Florida’s Miami is boldly glamourous and brilliantly garish, with excitement and activities across its entirety: snazzy cocktail bars, underground performances, beachside parties and loads more. If you’re seeking extra fun, the Magic City also offers a number of varied and vibrant festivals throughout the year.
MiaCalle Ocho is one of the world’s largest street parties, and attracts more than one million visitors each year. The event offers a veritable smorgasbord of Cuban food, fun and entertainment, with more than thirty stages of excitement. You can see many types of traditional Cuban dance, hear from world famous singers, eat some of the tastiest Cuban foods and indulge in the laid-back and carefree atmosphere. The entire Little Havana area is taken over by the event, so it’s impossible to miss the fun! Carnaval Miami also offers similar vibes, and is the largest Hispanic festival in the USA, with concerts, entertainment and themed food and drink.
South Beach Comedy Festival is a rip-roaring, rib-tickling offering of jokes and jibes, with titters and teasing aplenty. Previous names who have played here include the likes of Bill Burr and Dave Chappelle, while other attractions typically include comedy theatre, comedy music and emerging performers. With ten years of history, it’s always guaranteed to be a festival of fun, and it’s great for anyone who fancies a chuckle.
The International Ballet Festival of Miami is perhaps the most important ballet festival in the states, and is perfect for anyone who likes a tutu or two. It offers international and national stars, promoting and showcasing some of the best ballet dancers from a range of continents and countries. There are typically more than 20 companies in attendance, along with films, exhibitions, displays, book presentations, workshops and master classes. Awards are also given at the event, to honour and celebrate some of the best performers on the planet.
Other culture is available in the Miami International Book Fair, which offers almost 400 authors reading extracts from their books and sharing their top insights and expertise. Film lovers can make their way to the prestigious Miami International Film Festival for hundreds of films, while fine art fiends can get their fix at Art Basel. Other events in the city celebrate things as varied as boats, dance, African culture, jazz, gay pride and more. Get yourself to Florida, slip into your bikini and find a festival for you!