Miami Festivals & Events Calendar: What's On Month by Month
Welcome to Miami, a vibrant city brimming with sunshine, culture, and a year-round calendar packed with exciting festivals and events! Planning a family trip in 2026? This guide will walk you through the best Miami has to offer, month by month, ensuring you don't miss a beat. We'll cover everything from dazzling New Year's celebrations to local hidden gems, helping you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
January
Art Deco Weekend (Mid-January)
What: A celebration of Miami Beach's iconic Art Deco architecture. Expect guided tours, vintage car shows, live music, and a lively street fair along Ocean Drive.
Where: Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
Tickets: Free admission to the street fair. Guided tours and special events may have separate ticket prices ranging from $15-$30 per person.
How to Participate: Simply stroll along Ocean Drive, join a guided tour, or attend one of the many free concerts and lectures. Consider dressing in vintage attire for a fun photo opportunity!
Insider Tip: Arrive early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds, especially on Saturday. The evening lighting on the Art Deco buildings is magical.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase. Expect to pay around $250-$400 per night for a family-friendly hotel in South Beach during this weekend.
Miami Marathon and Half Marathon (Late January/Early February)
What: A major sporting event attracting runners from around the world. Even if you're not participating, the race route offers fantastic spectator opportunities, especially along Biscayne Boulevard.
Where: Starts at Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami. Finishes at Bayfront Park.
Tickets: Free to watch. Race registration fees vary depending on the race and sign-up date (typically $150-$250).
How to Participate: Cheer on the runners! Find a good viewing spot along the route, bring signs, and offer encouragement. Bayfront Park is a great place to celebrate finishers.
Insider Tip: Road closures are extensive on race day. Plan your transportation accordingly. Public transportation is highly recommended.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase. Hotels near the race route tend to be more expensive.
February
Coconut Grove Arts Festival (Mid-February)
What: One of the largest outdoor arts festivals in the country, featuring hundreds of artists, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Coconut Grove, along McFarlane Road and surrounding streets.
Tickets: Typically around $20 per adult. Children under 12 are often free.
How to Participate: Browse the art, enjoy the live music, and sample the food. There are usually dedicated kids' zones with interactive art projects.
Insider Tip: Parking in Coconut Grove can be challenging. Consider using ride-sharing services or public transportation.
Hotel Price Impact: High increase in Coconut Grove and surrounding areas. Book accommodations well in advance.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Late February)
What: A world-renowned culinary event featuring celebrity chefs, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet food experiences.
Where: Various locations in South Beach, including tents on the beach.
Tickets: Events range from $50 to several hundred dollars per person. Many events sell out quickly.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets to specific events that appeal to your family's interests. Some events are more family-friendly than others (look for family ice cream events!)
Insider Tip: This festival is geared towards adults, but some daytime events may be suitable for older children with an interest in food. Check event descriptions carefully.
Hotel Price Impact: Very high. South Beach hotels are extremely expensive during this festival.
March
Miami Film Festival (Early March)
What: An internationally recognized film festival showcasing independent and international films.
Where: Various cinemas throughout Miami, including the Tower Theater.
Tickets: Individual film tickets typically range from $15-$20. Festival passes are also available.
How to Participate: Browse the film schedule and purchase tickets to screenings that interest you. Many screenings include Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Insider Tip: Check the festival website for special events and parties.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase, especially near the festival venues.
Calle Ocho Festival (Mid-March)
What: A vibrant street festival celebrating Cuban culture with music, food, dancing, and art. It's part of the larger Carnaval Miami celebration.
Where: Little Havana, along SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho).
Tickets: Free admission.
How to Participate: Immerse yourself in the Cuban culture! Dance to the music, sample traditional Cuban food, and browse the arts and crafts vendors.
Insider Tip: This festival is very crowded. Be prepared for large crowds and arrive early to find parking. Wear comfortable shoes!
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in nearby areas. Consider staying further away and using public transportation.
April
Miami Open (Late March/Early April)
What: A prestigious tennis tournament featuring top players from around the world.
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.
Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on the day, seat location, and round of the tournament. Expect to pay $50-$200 per ticket.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets to matches. The grounds also offer food vendors, shops, and entertainment.
Insider Tip: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It can get very hot in the stands.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase, especially near Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Beach Pride (Early April)
What: A vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival, and various events.
Where: Ocean Drive and Lummus Park, Miami Beach.
Tickets: Free admission to the parade and festival. Some events may have separate ticket prices.
How to Participate: Attend the parade, enjoy the festival, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Insider Tip: The parade is very popular. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Hotel Price Impact: High increase in South Beach.
May
Memorial Day Weekend (Late May)
What: A long weekend with various events and celebrations, including beach parties, concerts, and fireworks displays.
Where: Various locations throughout Miami and Miami Beach.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event.
How to Participate: Attend a beach party, enjoy a concert, or watch a fireworks display.
Insider Tip: Expect large crowds and heavy traffic. Book accommodations and make reservations well in advance.
Hotel Price Impact: Very high. This is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Miami.
Rolling Loud (Mid-May)
What: A major hip-hop music festival.
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens.
Tickets: Can range from $300-$1000+ for the weekend.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. Be prepared for large crowds.
Insider Tip: This festival is geared towards a young adult audience.
Hotel Price Impact: High increase in hotels near Hard Rock Stadium.
June
Miami Carnival (Celebrated in June, but bigger events in October)
What: A celebration of Caribbean culture with music, food, and elaborate costumes. Although the main events occur in October, there are preliminary events and parties throughout June.
Where: Various locations throughout Miami.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event.
How to Participate: Attend a party, enjoy the music, and experience the Caribbean culture.
Insider Tip: Check the Miami Carnival website for a schedule of events.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase.
