Yes, many plans changed in 2020 … with vacations and shows and festivals canceled throughout Miami, South Florida and the world.
However, 2021 has ushered in events – new and old – including car shows, music concerts, art festivals and more.
We’ve compiled a month-by-month roundup of events in our area. Keep in mind that some events may be virtual. Others may follow strict safety protocols. You’ll want to get all the details and decide which options are best for you and your family. Have fun in 2021!
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JANUARY
(Photo courtesy of South Beach Jazz Festival)
JAN. 8-10
Organizers of the South Beach Jazz Festival have decided the show will go on!
The fifth annual event, presented by Power Access, is scheduled for Jan. 8-10, 2021 at outdoor venues throughout Miami Beach, including the North Beach Bandshell, 1111 Lincoln Road Plaza, Euclid Oval, and the Lincoln Lane Courtyard. Most of the performances are free – and all will be livestreamed for those who don’t wish to attend in person.
Please note: Guests will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Organizers say “safety ambassadors” will be on-hand to enforce these protocols.
The three-day musical event takes pride in featuring world-renowned musicians who also have disabilities. The 2021 headliner: Matthew Whitaker, an 18-year-old, blind, multi-award-winning, internationally recognized, young jazz phenomenon. He will be playing at the North Beach Bandshell, and tickets range in price from $35-$75.
For more information, click here.
JAN. 10
VINTAGE AUTO SHOW AT DEERING ESTATE
Originally set for Nov. 8, the annual Vintage Auto Show at Deering Estate had to be rescheduled due to weather concerns related to Hurricane Eta.
But now you can look forward to the event on Jan. 10. Expect to stroll the historic grounds in Miami and enjoy a variety of vintage cars, from 1969 and older.
The event is being organized in collaboration with the Antique Automotive Club of America – South Florida Region.
General admission is $15 for adults, $7 for children age 4-14, and free for Deering Estate Foundation members with promo code. If you’re a member, receive your promo code by calling 305-235-1668 (press 3, then ext. 263). If you’re not a member but wish to become one, click here.
James Wilbat glass art to be featured at 2021 Beaux Arts Festival. (Photo courtesy of Beaux Arts Facebook page)
JAN. 16-17
Behold! The 70th annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art is taking place Jan. 16-17 online – instead of its traditional home: the grounds of the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
According to the official event website: “We all wish we could host our 70th annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art in person. Instead, we are doing the next best thing: going virtual. See you in January at beauxartsfestival.com.”
Each year, the festival features more than 200 juried artists. Displayed artwork includes wood, watercolor, photography, oil and acrylics, mixed media, jewelry, graphics, glass, ceramics and 3-D sculpture.
JAN. 23-24
PINECREST GARDENS FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Wanting to support artists – but understanding the challenges of social distancing – the Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival will be offered online.
The two-day event, set for Jan. 23-24, will feature the work of dozens of artists, in all types of mediums. Given that Pinecrest Gardens is billed as a cultural arts park with artists in residence, you can expect that this virtual event will include a wide variety of art.
Organizers issued this statement on the official website:
“For the past 17 years, we hosted our Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival on the weekend after MLK. In 2021, we are excited to host this event online for the first time in our history. We recognize the importance of keeping this economic opportunity active for artists during a time where large, in-person gatherings aren’t safe.
“Don’t miss an opportunity to explore the artwork of our artists from the comfort of your home. All artwork will be available for purchase from the artist. Enjoy our immersive experience, where the Pinecrest Gardens Arts Festival converges with virtual reality.”
MARCH
March 19-21
Presented by the South Florida Bluegrass Association, the 43rd Annual Everglades Bluegrass Festival will feature three days of musical fun at Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach.
Some of the musicians expected to perform include:
- Willie Wells and Blue Ridge Mountain Grass
- Bear Hill Bluegrass
- Jamie and the Last Hippies
- Justin Mason and Blue Night
- Sandy Back Porch
- Stringtime Jubilee
- Remedy Tree
Admission: $5 for March 19; $15 for March 20; $10 for March 21; and $25 for a three-day pass. Entry is free for children younger than 17 who attend with a paying adult.
The park is at 17530 W. Dixie Highway. For more information, visit the association’s official page by clicking here.
March 20
After being canceled last year, Ritmo Doral is back! Albeit, the free, family friendly festival will take place virtually in 2021.
The Rhythm Foundation and the City of Doral will present the popular event on Saturday, March 20, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Three bands are scheduled to perform during a livestreamed concert from downtown Doral. Get the details by clicking here.
APRIL
The opening night film of the 2021 Miami Jewish Film Festival will feature “Honeymood,” a romantic comedy from Israeli writer/director Talya Lavie. (Photo courtesy of Miami Jewish Film Festival)
April 14-29
The 24th annual Miami Jewish Film Festival has new dates and new ticket information this year!
