Sunny Miami is known as the “Magic City” for its dynamic combination of cultural, economic, and financial development in South Florida. There are dozens of reasons to visit Miami. It has legendary nightlife, miles of beaches, never-ending summer weather, a rich Latin culture, a vibrant art scene, and a variety of outdoor activities. Its diverse festivals are another reason for local residents and foreign visitors to spend a weekend in Miami. The list of special events celebrated here includes music, food, sports, religion, education, and more. Plan your next holiday with family and friends in the Magic City, and scroll down to find out more about the popular festivals in Miami, Florida.
1. Miami Carnival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Miami Carnival is a series of colorful events that start with the Junior Carnival, followed by a Panorama competition and a J’Ouvert costume parade. This annual carnival is a must-visit for families and friends who strive for a fun weekend with energetic music and dancing. As a true cultural event, Miami Carnival also provides its attendees with an opportunity to try nice food and drinks that represent the rich culture of many countries. Food courts with snacks from Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and more, as well as drinks such as rum and beer from international breweries will make all the festival visitors pleased and happy. Don’t forget to drop by the arts and craft vendors. Souvenirs as t-shirts, toys, jewelry, paintings, and wood carvings can be a great reminder for the next Miami Carnival.
Miami Carnival
Address: Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition, Inc., 10901 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165, United States
Website: Miami Carnival
Takes place: October
Price: 15 USD - 150 USD
2. Ultra Music Festival
Ultra Music Festival is a huge celebration of electronic music that takes place every March since 1999. The festival features famous artists of genres such as house music, techno, trance, dubstep, and others, and the number of visitors from over 100 countries grows year by year. Ultra Music Festival is a special event that serves as a launching pad for future hits. In fact, many artists choose this festival to present their new music to make their debuts even more special. Plus, visitors will get the chance to hear and dance to new hits first. Although it’s cancelled for 2021, you can look forward to participating in it in 2022.
Ultra Music Festival
Address: Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States
Website: Ultra Music Festival
Takes place: March
3. North Miami Greek Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by North Miami Greek Festival on Wednesday, October 28, 2015
North Miami Greek Festival is an annual food and wine festival organized by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of North Miami. Along with the authentic Greek food and drinks, this event delights its guests with Greek music, traditional dance and live performances, games for kids, and church tours. The atmosphere of the celebration is cozy and friendly, and every guest is welcomed to experience the spirit of Greece in the company of family and friends.
North Miami Greek Festival
Address: 12250 NW, 2nd Avenue, North Miami, Florida
Website: North Miami Greek Festival
Takes place: November
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4. Miami International Map Fair
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by HistoryMiami Museum on Tuesday, February 5, 2019
Miami International Map Fair is a unique event devoted to antique maps and collections. It usually takes place at the HistoryMiami Museum, but for 2021, it’s going to be held online. This event is the world’s largest and longest-running festival dedicated to maps, rare books, globes, and atlases. It is where world-renowned speakers share their knowledge and perspective on cartography. Miami International Map Fair attracts the attention of map and rare book dealers, historians, map enthusiasts, and kids as it provides educational tours and gives opportunities to people of all ages to dive into the wonderful world of maps and cartography.
Miami International Map Fair
Address: 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, Florida 33130
Website: Miami International Map Fair
Takes place: February
Miami Tour Guide
Alexander Gorn
I was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, in the Soviet Union, and left for the USA when I was 23 years old, just out of college. Leningrad was and still is a city with great cultural traditions. I fell in love with its world-famous museums, art galleries, theaters, and other attractions. I have been guiding tours for most of my life and began while still in high school. During the summer, Leningrad was visited by numerous youth groups from the UK and USA and English-speaking students were recruited to show them around. That is how I got my first taste of being a tour guide. I continued guiding through college and often worked with young adults. After leaving the USSR, I settled in New York City, went to graduate school, and started my own travel company in 1985. We primarily worked with international visitors showing them famous places of interest all over the country, from coast to coast. Though I had other tour guides working at my company, I continued to guide because it was rewarding and enjoyable. I traveled extensively throughout the country and that's how I first became acquainted with South Florida. I instantly fell in love with this beautiful place and eventually moved to the Miami Beach area. I love South Florida and want my tourists to feel the same way. I am exhilarated by its nature and history and I promise to get you excited as well. See you in Miami!
