began in 1971 and is sponsored by the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association. Over the show’s 50-plus years, it has raised more than $500,000 for longtime partner Ronald McDonald House.
Spectacular September for Orange Blossom Classic
Mark your calendar for this Labor Day weekend: The Orange Blossom Classic, a premiere Historically Black College and University (HBCU) football event, is back. Played September 1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the classic pits the North Carolina Central Eagles against the Alabama State University Hornets in a game you surely won’t want to miss. And just like every HBCU classic, the off-the-field festivities – ranging from a parade to a career fair to the Battle of the Bands – rival the exciting on-field matchup. The 2024 event details are forthcoming. During its heyday from 1933 to 1978, the Orange Blossom Classic was the leading HBCU postseason event. A four-decade absence concluded with the classic’s return to Greater Miami & Miami Beach in 2021.
Following last year’s 59-3 loss to JSU, the Rattlers will certainly be out for revenge against the Tigers, who have lost some talent since Hall of Fame coach Deion Sanders’ exit. The Orange Blossom Classic, however, is more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to highlight the best and brightest aspects of HBCU culture in the majority Black city of Miami Gardens. Whether you attended FAMU, JSU or another HBCU, festivities like the Orange Blossom Classic create a family reunion-like atmosphere that compares only to homecoming. Tickets range from $25-$95 plus fees and are available via Ticketmaster. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. and will also be broadcast on ESPN. Check out these events associated with the Orange Blossom Classic.
Orange Blossom Classic Parade
What better way to start the weekend than at the historic OBC parade? A fan favorite during the OBC’s heyday in the mid-20th century, the parade brings all OBC participants together – fans, bands, dancers, elected officials, you name it – for a celebration prior to game day. The parade will travel the streets of Miami Gardens. Make sure to take your place on the route bright and early. for more info visit website.
Latin Hustle Festival during Spectacular September
The Latin Hustle Festival is Miami’s response to salsa cravings. A blend of workshops, performances, and competitions that will leave attendees hustling in their sleep. The World Latin Hustle Championship promises to test your skills. Artists from around the globe will teach, judge, perform, and hopefully remember their steps. VIP Gala Nights, pool parties, theme nights.
Miami Spice
Miami Spice is a dining promotion across the Miami area with fine-dining restaurants offering more affordable, prix-fixe menus at lunch and brunch ($30 or $35) and dinner ($45 or $60). It’s a great opportunity to try more than 200 great restaurants without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for Italian, French, seafood, or something else entirely, you’re sure to find it at Miami Spice. Participating restaurants include Acqua Restaurant & Bar, The Bazaar by José Andrés, Mignonette, Stubborn Seed and many more.
The Americas Food & Beverage Show
The Americas Food & Beverage Show is an opportunity to learn about trends and best practices within the industry. There will be 300 exhibitors spread throughout over 100,000 square feet of space, so participants will have opportunities to network and meet with experts. Registration for the trade show is $50 through August 11, after which it will be $85. This show is only open to those with a professional affiliation with the industry.
