Calle Ocho Music Festival
Mar 14, 2027
Starting: 11:00 AM
In Greater Miami & Miami Beach, Carnaval Miami is a festive annual celebration of vibrant Latin and Caribbean culture held throughout February and March.
The celebration culminates with the marquee event, annual Calle Ocho Music Festival on March 14, 2027. Spanning 15 city blocks in the heart of Little Havana, it’s the largest street festival in Miami and the largest Hispanic festival in the United States, drawing a million attendees year after year.
The fun-filled, family-friendly celebration is an annual tradition with musical performances and folkloric dance on multiple stages, as well as international food vendors, arts and crafts, activities and entertainment.
Entry is free and open to the public; upgraded VIP experiences grant premium access to backstage lounges and parties.
Music, Art And Dance
Join the party in the streets, where you can dance and sing along to everything from merengue to reggaeton, bachata, balada, salsa, hip-hop, rap, jazz, blues and more.
While the official 2027 Calle Ocho Music Festival event guide and music lineup is coming soon, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a performance by the next Latin pop superstar or living legend.
Past performers have included Maluma, Pitbull, Tito Puente Jr., Gloria Estefan and Nicky Jam. In 2025, Latin Grammy nominated musician Jay Wheeler performed and was crowned King of Carnaval.
Revelers can also expect traditional Caribbean dance demonstrations and lessons, as well as vendors selling folkloric artwork and crafts throughout the day’s festivities.
The Food
Like any great street fair, food is one of the big attractions of the Calle Ocho Music Festival. Get a taste of home-cooked Latin and Caribbean staples, from empanadas to arroz con pollo and arepas.
The festival has hosted El Croquetazo, the World Championship Croqueta Eating Contest, as well as the Cubano Wars, where chefs compete for the title of best Cuban sandwich and attendees get to taste test.
More Carnaval Miami
The Calle Ocho Music Festival is just one part of Miami’s larger Carnaval celebrations. To kick things off on February 22, the Miss Carnaval Miami Pageant will crown its next goodwill ambassador, with prizes that include a college scholarship and paid entry to Miss Florida USA.
Carnaval on the Mile will celebrate its 27th year March 7-8 with its own free, family-friendly street festival on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, featuring live music, international cuisine, local art and children’s entertainment.
Carnaval Miami will also host a Golf Classic on February 23, a Domino Tournament March 9-11 and a 5v5 Soccer Challenge on a date to be announced.
Community Impact
All of this is made possible by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, which was founded in 1975 and has grown into a major service organization with an economic impact of more than $40 million annually.
Through its Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation, it funds college scholarships, sports leagues, summer camps and school supplies, and also supports families dealing with unforeseeable hardships.
When you join the party on the streets during the Calle Ocho Music Festival, Carnaval Miami and other events, take extra satisfaction in knowing it’s all for a good cause.
By: Shayne Benowitz | January 5, 2026