By: Kara Franker
Miami has plenty of fun and free things to do throughout the year.
While the city might be known for luxury, glitz and glam, there are plenty of free annual events for the whole family. Mark your calendar for one of these free and family-friendly entertainment options.
Art Deco Weekend (January)
Head to South Beach at the end of January for the longest running free community festival on the beach. Hosted by the Miami Design Preservation League, Art Deco Weekend is a three-day event that celebrates Miami Beach’s one-of-a-kind architecture and art. Tour historic Art Deco and MiMo style buildings in Miami Beach, listen to live music, browse vintage art and watch a fashion show. Featuring more than 85 individual events over the course of the weekend, the festival takes place at Lummus Park on Ocean Drive and 11th Street.
Fine Arts Festival at Pinecrest Gardens (January)
Located in the lushly landscaped Pinecrest Gardens, the South Motors Fine Arts Festival is always a great way to discover something new for your home—whether it’s a painting, sculpture or handcrafted jewelry. Wind through the exotic botanical gardens at this free art festival at the end of January.
Coral Gables Festival of the Arts (January)
Wander through the picturesque streets in the City Beautiful at the annual Coral Gables Festival of the Arts. Every year in January, more than 200 fine art and craft vendors showcase their wares in the heart of Coral Gables. This free event also includes kid-friendly activities.
South Miami Rotary Art Festival (February)
A historic event that has taken place for more than 35 years, the South Miami Rotary Art Festival always draws a crowd. This free festival happens in the downtown area of South Miami on Sunset Drive and features live music, a beer garden and more than 140 artisans.
Black Heritage Festival (February)
To commemorate Black History Month, the Miami Dade Board of County Commissioners hosts the annual Black Heritage Festival every February in Miami Carol City Park in Miami Gardens. The free event includes live music, dancers, face painting, bounce houses, food trucks and more.
O, Miami Poetry Festival (April)
During the entire month of April, some of Miami’s best poets come together to attempt to deliver a poem to every single person in Miami-Dade County. The O, Miami Poetry Festival is sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and features more than 40 free events throughout the city.
Miami Riverday (April)
An annual event that’s been happening for more than 20 years, the free Miami Riverday festival celebrates one of Downtown’s most important waterways. Happening in the Lummus Park Historic District on NW North River Drive, the event features boat rides, environmental educational opportunities, kayak races, historic tours, kids activities and live music.
All Kids Included Family Arts Festival (May)
Designed for full accessibility and to accommodate kids with disabilities, the All Kids Included Family Arts Festival takes place each year at the beginning of May. The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center hosts the event and plans artistic programming for kids of all ages and abilities.
Air & Sea Show and Music Explosion (May)
Every year during Memorial Day Weekend, the City of Miami Beach hosts the Hyundai Air & Sea Show and Music Explosion. Both events showcase a spectacular tribute to America’s heroes, including all branches of the United States military. These free events include jet flyovers, live music, fireworks and more.
Fourth of July Fireworks (July)
There are lots of fun free ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Miami. In Downtown Miami, head to the annual America’s Birthday Bash event in Bayfront Park. In Miami Beach, the Fire on the Fourth Festival is lots of fun for the whole family. The Miccosukee Tribe always hosts a lively Fourth of July festival. And many of the other cities in Miami-Dade County also host their own firework shows after sunset.
Overtown Music & Arts Festival (July)
Enjoy live music, ethnic cuisine and lots of art at the annual Overtown Music & Arts Festival. The free event takes place in Historic Overtown on NW 2nd and NW 3rd Avenues between NW 8th and NW 10th Streets. There’s also a tandem mini festival called the Youth Zone featuring lots of activities for kids of all ages.
Children’s Trust Family Expo (September)
Celebrate the end of summer and a new school year with the annual Children’s Trust Family Expo. Located at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo Center, the free event includes activities and entertainment for the whole family like storytellers, arts and crafts, bounce houses, live entertainment and more.
Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival (October)
Celebrate the rich heritage of Miami’s local Latin communities at the Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival. Held each October, the free two-day event features international artists, musicians, designers and chefs.
Chamber South Miami Art Festival (November)
A fun family event that’s taken place in South Miami for nearly 50 years, the Chamber South Miami Art Festival showcases works from more than 100 artists from around the world. The free festival takes place on historic Sunset Drive in the downtown area of South Miami.
King Mango Strut Parade (December)
Every year on the last Sunday in December the locals in Coconut Grove host what’s been dubbed “the weirdest parade in the universe.” The annual King Mango Strut Parade winds through the heart of the eclectic neighborhood and features wacky floats that parody current events and pop culture.
Check out more events in Miami.