Tours by Alexander
5. IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival
Since 1996, participants of the IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival have celebrated Afro-Cuban culture through rhythmic dance and music. The festival is a cheerful holiday for a whole family as it includes a week-long children’s camp, parades and performances, academic conferences devoted to Afro-Cuban culture, and dance workshops accompanied by live music. IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival is highly valued for its persistent promotion of Afro-Cuban dance. It gathers professional choreographers and dancers together, who happily share their skills and knowledge about dance traditions with visitors of all backgrounds and ages.
IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival
Website: IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival
Takes place: September
6. Miami International Film Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Miami Film Festival 2017, Chronically Metropolitan, The Regal 17, March 9, 2017.
Posted by Miami Film Festival on Monday, March 13, 2017
The Miami International Film Festival is a unique platform that shows the world the best works from International and Ibero-American filmmakers. Every year, the festival gathers filmmakers, producers, critics, and simple film enthusiasts in Miami to celebrate various genres from more than 40 countries. In addition to the main ceremony, the Miami International Film Festival presents an opportunity for professionals in various fields to share their knowledge and inspiration during seminars, parties, and other events.
Miami International Film Festival
Website: Miami International Film Festival
Takes place: March
Price: 10 USD onward
7. Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Closely tied to the history of Miami, Coconut Grove Arts Festival is a special exhibition that helps in funding year-round art programs. Gathering more than 100,000 people for the last 50 years, this event is considered one of the largest outdoor arts festivals in the USA. Right along the coast of Miami is what appears to be a village where such artists such as painters, photographers, and sculptors demonstrate their masterpieces to the public. Some of the items showcased include wood, metal, clay work, jewelry, digital artists, and many others. Coconut Grove Arts Festival became a traditional event that takes place during President’s Day. To this day, it continues to be a significant event for all Miami citizens
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Address: Mayfair In the Grove, 3390 Mary St, Miami, FL 33133, United States
Website: Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Takes place: February
Price: 25 USD onward
8. Veritage Miami - Craft Beer Tasting
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by VeritageMiami on Thursday, February 20, 2020
Veritage Miami’s Craft Beer Tasting is one of the most popular food and drinks festivals in Miami. During the event, the best local and national craft beer and wine breweries, as well as the restaurants of South Florida, compete to win over the hearts (and stomachs) of hungry visitors. To the great joy of festival guests, up to thousands of breweries and restaurants offer a wide variety of beer and food. A cheerful atmosphere created with nice music, joyful people, and delicious meals make Veritage Miami’s Craft Beer Tasting an unforgettable and highly anticipated event in Miami.
Veritage Miami - Craft Beer Tasting
Address: Wynwood Walls, 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, United States
Website: Veritage Miami - Craft Beer Tasting
Takes place: October
Price: 100 USD to 125 USD
9. Miami International Dragon Boat Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For people who are not afraid of challenges and active water activities, Miami International Dragon Boat Festival is the perfect event for you. Every year, the community of dragon boat racers celebrates this breathtaking water sport and brings together municipal partners, corporate and brand sponsors, education and charity groups, and, of course, excited spectators. Solo paddlers, small groups, and teams can all join the race. Promoting health and teamwork, Miami International Dragon Boat Festival also helps in raising millions of dollars for community and charitable partners. This combination of spectacular activities and charitable intentions makes this event a truly special event for the local, national, and international participants.
Miami International Dragon Boat Festival
Address: Miami Marine Stadium 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, United States
Website: Miami International Dragon Boat Festival
Takes place: November
Price: 695 USD onward
10. 4th July Celebrations
The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday that commemorates the day the Continental Congress declared that the American colonies were no longer under British rule. This day is all about celebrating freedom through vibrant fireworks, parades, concerts, and barbecues. In Miami, a few ways to celebrate this event is by getting free drinks and partying to music in various clubs or visiting historic sites, such as Deering Estate, that offer discounted prices. One can even go on a cruise to watch the fireworks. For a fun celebration like no other, head to Miami when July 4 comes around.
Join the cheerful rhythm of Miami festivals
The vibrant city of South Florida, Miami, is one of the best destinations where people know how to work hard and party hard. It’s no wonder that Miami combines such diverse festivals that attract thousands of local citizens and city visitors every year. During your next visit to Miami, make sure to attend at least one of Magic City’s popular festivals with your family and friends for guaranteed fun.
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