Miami Events Winter/Spring 2008

April | May | June | July

April

Major League Baseball

Nothing signals advent of spring more than baseball with a capital B, tightly meshed into American culture with historic firsts, icon performances, record-setting events, and traditions from hot dogs slathered in mustard to unexpected curveballs, and seventh-inning stretches. Books and movies about baseball are fine and dandy, but nothing beats Major League Baseball action, playing out each season from April through the World Series.

 

Professional Soccer
There's no end to the excitement each season as Miami FC, South Florida's only professional soccer team, playing in USL First Division, hosts its home matches at Tropical Park Stadium in the heart of Miami-Dade County. The regular season begins in April and ends in September. Call (305) 377-2700 for more information.

 

Merrick Festival
Coral Gables hails city founder George Merrick with French and Italian movies, “Taste the Gables” cuisine, art exhibits, performances and more. Sister cities including Pisa, Italy and Aix-en-Provence, France join the celebration. Call (305) 491-4180 for more information.

 

Easter Seals’ Walk With Me
As the opening event for the Merrick Festival, Easter Seals’ Walk With Me helps put hope within reach for people with disabilities. Registration is followed by the walk to the finish line on the first level of Village of Merrick Park. Call (305) 547-4713 for more information.

Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
The Regal, Gusman and the original art-deco Colony Theater, plus the Gateway in Fort Lauderdale, host hundreds of full-length and short features from around the world, late April to early May. Call (305) 531-2117 for more information.

May

Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend
Starting the last weekend in April, this gourmet food and wine weekend features more than 30 global wineries and top restaurants, combining an auction, gala dinner and show with other interactive events. Call (305) 445-8066 for more information.

Miami Fashion Week of the Americas
Presenting dozens of designers from throughout Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, Miami Fashion Week of the Americas unfolds under a fashion tent at 21st and Collins on Miami Beach. Awards include Designers Choice, Pret-A-Porter Style, and Excellence in Evening Wear. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.

CityStyle
Also under the fashion tent immediately following Fashion Week of the Americas, CityStyle -- a hot sister event -- spotlights designers, manufacturers, retails and innovaters creating buzz. Designers slated include names like Sean John Collection, Taylor and Madison, Johnny Handsome / Johnny Girl, Mia Shvili, Apple Bottoms, and Reebok. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.

Easter Seals Festival of Chefs
Easter Seals Miami-Dade’s Festival of Chefs tantalizes as a culinary extravaganza featuring nearly two dozen area chefs, plus television personalities, authors, and more, combining with a live auction, raffle prizes, and talent from Easter Seals’ Culinary Arts Education & Training Program. Call (305) 547-4713 for more information.

Great Sunrise Balloon Race
Hot air balloons take to the skies for a colorful race from Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. Call (305) 596-9040 for more information.

June

American Black Film Festival
Film executives, directors, actors, and the public gather for screenings staged throughout the city. Call (212) 966-2411 for more information.

Fete De La Musique Coconut Grove
Celebrated around the world, Coconut Grove’s Fete De La Musique provides a day of free entertainment with more than 65 bands on multiple stages with jazz, rock, pop, soul, classics, and more. Call (305) 495-9655 for more information.

Florida Dance Festival
For more than a quarter century, the Florida Dance Festival has thrilled audiences with new themes and talents from classic ballet to dance for people with disabilities. Call (305) 867-7111 for more information.

Tropical Ag Fiesta
At Fruit and Spice Park in the Homestead / Redland agricultural area, the Tropical Ag Fiesta, going strong for three-quarters of a century, never stops growing. Newer events include chef demos using tropical fruits and a tropical fruit dessert contest. While adults sip lychee, carambola, or passion fruit wine, children can partake in old fashioned Florida farm activities, including a watermelon eating contest and hayrides. Parking is free. Call (305) 247-5727 for more information.

Lizard Day
Children are invited to bring their favorite lizard to the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium for fun and games, and competitions with other lizards. Call (305) 646-4200 for more information.

Miami / Bahamas Goombay Festival
Coconut Grove's summer street party celebrates the life and times of early Bahamian and Keys residents

July

International Mango Festival
Mangos star at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s International Mango Festival, a weekend of tree sales, tastings and evaluations, lectures, food demos, kid’s activities, music and more. The Veranda Restaurant serves snacks, lunch and – best of all -- mango smoothies. Call (305) 667-1651, ext. 3311 for more information.

4th of July Coral Gables
The venerable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables serves as a setting for fireworks, music and more. Call (305) 273-7687 for more information.

4th of July Miami Beach
Live music and fireworks take place near the sand at Collins Avenue near 72nd Street. Call (305) 539-3063 for more information.

International Swimwear Fashion Show
Hosted by the Samuel Financial Group, the International Swimwear Convention closes annual Investment Convention and Economic Summit of Miami as an opportunity for the fashion, entertainment, luxury goods industries to achieve high visibility. Call at (312)927-0839 or (305) 948-6006 for more information.

Parade of Beds & Races
From Peacock Park this zany event with the Parade of Beds, bed races and more rolls through streets of Coconut Grove along with music and fireworks. Call (305) 221-9395 for more information.

Peruvian Independence Day Festival
The Fair Expo Center hosts Peruvian music along with food, arts and crafts. Call (305) 223-7060 for more information.