Miami's Art Festivals

Art Basel Miami Beach

The most prestigious of the art shows in the world, Art Basel Miami Beach has legitimized the city as a hot spot for modern art. During the first week of December, Art Basel takes over the Miami Beach Convention Center with over 250 international galleries showing established artists (Picasso to Roy Lichtenstein) and up-and-comers (Barry McGee to Bosco Sodi). Each year, 50,000 chic art enthusiasts attend the four-day event, which spans traditional booths, panel discussions, high-profile cocktail parties and performances.

Expect some of the wealthiest people in the world—from moguls to musicians—decked out in perfectly tailored ensembles, clutching champagne glasses and discussing their homes in Aspen, St. Barth and St. Tropez. Notable celebrity attendees over the years have included Brad Pitt, Kanye West, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Naomi Campbell and Owen Wilson. It’s all part of the heady atmosphere of Art Basel Miami Beach, which makes for amazing art- and people-watching. All are welcome, however, from young, budding artists to octogenarians with an appreciation for the abstract.

Art Basel Miami debuted locally in 2002 as a spinoff of the original Art Basel, which began in Switzerland in 1970. There is now a sister fair in Hong Kong, too.

Design Miami

Design Miami elevates furniture, lighting and architecture to an art form. It’s an interesting satellite fair and companion to Art Basel Miami Beach, with influential design pieces spanning 1900 to present day. Many of the designers were architects, too, or notable names in the industry such as Charles Eames, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Michael Graves, Pierre Jeanneret, Jean Prouve, Herman Miller and Wendell Castle. Then there are more recent examples, such as flea market staples painted or lacquered over.

Design Miami is about the melding of art and functionality. Imagine whimsical, tufted chairs that look more like a sculpture than home furnishing. Or wobbly tables comprised of shredded paper. How about a high-technology chair made by car company Audi? Design Miami doesn’t just touch on the hyper-functionality of furniture, there are also featured wearable objects like jewelry by artists better known for their famed canvas work (Dali) and up-and-coming experimental jewelers (Delfina Delettrez).
Scope

Scope, a satellite fair during Art Basel, brings art to the other side of the Causeway in a tented space by Midtown Miami filled with culture as far as the eye can see. At 80,000 square feet, it truly is huge. Scope is regarded as a more cutting-edge happening and less a traditional art fair. It covers everything from artwork to fashion, film, music and performance. And since it is smack-dab between the Design District and the Wynwood Arts District, the vibe is more hipster and open-minded. Appropriately enough, Scope is also a launching pad for new artists. Art-lovers are able to discern emerging trends in the worldwide scene after walking the vast fair.

Art Wynwood
Capitalizing on its status as an Arts District, Art Wynwood is relatively new to the festival scene. However, it has flourished since its debut in 2012. Last year, the fair attracted over 26,000 visitors. The five-day event coincides with President’s Day Weekend, and features over 70 exhibitors in a 100,000-square-foot tented pavilion. The emphasis is on emerging, avant-garde works, and spans sculpture, paintings, video, photography, new media and street art from all over the globe. Although the low-key atmosphere is befitting of the graffiti-clad neighborhood, there are also Warhols and Calders for sale. It’s truly an eclectic culture clash, and proof that Wynwood is maturing.
Coconut Grove Arts Festival

The longest-running art fair in Miami, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival began in 1963 as a cultural experiment. Today, the 50-year-old event attracts over 120,000 people, who value the unpretentious, local vibe. You don’t have to be an art expert to appreciate the more artisan, handcrafted approach the Coconut Grove Arts Festival takes. Nor do you have to be wealthy, as the prices are very wallet-friendly.

Over 360 artists show each year in mixed mediums that span glasswork, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking, jewelry and sculpture. The waterfront celebration is perfect for families, couples, hipsters and first-timers. Plus, there are street-food purveyors selling favorites like funnel cakes and arepas, as well as more gourmet cooking demonstrations. The Festival takes over the streets of Coconut Grove for three days every President’s Day Weekend (the middle of February). It is a lively, not-to-be-missed, integral part of Miami’s art scene.

