These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

Celebrity chefs (hundreds of them) and hungry people from around the U.S. descend on South Beach and across the city for Miami’s largest and most famous annual food festival, proceeds from which benefit Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management School. It's major. For its 24th year, SOBEWFF offers even more big-ticket events, including another rendition of the uber-popular Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray, plus additional intimate dinners hosted by culinary luminaries. There will be an Asian night market, taco and tequila pairings, a grand tasting village on the sand and more food and drinks than you’ll know what to do with. Break out your stretchy pants, and buckle up, people. Various locations

MAMMA MIA! is touring in celebration of its 25th anniversary, bringing the sun-soaked charm of a Greek island paradise to the Arsht. This beloved musical, packed with ABBA’s greatest hits, is pure escapist joy. As a bride-to-be searches for her long-lost father, her mother’s past comes rushing back—along with three unexpected guests/possible dads. The result? A whirlwind of laughter, love and legendary songs like Dancing Queen and Super Trouper. This cultural phenomenon blends heartfelt storytelling with feel-good energy, making it impossible not to sing along and get swept off your feet.

Wynwood's O.G. Florida dive hosts Ordinary Boys: The Annual Hated for Loving, a tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey. Formed in Miami in 2010 by vocalist AJ Navarrete, The Ordinary Boys added to the lineup over the years, but their mission always remained the same: to perfect, note by note, the sound of their Manchester heroes. For this Friday's outdoor show, they've added tribute group New Dawn Fades to the bill, layering a musical homage to Joy Division and New Order into the mix. Expect to hear all the timeless cult hits, from "This Charming Man" to "How Soon is Now?"

A lively pre-Carnaval tradition in Barranquilla, Colombia, La Guacherna at Andres Carne de Res brings all the comparsas (parade groups), costumes and music of the season to its buzzy new outpost on Lincoln Road. Expect a vibrant and joyous street festival-style party in the heart of South Beach complete with live music and themed performances all night. There are also prizes for the best-dressed group, so bring your friends and don your best Carnaval get-ups.

Set during the familiar period of cautious reemergence from the coronavirus pandemic, John Mabey’s brand-new comedy centers on Ruth, a fully vaccinated empty-nest mother preparing to (finally) embark on a cruise. Her increasingly asocial husband Denny, however, has come to prefer the imposed isolation of quarantine, a conflict that is complicated by the arrival of their two grown children—with a less-than-savory boyfriend in tow. Main Street Playhouse, 6812 Main St, Miami Lakes (mainstreetplayers.com). Feb 21–March 9: 8pm Fri–Sat, 2pm Sun; $30.

Two of Philly’s top chefs take over the sexy beachside lounge Tala Beach at the 1 Hotel for a sunset pizza party on Saturday, February 22nd. James Beard Award-winning chefs and friends for two decades, Marc Vetri of Salvy and Mike Solomonov of AVIV bring Pizzeria Salvy’s expertly crafted Neapolitan pies to the sand for an all-you-can-eat-and-drink pop-up that goes from 4 to 7pm. Tickets ($100) include exclusive entry to the canopy area where a DJ will be spinning vinyl, unlimited grub and bottomless negronis, spritzes and mocktails.

By day, you'll probably wait your turn behind lines of rowdy kids at this popular Wynwood attraction featuring more than 70 mind-bending illusions. This Saturday, Paradox Museum Miami stays open late (7 to 10pm) for an after-dark experience geared more toward the adult crowd (though it's still family-friendly). Live harpist Karina Kusz provides the ideal soothing soundtrack as you explore the surrealist displays, challenging your mind with puzzles and capturing zany photos along the way. Just a heads up, food and drinks are not allowed or sold inside the museum.

Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bistro hosts its first truffle event of the year on Friday, February 21st. Nestled inside the historic La Palma building in Coral Gables, this elegant pre-fixe dinner features three courses by Chef de Cuisine Garrett Rochowiak, celebrating the rich, earthy flavors of winter truffles through classic French techniques. Tickets ($190 per person) include a welcome reception and canapés in the courtyard, followed by a communal dining experience in the Bocuse Room. And yes, even the dessert has truffles (a decadent spin on Bouchon's famed profiteroles made with K+M chocolate sauce and black truffle ice cream).

This Sunday starting at 5pm, the bohemia-themed day-to-night club Joia Beach hosts Palosanto, a waterfront celebration of music and movement. Expect a lineup of DJs spinning the kind of beats you might hear in Tulum, complemented by live drummers, dancers and fire performers, all set against the backdrop of the expansive bay and the sun melting over Miami.

ZeyZey in Little River looks like it could be a friend’s bohemian bungalow—if your friend had their own natural wine gazebo, custom sound system and vinyl listening room, shipping container cocktail bar and mainstage for live performances. This weekend, they've curated a packed lineup of fun events, from a lit house music party headlined by DJ Harvy Valencia on Friday to a concert for kids featuring the music of The Beatles courtesy of Rock and Roll Playhouse on Sunday morning. After the kiddos go home, the garden transforms into a haven for natural wine lovers featuring curated bottles from Grapecrush and sunset tunes from Anthony Hall and French production duo Bon Entendeur.

