Where do we go first? Here’s what to do in Miami on Presidents’ Day weekend
Last year, Miami’s most jam-packed holiday weekend was anything but jam-packed. Roads were manageable, and we heard miraculous tales that some drivers even found parking and didn’t get towed.
But now it’s 2022, and Presidents’ Day weekend would like your attention, please.
With any luck, the weather will cooperate, and there will be plenty to do, from looking at art you wish you could afford to looking at boats you wish you could afford.
Art Wynwood, usually a staple of Presidents’ Day weekend at 1 Herald Plaza, has canceled its show for 2022 and will return in 2023. But here are a few of the other events you can attend over the holiday weekend.
Miami International Boat Show
The Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show have joined forces to create a mega watercraft event that highlights everything from kayaks to the biggest, baddest yachts you’ve ever seen. This year the show returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center, but there are also events at Pride Park, Sea Isle Marina, One Herald Plaza, and Museum Park Marina.
Feb. 16-20, Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach; Tickets start at $15; www.miamiboatshow.com
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Miami’s favorite outdoor art festival, which started 58 years ago, has updated its image a bit — it’s going to have NFTs this year, as well as stacked shipping containers that will act as both a wall for mural artists and a stage. There will even be cooking competitions. But the main draw, as always, is the chance to stroll by the bay in the perfect South Florida winter witnessing the creativity of your fellow humans.
Feb. 19-21, 2700 S. Bayshore Drive, Miami; $20; 3-day pass $50; cgaf.com
Wynwood Life
Now in its eighth year, this free two-day street festival from Swarm highlights the best of Miami’s artsiest neighborhood with music, food, fashion and live art. This year muralists will paint on shipping containers while chefs and bartenders from restaurants like Uchi and No. 3 Social cook and mix drinks. There will be stages with live music and local boutiques will display their collections.
Noon-3 a.m. Feb. 19 and noon-9 p.m. Feb. 20; Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami; free; www.wynwoodlife.com
Kite festival
The skies will fill with colorful kites throughout the weekend, including giant whales, an octopus and a “Finding Nemo” fish. Bring a blanket, listen to some music and order lunch from a variety of local food trucks.
Feb. 19-21; 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; free; www.skywardkites.com/kite-festivals
Gay 8
The annual Latin street fair dedicated to LGBTQ+ art, music, dance, food and culture is back on Calle Ocho. Best of all, it’s an all free celebration of diversity.
Feb 20; between 14th and 17th streets on Eighth Street in Little Havana; free but VIP available for $65; www.gay8festival.com
‘We Belong Here’ music festival
This dance music festival starts Sunday afternoon into the wee hours of Monday, with performances by Don Diablo, Nora En Pure, Purple Disco Machine, Lost Frequencies, Joel Corry and more with an Afro House and Deep House Beach Stage curated by Deep Root Tribe.
Feb. 20-Feb. 21; 4020 Virginia Beach Dr., Virginia Key; $61-$1,512; eventbrite
‘Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience’
Miami’s love affair with digital immersive art experiences continues, this time using 400 of the French Impressionist’s work.
Wednesday-Sunday through March 27; Ice Palace Studios, 1400 North Miami Ave., Miami; $36.99-$46.99 for adults; $23.99-26.99 for children; discounts for students, seniors and military; miamimonet.com
This story was originally published February 16, 2022 at 6:00 AM.