Typically set for January, the popular South Florida event has been rescheduled for April 14-29 AND will be completely free of charge. Considered one of the three largest of its kind in the world, this year’s edition will be a hybrid of virtual and live programming events, with 145 films available, according to organizers.
The fact that the festival is free this year is a big deal, considering that last year’s tickets cost $14-$15 per person for the general public. So that’s quite a bit of savings!
MAY
MAY 20-23
SOUTH BEACH WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
The Food Network and Cooking Channel’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival will, indeed, take place in 2021 – but it has been rescheduled to give organizers more time to plan a safe event.
The new dates: May 20-23, 2021. Make sure to mark ’em on your calendars!
Here’s the official statement on the event Facebook page:
“Due to growing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the well-being of attendees, partners, participants and staff as the number one priority, #SOBEWFF has decided that rescheduling the event is the most responsible course of action at this time. We know it is the right thing to do.
A fundraising event for FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, the festival has raised more than $31.8 million.
JUNE
(Photo courtesy of MBKoeth)
JUNE 18-20
Wynwood Pride returns this year, bringing three days of special events to our beloved arts district.
From June 18-20, 2021, this communitywide event will include activities at restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and other Wynwood spaces – featuring concerts, drag shows, art, food and more.
Please note: There are so many events to choose from, but not all are free. Some are limited capacity; some require RSVP. Make sure you pay attention to the details in the schedule. Click here for more information.
JULY
(Courtesy of Doral Chamber of Commerce)
JULY 1-31
Round up the family because the Ninth Annual Taste of Doral event has officially begun.
The program, created by the Doral Chamber of Commerce, aims to promote the food scene in Doral throughout the whole month of July. We can already feel our tastebuds tingling!
the city of Doral invites locals and visitors to explore many of the area’s finest restaurants and enjoy special prix fixe lunch and dinner options. Whether you’re craving Italian or Peruvian fare, or simply a juicy burger, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. For more details, click here.
JULY 10-11
Summer in Miami means mango trees are filled with the ripe tropical fruit. Come celebrate this popular South Florida fruit during the Mango Mania Festival 2021, set from 9 a.m.-4 p.m July 10-11 at Casaplanta Garden Center.
The event includes tastings, arts and crafts for kids, live music and more. Admission is free, but the tasting event does require a ticket. Sample different varieties of mangoes by paying $6 a person. (Of course, you can enjoy the event without entering the tasting tent.) For information, click here.
AUGUST
AUG. 14
This annual event, during which comic book shops nationwide give away FREE comic books, typically takes place every first Saturday in May. But, of course, the pandemic …
So this year’s event has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, “in the hopes that much of the uncertainty and disruption related to COVID-19 will have passed,” according to a statement on the official event website.
During this special event, many Miami comic book stores host special events, including live sketching by comic artists or visits by costumed characters. You may choose from 50 free comic books, though all books may not be available at all stores. The list includes Avengers, Spider-Man, Star Wars and more.
It’s a milestone event – marking its 20th anniversary – and there will be themed t-shirts, posters and a commemorative logo. To find a participating Miami store near you or get more information, click here.
SEPTEMBER
SEPT. 10-12
It’s official: Florida Supercon is returning this year. The annual pop culture convention at the Miami Beach Convention Center had to be canceled last year, but now the event’s organizers, ReedPOP (producers of pop culture events), have announced the new dates: Sept. 10-12.
A statement on the website reads: “We look forward to celebrating all things fandom with this amazing community of superheroes and otakus and giving you all the chance to safely hang out with each other. We’ll have guest announcements, badge sale dates, and all things Supercon to talk about with you soon.”
For more information, click here.
OCTOBER
OCT. 1-3
TAMIAMI INTERNATIONAL ORCHID FESTIVAL
Last year, the Tamiami International Orchid Festival took place in January. This year, orchid-lovers will have to wait a few more months.
The festival, considered among the biggest orchid events nationwide, is set for 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 1-3 at the Miami-Dade County Fair Expo Center, at 10901 Coral Way in Miami.
Admission is $12 at the door and free for children younger than 12. Get more details by clicking here.
OCT. 3
The Love-In Music Festival returns to Greynolds Park this summer! But the date of this signature event of the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has changed.
Originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 5, the festival has now been moved to Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. If you already have tickets, those will be honored, according to the event’s official Facebook page. General admission tickets are $15.
If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, there’s a special BOGO ticket offer to take advantage of: Buy one ticket and get one free! Click here to learn more about the event and to get the promo code.
(Photo courtesy of Vegan Block Party)
OCT. 16
Vegan foodies, rejoice! Coming to Miami’s Virginia Key Beach Park in October is the Vegan Block Party, coined the ultimate plant-based bash.