Rev your engines! The legendary RuPaul's Drag Race returns for its 17th season, and Willy's Neighborhood Bar in Wynwood is throwing weekly watch parties to catch all the action. Miami's own glam queen Patent Pending hosts on Friday nights with Drag Race Happy Hour kicking off at 6pm (giving you ample time to get lubed up before the show at 8pm). For a full-throttle night, stick around after the credits for F Word Fridays in the backyard.

Those yearning for a little twang this season can get that itch scratched on February 23. Kelsea Ballerini, easily one of modern country music’s brightest stars, pops in at Hard Rock Live as part of her 2025 tour jaunt. In 2024, the Tennessee native gave us a new album, Patterns. Among our favorite of its chart-toppers is her collab with swooner and crooner Noah Kahan, dubbed “Cowboys Cry Too.” 

Jason Robert Brown’s sobering, fact-based musical explores the trial and wrongful sentencing of a Jewish factory owner in the racist, anti-Semitic Atlanta of 1913, for the unspeakable crime of raping and murdering a 13-year-old employee. In their handling of this pivotal case, Brown and his book writer, Alfred Uhry, unravel the ways in which stubborn prejudice clouds rational inquiry, through tunes both elegiac and trenchant. Slow Burn Theatre at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale (954-462-0222). Feb 8–23: various show times; $72 and up.

Magic City Flea is Miami's most consistent pop-up vintage market, with events running around town every week—though, these days, it's almost always posted up on Saturdays along Flagler Street in Downtown. 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 while you shop. (The buzzy food hall Julia & Henry's is just nearby.)

One of the foundational productions in the peak era of the jukebox musical, this four-time Tony winner charts the historic rise and personal struggles of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons through two decades of the vocal group’s pioneering explorations of four-part harmony. “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” are among the irrepressible earworms. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables (305-444-9293, actorsplayhouse.org). Jan 22–Feb 23: 8pm Wed–Sat, 3pm Sun; $60–$70.

This bustling vintage market enters its 32nd season on South Beach's famed Lincoln Road. Approximately every other Sunday (check their calendar for exact dates), 125 vendors convene along the promenade to showcase their wares and barter with discerning shoppers. Find everything from mid-century furniture to Art Deco decor and more. The long-running weekend social presents a solid mix of 19th and 20th-century memorabilia and unique collectibles. While you're there, stock up on locally grown produce, fresh flowers and artisanal goods from the Lincoln Road Farmer's market, which occurs every Sunday from 9am to 6pm.

The NYC-imported Smorgasburg, Miami's largest outdoor food market, returns to its Wynwood outpost for a new season featuring over 40 vendors (including 10 new concepts) and more shaded areas for noshing. Graze from a variety of local street foods, international fare, healthy options and inventive creations from the likes of Acai Way, Korean Kitchen, Kabuki Soba, The Lazy Oyster, La Picaña Grill, Lechona Truck, Tio Paella, Puro Chocolate, Cool & Creamy Truck and more.

Before you turn up until dawn, turn down with this free, weekly yoga class set to the chilled-out sounds of local DJs. Let the fresh air and sunlight on Space’s famed terrace cleanse your body before you wreck it with dance and drink. Make sure to BYO mat and water bottle. RSVPs will have priority entry until 4pm. Afterward, anyone on the waitlist can enter until capacity is reached.

Jungle Island's enchanting nighttime wonderland returns for a third year with over 40 all-new lantern installations inspired by fairytale worlds and kawaii culture, plus a first-ever Holiday Village and marketplace (Nov 14–Jan 5) featuring more than 100 Christmas trees, food stands with holiday treats like elephant ears and mulled wine, a bazaar with seasonal crafts and gifts and a 30-foot decorated centerpiece tree. 

In this seductive new production at Faena Theater, free-spirited heroine Carmen finds herself in a labyrinth of two opposing lovers. The provocative, adults-only journey explores themes of devotion, jealousy and betrayal as it blends elements of flamenco, cabaret, fire artistry, cirque nouveau and modern beats, all infused with a Spanish flavor. Master of Ceremonies Mimi Barber lends her soulful vocals to the show, accompanied by an award-winning ensemble and stunning visuals that all come together to breathe new life into this reinterpreted classic. Tickets start at $100.

Fresh from Broadway—where it won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play—Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ searing dark comedy is set on a decaying plantation in the cicada-filled environs of Arkansas, where a family has gathered to quarrel over their departed patriarch’s inheritance. When an estranged brother appears unexpectedly, and buried relics resurface among the clutter, the already fractious reunion reaches a boiling point. GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables (305-445-1119, gablestage.org). Jan 31–Feb 23; various show times; $25–$80.

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.

Looking for a sleek, understated cocktail bar in Brickell—one that channels the effortless cool of Williamsburg, for instance, and hasn't been overrun by the neighborhood's swarms of tourists or recent transplants? The intimate ground floor of this bi-level modern Asian restaurant fits the bill. Aside from its solid drinks and friendly prices, The Listening Bar at Kaori also hosts weekly Sound Sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, when some of Miami’s best DJs spin vinyl and keep the chilled vibes going all night.

Every Saturday from 7pm to midnight, lauded Miami purveyor JoJo Tea opens up its tea room for an intimate and laidback tea party that combines artisanal brews and all-vinyl DJ sets. Tickets include endless pours, with a music selection tailored to complement the tea of the night. Expect a healthy dose of old-school and underground hip-hop, from Madlib to MF Doom—a couple of owner and host Mike Ortiz’s favorites.

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.