The best things to do in Miami this week

¿Quieres bailar? Hispanic Heritage Month is here, September 15 to October 15, and the City of Miami Beach is ringing in the occasion with a series of cultural events and live performances. Festivities begin at Normandy Fountain on Thursday, September 17, featuring traditional Peruvian dance by Sumaj Tusuy, a textile weaving workshop by local artist Lucia Morales, and vinyl selects by Rum and Coke. Join the fun 7-9pm. Free to attend, all ages welcome.

According to the internet’s super-official holiday calendar, Sunday, September 20, is National Brunch Day. That’s reason enough for Coconut Grove to celebrate with live jazz performances on the streets and $5 valet parking at select neighborhood locations. (If you know the Grove, you know parking is a big deal.) Several local restaurants will offer one-day-only brunch menus and added specials, including Atchana’s Homegrown Thai and the Michelin-starred Los Félix.

On September 17, The Bass debuts two contemporary art exhibitions for the 2026-2027 season. In her first solo exhibition at a US museum, Tokyo-based artist Yuko Mohri explores the concepts of decomposition, environmental pressure, and improvisation with Unviolated Imperfection, transforming everyday objects into kinetic sculptures and multidisciplinary works. Amalia Pica’s Lecturas Posibles draws on the museum’s early history as the Miami Beach Public Library to present a site-specific installation in which the walls, furniture, and bookshelves are coated in chalkboard paint, inviting museum-goers to leave their mark in an ever-evolving record of collective expression.

Miami Worldcenter continues its monthly Wellness Series on Thursday, September 17, with a special evening edition that spotlights LGBTQ+ creatives and local community leaders. Presented with The Out Collective, the experience begins with a panel discussion on Miami’s queer future state, followed by a beginner-friendly yoga class and a sunset soiree with music and vendors. Free with RSVP and open to everyone. Bring your own mat!

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. 

Always the cheeky host, The Standard Spa has partnered up with Raw Figs to host a community figure drawing class inspired by the hotel’s Sextember program, timed with Sexual Health Awareness Month in September. The plein air drawing class takes place in the Meditation Garden with a partially draped contortionist posing as muse. Tickets include all drawing materials. Wine, cocktails, and light bites available for purchase. Open to ages 18 and older.

How about a detox to retox? Club Space has teamed up with House of Transformation, a luxe fitness studio in Edgewater, to host a “run club” on Sunday morning. Meet your fellow runners at the studio, 7am, then head out for a 2-mile jaunt downtown. Your $30-$50 ticket includes club admission, Raccoon coffee, a grilled cheese sandwich, and a mini post-run massage. Ages 21+ welcome.

There’s immersive art, and then there’s James Turrell. The legendary “master of light” continues to stretch our perception of color and space, this time with Blue Sea Sky, a new installation at Superblue Miami inspired by the natural phenomenon of sunset on the horizon. Blue Sea Sky is on view for a limited time by reservation only, included with the price of admission. (Heads up: Florida residents enjoy discounted tickets on weekdays, Monday through Thursday!)

Thorn is taking back Sunday with an emo-themed brunch on September 20. There’s a high probability of pancakes and Panic! at the Disco as DJ Miami Nights spins all the classic emo and pop-punk anthems from 1-4pm. Check out the vintage market while you’re there, 11:30am to 4pm.

Miami Spice returns August 1-September 30 with special-priced three-course menus available at over 300 local restaurants. Prix-fixe menus start at $40 for brunch and lunch, and range $50-$65 for dinner, excluding tax and gratuity. A new “Reserve” tier ups the ante with $95 signature experiences. Check out a Michelin-starred darling in the Grove, savor Peruvian ceviche in Kendall, or see what’s newly opened in Doral. Or why not do it all? Explore the full list of Miami Spice 2026 participating restaurants.