MIAMI FASHION WEEK IN MAY

Miami Fashion Week focuses on the clothes that make sense to show in Miami – resort wear. Miami has always been a resort wear kind-of –town. We lounge in bikinis year around and visitors can pack a book bag with two bathing suits and a cover-up and make it last a weekend. Even dressing up in Miami is a resort kind-of affair. You’ll never, ever need a coat around here and even a scarf or boots don’t get pulled out of the closet very often. It’s only logical that Miami Fashion Week is all about resort wear.

Resort wear, is the colorful, laid-back clothes of vacation season and around here, it always feels like vacation season.

In 2008, Karl Lagerfeld showed Chanel’s Resort Collection at the Raleigh Hotel complete with synchronized swimmers from the United States Olympic team for the grand finale. It elevated the Miami fashion scene and opened the doors for other high-end luxury lines to show their fun and flirty resort collections in Miami.

Miami Fashion Week takes place in mid-May on Miami Beach at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It’s the only fashion week that’s dedicated to resort and pre-spring collections. About twenty jewelry and accessory designers and more than thirty clothing designers from around the world took to the runway at the Convention Center. The Convention Center is transformed into a fashion hub and the grounds include a large runway space akin to the tents in New York, booths by smaller designers and accessory participants and culinary delights and demonstrations.

Miami Fashion Week, much like Miami, is influenced by the Miami’s connections to South and Central America. Designers from Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia and more show in droves and the event are highly influential in the Latin American design world and covered heavily by international press outlets.

More than 10,000 people attended the fashion shows, seminars, special events and after-parties hosted for Miami Fashion Week. In 2013 Miami Bridal Week was incorporated into Miami Fashion Week, so it wasn’t all short poolside dresses, it was also white gowns and even some avant-garde bridal designs. Rosa Clara, a world-famous Spanish bridal designer strutted her ultra-feminine bridal gowns down the runway for the first time.

One of the most anticipated events of Miami Fashion Week are the honors and recognitions awarded at the Miami Moda & Music Awards and the MFW Humanitarian Awards.

MIAMI BEACH POLO WORLD CUP

The Miami Beach Polo World Cup brings the “sport of kings” to the shores of South Beach for three days every year during April. First held in 2005, the event features an international lineup of competition, with polo teams coming from as far away as Argentina, Brazil and Germany to compete for the La Martina Trophy.

All Miami Beach Polo World Cup polo matches are held directly on the beach— making the South Florida polo tournament “the world's largest and most prestigious Polo Tournament on the Beach.” The beachside competition is between 20th and 22nd Streets, near The Setai, a South Beach luxury hotel located in the Art Deco district of Miami Beach. More than 10,000 people attend the event over four days each year.

The globally renowned sporting event, considered the most coveted of its kind, features top polo players from around the world competing in two tournaments for both men and women. The La Martina South Beach Women’s Polo Cup V featured eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches. Highly touted players include Pamela Flanagan, Cristina Hosmer, Tiffany Busch, Stephanie Kraml-Suttle and Lynn O'Connor.

The La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup IX – a three-day men’s tournament includes some of the world’s top-ranked players, including England’s Jamie Morrison, Holland’s Vincent Mesker, past Miami Beach and Chicago Beach Polo winner, Guille Usandizaga, Luis Escobar, 2009 MVP John Gobin and 9-goaler Kris Kampsen.


The traditional post-event awards ceremony are held at the end of each tournament to commemorate both women’s and men’s competition winners, during which sponsor representatives will present trophies to the men’s and women’s World Cup finalists. While you’re at the event having fun, know that it’s also for a good cause. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami receive a portion of funds raised through ticket sales from the event.

Tickets

The good thing about this event is that general admission to both competitions and adjacent retail village is free, and concessions will be available to purchase. While you may want to wear your best frock and hat in true polo style, be sure to dress comfortably.

A limited number of VIP tickets are available that allows entrance to the shaded Grandstand, where complimentary food and beverages are served. Ticket prices are $100 to $130 depending on event dates. Children 12 to 18 years-old pay half the adult ticket price and children younger than 12 years-old receive free admission. Three-day and four-day VIP passes are available for purchase as well.

For more information on the tournament and the events or to purchase VIP tickets, visit www.miamipolo.com or call 305-538-3809.

SHOPPING MALLS IN MIAMI

We hope you haven’t shopped till you dropped quite yet, because it’s time to discover those climate-controlled marvels of the malls. Miami shopping malls run the gamut from serene, outdoor shopping centers to massive outlet malls. Before we start, keep two words in mind: comfortable shoes.

