It’s Carnival season in Miami! Here’s where to celebrate Caribbean culture all week
VIDEO RECAP: From Miami Broward Carnival 2017: Our favorite things about being Caribbean
Get ready for the sounds of steel drums, exotic costumes, and a week long fete because it’s Carnival season. Whether you’re a Carnival vet and know how to scout for the hottest parties or if you’re curious and willing to venture out, there are a few things to know. First, not all Carnival parties are created equal. There are the official signature events presented by the Miami-Broward Carnival and then there are the parties. Second, everyday is lit for Carnival, there’s no sleep, and you might as well play sick and take a day off. So if you still need help planning your Carnival calendar, here are a few events to definitely add to the list.
Miami Junior Carnival
The kiddies compete for Carnival bragging rights and to show that they can hold their own crown. The day consists of King & Queen individual competitions at 1 p.m., Pan Solo Competition at 2 p.m., Junior Carnival Parade of Bands at 3 p.m., and the Youth Calypso competition at 6 p.m. There’s also the Kids Zone with activities throughout the day.
Noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Pl., Lauderhill; $10 plus $1.50 park fee and can be purchased at MiamiBrowardCarnival.com. Children under 10 are free.
Lunch Time Bacchanal
Skip work and join the bacchanal for wild revelry of non-stop Soca and rum punch. The celebration continues from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. for the Miami Broward carnival Panorama competition where the steelbands give you an intense Soca workout.
Noon-4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill; $15 at MiamiBrowardCarnival.com.
Miami Broward Official J’ouvert
Think paint, water, and plenty of drinks. There’s no other way to experience J’ouvert but to get sexy and dirty.
7 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill; Tickets are $25 pre-sold online at MiamiBrowardCarnival.com.
Miami Carnival Parade & Concert
Miami Carnival celebrates 33 years with a massive party Soca party and over 15 masquerade bands. Things start off with the parade featuring Grand Marshalls actor Robert Christopher Riley (“Hit the Floor,” “Dynasty”), Gramps Morgan (Morgan Heritage), and Kimberley McDowell (Miss Jamaica World).
The festivities continue with some of the top Soca artists lighting up the stage, including MX Prime and Ultimate Rejects, Karma, Ravi B & Neisha B, Shurwayne Winchester, Terri Lyons, Lead Pipe & Saddis, Edwin Yearwood and more. Seven DJs keep the party lit with a lineup featuring Redman, DJ Spice, DJ Storm, DJ Spice Mature Vibe, Chosen Plus, and MC Wassy.
11 a.m.-11 pm. Sunday, Oct. 8 at Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami. Tickets are $30 and $100 VIP and can be purchased at MiamiBrowardCarnival.com. Park and ride is strongly encouraged from the Performing Arts Center in Lauderhill, Tropical Park and the Golden Glades park and ride.
Other Carnival events:
Wednesday, Oct. 4
Afrobeats meets Soca & Dancehall
The promoters at Good Vibes kick off Carnival with a party hosted by LL Cool Blaze and music by multiple DJs including Dutty Dex.
8 p.m. -3 a.m. at Brick Miami, 187 NW 28th St., Miami; Free admission.
Thursday, Oct. 5
Arrivals Rooftop Pool Party
Trini Jungle Juice hosts its annual Carnival pool party with a DJ lineup featuring DJ Private Island, Barrie Hype, Ryan Sayeed, and more.
3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Mayfair Hotel & Spa, 3000 Florida Ave, Coconut Grove; Tickets are $45 for ladies; $50 for men and available at Arrivals2017.eventbrite.com
$2 Dolla Fete
DJ Private Ryan spins at this welcome party for early arrivals.
9 p.m. -4 p.m at LMNCTY, 295 NE 59th St.; Admission is $2 before 1 a.m. with RSVP, $20 afterwards. RSVP at www.eventbrite.com
Friday, Oct. 6
Soca Concert
Live in concert is Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons with the Asylum Vikings Band, and more artists performing live to raise funds for those affected by the hurricanes.
10 p.m. at Mana Wynwood, 318 NW 23rd S., Tickets on sale at SosFestINC.com
Saturday, Oct. 7
Viva La Carnival
This lineup includes soca artists, Skinny Fabulous and Ricky T performing live and nine DJs from around the country and the Caribbean including Miami’s LL Cool Blaze, Basic 2 Basics from New York, Richie Ras from Jamaica and more.
9 p.m.-3 a.m. Advance tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com
Monday, Oct. 9
Bacchanal Beach party from 1p.m.-8 p.m. at Virginia Key Beach, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami.
This story was originally published September 29, 2017 at 12:09 AM.