The Five Best Festivals and Events in Miami

A melting pot of culture and creativity, it is no wonder Miami is home to some of the world’s most internationally acclaimed festivals. A fusion of food, fine wine, eclectic music and modern art, Miami festivals stay on the forefront of what’s cutting edge, offering locals and tourists endless entertainment from summer to spring. Although yearlong sunshine and average daily temperatures in the 70s may be reason enough to visit Miami, these destination events will take any itinerary to the next level. Check out the five best festivals in Miami before booking a flight.

5. Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival Presented by FOOD & WINE

With many events a title sponsor doesn’t bring much more than a fancy name but for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival that is hardly the case. Attendees at SOBEWFF will have their taste buds transformed not only by local eateries but celebrity chefs from around the world. The four-day, event packed festival also showcases hundreds of culinary personalities, Food Network stars, wineries and spirit producers. Guests enjoy wining and dining from the beaches to the rooftops of luxurious Collins Avenue hotels and venues throughout Miami.

4. Winter Music Conference

Subtly stated, Winter Music Conference is spring break on steroids (in other words, not the best time to book a relaxing trip to Miami). EDM enthusiasts party from morning till night, starting at the hotel pool parties and ending in the clubs. While some arrive in Miami for the industry panel discussions and workshops, most are in town for the international talent that fills the hotels and clubs in Miami. The headlining event of Winter Music Conference is Ultra Music Festival, where top DJs from around the world take the stage in Bayfront Park.

3. Carnaval Miami

There are street fairs, and then there is Carnaval Miami. A celebration of the Latin culture found in Miami, Carnaval spreads out over an entire month and features multiple events and festivals. The Calle Ocho street festival, where people gather in Little Havana, is the highlight of the event. The music and performances, traditional Latin food and exuberant locals overwhelm senses. Calle Ocho is the largest street festival in Miami and has expanded to include Carnaval on the Mile, held in Downtown Coral Gables.

2. The Miami Open

Top tennis players go head-to-head at the Crandon Park Tennis Center for the annual Miami Open. This triple threat event features sports, delicious dining options and musical performances, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Not to mention it is one of the best events in Miami to spot celebrities. The seats at the Miami Open are as star-studded as the tennis courts below, with Hollywood’s elite preferring to catch the action-packed event live.

1. Art Basel Miami Beach

Each year the Miami Beach Convention Center is transformed into an exhibition of modern and contemporary art when it hosts hundreds of top galleries from around the world for Art Basel Miami Beach. Five hundred thousand square feet of space is divided into individual halls where hours can be spent perusing pieces by big names and up-and-coming artists. Extending far past the convention center’s doors, Art Basel Miami Beach floods the city, turning streets into showrooms and performance stages. Satellite fairs are also set up around Miami, while local museums and galleries participate in the excitement by presenting their best work.