21 free and fabulous things to do in Miami right now

While it’s nice to support the arts, it’s also nice to get free access to world-class exhibitions every once in a while. Downtown’s iconic contemporary art museum waives admission on the second Saturday of each month and gives visitors access to art-making activities from 11am to 3pm, guided tours and guest performances throughout the day. After browsing the collections inside, head to the PAMM’s back steps to enjoy the breeze and breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay.

Time Out tip: Admission is always free to PAMM for children under 6 and active military personnel.

Laidback Wynwood watering hole Gramps keeps programming fresh and eclectic every day of the week, and on Thursdays, the spotlight turns to some of Miami’s fiercest drag performers. While the performances are free, don’t forget to tip your queens. Resident DJs Hottpants and Zehno keep the party grooving while host Karla Croqueta brings the laughs at this fabulous weekly show.

Time Out tip: Drag performances start at 9pm on Thursdays. You’ll want to get there early to snag an up-close seat and pre-show bevy.

This lush three-acre garden is tucked away on a historic canal, offering some much-needed tranquility amid Miami Beach's hustle and bustle. With free admission six days a week, you and your well-behaved pup can wander through flowering trees, meditate in a Japanese Zen garden, and marvel at over 1,200 species of orchids. They're always hosting events at the garden, so check their calendar to find out what's happening this month.

Time Out tip: The garden is closed on Monday, but is open every other day of the week.

ICA is the Miami Design District’s hip contemporary art space, where every inch is free to explore five days a week. Take a seat in the sculpture garden, explore mind-bending works by international artists and keep your eyes peeled for rotating exhibits and family-friendly workshops hosted year-round at this modern museum. On the first Friday of the month, they open the museum at night with free entertainment in the garden and usually sponsored drinks, too.

Time Out tip: Reserve your free tickets ahead of time to ICA Miami via its website—it makes for a more seamless experience on-site.

An unlikely bastion of live jazz music, Miami is home to several free performances depending on the night of the week. On Tuesdays, head to The Corner, a dimly-lit Downtown refuge where you’ll find an assortment of affordable craft brews and wine bottles. Enjoy jazz piano over delicious dinner by a Michelin-starred chef at The Gibson Room or head over to Medium Cool for jazz every Wednesday to Sunday. Locally loved wine patio Lagniappe also offers jazz in their tiny wine market every night and Neme on Coral Way always has a band taking the stage.

Time Out tip: The corner’s jazz session starts at 10pm each Tuesdays. The spot opens at 4pm, so arrive early for pre-show libations and optimal seating.

Don’t be the person standing by the wall while the rest of your friends are tearing up the dance floor. Led by a rotating team of pros, the gratis salsa, bachata and merengue lessons kick off at 9pm on most nights of the week at Little Havana hotspot Ball & Chain. The lesson is fairly short; they’ll run through the basics and maybe teach you an easy routine. 

Time Out tip: Arrive early to fuel up on two-for-one mojitos during Happy Hour from 4 to 7pm.

These bad boys are popping up all over the city lately, with local vendors slinging everything from vintage Playboys to hand-made ceramics and furry coats for the two times a year Miami dips below 60 degrees. Shop sustainable at Little River Flea, score an antique treasure on Lincoln Road or peruse Magic City Flea for some thrifted treasures. 

Time Out tip: Also keep an eye on the Flamingo Flea, which has pop-up experiences in neighboring Broward County that are worth the drive.

If you haven’t seen the giant amoebas of runners jogging around town yet, where have you been? The biggest is the Baptist Health Brickell Run Club, which gathers every Tuesday at 7pm at Fortune International Headquarters (1300 Brickell Avenue). It’s free and typically spans 3.5 miles with a warm-up, a core workout and a post-run hangout, too. The Miami Run Club also recently sprinted onto the scene with free events Tuesday through Saturday every week.

Time Out tip: If you’re an early morning runner, Miami Run Club meets Wednesdays at 6am and Saturdays at 7:30am.

Every third Thursday of the month from 6 to 9pm, the City of Miami Beach hosts a free culture crawl in partnership with the area’s leading institutions, including the Wolfsonian–FIU, the Bass, Oolite Arts, Miami Beach Botanical Garden and more. Hoof it or hop on a free trolley (the white ones) and choose your adventure, from site-specific art installations and live musical performances to backstage tours and poetry readings. (Check online for the latest map and offerings.) Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Time Out tip: The free Miami Beach trolley runs daily from 8am to 11pm, and you can view its routes here.

On the third Friday of every month, Little Havana welcomes you to Viernes Culturales, a block party where you can experience the neighborhood the way it is meant to be enjoyed: alive and moving! From noon to 11pm, Calle Ocho bursts with live music, local vendors and plenty of incredible Cuban food between 14th and 17th Avenues. Take advantage of the free walking tour, bar hop from Ball & Chain to Bar Nancy, or just find a bench, grab a cafecito and enjoy the show.