Aventura Mall

Ranked as one of the top five highest-grossing malls in the country (in sales per square foot), Aventura Mall in northeastern Miami-Dade County checks in at 2.7 million square feet of retail space, anchored by Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears, along with more than 300 specialty retailers — including the new Louis Vuitton Aventura — as well as a variety of restaurants, a 24-screen movie theater, and the interactive playground Rainbow Valley.

Dadeland Mall

Dadeland Mall near South Miami boasts the largest Macy’s in Florida and the largest The Limited/Express in the United States. Other anchors include Macy’s Home Gallery & Kids, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, while Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Coach, Sephora and Talbots are among the mall’s more than 185 specialty stores.

Bal Harbour Shops

In the stylish village of Bal Harbour, superlative shopping meets tropical sophistication at Bal Harbour Shops whose store directory reads like a Who’s Who of retail royalty — Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren — the list goes on. Frequent fashion events, including designer appearances and charity functions, keep Bal Harbour on the radar of couture, while its sunny ambience and colorful foliage make it a relaxing place to spend the day.

Dolphin Mall

On the flip side of the designer offerings are the money-saving bargains to be found at Dolphin Mall, home of outlets like Calvin Klein Factory Outlet, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store and many others. Meanwhile, Dolphin Mall’s dining options reflect multicultural Miami with choices that include Kobe Japanese Steak & Seafood and Texas de Brazil Churrascaria.

Miami International Mall

A mix of upscale and casual shopping defines Miami International Mall, located right near the airport and offering more than 140 shops along with department-store favorites like Macy’s The Women’s and Kid’s Store, Macy’s Men’s and Home, JCPenney and Sears.

Miami International Airport

If you still haven’t finished shopping before your flight, not to worry — MIA Shops at Miami International Airport include jewelers, bookstores, art retailers and duty-free merchandise.

No matter where you go in the Magic City, whether you’re looking for a bargain or a designer, whether you wear no-nonsense track shoes or take-your-time sandals, whether you’re focused on purchasing or people-watching, Greater Miami has plenty of shopping excitement in store.

SHOPPING STREETS

Soak up the South Florida sunshine, not to mention some local color, by hitting the streets for some great goods to take home with you. Make shopping a full sensory experience by strolling around the backstreets for hidden gems, walking around boutique filled boardwalks and filling your suitcase with treasures found while walking around. Your closet, or your friends and family, will thank you for taking the time to explore Miami's most popular shopping streets. 

Open Air On Miami Beach

Designer shopping on the streets of South Beach, whose Lincoln Road, Española Way, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive stores are synonymous with must-have merchandise and unique shopping experiences. One-of-a-kind jewelry, housewares, books, gifts and tchotchkes of every imaginable kind are all here. 

In the market for a fine painting or sculpture? Galleries across South Beach feature works by cutting-edge artists both local and international. On Lincoln Road, ArtCenter/South Florida provides subsidized studio spaces for emerging artists take this work home with you to fill your walls or just get inspired midway through your shopping trip.

If fashion is your passion, look no further than Nicole Miller, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger and the myriad other ultra-hip, independent boutiques on the avenues and side streets of South Beach. In a place where chocolate, cheese and pet collars all carry designer labels, you’re bound to walk away with something special.

Bridal Shops, Bakeries, and More on Coral Gables Promenades

The same can be said of Mediterranean-style Coral Gables a historically charming neighborhood known for independent shops, restaurants and a walk-able downtown area. In “the Gables,” unique shops and sidewalk cafes can turn a quick stop into a whole day of shopping adventures. Anchored by its signature promenade, Miracle Mile, the streets of downtown Coral Gables are lined with bridal shops, clothing and jewelry boutiques, shoe stores, art galleries and even a few bakeries. Après-shopping activities may include a performance at Actors’ Playhouse, a film at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, or a wine tasting.

Street-Smart Shopping In Downtown Miami

Street-smart shopping is a hallmark of Downtown Miami, home to one of the nation’s largest jewelry districts and hundreds of retailers, including Macy’s and Alberto Cortés Cosmetics & Perfumes. Check out La Época, a department store transplanted from Cuba. Countless mom-and-pop shops sell electronics, sporting goods, cameras and cosmetics.