But you can buy your tickets now – and we’ve got a Miami On The Cheap exclusive discount for you. Click here for the discount code!
This mega block party – set for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 – will feature plenty of 100 percent vegan food and beverage vendors and fun for the whole family. Historic Virginia Key Park also has access to beautiful beachfront waters, making it the perfect addition to a family fun day of great food and good vibes. So, don’t forget your swimsuits!
OCT. 24
DEERING SEAFOOD FESTIVAL ON THE BAY
Miami’s popular Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay – previously scheduled for March 28, 2021 – has been postponed until the fall. The family friendly, 16th annual event is now set for Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the grounds of the historic Deering Estate, overlooking Biscayne Bay.
“After a great deal of thoughtful consideration and considering the continuing alarming increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the Deering Estate Foundation is officially postponing the 2021 Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay,” said Nina Zanella, director of the Deering Estate Foundation, in a statement. “This difficult decision was made with an abundance of caution and care for festival guests, vendors and their employees, volunteers, and our staff. The safety of everyone involved with the Deering Seafood Festival is paramount and we remain committed to offering a quality experience for all who enjoy participating in this beloved and renowned event.”
For more information on this fall event, click here.
October – DATES TBA
Originally scheduled for February, then rescheduled for May, the 2021 Miami International Auto Show has now been postponed until October.
Presented by the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, the annual show features more than 190 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. Organizers have not yet announced new dates.
The show displays cars, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, hybrids and concept vehicles by the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. Show attendees can take a drive along the most picturesque roadways of Miami Beach in their favorite new cars and trucks at the Ride-n-Drives.
Regular admission is $15 for adults, $6 for children age 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. A few special ticket offers will be available. Click here for more information.
NOVEMBER
NOV. 4-JAN. 2
This annual Miami tradition, is expected to return this year!
The popular holiday theme park is known for its carnival rides, shows, games and towering trees laden with twinkling lights. Miami may not have seasons, but drivers on the Palmetto Expressway always know fall/winter has arrived when they pass the lights along Tropical Park.
Dubbed the “World’s Largest Holiday Theme Park,” Santa’s Enchanted Forest has been around for more than 37 years. It was canceled in 2020, but now is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2021-Jan. 2, 2022. Click here for more information.
NOV. 18-DEC. 5
South Florida’s springtime tradition is moving to the fall!
Originally set to start in mid-March, the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair has been rescheduled for Nov. 18-Dec. 5, 2021.
The official website has this announcement: “When the emergency order was issued by Miami-Dade County in March 2020, we could not have foreseen the effects and duration of the pandemic. At the time, we were confident we would be able to re-open for our March 2021 dates. As the Youth Fair’s annual Spring dates approach, we have continued to closely monitor the coronavirus pandemic. After careful consideration and with the best interests of our guests, vendors, volunteers, performers and staff in mind, we have decided to reschedule this year’s Youth Fair to November 18 – December 5, 2021.”
The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center is at 10901 Coral Way (SW 24th St.), Miami. General admission is $14. Parking is free, and all entertainment and concerts are free of charge, too.
For more information – and to find out what to do if you had purchased 2020 tickets, click here.
DECEMBER
DEC. 12
MIAMI YOGA FESTIVAL: YOGA FUN DAY MIAMI
This one-day family friendly event did not take place in 2020, and is now rescheduled for Dec. 12, 2021.
The wellness and fitness festival, set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m., will feature yoga classes, workshops, live music acts, and a free vendor village. Its location is technically outside of the Miami area – at The Village at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach – but it’s just minutes away from the Miami-Dade County line.
The official event website includes a tentative schedule, as well as this message: “ALL RECOMMENDED CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS WILL BE IN TAKEN. MASKS ARE OPTIONAL AND WE ASK YOU DO WHAT FEELS BEST FOR YOU. ALL CLASSES WILL BE OUTSIDE AND IN LARGE SPACES. VENDOR VILLAGE WILL BE SPACED OUT WITH A LOT OF SPACE BETWEEN VENDORS. BRING YOUR OWN MATS AND BLOCKS AND PROPS. PLEASE KEEP SOCIAL DISTANCE THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL. PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN EVENT MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ILLNESS DUE TO ATTENDING THIS EVENT. IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY TRAVELED AND FEEL SICK PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE FESTIVAL.”
Early-bird registration costs start at $39. Children pay $10. For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
Canceled events in Miami
Throughout Miami – and all of South Florida, really – organizers have had to make tough decisions about whether to go ahead with their annual events.
Some are doing the best they can under the circumstances. Others have decided their events will just not happen.
Click here to see which events have been affected for the 2020-2021 season. These events will have to wait for now, but hopefully they’ll be back soon!