American Black Film Festival (Mid-June)
What: Celebrates Black filmmakers and talent in the film industry.
Where: Various locations in Miami Beach.
Tickets: Vary depending on the event/screening.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets to film screenings, panels, and networking events.
Insider Tip: A great opportunity to support Black creatives and see diverse stories on screen.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in Miami Beach.
July
Independence Day Celebrations (July 4th)
What: Fireworks displays, concerts, and patriotic celebrations throughout Miami.
Where: Bayfront Park, Miami Beach, and other locations.
Tickets: Free admission to many events. Some events may have separate ticket prices.
How to Participate: Watch a fireworks display, attend a concert, or enjoy a picnic in the park.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the fireworks.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase.
International Mango Festival (Mid-July)
What: Celebrates all things mango, with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and mango-related activities.
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables.
Tickets: Included with admission to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (around $25 per adult, $12 per child).
How to Participate: Sample different varieties of mangoes, learn about mango cultivation, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Insider Tip: A fun and educational event for the whole family.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
August
Miami Spice (August & September)
What: A two-month-long restaurant promotion offering discounted prix-fixe menus at top Miami restaurants.
Where: Participating restaurants throughout Miami.
Tickets: No tickets required. Simply make a reservation at a participating restaurant.
How to Participate: Browse the Miami Spice website for a list of participating restaurants and their menus. Make reservations in advance.
Insider Tip: This is a great way to try some of Miami's best restaurants at a more affordable price. Lunch menus are typically cheaper than dinner menus.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
Aqua Girl (Early August)
What: A week-long celebration for lesbian and bisexual women, featuring parties, concerts, and events.
Where: Various locations in South Beach.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets to events that interest you.
Insider Tip: This event is geared towards an adult audience.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in South Beach.
September
Labor Day Weekend (Early September)
What: A long weekend with various events and celebrations, including beach parties, concerts, and fireworks displays.
Where: Various locations throughout Miami and Miami Beach.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event.
How to Participate: Attend a beach party, enjoy a concert, or watch a fireworks display.
Insider Tip: Expect large crowds and heavy traffic. Book accommodations and make reservations well in advance.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase.
Brazilian Film Festival of Miami (Late September)
What: Showcases Brazilian films and culture.
Where: Various cinemas throughout Miami.
Tickets: Individual film tickets typically range from $10-$15.
How to Participate: Browse the film schedule and purchase tickets to screenings that interest you.
Insider Tip: A great opportunity to explore Brazilian cinema.
Hotel Price Impact: Minimal.
October
Miami Carnival (Columbus Day Weekend)
What: A massive celebration of Caribbean culture with a parade, concerts, and food vendors. The main events occur during Columbus Day Weekend.
Where: Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition.
Tickets: Parade tickets range from $30-$100+. Concert tickets vary.
How to Participate: Attend the parade, enjoy the concerts, and sample Caribbean cuisine.
Insider Tip: The parade is the highlight of the carnival. Be prepared for large crowds and vibrant costumes.
Hotel Price Impact: High increase, especially near the fairgrounds.
III Points Music Festival (Late October)
What: A multi-genre music festival featuring electronic, indie, and hip-hop artists.
Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center.
Tickets: Weekend passes range from $200-$500+.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets in advance and enjoy the music.
Insider Tip: This festival is geared towards a young adult audience.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in Wynwood and Downtown Miami.
November
Miami Book Fair International (Mid-November)
What: One of the largest book fairs in the United States, featuring author readings, book signings, and a street fair.
Where: Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, Downtown Miami.
Tickets: Free admission to the street fair. Author events may have separate ticket prices.
How to Participate: Browse the book stalls, attend author readings, and get your books signed.
Insider Tip: A great event for book lovers of all ages.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase in Downtown Miami.
Thanksgiving Weekend (Late November)
What: Thanksgiving celebrations, including special menus at restaurants and family-friendly activities.
Where: Various locations throughout Miami.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event.
How to Participate: Enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant, attend a family-friendly event, or relax on the beach.
Insider Tip: Make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner well in advance.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase.
December
Art Basel Miami Beach (Early December)
What: A world-renowned art fair showcasing contemporary and modern art from around the world.
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center and various other locations in Miami Beach.
Tickets: Day passes range from $65-$80. VIP passes are significantly more expensive.
How to Participate: Purchase tickets to the art fair, visit satellite art fairs, and attend gallery openings.
Insider Tip: Art Basel is a major event. Book accommodations and make reservations well in advance. Many events are free to the public.
Hotel Price Impact: Very high. This is one of the most expensive times to visit Miami.
Christmas Wonderland (December)
What: A drive-through Christmas light spectacular with millions of lights, holiday displays, and festive music.
Where: Tropical Park, Miami.
Tickets: Prices vary by date and vehicle size (typically $40-$60 per vehicle).
How to Participate: Purchase tickets online in advance and drive through the display.
Insider Tip: A fun and festive activity for the whole family.
Hotel Price Impact: Moderate increase.
New Year's Eve (December 31st)
What: Fireworks displays, parties, and celebrations throughout Miami.
Where: Bayfront Park, South Beach, and other locations.
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event.
How to Participate: Watch a fireworks display, attend a party, or enjoy a special New Year's Eve dinner.
Insider Tip: Book accommodations and make reservations well in advance. New Year's Eve is a very popular time to visit Miami.
Hotel Price Impact: Very high. Expect to pay premium prices for hotels and restaurants.
Miami in 2026 promises a vibrant tapestry of events, ensuring an unforgettable experience for families. While peak seasons like Art Basel and New Year's Eve come with higher price tags, strategic planning and exploring events during Miami Spice (August/September) or shoulder seasons like April and November can offer both delightful experiences and better value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about events in Miami to help you plan your trip: