Explore Art & Culture In Little Haiti

From buildings splashed with color, bold murals and artwork to vibrant expressions of Haitian culture through music, dance and food, Little Haiti has it all. The neighborhood is the centerpiece of Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s Haitian diaspora. Discover the destination’s rich cultural and artistic programming.

Little Haiti Cultural Complex

If you’re looking for the community gathering place of Little Haiti, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex is its beating heart. The complex plays many roles, serving as an arts center, museum, theater and marketplace, as well as a host of various culturally enriching events. Throughout the year, you can take in Miami art exhibits by prominent and under-the-radar Haitian artists, as well as during Miami Art Week. Live music and dance performances also come alive at the 300-seat Proscenium Theatre. The complex offers classes for the community, including dance lessons across different genres like Haitian folklore dance and community Taekwondo.

Next door, you’ll find the Caribbean Marketplace, which is designed after Haiti’s vibrant Iron Market. Its gift shop is open to the public Fridays through Sundays, featuring authentic art and crafts for sale.

Libreri Mapou

Another cultural staple in the Haitian community is Libreri Mapou, a bookstore founded in 1990 by Jan Mapou, a Haitian playwright and activist. This is the place to discover a large collection of rare books in French, Creole and English, as well as artwork and games. The library is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12–5 p.m.

Laundromat Art Space

Art lovers of all kinds will find standout art at Laundromat Art Space, which, like its name implies, is an artist collective housed in a former laundromat in Little Haiti. Exhibitions are tightly planned by their resident curators, and you can expect to see contemporary works from local artists and from around the world in all disciplines.

Discover Authentic Haitian Flavors

If you’re looking for an authentic introduction into Haitian cuisine, dine around the neighborhood to discover traditional Haitian dishes. Look for the brick-red Chez Le Bebe restaurant, where you’ll experience a welcoming spirit and generous portions of typical dishes like the crispy fried pork griot or the flavorful oxtail.

Another small but mighty Haitian restaurant is Piman Bouk, known for its oxtail, pork and fish platters. Both are cash only. Another popular Haitian hangout is Lakou Miami, an outdoor space that was inspired by the Haitian-Creole idea of a shared village yard. The laid-back venue hosts Haitian DJs, artists and other weekly community events that include food and cocktails.

Little Haiti Tours

If you’d like a tour of Little Haiti, Tap Tap Tours can arrange a golf cart (up to 9 people) or walking tour upon request. Led by the owner or in-the-know guides, the tours are personalized based upon people’s interests. All the tours have a cultural, historic and architectural aspect to them.

Cultural Festivals and Events in Little Haiti

Haitian Heritage Month

May

A prime time to visit Little Haiti is May when the neighborhood celebrates Haitian Heritage Month with different cultural activations. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex is often one of the main landmarks to host activities and events.

Little Haiti Book Festival

Sunday, May 3

Part of the Miami Book Fair’s official year-round programming, the Little Haiti Book Festival will be held on May 3 at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. At this celebration of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora’s rich culture and literary talent, the diverse program includes storytelling, hands-on children’s activities, dynamic dance, musical performances, panel discussions, traditional Haitian games and a comedy showcase. If you’re unable to attend the event in person, the festival will also take place online on Sunday, May 17.

Sounds Of Little Haiti

3rd Friday of every month

On the third Friday of each month, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex hosts Sounds of Little Haiti, a family-friendly, free Afro-Caribbean party where all are welcome to immerse themselves in Haitian culture through live music, dance and food. Visitors will feel like they’ve been transported to the streets of Port-au-Prince.