Miami, Florida is one of America’s hottest vacation locales. Although many locations tout themselves in advertising as having something for everyone, Miami and its surrounding areas offer unique and intriguing activities for young and old.South Beach has the hot and trendy nightlife along with the dazzling architecture of the Art Deco district.
Calle Ocho pulses in synchronicity with the lively energy of Little Havana. Coral Gables offers historic inns and amenities, and Miami Beach sports luxurious hotels and spas. Shoppers have virtually endless venues to discover from quaint family owned stores in Coconut Grove to high tech, modern malls. For visitors attracted to outdoor activities, Miami offers golf, tennis and deep-sea fishing. Sports enthusiasts can attend major league basketball, football, baseball and hockey games. The convention centers host auto and boat shows. A myriad of food and wind festivals as well as fine art and contemporary craft shows take place throughout the year. Truly, anyone can have a fun time in Miami. Below is a sampling of some of the key events for 2014.
Miami International Art Fair 2014
On January 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Miami International Art Fair 2014 will present a stunning display of original, modern artwork aboard the 228 foot yacht, The SeaFair, which is docked at 100 Chopin Plaza at Bayfront Park. International Fine Art Expositions (IFAE), created and executed this unique concept of a floating gallery. The SeaFair is one of the largest private yachts in America. This luxurious venue combines fine art, jewelry and collectibles with an evening event that includes the most spectacular view of the harbor. Tickets range from $10.00 to $25.00.
Nabucco Presented by Florida Grand Opera
The Florida Grand Opera will perform Verdi’s Nabucco from January 25 through February 8. This sumptuous opera gave Verdi his reputation as a quintessential composer. The story details the plight of the Israelites in the biblical times of the Babylonian empire, and the love story clashes with the political strife of the times. Susan Neves and Maria Guleghina are the featured sopranos, and the opera is sung in Italian with translations in Spanish and English projected above on screen.
South Beach Wine and Food Festival
The South Beach Wine and Food Festival is a foodie’s heaven for three days, February 20 through February 23. Dozens of tasting, food prep, and cooking events will take place in Miami Beach. Sponsored by The Food Network, the venue features an ultimate culinary experience with the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village featuring MasterCard Grand Tasting Tents and KitchenAid Culinary Demonstrations. Tickets are $225. However, for the true gourmand, the price is worth it. The event takes place on Saturday, February 22. The culinary demo is from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the tasting tents are from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is located at the Grand Tasting Village at 13th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. Attendees can sample everything from intense cuisine, exquisite wines and special liquors and spirits. In addition, many of the star chefs from the Food Network and Cooking Channel will be available for demonstrations and book signing. Tickets purchased with a MasterCard receive a 15 percent discount.
Miami Beer Festival 2014
The second annual Miami Beer Festival takes place on February 1 at the Sun Life Stadium. Dozens of international and craft breweries, including many of the best breweries of Southern Florida will be serving their best beers. The beer festival takes place on the football field, and will have food trucks, great beer and lawn games. Tickets at $40 for general admission and $50 for VIP admission that includes an extra hour with specialty beers not available any other time.
Coconut Grove Arts Festival 2014
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival began in 1963 as a small show of intimate clothing featuring just several artists and a few thousand attendees. This took place as a promotion for the Coconut Grove Playhouse version of Irma la Douce. Today, the festival has evolved into South Florida’s most flourishing art festival. Today, the show enjoys over 120,000 attendees and winds through the streets of Coconut Grove over President’s Day weekend. Directed by the Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association, Inc., the festival features the work of 360 internationally acclaimed artists who are picked from over 1,300 applications. The selections are based on categories including painting, photography, mixed media, printmaking and drawing, digital art, clay, watercolor, fiber, glass, metalwork, jewelry, wood and sculpture. The Festival runs from February 15 through February 17.
Ninth Annual Jazz in the Gardens
The City of Miami Gardens presents the Ninth Annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival. This year, the jazz festival will be hosted by the comedian, author and radio personality, DL Hugely. Last year, over 63,000 people enjoyed live performances by New Edition, Earth, Wind and Fire, Fantasia, Mary Mary, Nicole Henry, Charlie Wilson, Neyo, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Monica, and Najee. In addition, the festival features a wide range of ethnic foods and quality merchandise from all over the world. 2014 is lining up to be even more spectacular than last year! The event is March 15 and 16 at the Sunlife Stadium in Miami Gardens.
