Miami Beach Culture Crawl

While Miami Beach is known for its idyllic views, tranquil blue waters and soft white sands, it’s more than just a pretty destination. Culture, art and history run deep. Once a month (October through July), visitors and locals can dive into the cultural riches of Miami Beach during the Miami Beach Culture Crawl. This free event organized by the City of Miami Beach takes place on the third Thursday of the month from 6 - 9 p.m.

The Culture Crawl Offers Something New Every Month

Visitors can experience something completely different every month, as local cultural institutions stay open late with new and unique offerings. It’s a chance to explore a museum you’ve never visited, hear a new musician, watch a concert or movie under the stars, or engage with emerging and well-known artists.

Cultural Institutions Participating in the Miami Beach Culture Crawl

Miami Beach museum staples such as The Bass, The Wolfsonian-FIU and the Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU often reveal new art and sculpture exhibitions, as well as offer educational workshops such as print-making, that are free to the public during the Miami Beach Culture Crawl.

It’s also a great time to wander The Bass museum’s interactive public art exhibition, “Art Outside,” which includes sculptures, sound and video throughout Collins Park and Miami Beach. Have your phone handy because you’ll want to snap photos of the whimsical installations.

Stroll the lush Miami Beach Botanical Garden to take part in everything from peaceful yoga in the garden to lively musical performances and outdoor art exhibitions. At the New World Center, bring a blanket to SoundScape Park to view films or simulcasts of one of the New World Symphony’s concerts projected on the venue’s mega-wall. What’s better than music or a movie under the stars with beach breezes? If you prefer to catch a flick indoors, make a reservation at O Cinema - Miami Beach for screenings of acclaimed independent, foreign and art films.

Move on to pedestrian-only Lincoln Road, full of outdoor shops and restaurants. Use your smart phone to scan more than 120 QR-coded signs for information about unique trees and orchids that were planted on the famous street by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. When you’re done peeping the flora and fauna, don’t miss stops at Lincoln Road’s prominent galleries such as Oolite Arts and Miami Beach Urban Studios, which release their newest exhibitions on Culture Crawl nights. They also host art talks, workshops and other unique programming.

At nearby historic Española Way, stroll under the romantic twinkling lights to take in special programming such as flamenco and salsa dancing, live music or even yoga. The pedestrian-only street is dotted with eclectic restaurants offering al fresco dining and cuisine from around the world.

Always-energetic Ocean Drive is more than just a party place. Drop in at the architectural hotel gem, The Betsy, where you can soak up all of its enriching offerings. Expect entertainment such as live jazz or poetry readings, and don’t miss the family-owned hotel’s well-curated art collection and outdoor public art such as “The Betsy Orb.” The Miami Design Preservation League offers exhibitions that tell a story about the past and present in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, as well as special walking tours that showcase Miami Beach’s rich Art Deco history. Lummus Park, which presents ocean vistas, also comes alive during the Culture Crawl with live music and art.

Move on to the oceanside North Beach Bandshell for the monthly “North Beach Social,” where music lovers are treated to free concerts from local and established bands in the open-air amphitheater. There are also plenty of food and drinks to celebrate the occasion.

Getting Around Miami Beach during Miami Beach Culture Crawl

The easiest way to get around Miami Beach is to walk or bike, but you can also catch free trolleys (look for the white trolleys) that pick up and drop off at dedicated stops during the Miami Beach Culture Crawl.

By: Angela Caraway-Carlton