These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

Ten stages with a variety of live performances, drunken revelers reppin’ their country’s flag and all the croquetas and arepas you can stuff into your face: It’s time for Miami’s massive street fair, Calle Ocho, where thousands of people gather across the iconic 15 blocks every year to celebrate Latinx pride. SW 8th St between SW 12th and 27th.

For two decades, this weekend-long festival at Fairchild has celebrated the world's most coveted plant, the orchid. Discover and purchase rare flowers from a variety of vendors, attend lectures and how-to sessions and engage in orchid-inspired activities for the whole family at this annual love letter to the bloom. You'll also be able to admire more than 150,000 orchids scattered throughout the garden, including the heritage collection from the American Orchid Society (AOS), along with Fairchild's spectacular exotic butterflies exhibit. Food and cocktails will be available for purchase.

The biggest draw at the yearly, two-day jazz festival may not even be the jazz: It’s probably the impressive lineup of R&B acts. Previous years acts include Mary J. Blige, H.E.R. and Erika Badhu, as well as enduring hip-hop favorite the Roots featuring T-Pain, plus Rick Ross and the Isley Brothers. Prepare for a heavy dose of nostalgia at its 18th annual event. The lineup and additional details are to be announced soon.

Bal Harbour Shops marks its 60th anniversary with the worldwide debut of Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey, a sprawling, high-drama floral exhibition inspired by the beloved series and films. From February 28 to March 9, explore 20 larger-than-life installations, including Fleurs de Villes’ iconic mannequins dripping in blooms. Luxury boutiques like Brunello Cucinelli, René Caovilla, Makoto, Vhernier, Diptyque and Gianvito Rossi will also be decked out in elaborate floral displays. The exhibition extends throughout Bal Harbour Village and The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, offering a glamorous, highly Miami way to experience the world of Downton Abbey ahead of the next film’s release later this year.

The Femme Market at The Standard Spa returns on Saturday, March 8, celebrating International Women’s Day with a lineup of female-owned businesses in a supremely chill outdoor setting. Head to the lush Meditation Gardens of The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, where this month’s market will be spotlighting makers in fashion, jewelry and handmade goods. Vendors include Kasiopya, Eye of Shakti, Erica Lores, Villa Melina and Fabric of Colours, plus DJ Ari Sanchez curating the vibes and refreshing NA cocktails from Little Saints. The market is free and open to guests 18 and up, with valet parking starting at $35.

For 11 years, the 305 Day Block Party has been an epic celebration of all things suuper Miami. Brought to you by 3:05 Cafecito (which is also the exact time the entire city takes a coffee break), the event brings the most Miami performers (past performers have included Trick Daddy and DJ Laz) to the Wynwood Marketplace, along with delicious local bites, drinks and art activations and installations. While March 5th is officially 305 day (get it?), the tentpole moment happens on Saturday, March 8th. The best part? The event is free with an RSVP. So come out and show this city the love it deserves. 

Like Coachella but for kids, Little Jam Fest returns to Miami headlined by Grammy-winning Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats and Grammy-nominated artist Fyutch, plus local favorites like Mr. J Jams, Jam with Jamie and Sounds Sweet Entertainment. Expect an explosion of color, sound and creativity as young attendees meet-and-greets with Disney characters and Miami sports mascots while participating in activities designed for children ages zero to 10.

Magic City Flea is Miami's most consistent pop-up vintage market, with events running around town every week—though, this weekend, it's taking a break from its Flagler Street outpost in Downtown to take over the scenic Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. 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 music and DJs, sip cocktails and snack on yummy bites while you shop.

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 parties, including a live performance from disco legends Sister Sledge on Saturday and Detroit's experimental jazzy R&B producer and performer JMSN, on Sunday, with Miami's own Paperwater closing out the weekend with a late-night set.

If you're looking for a trippy light show the whole family can enjoy, there's nowhere better than the Frost Planetarium’s 67-foot dome. Every month, they host a night filled with mind-boggling visuals, music and fun, with a different theme every hour. In March, they're playing the hits and paying tributes to legends with a playlist that includes Daft Punk, the Gorillaz, Bad Bunny and Deadmau5. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for kids ages four to 11. Refreshments and light snacks are available for purchase in the Main Atrium until 10pm.

The Hot Girl Walk—the viral fitness movement started by Mia Lind—hits Miami on March 8 in Brickell. Led by HGW Ambassador Ashley, this community walk centers around gratitude, goals and confidence. Come with friends or show up solo—everyone’s welcome, no matter your age or gender. The event is free with fun giveaways while supplies last, but be sure to sign up in advance, since location details will be sent upon registration.

The 9th annual Miami Beach Youth Music Festival takes over the Bandshell with a jury-selected lineup of the city’s top young talent. Across three stages, expect everything from rock bands and jazz ensembles to piano prodigies, vocalists and even a marching band or two. Outside, Bandshell Park turns into a family-friendly playground with activities for all ages—think an art tent from the Bass Museum, kids' fitness sessions and an Imagination Playground, plus food, vendors, and more. The open-air venue is covered, and the event runs rain or shine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.