Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Art Basel Miami Beach
December. The hottest international contemporary art show in the states; the American sister event of the August Art Basel in Switzerland; exclusive selection of 200 leading art galleries from around the world exhibit 20th and 21st-century artworks by more than 1,500 artists over four days; special exhibits, parties, and crossover events that include music, film, architecture, and design; exhibits in the Art Deco District, but a handful of other art shows have sprung up around Miami at the same time. Tickets $30 day pass. Miami Beach Convention Center, 1700 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach; tel. +1 305 674 1292. www.artbasel.com
Art Deco Weekend
January. Three days devoted to art deco with lectures, films, art, and photo exhibits, guided tours, and a street fair along Ocean Drive, closed to traffic for the event; hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League. Free. Art Deco Welcome Center at 10th Street and Ocean Drive; tel. +1 305 672 2014. www.mdpl.org/ADW
Calle Ocho Festival
March. A celebration of Hispanic culture known as the world's largest street party; spans 23 city blocks; musical stages, food vendors, craft booths, youth sites. Along Southwest 8th Street between 4th and 27th avenues, Little Havana; tel. +1 305 644 8888. www.carnavalmiami.com
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
February. One of the largest and most prestigious outdoor fine arts festivals in the United States; features more than 330 artists and craftsmen. Admission $5. Along the streets of Coconut Grove; tel. +1 305 447 0401. www.coconutgroveartsfest.com
Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Late February/early March. Brings culinary superstars (Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Alain Ducasse, Todd English) to South Beach with local celebrity chefs for three days of classes, cooking demos, grand tastings and parties. Events from $15; $1,225 weekend pass. Various locations throughout South Beach; tel. +1305 FIU WINE. www.sobewineandfoodfest.com
Miami Book Fair International
November. Downtown Miami hosts one of the nation's largest outdoor book fairs; more than 250 authors (Frank McCourt, Thomas Cahill, Isabel Allende, Carl Hiaasen) read excerpts from their works, sign books, and talk with fans; highlights include a street fair, children's activities, food kiosks, lectures, and music. Free. Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus, 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami; tel. +1 305 237 3258. www.miamibookfair.com
Miami International Film Festival
Late February/early March. Showcases a variety of acclaimed films from various genres and countries, emphasizing international and Ibero-American film; with panels, discussions, and seminars; more than 70,000 people attend, including 300 filmmakers, producers, talent, and industry reps from around the world; an intensive three-day program gives emerging producers from Portugal, Spain, and Latin America the chance to present new projects to U.S. industry professionals. Various locations throughout Miami; tel. +1 305 237 3456. www.miamifilmfestival.com
Redland International Orchid Festival
May. One of the world's largest annual orchid events, with more than 60 world-class professional growers; features an orchid show, lectures by orchid experts, food, crafts, and supplies. Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead; tel. +1 305 247 5727. www.fruitandspicepark.org
Winter Party Festival
Late February/early March. Six days of parties and events to support the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force that draws about 10,000 participants from around the world to South Beach; art, dance, music, comedy, and sporting events, culminating with a beach party. On the beach at Ocean Drive and 14th Street and other venues throughout Miami; tel. +1 305 571 1924. www.winterparty.com
