These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

No, that sonic boom you hear isn’t a thunderstorm rolling in (hopefully!), but it’s pretty close. The Air Force Thunderbirds, Heritage Flight, A-10 Thunderbolt II, Ghost Squadron and SOCOM Para-Commandos all headline this year’s edition of the popular air show, which attracts thousands to the shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach. 

Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to book a brunch and do a bit of festive day drinking with your most special lady. After all, studies have shown that Miami knows how to brunch better than any other city. (We should note that said studies were not conducted by proper research centers but rather by a team of hungover journalists in dire need of good eggs and a bloody mary.) Treat mom to the brunch she deserves with our guide to the very best places to brunch in Miami, the unscientifically official Brunch Capital of the Planet.

Larissa FastHorse, the first Native American playwright in American theatre history to make the list of the top 10 most-produced plays in the country this season (for The Thanksgiving Play) scripted this novel interpretation of the timeless J.M. Barrie fairytale. Expect aerial theatrics, magical special effects and spectacular Broadway showmanship to accompany familiar hits such as “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland.”

Founded in 2006, this native dance company has been performing the great works in the international ballet canon in the demanding style of the Cuban tradition. This performance will feature “Aurora’s Wedding,” whose excerpts from the original 1890 choreography of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty” follow the title character’s journey from a deep slumber to the most glorious of nuptials.

A prizewinning professional flamenco dancer born in northern Spain, Paula Rodriguez Lázaro will perform in the Miami premiere of her multimedia production El Latir del Mantón (The Beating of the Shawl), an hour-long sensory journey combining her sensual choreography with guitar and percussion, and with accompaniment from fellow award-winning flamenco singer José del Calli.

Get your after-hours in at Space before the renowned club shuts down for renovations this summer. Highlights from this weekend's lineup include The Martinez Brothers (Saturday) and James Hype and Alex Kennon (Sunday) on the Terrace.

This nephew/aunt-helmed Cuban spot that began as a small catering business now has two locations on Bird Road and Calle Ocho. This Friday, celebrate the Bird Road outpost's fifth anniversary with $5 sandwiches, shakes and slushies. While you're there, sample new menu items for the occasion, including the Smash Burger Croqueta, Lechon Preparada Sandwich, Ranch or Tajin Chicharrones and more. 10505 SW 40th St

Magic City Flea is Wynwood's eclectic weekly pop-up vintage market. Depending on the day and locale, find anywhere from 15 to 50 small shops committed to sourcing the most unique pieces and handcrafting sustainable wares. Vibe out to the live DJ, sip cocktails and snack on yummy bites from local vendors while you shop. This week's pop-up heads downtown to the breezy Night Swim Rooftop at CitizenM Hotel Miami Worldcenter. Various locations

This magical pop-up flea market brings some of Miami's best indie vendors to cool locations around town every month. Usually under the shade of lush trees and flowering foliage, you'll find vintage fashion, vinyl, books, plants, art, home decor, handmade jewelry, candles and more, plus local food vendor pop-ups and activities. There's always a DJ spinning, and when the flea takes place at its home base, Higher Ground at Arlo Wynwood, there's always happy hour from 3 to 6pm. 

Chameleonic comedic actor Elena Maria Garcia co-wrote and stars in this world-premiere solo play developed with co-writer and director Stuart Meltzer. As in their celebrated previous collaboration, ¡Fuacata! A Latina’s Guide to Surviving the Universe, Garcia will play a multitude of characters inspired by her life as she embarks on an unexpected crisis-turned-adventure. Zoetic Stage at Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd (305-949-6722, arshtcenter.org). May 2–19: 7:30pm Thu–Sat, 2:30pm Sun; $55–60

"The Messi Experience: A Dream Come True" launches its world tour in Miami this spring, just as the city's fever for the famed footballer kicks into high gear. The sprawling, immersive multimedia exhibit traces Leo Messi's childhood and powerhouse soccer career to now, taking visitors of all ages through approximately 75 minutes of projection-mapped installations and interactive games at The Hangar Coconut Grove.

James Beard Award-winning chef Nina Compton and her acclaimed restaurant Compère Lapin transplant from the Big Easy to the Magic City for a month-long residency on the rooftop of the Four Seasons Hotel Miami in Brickell. Expect a selection of Compton's signature dishes, like fried chicken with coconut grits and pickles and blackened lobster served with maque choux, served in a lively indoor-outdoor dining room overlooking the city.

Fairchild Garden transforms into a prehistoric playground this summer. Explore the lush grounds where life-size dinosaurs hold court amid a collection of cycads, ferns, conifers and all sorts of flowering plants that date back to primitive times. Kiddos can get hands-on during the ancient artifact digs, egg hunts and more while learning all about what the world was like 65 million years ago. Be sure to check the Fairchild Garden website for up-to-date information on upcoming dino events.

Take advantage of GMCVB’s Miami Attraction & Museum Months program until May 31 to enjoy special discounts, savings on admissions and BOGO deals from more than 50 of Miami’s top museums, galleries and outdoor adventures. Choose between neighborhood favorites like Island Queen Cruises and Tours, Pérez Art Museum Miami and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.

Miami's biggest night for improv comedy happens every Saturday at Villain Theater in the heart of Little Haiti. Enjoy original, spontaneous live performances from some of the fiercest improvisers across South Florida. Shout out a suggestion and become a part of the action as the theater's talented cast of actors spins hysterical yarns over the course of two Second City-style improv shows. Mingle and sip beers in the lobby lounge in between sets: A ticket grants you access to both the 8:30 and 10pm showtimes.

The Coconut Grove Farmers Market is probably Miami’s most well-known. Every Saturday, Homestead's Glaser Organic Farms transforms an unoccupied corner of Coconut Grove into a full-fledged produce market with dozens of fruit and vegetable stands, a raw bar featuring prepared foods and salads and coolers filled with cold-pressed juices and nut mylks. There’s even velvety vegan ice cream for sale and several rows of picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy your bounty. Along its periphery, you’ll find other local vendors selling honey, homemade soaps, handmade jewelry and other artisanal items. And the setup and breakdown are so fascinating to watch! Much like the circus leaving town, everyone quickly dismantles their tents and packs up just after sunset, leaving no trace of the bustling day on the empty gravel lot.