Time Out tip: Beloved local historian Dr. Paul George gives the free walking tour. It’s at 7pm and he’s a total wealth of knowledge.

From October through May, the façade of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center doubles as a movie screen, while adjacent Soundscape Park, a 2.5-acre public space, serves as its alfresco theater. Watch everything from New World Symphony concerts to Jurassic Park on a 7,000-square-foot projection wall under the stars. All screenings are free (schedules available here and here). Don’t forget your drinks and snacks!

Time Out tip: This is a prime picnic landscape, so don’t be bashful in rolling out your blankets and chairs.

A sprawling urban park below the Miami Metrorail, The Underline is transforming the city with winding bike paths, native gardens, public artworks, an outdoor gym and more—all free and open to the public. Meet your neighbors at one of their many community events like Zumba, yoga, themed bike tours and basketball clinics for the kiddos.

Time Out tip: The Underline’s slate of events spans weekly norms to seasonal happenings. Track the latest on their website.

Sorry boys, Saturdays are for the girls! Throngs of women take over neighborhood streets every weekend for Girls on the Walk, the “hot girl walk” TikTok trend made manifest in the 305. Women arrive at either 9 or 10am in their cutest workout wear, shoulder bags, trendy sneakers and hair clips to walk a few miles before sitting down together for coffee or brunch. Many of these free walks are also sponsored by brands and local restaurants, meaning you could snag some free goodies too. Stay up-to-date by following Girls on the Walk on Instagram.

Time Out tip: The walks are serious, so don’t try to do this one in stilettos, no matter how “hot girl” you may want to walk.

On the last Friday of each month, this organized ride led by the Miami Bike Scene gives novices and experienced riders the opportunity to explore different parts of town on wheels. Routes change monthly but typically begin in Downtown Miami on Fridays at 6:30pm, and rides range from 10 to 20 miles, taking you through Coral Gables, Little Havana, Coconut Grove and more.

Time Out tip: Participants must bring their own bikes, and helmets and lights are recommended.

We all know about the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, but did you know that nearly every neighborhood in Miami has its own? From Coral Gables to the Upper East Side, and the Beach to Aventura, no section of town goes without aisles of farm freshness. One you may not have thought of is Vizcaya’s Farmers Market, and for an extra $5 you could take a historic tour of Vizcaya Village. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip out on South Dade either as the Redland Market Village pops with vendors aplenty Thursday through Sunday.

Whether you’re a slow ballad belter or a raging rock star, Miami’s got a free karaoke night for you. On Thursdays, pair your performance with a brick-oven pizza at DOM’S in Brickell, or venture to 7 Seas in the Gables for a true local karaoke scene three days a week. Over Under in Downtown adds an artsy, hipster flair to its weekly Wednesday event with $3 shots, apathetic bartenders and a strict “No Morrissey” policy. 

Time Out tip: Wherever you croon, show your bartenders some love for enduring your notes.

Double your dose of culture on the last Friday of the month when the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami hosts free outdoor jazz concerts. A beloved rain or shine event since 1999, Jazz at MOCA features different artists and musical styles each week, with recent acts by local pianist Ben Beal and be-bopping Ashley Pezzotti. 

Time Out tip: Admission to the museum on jazz night (from 7 to 10 pm) is by donation.

Miami might be a young city, but it’s got an unbelievable history. Take things back for free on the second Saturday of each month at HistoryMiami! From 11am to 4pm, enjoy themed kid-friendly activities and access to all of the museum’s exhibitions, like Tropical Dreams, which explores South Florida’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum also offers free Sensory Days for a fun, inclusive outing the whole family can join.

Time Out tip: Admission to the museum is always free for active-duty military, Miami-Dade County employees, teachers and SNAP EBT participants.

You could practice yoga every day of the week without ever enrolling in a studio. On Saturdays, head to Legion Park for a gentle Hatha class. On Sundays, pair your mindful practice with a bit of retail therapy at Lincoln Road’s weekly practice. FP Movement in Coconut Grove offers free yoga and mat classes at CocoWalk, while the ever-popular 3rd Street Yoga has been offering daily sunrise and sunset yoga since 1998—and we’re just scratching the surface here!

Time Out tip: As with any wide-ranging yoga class, don’t feel pressured to do the most challenging moves. Do what you can. Namaste.

Sure, there are plenty of pay-for-play spots to get your pickle on around these parts. There are some totally free places, too, including Miami Beach Pickleball Courts (adjacent to Miami Beach Golf Club), Tropical Park and Doral Glades Park. If you’re new to any pickleball court, just ask a friendly local how to claim your spot in the next game and off you go. 

Time Out tip: In scoping out a court to play on, gauge the level of competition you feel best stepping into. If you’re a newbie, total pickleball bros won’t want to play with you and, if you’re a pro, don’t go slamming on the rookies.