The best things to do in Miami this week

Masisi Radio’s summer residency continues at The Bass Museum with the Southern Gothic Kiki Ball on August 20. Set within an immersive psychedelic installation by assume vivid astro focus, the ball invites local acts to walk for cash prizes in categories like Best Dressed, Hand Performance, Shake Dat A$$ and Realness, with looks and performances drawn from a range of inspirations: Beyoncé’s "Lemonade" album, vampires, swamp aesthetic, gothic cinema, Southern blues music, HBCU uniforms, and more. Doors open at 6pm. Open to guests and performers ages 18 and older. Free to attend with RSVP.

In the mood for a mid-week dance? Do Not Sit On The Furniture offers free admission to local residents every Wednesday and Thursday, from 10pm to 11:30pm. Partygoers must show valid ID with a local address at the door. The promotion runs all through August and September, exclusive to residents of Miami and Miami Beach.

Nature transforms into objects d’art on Sunday, August 23, when visual artist Meital Katz-Minerbo leads a rattan workshop at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Participants will learn the history and basic principles of rattan weaving through a hands-on practice, and walk away with their own custom piece. Priced at $65 for non-members. Open to ages 15 and older when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

What do women really want? Mid-week martinis and pasta. Harbour Club’s swanky Italian restaurant, A’Riva, offers just that with Pastatini Nights, featuring $10 martinis and $15 pasta dishes every Wednesday evening. Rotating specials include A’Riva signatures like the Sweet Corn Agnolotti and Spaghetti Alla Nerano, served alongside classic martinis like watermelon and espresso. Pro tip: pair your outing with weekday happy hour, available on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm.

The Underline has teamed up with a new neighborhood run club, The Out Collective, to host a series of LGBTQ+ Pride Runs this summer. Join the fun on Wednesday, August 19, and run, jog, or walk your way through Brickell and Brickell Roads. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Meet-up begins at 7pm at The River Room, located near American Social. The run kicks off at 7:30pm. Return around 8:30pm to mingle with local organizations and enter a prize raffle.

If you’ve been waiting to book that Spa Month massage, now is the time. The annual citywide program concludes on August 31, meaning you have just two more weeks to book luxury spa services at a fraction of the price. Check out our insider guide to the best Miami Spa Month offers, many of which grant access to hotel amenities like fitness centers, beach chairs, and umbrellas.

Put down your phone and pick up a paintbrush instead at Glass & Vine’s monthly art class, Paint & Sip. Your $50 ticket includes a guided paint class, all painting supplies, and two alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, or cocktails). Participants can also enjoy 10% off the restaurant’s Miami Spice menu before or after class. It’s all happening Thursday, August 20, from 7 to 9pm.

Normandy Isles’ charming bistro has dialed up the deals this summer. On Mondays, $35 gets you steak frites, a glass of wine, and a crêpe for dessert. Wednesdays are reserved for seafood; a pot of steamed mussels, crispy bread slices, and a glass of white wine are yours for $35. Wine aficionados should visit on Thursdays, when the entire wine menu is 50% off, no exceptions. Our suggested pairing? A show at La Poubelle, Silverlake's hidden cabaret theater, located nearby.

Fins up! The Miami Dolphins return to the field for pre-season training camp starting August 2. Fans and wanna-be NFL scouts can RSVP for free through the Dolphins’ website. And for our transplant New Yorkers, August 20 brings the New York Giants to town for a joint practice, also free to attend with RSVP.

Downtown’s contemporary art museum offers free admission for all ages every Thursday after 5pm. Pair your art-filled outing with happy hour at Verde, the museum’s waterfront restaurant, featuring special prices on food and drinks, 5pm to 8pm. Heads up: active military, first responders, Florida educators, and veterans receive free admission all year long with valid ID.