Miami's Hottest Events In January

Don't Miss These Miami Events in the Month of January

The right way to kick off the new decade is with a trip to Miami in January. Enjoy what many locals consider the best month of the year with a mid-winter trip to enjoy our breezy tropical climate and some of the best cultural events of the year. Keep reading for an introduction to the many events, activities, festivals, shows, and more to keep busy on land and sea.

Miami Arts & Heritage Months

Miami Arts & Heritage Months continues into January with a robust calendar full of exciting and interactive ways to experience Miami’s most culturally diverse and unique neighborhoods. Only in Miami can you explore a museum dedicated to the first black police officers in the city (Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum), book an eco history tour of a semi-hidden beach (Historic Virginia Key Beach Park), and eat ice cream inspired by the flavors of Cuba (Azucar Ice Cream Company in Little Havana is running a special in honor of Miami Arts & Heritage Months).

Explore the oldest of Miami at special places like the Ancient Spanish Monastery where tickets are buy-one-get-one-free through December and January. Get to know what today’s Miami makers are up to at places like Lombardi’s Woodworking in Miami Springs.

Luminosa! Chinese Lantern Festival at Jungle Island: Extended through Feb. 9

Explore Luminosa! and experience a magical nighttime journey through Jungle Island as you have never seen it before. Strewn with hand-crafted Chinese lanterns, Jungle island's colorful paths will be your guide through the wildlife, birds, and blooms that decorate Miami's lush natural environment, starting with beautiful Biscayne Bay. Wind your way through an underwater tapestry filled with fish, turtles and manatees, culminating in a visit to a very "Instagrammable" South Beach, filled with the music and food and imagery that is iconic to Miami. This is a truly magical event you won't want to miss.

South Beach Jazz Festival: Jan. 3-5

Presented by founder David New, an advocate for people with disabilities, the South Beach Jazz Festival is a music festival that features talented musicians in a unique format: at least one person in each performance has a disability. “The sheer talent of the artists will promote the festival’s dual goal, to entertain, and to define others by ability rather than disability. The festival is all about bringing our community together through the universal sound of music,” explains David.

Last year’s festival was attended by an estimated 34,000 people and performances take places at venues throughout Miami Beach including the Colony Theater and Temple Emanuel. Ticket prices vary and proceeds benefit Power Access, a non-profit organization that provides programs and produces experiential events centered on building awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

The Original Miami Beach Antique Show: Jan. 4-8

Lovers of beautiful things can shop for antique furniture, handbag and jewelry collections dating as far back as the 17th century at The Original Miami Beach Antique Show. Known as the largest indoor antique show, the four-day event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Check out more than 700 dealers from thirty countries, including vintage pieces from luxury brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, Rolex and more. Tickets start at $20.

YoungArts Week: Jan. 5-12

YoungArts has developed a generation of accomplished artists by nourishing them while their talent was still budding. YoungArts alumnus include Timothée Chalamet, Billy Porter, Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Nikki Minaj and so many more vibrant artists making important work today.

Support the future of the arts community during YoungArts Week by experiencing the work of the next generation through performances in voice, jazz, theater, dance and classical music, as well as film screenings at New World Center, writers’ readings in the YoungArts Jewel Box, and a visual arts, photography and design exhibition in the YoungArts Gallery. Ticket prices vary.

Miami Jewish Film Festival: Jan. 9-23

Hosted by the Miami Jewish Film Society, this year’s edition of the Miami Jewish Film Festival will include screenings at various locations around Miami throughout the month of January. The festival began in 1996 and the annual attendance continues to grow. Venues include Regal South Beach Cinemas, Miami Beach Cinematheque, Coral Gables Art Cinema, O Cinema, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, Temple Beth Am, Miami Beach JCC, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center and Miami Theater Center. Show times and ticket prices vary.

Art Deco Weekend: Jan. 17-19

The longest running free community cultural festival in Miami Beach, The Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Weekend celebrates Miami’s unique architecture, design, history, art and culture. This year, they’ll be celebrating “Sheroes: Women Who Made A Difference” by honoring the anniversary of 100 years of women’s suffrage.

