What’s open? What’s closed? Here’s what you can do in Miami this weekend

By Connie Ogle

Updated October 15, 2020 1:21 PM

So many reopenings. So much confusion.

Miami-Dade County is in Phase 3 of COVID-19 recovery, which means businesses are allowed to be open — restaurants, bars, movie theaters (though one chain has decided to close for the rest of 2020). Club Space is reopening this weekend, and even Hard Rock Stadium got the OK to allow full capacity for its next home game later this month (though the Miami Dolphins don’t plan to expand beyond their 13,000-person limit yet).

The nightly curfew of 11 p.m.-6 a.m. continues for Miami-Dade county , but has now been changed to midnight to 6 a.m. for City of Miami, and businesses are allowed to enforce mask requirements, so don’t leave home without them.

Here’s what you can do in Miami the weekend of Oct. 9-11.

Special events

Halloween: Hard to believe it’s October, but Halloween is coming, and some events — scary and not scary, some for kids and some for grownups — are starting this weekend.

Miami Carnival: Desperately need some upbeat music? The celebration of all things Caribbean-American goes virtual this year starting Oct. 8.

Miami Design District outdoor movies: With a little help from the Miami Film Festival, the Miami Design District starts a four-week Friday film series on Oct. 9 with “Black Panther.” Before each feature you can watch short films by Miami filmmakers, courtesy of Close Quarter Commissions and Oolite Arts. The movies are free, but you do need to RSVP here. And don’t forget your mask.

New exhibit at Frost Science: The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science opens its latest exhibit “Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits” on Oct. 10, which explores the superpowers of super cool organisms. Tickets and COVID-19 restrictions here.

RESTAURANTS

Restaurants are open. Those that have space to accommodate more tables while also keeping a six-foot separation between tables are allowed to open at 100 percent capacity. Only six people are allowed per table (or 10 if they are in the same party).

Still wary of dining out? Miami Herald food editor Carlos Frias has some suggestions.

BARS

Miami-Dade bars are now allowed to open. Bars with only counter service can reach 50 percent capacity with seating separated as far as possible.

NIGHTCLUBS

Nightclubs are allowed to open. Masks are required on the dance floor, and eating and drinking is allowed at tables only. Check with individual clubs for more information.

BEACHES

County beaches are open.

MOVIE THEATERS

Movie theaters are allowed to open, but you can’t eat popcorn or Junior Mints at your seat. Theaters are required to set up designated eating and drinking areas. Check Fandango for local listings. If you’re still not thrilled with the idea, Silverspot Cinema in downtown Miami has extended its rent-a-private-theater promotion through October.