The best things to do in Miami this week

Catch a free outdoor movie every Wednesday night at SoundScape Park in Miami Beach. Running October through May, the annual SoundScape Cinema Series welcomes all ages for weekly screenings spanning Blockbuster hits, vintage classics, and holiday films. The series kicks off with Selena (Oct. 7), followed by The Goonies, Casper, and The Addams Family. Screenings take place rain or shine, starting at 8pm. Bring your own setups to watch comfortably; think lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and fresh-made subs from La Sandwicherie. The venue accommodates 200 to 300 on the lawn, but prime spots get scooped up quickly, so plan accordingly. Free to attend, no reservations required.

Latin-funk legends and Afro-Caribbean jazz take the stage on Saturday, October 10, at Lummus Park with Live En La Playa, a free music concert inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month. Bring a blanket and cozy up for a groovy performance by Spam Allstars with Tony & The Kings, and vinyl sets by local selectors. Hunt for vinyl of your own at the pop-up record fair curated by Miami Is An Island. The fun gets going at 6pm.

A new citywide cocktail program is offering discounted drinks at some of the best bars and restaurants in Miami, all October long. Back for its second year, ¡Salud! is sort of like the Miami Spice program, but instead of prix-fixe dinner, you get happy hour pricing on exclusive ¡Salud! cocktail menus. The catch? Offers are only available ‘til 10pm. More than 50 local spots are participating this year, including old favorites like Macchialina, Grazianos, Fox’s Lounge, and Sweet Liberty. See what the hype is about at spots like ViceVersa, go for glamour at the Delano’s Rose Bar, or check out newer, curious spots like Lovecat by Bar Not Found.

Fairchild swaps its usual tropical elegance for cowboy boots on Thursday, October 8, when Boots & Blooms returns for a country-themed evening across the garden's grounds. The Back Country Boys, a Southwest Florida country-rock band that has shared stages with Jake Owen and Chris Janson, headline the night, with line dancing led by Country Heart Dance, lawn games and pie-eating contests rounding out the festivities. Moonshine and bourbon flights, food truck bites and optional picnic baskets and VIP seating keep things comfortable. 

Long before the shiny high-rises appeared, Coconut Grove was a place of the people. Artists, activists, bohemians, Bahamians—a melting pot of cultures and curiosities. Thankfully, that independent spirit can still be found in the Grove, if you know where to look. The annual King Mango Strut is one of our favorite Miami events of the year, bringing together local arts groups, politicians, kids’ rock bands, a herd of grown adults dressed as cows, and other random sightings. Ahead of the January parade, King Mango organizers are hosting a community block party on Saturday, October 10, 6-9pm, on Fuller Street. Consider this an old-school, low-key Miami party. Grab a beer, bring your dog, and inevitably run into your high school crush. All ages welcome.

The 12th annual Miami Beach Salsa Fest brings all the moves to the Bandshell this Sunday, October 11, starting at 5pm. The free, all-ages event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a live orchestral performance, local vendors, salsa lessons, a seniors’ salsa dance contest, and more hosted by Melina Almodóvar. 

What’s better than karaoke? How about karaoke with a live band and a hilarious drag queen host who happens to have sensational range? Las Rosas’ weekly live band karaoke returns every Tuesday, hosted by the venerable Karla Croqueta. Join the fun starting at 9pm. 

The Surfside farmers market is back in season, popping up every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 3:30 pm, steps from the shoreline at 96th Street. Each week brings new local makers and a range of purveyors to the beach, slinging everything from acai bowls to Kosher smoked barbeque. Arrive early for stress-free parking and a free beach yoga class on the sand, 9:30 to 10:30am.

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.