The Best Guide to Festivals in Miami
Whether you have been to Miami or not, you may just think all there is to do there is hang out at the beach. But that is not true at all. Miami is full of music, culture, dance, art, and food too. And one of the best ways to experience these is to go to one of the dozens of festivals they have every year.
Miami is the perfect place for a festival because the weather is always warm (sometimes hot) and there are so many venues to choose from. No matter what you are interested in, Miami celebrates life with festivals for art, music, food, and more. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage in Miami and enjoy!
Ultra Music Festival – March
Typically held around the end of March, the Ultra Music Festival can be found in downtown Miami at Bayfront Park. The three-day festival dedicates an entire weekend of music that usually draws about 300,000+ visitors a year. It is also part of a global festival called Ultra Worldwide in dozens of countries.
The genre is electronic dance music and has featured artists such as the Chainsmokers, Ice Cube, Carl Cox, and even Will Smith. The festival has been going on since 1999 and was awarded many times for Best International Dance Music Festival, Best DJ, World’s Best Festival, and Best Music Event.
Coconut Grove Food & Wine Festival – March
If you like wine, food, music, and having fun, Coconut Grove Food & Wine Festival in Biscayne Bay is perfect for you. Although it has usually been held in March, the schedule has changed several times to November in 2018, August in 2019, and June in 2020. But no matter when it is, you will enjoy it.
The vibe is family-friendly and there is a Kids’ Zone, Arts & Crafts, games, and even a pet contest. But the most popular things are the food and wine. Though the restaurants vary from year to year, some of the past vendors include Monty’s Coconut Grove, Mayfair Kitchen at the Mayfair Hotel, and Flanigan’s.
Everglades Bluegrass Festival – March
Another festival in March, this one boasts Bluegrass music for three days straight at Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach. The Everglades Bluegrass Festival is held by the South Florida Bluegrass Association to preserve the musical heritage and entertain the world. It is family-friendly with fun for all ages.
They serve burgers, hot dogs, and drinks or you can BYO food and drinks. And do bring a lawn chair or blanket so you can relax while you enjoy the music. Some of the most popular artists have included Oldtime Jammers, Alligator Alley, the Florida State Bluegrass Band, and Willie Wells & the Blue Ridge Mountain Grass.
Food Network & Cooking Channel Wine & Food Festival – May
More food and wine, but this one takes place in late May and has four days of the world’s best culinary and wine producers. The Food Network & Cooking Channel Fest is a famous foodie event known all over the world that has been going on annually since 1997, and they host over 65 events all over Miami and Palm Beach.
Some of these events include Goya Foods Fun & Fit as a Family at the Kidz Kitchen, Rockin’ Sushi by the Succulent Bite, dinners hosted by various Food Network and Cooking Channel stars, and tons of demonstrations. Proceeds go to the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Florida Supercon – September
Previously held in July, the Florida Supercon is now held in September at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The yearly pop culture convention celebrates fantasy, cosplay, anime, comics, sci-fi, video games, and cartoons. It is run by ReedPop who also owns NY Comic Con, MCM London Comic Con and more.
At the Supercon, you can expect to see thousands of fans dressed in all sorts of fun costumes from anime to wookies. You are welcome to dress up as your favorite character as well. Meet writers, artists, comic book creators, and celebrities and enjoy games, workshops, and contests too.
Wynwood’s Oktoberfest – September
Although it is called Oktoberfest, this beer fest is actually held at the end of September at the Wynwood Marketplace. Beer lovers unite at the annual Wynwood Oktoberfest for drinking, games, contests, food, and live music. It is presented by Sam Adams, but they will have beer from all over the world.
Because of the time of year, you will likely get to taste plenty of pumpkin beer as well as other seasonal flavors and the pumpkin patch will be there for the younger crowd. Instagrammers love it because there are so many photo ops. Just bring your thirst and your ID and enjoy.
Miami Dade County Fair & Expo – November
Also known as the County Youth Fair, the County Fair & Expo is a favorite with families. The three-week fair starts in November and has carnival rides, games, food, and concerts as well as educational and agricultural exhibits. It is the largest fair in Florida and is held at the Fairgrounds in Tamiami Park.
All concerts are free, and you can see artists like Nelly, Ginuwine, Lecrae, and TLC. But the most popular part of the fair is by far the rides. The park boasts almost 100 rides from kiddie rides to thrilling roller coasters. And the food is stellar as well with funnel cakes, cotton candy, and corn dogs to name a few.
While you are in Miami, do not miss out on all the fantastic attractions of the city. There are museums like the Vizcaya, the Children’s Museum, and the Wynwood Walls. You can also visit the Zoo Miami with its 3,000+ animals, see the city from high up on the Freedom Tower, and be amazed by Jungle Island.
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