Do the walk: South Florida's ArtWalks
Even during this unseasonably warm winter, evenings offer some respite, and spending time with friends while checking out new art is the perfect way to raise your heart rate and perhaps find the perfect piece for that space on your wall — all while supporting local artists.
Art Mecca
The excellent selection of galleries and the fact that it showcases one of the largest open-air street art installations in the world make the Second Saturday Art Walk in Wynwood the granddaddy of Miami art walks. Plan on getting there early if you want to get street parking. And when you’ve had your fill of artwork, head to the south end of the district where dozens of food trucks offer an array of tasty treats. wynwoodmiami.com
On the last Friday of each month, you can immerse yourself in Little Havana’s Cuban heritage during Viernes Culturales. Enjoy the artwork, crafts and food, and check out what the street vendors are offering as you sip mojitos. This is the one art walk where it’s perfectly appropriate to work off the calories either walking or dancing to the local bands that line the streets. viernesculturales.org
The Bird Road Art District was an unassuming industrial area until artists from Latin America — enticed by cheap rent and open warehouse spaces — started moving in. Head over on the third Saturday of the month to see what the studios and boutiques there have to offer. birdroadart.com
The original fine art queen of Coral Gables, Virginia Miller, organizes a delightful First Friday Gallery Night with complimentary transportation and refreshments. Thousands of pedestrians fill the streets of the City Beautiful, where galleries and restaurants are open late for the evening. greatgables.com
There Goes the Gayborhood
On the last Saturday of the month, the Flagler Arts and Technology (FAT)Village showcases musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers, urban land planners, designers and performance artists. Food trucks regularly gather for the event, and many galleries offer snacks and wine or beer. fatvillage.com
Now entering its 10th year, the Wilton Manors Art Expo features dozens of stores, bars, restaurants and galleries, each sponsoring at least one artist in Florida’s own “Gayberry.” The freshly rebranded expo takes place along Wilton Drive on the third Saturday of the month from November through April. It is one of the most extensive events of its kind in South Florida. WMAE.org
Also on the third Saturday of the month, The Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk opens the doors to art galleries and businesses showcasing local, regional and international pieces. Explore the area at your own pace by picking up an ArtWalk map and immerse yourself in the downtown murals project. visithollywoodfl.org
Way Down South
The biggest art walk in the Keys is the Walk on White, which occasionally features exhibitions and receptions at galleries, shops and other venues in addition to the regular circuit. Each month’s stroll highlights a different artistic genre. Restaurants are plentiful, and galleries and shops offer snacks and beverages too. tskw.org
Live music, performance artists and, of course, visual arts draw hundreds of people to the monthly Islmalorda ArtWalk, which has become a hub of culture for the Upper Keys. Businesses in the area extend their hours, turning the event into an indoor/outdoor street festival. moradaway.org
This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Do the walk: South Florida's ArtWalks."