Browse vintage art and photography, catch a retro fashion show or listen to live music at the Jazz Age At Art Deco event. This free, three-day outdoor festival takes place on Ocean Drive between 6th and 13th streets, and features more than 85 individual events. Highlights include the Bark Deco Dog Show, Retro Fashion Show, Classic Car Show, Deco Kids Club, plus loads of live entertainment, lectures and guided tours.

Beaux Arts Festival of Art: Jan. 18-19

Back for its 69th annual edition, the Beaux Arts Festival of Art showcases the best art, crafts, and other media platforms from more than 200 fine art exhibitors at the University of Miami. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival. The event also features live entertainment, children’s art activities and tasty dining options. Be sure to check out the Student Art Showcase, an opportunity to see more than 350 pieces of art entered for a juried contest by local middle and high schoolers.

Admission to the festival is free and classes are available for a fee. Proceeds from classes benefit the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami.

World Cup Series & Festival: Jan. 19-25

What better way is there to enjoy and celebrate a competitive sporting event than with a big party? U.S. Sailing’s premier event, the 2020 Hempel World Cup Series Miami is one stop in the sailing’s World Cup Series tour. Witness top-level Olympic sailing hopefuls from all corners of the globe battling for top honors on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove. Come out to Regatta Park, located at 2700 S. Bayshore Drive in the heart of Coconut Grove, for the World Cup Series Festival. Enjoy food, fun and activities for all ages. There will even be a jumbotron for those who prefer to watch the action from the comfort of shore.

Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day Parade: Jan. 22

Celebrate history with great fanfare and marching bands at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade in Liberty City. The parade takes place at 11 a.m. along NW 54th Street on a route from NW 10th Avenue to NW 32nd Avenue and ends with a celebration at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. The parade includes drill teams, dancing, equestrians, classic cars, motorcycles, civic, church and community leaders. At MLK Memorial Park, there will be a daylong celebration in Dr. King’s honor including soul food stands, music, children’s activities and more.

Splendor in the Garden at Fairchild: Jan. 23

Check out the latest fashions and enjoy a lush tropical garden for this unique runway show at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The Splendor in the Garden raises money for a great cause as proceeds will benefit Fairchild’s education, conservation science and horticulture programs. Tickets start at $300 per person.

Homestead Championship Rodeo: Jan. 24-26

Calling all cowboys and cowgirls! The Homestead Championship Rodeo is sure to be a weekend full of fun for the whole family, including the crowning of the Homestead Rodeo Queen and a free parade in downtown Homestead. This is the 70th edition of the annual Homestead Championship Rodeo, an event officially sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Stick around to see who will be crowned king and queen of the rodeo!

International Chocolate Festival at Fairchild: Jan. 25-26

Forget those New Year’s resolutions just for this one chocolate-filled weekend. Unleash your sweet tooth at the 14th Annual Chocolate Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Enjoy artisanal chocolate treats, learn about how chocolate is made and watch cooking demonstrations. You can even learn how to grow and take care of your own cacao tree. Tickets start at $25 for adults and $12 for kids. Children 5 and under are free.

Fine Arts Festival at Pinecrest Gardens: Jan. 25-26

Located at the picturesque Pinecrest Gardens, peruse through paintings, sculptures, photography and other fine artwork at the 2020 South Motors Fine Arts Festival. It’s the 17th edition of the festival, where you’ll find both local and international art in a lush tropical setting. There will also be live music, food vendors and activities for children. The festival is free to the public.

Super Bowl Live presented by Verizon: Jan. 25-Feb. 1

Super Bowl Live will be taking place at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. This festival will feature evening concerts at the Amphitheater, a Huddle Down community stage, Road to the 11th Super Bowl activation, Tailgate Town featuring a culinary stage, an environmental village, live water shows, evening parades, fireworks and more. This will be the first time that visitors and the community at large will have an opportunity to celebrate all things Super Bowl at a free-to-the-public event.

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