Shopping Villages

At the county’s northern end, in Miami Lakes, Main Street re-creates a small-town feeling with specialty shops and homegrown restaurants such as Shula’s Steak 2, honoring legendary Miami Dolphins football coach Don Shula. Continue northeast and you’ll discover theVillage at Gulfstream Park, an outdoor streetscape of shopping, dining and entertainment, directly adjacent to the famed racetrack.

Design At Every Corner In The Design District

Just north of Downtown Miami, the Design District tempts serious collectors with contemporary and traditional furniture showrooms, antique dealers, art galleries and innovative retail spaces. This haute design area is an entire neighborhood populated by high end stores specializing in a wide array of goods to take home with you from fashionable accessories, home goods, and jewelry to brandname appliances and large scale art pieces.

OUT DOOR SHOPPING IN MIAMI

Mix shopping with sunshine at one of Greater Miami’s many outdoor marketplaces, where visitors can see the sights while filling their shopping bags, relaxing and refueling at onsite cafes, restaurants and bars...then shopping some more.

Bayside Marketplace

Overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay and surrounded by a dramatic downtown cityscape — including the Port of Miami and AmericanAirlines Arena — Bayside Marketplace blends shopping with pleasure as national retailers share space with culturally distinctive merchandise and nonstop entertainment. More than 150 shops include big names like Gap, Wet Seal and Victoria’s Secret, while small carts and kiosks sell local crafts and memorabilia, exotic jewelry, leather goods and gift items from around the world. An open-air plaza invites strolling and relaxing in between purchases, as shoppers take a break from browsing to take in street performances and concerts while enjoying spectacular waterfront views.

The Bayside experience continues even after the shopping ends, though. In addition to a huge Hard Rock Cafe, Bayside offers great seafood, steak and Latin restaurants, along with scores of places to savor a quick café con leche or gelato, or to linger over fruity drinks by the bay. Next, head out under the moonlight aboard one of several sightseeing and party boats departing from Miamarina.

Mary Brickell Village

In Downtown Miami is Mary Brickell Village, whose tree-shaded courtyards are lined with boutiques, restaurants and bars. The serenity can make you forget that Brickell Avenue, the financial capital of Latin America, is just a block away.

CocoWalk

Coconut Grove was Miami’s first neighborhood and remains one of its most picturesque — an area of frequent festivals, endless street life, eccentric artists and sophisticated arts. At the heart of “the Grove” is CocoWalk, a multicultural marketplace. This open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination invokes the ambiance of a European town square amid South Florida’s tropical atmosphere, and offers something for everyone.

Unique boutiques nestle between national retail favorites like GAP, Cheesecake Factory, Fat Tuesday, Maui Nix Surf Shop, Edward Beiner Eyewear, and the exclusive First Flight Out, a Pan Am historical exhibit and retail store.

When the sun sets, CocoWalk heats up with live music and art strolls, as well as bars and restaurants for drinks, dining and desserts. Celluloid lovers can also catch a flick in the ultramodern Paragon 13 movie theaters.

Shops At Sunset Place

In the city of South Miami, south of Coconut Grove near the University of Miami, colorful streetscapes point the way to dozens of specialty stores in the Shops at Sunset Place. Spacious piazzas set a soothing tone for shopping, dining, movie-going and martini-sipping. While readers browse in Barnes & Noble, fashionistas can check out the Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters and a host of other stylish shops, or skip shopping in favor of the fun waiting at the Gametime entertainment zone, the AMC Sunset Place 24 with IMAX Theatre, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes & Dinner Lounge.

Village of Merrick Park

In Coral Gables, the Village of Merrick Park is home to 115 leading shops and restaurants that surround a courtyard with tropical gardens and fountains; Juicy Couture, Burberry, CH Carolina Herrera, and Tiffany are among the elegant choices.

The Falls

Farther south, waterfalls and covered walkways complemented by lush flora make The Falls a serene place to shop. Boasting more than 100 shops and restaurants, anchored by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, The Falls is one of the nation’s largest open-air shopping centers, with Apple Computer Store, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, bebe, Nine West and Williams-Sonoma among the specialty retailers. T.G.I. Friday’s, Johnny Rockets, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Los Ranchos and other eateries await those who need to build their strength for more shopping.