While Miami boasts some of the most high-end, prestigious fairs and festivals in the country, not everything has to cost a fortune. In fact, there are numerous wallet-friendly events throughout the year, many of which truly reflect the spirit and essence of Miami. Whether it’s a salsa-infused street party or an artsy experience in Wynwood, you can explore Miami’s scene without spending a dime.
CARNAVAL ON THE MILE
This lively two-day event celebrates Latin music, art and food. Culminating each March, Carnaval on the Mile has a charitable component: The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, which funds youth programs in Miami. This family-friendly gathering spans Latin jazz & funk music, children’s entertainment, fine art and gourmet cuisine. Spanning three sponsored stages, expect acts like the Max Farber Trio, Electric Kif, Locos por Juan, Bento Box, Brandon O’Hara and DD Luxz. At the Fine Arts Village, you can browse paintings, sculptures, photography and crafts from over 120 artists. There are Bacardi cocktails and Miami-inspired fare from local restaurants like Seasons 52, Don Camaron and Power Pizza. It’s a colorful, boisterous affair that appeals to all ages. Over 120,000 people attend each year for what feels like an oversized block party, Miami style.
ART DECO WEEKEND
Many locals and tourists don’t realize that South Beach has the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world. And unless you are a history buff, you may not know that there was a huge struggle to preserve many of these architectural gems from developers’ wrecking balls. While that is all in the past—South Beach’s buildings are now protected from being razed—there is still a lively weekend dedicated to all things Art Deco. Taking over a good portion of Ocean Drive, this 36-year-old outdoor festival celebrates the architecture, jewelry and culture of the Art Deco era. Held over President’s Day Weekend every year, there is always a unique theme with corresponding lectures, movies, walking tours, musical acts and parties. Even if you aren’t knowledgeable about pastel buildings and terrazzo flooring, it’s still awesome to stroll down Ocean Drive, which is cut off to vehicular traffic for the event, and gawk at the booths, colorfully-dressed passersby and period cars. While awareness is the goal, there are many ancillary booths and exhibits that are only tangentially related to Art Deco. After all, they didn’t have arepas and elephant ears in the ‘30s.
MIAMI BEACH FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than on South Beach, where the party never stops? Each year, the City of Miami Beach throws an extravaganza to honor the Fourth of July with live music, fireworks and the best view in town. Throughout the day, revelers gather near 8th and Ocean Drive with coolers, food, blankets, beach chairs and umbrellas. While the celebration is officially underway by late afternoon, it’s best to get here early and stake out a spot on the sand. The fireworks display starts promptly at 9 p.m. each year, with pyrotechnics that light up all of South Beach. This family-friendly event features local jazz bands jamming on the beach. It’s a laidback affair and dipping in the ocean is the best way to stay cool all day. Don’t forget sunscreen, water and sandwiches.
WYNWOOD ART WALK
For an injection of culture without a hefty price tag, don’t miss the monthly Wynwood Art Walk. On the second Saturday of each month, seemingly all of Miami descends upon the Wynwood neighborhood to soak in the graffiti-clad walls, cutting-edge art galleries and dynamic people watching. Undoubtedly, you will view every expression of art—from photographs and paintings to sculptures and video installations—as you meander through this industrial and edgy community. Independent galleries line the area between NW 20th and NW 36th Streets west of N. Miami Avenue, and each space is unique. Don’t expect anything commercial or mass-produced, from the provocative creations hanging on the walls to the hipsters parading down the streets. This is truly one of the most distinctive scenes in Miami, and entry is complimentary. It’s definitely an 18-and-over event, as some of the artwork is not suitable for minors. It’s like a mini Art Basel each month combined with a raucous street fair.
KING MANGO STRUT
This quirky annual event really showcases what Miami is about—from politics to Old Florida flavor. Each year since 1982, the King Mango Strut takes over Coconut Grove in a wacky homage to our melting pot of a city with an anything-goes parade. The unusual spectacle began as an alternative to the Orange Bowl parade, which used to call Miami home. There seemed to be a need for a greater expression of Miami’s homegrown talent, and the King Mango Strut has flourished each year with a rowdy promenade through the streets of Coconut Grove. Not only is it free to watch, but entering the parade is gratis, too. Expect people in elaborate or comical costumes, often poking fun of our local politicians and scandals. The Strut bows the last Sunday in December and is a cheerful jumble of colors, music, humor and irreverence. In other words, Miami at its most honest.
DADE HERITAGE DAYS
This two-month celebration of Miami’s history and architecture reaches every corner and aspect of our majestic city. While not all of the events are free, there are numerous tours and lectures that are open to the public each year. How about a complimentary walkthrough of the 17-story Freedom Tower, which was built in 1925 and once served as a Cuban refugee center? Another option is a tour of the grand Biltmore Hotel, which was erected in 1926 and is one of our finest pieces of architecture. Even the Everglades National Park throws opens it gates for Dade Heritage Days. Additionally, there are concerts, cemetery tours, waived admissions to local area museums and reenactments. It’s all part of a major undertaking to honor and remember Miami’s not-so-distant past. And, unlike history lessons at school, it’s fun, interactive and social.