10 Best Festivals in Miami

Ultra Music Festival originally started in Miami and features popular electronic dance music. Today it’s known as one of the largest music festivals in the United States and, every year in late March, some of the most famous DJs from across the world as well as around 150,000 music lovers head to Bayfront Park to enjoy this massive party.

Since the crowds that gather at Ultra come from all over the world, many musicians and DJs use this festival as a chance to debut new music. With free water stations, plenty of alcohol and food stands, and dozens of stages across the festival, Ultra is a great place to enjoy up to 3 days of dancing to your favourite music.

Every year in March, the city of Miami celebrates its popular month-long Carnaval festival. One of the highlights is Carnaval on the Mile, a weekend-long outdoor celebration that features the best of Miami’s local culture. Thousands of visitors come every year to listen to live music, eat delicious food, enjoy kid-friendly entertainment, and check out the incredible selection of local art.

Over 200 local artists set up their art for display for the crowds at Carnaval on the Mile. Spend an afternoon walking through the art stalls and you’ll find everything from paintings and sculptures to jewellery and photography for sale.

The Miami International Boat Show is one of the most influential boat shows across the globe. This annual event is known as the premier occasion when boat companies and enthusiasts come to experience the latest in boating. Whether you’re looking to buy a superyacht, just want to check out the latest in marine technology, or love a good party by the water, this is an awesome celebration to add to your calendar.

Since the boat show is located on the Rickenbacker Causeway, transportation and parking can be tricky. Reserve your parking spot ahead of time or take a free water taxi from Bayfront Park and enjoy a hassle-free day at the boat show.

The South Beach Jazz Festival is an annual event held every year in early January that kicks off a new year of lively outdoor festivals in Miami. Each year, over 30,000 people head to South Beach for this 3-day music festival that aims to spotlight the different styles of jazz. You’ll find every type of jazz music from traditional and contemporary to Latin and New Orleans styles.

Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers can enjoy a variety of free performances for up-and-coming bands and ticketed performances by famous jazz musicians. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so make sure to buy yours in advance if there’s a band or musician you’d love to see.

Every year, people make a point to head to Miami for the largest Latin street festival and block party in the US – the Calle Ocho Music Festival. Hosted on a Saturday in March, this incredible event features live entertainment and musicians on dozens of stages scattered throughout Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.

The streets shut down for the Calle Ocho Music Festival and hundreds of thousands of people come for a fiesta unlike any other. The crowds go wild for the energetic music and people dance in the streets all night long. Because the music styles range drastically from jazz and salsa to reggae, hip-hop, and rap, a wide range of people flock to Calle Ocho to join in the festivities.

Every year, top brands, designers, models, and influencers head to Miami for a week of high fashion under the sizzling South Florida sun. While some of the hottest brands in the world head to Miami in May for Fashion Week, it’s known as the time when Latin American and Caribbean designers really shine. A select few of the fashion shows are invite-only, but many of them have tickets available for purchase if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of a runway show.

In addition to stunning catwalks at the Ice Palace Film Studios, Miami Fashion Week is also known for its star-studded parties. Check the schedule ahead of time and bring your best outfit for a week of luxury in South Florida.

Miami Beach Gay Pride is one of the largest festivals in the world that celebrates the unique spirit and culture of the LGBTQ+ communities. For an entire week in mid-September, the festival hosts a variety of lively events and activities across Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Pride Parade is the highlight of the week and boasts a colourful show along the Art Deco district on Ocean Drive.

This legendary parade has drawn crowds of over 150,000 people in recent years, including some A-list celebrities. It’s one of the hottest events of the year in South Florida. If you want to keep the party going into the night, join the crowds as they flock to the beach directly after the parade.