These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

It’s winter in Miami—well, kind of. This year, Magic City Flea is bringing all the cozy seasonal vibes to our subtropical paradise at Downtown Miami’s Holiday Village, running on Saturdays and Sundays from November 16 to December 29. You'll find over 60 local vendors showcasing festive holiday goodies and handcrafted wares, plus Flagler Street’s very first outdoor ice skating rink, Santa appearances and more. Along the way, expect a fun lineup of community activities on Sundays, including toy drives, bounce houses and face painting for the little ones. To kick things off, there will be a magical tree and menorah lighting ceremony on November 15 from 6 to 10pm, which includes a free performance by the Miami Symphony Orchestra.

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. 

The Miami Book Fair celebrates its 41st edition this year. Expect the regular mix of riveting author presentations, mind-expanding conversations and even more innovative ways to honor the written word. The annual street festival is slated to take place from November 17 through 24 along the Miami-Dade College downtown campus. Literary luminaries like Billy Collins, Daniel Handler, Deborah Paredez and Patti Smith are already set to attend, along with local stars like Alex Segura, Dr. Paul George and Edwidge Danticat.

Feeling nostalgic for Santa’s Enchanted Forest? Fret not, dear reader. The spirit of Christmas and carnival rides lives on at Tropical Park with Christmas Wonderland, a local holiday production with rockin’ roller coasters, dazzling light displays and the largest traveling Ferris wheel in North America. Now in its second year, Christmas Wonderland returns with a Candyland-inspired spectacle made with five million lights, giant lollipops, swirly-twirly gumdrops and six immersive installations that make for epic photos. Plus, culinary pop-ups and boozy coquitos from local vendors, unlimited rides and complimentary parking. Pro tip: book online for a $10 discount!

Key Biscayne treasure Vinya Wine & Market welcomes in a few of its top partners for another edition of its Grand Tasting series, and this time it's a holiday blowout. On Saturday, November 23rd, enjoy a leisurely, indoor-outdoor tasting featuring over 100 fine wines including Burgundy, Barolo and Champagne (plus more bubbles from around the world). Explore classics, meet up-and-coming producers and learn about various winemaking styles at this day-drinking event hosted and curated by Vinya's pro somm, Allegra Angelo. The $99 ticket includes three hours of friendly pours and lots of bonus perks, like a cheesecake pop-up from one of Miami's faves, complimentary cheese and charcuterie, a rum tasting by Brugal, a Guess the Grape game with prizes and special pricing on mix-and-match six-packs to go.

A much-anticipated precursor to the holiday season in Miami, Night at the Garden returns in November for its sixth season at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, promising even more psychedelic scenery and interactive artwork than ever before. Running through January 2025, Night at the Garden invites guests to frolic around a neon-lit wonderland of tropical trails lined with holographic sculptures, secret sunken ponds and hidden fairy worlds. Follow winding paths to the disco dance party, snap a pic in front of LED dandelions or visit Archie, the talking tree for a bit of age-old wisdom. This magical event welcomes the whole family and features ADA-compliant trails for wheelchairs. Tickets start at $32 for kids ages four to 10, with discounted group packages available online.

Proud Kendall native and legendary Diddy roaster Brittany Brave was voted Miami New Times' Best Comedian in 2021 and her star's been on the rise ever since. With appearances on TBS and MTV and features in The New York Times and ELLE (among others) under her belt, the multi-hyphenate talent brings her act to the stage at the Arsht Center's Carnival Studio Theater on Saturday, November 23. Expect an hour-long set of fresh material tinged with Brave's usual self-deprecating and relatable brand of humor. Tickets start at $30 with showtimes at 7 and 9:30pm.

The edgy, breakout musical from Jonathan Larson—who went on to compose Rent—Tick, Tick … Boom is a semiautobiographical account of a restaurant server and aspiring musical-theater composer who faces mounting pressures to abandon his passion for a more lucrative career in the corporate world. Larson died six years after its completion, but the musical has enjoyed a posthumous shelf life in both regional theaters and through a film adaptation in 2021.

Little River's eclectic music and cocktail garden ZeyZey rolls out another sweet weekend of live programming. On Saturday, November 23, Brooklyn-based artist and producer Flamingosis splices together old-school soul, wild funk and D.I.Y. electronic on the mainstage, with a dreamy tropicalia-infused opening set by Cleveland's Monster Rally.

LeBron James’ historic career with the Cleveland Cavaliers—and his period of defection with the Miami Heat—frame the backstory of this moving and comic study of platonic friendship between a bartender with Cavs tickets to sell and a writer with a passion for all things LeBron. Rajiv Joseph’s play spans 13 pivotal years for James and his characters, as esoteric basketball jargon gives way to impactful reflections on life, career and what it means to be a sports fan.

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.

In this sparkling celebration of the music and legacy of Cher, three actresses, referred to in the show as Babe, Lady and Star, portray different eras of Cher’s life, and occasionally interact with each other, temporal logic be damned (she did write “If I Could Turn Back Time,” after all). The music, 35 songs deep, is nearly all Cher’s, and the show’s dazzling costumes earned it a Tony Award in 2019.

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 downtown mainstay for underground dance music sounds and legendary after-hours parties hosts another epic weekend across its multiple venues. On Friday, tech-house producer Dyed Soundorom spins a dark and moody set downstairs at Floyd. Sunday, UK superstar James Hype gets behind the decks on the Terrace alongside Tini Gessler.

This intensely charming open-air venue on Miami Beach boasts some of the most eclectic bookings in the city. This weekend, longstanding Sublime tribute band Badfish takes the stage to pay homage to the group's unmatchable spirit. Doors open at 6pm, with two opening sets by Seranation and Will Evans.

On Thursday, November 21 from 7 to 9pm, Coconut Grove's leafy parkfront restaurant Glass & Vine is hosting a Friendsgiving-themed paint-and-sip event under the stars. Enjoy a relaxing night on the outdoor patio as a local artist guides you through creating your own masterpiece. Tickets cost $50 per person and include all painting supplies plus your choice of two drinks.

Downtown's bayfront shopping and dining destination kicks off its holiday festivities this Friday with the grand arrival of Santa followed by live entertainment and a performance from the Miami Children’s Chorus. The free event includes a dazzling tree lighting ceremony accompanied by a magical snowfall, followed by a concert at Pier 5 to carry the celebrations into the evening. The party continues on Saturday with a multicultural children’s holiday parade, arts and crafts, street performers and photo opportunities with Santa.

When you live near the equator, chasing those cozy fall vibes can be a challenge. Sure, there are spiced lattes and haunted houses to look forward to each autumn in Miami, but what about those wholesome moments we see in the movies? Just like everyone else, we look forward to fall events in Miami and love a good hayride or corn maze. We just do things a little differently here, without the boots, coats and scarves. One thing we do have in pumpkins aplenty, from pumpkin patches at Miami's quaint farms to pop-up events with far more than just gourds. Click through at the link above to find our picks for the best pumpkin patches in Miami. 

LIV has been leading the pack in Miami’s club scene since it debuted in 2008 as the crown jewel of the Fontainebleau Hotel’s unprecedented billion-dollar renovation. This weekend, catch a lit lineup of shows including ATL legend Gucci Mane on Friday, November 22 and DJ Loud Luxury on Saturday, November 23.

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.

Nestled in the lobby of The Betsy, a Michelin-awarded hotel famed for its arts programming, The Piano Bar hosts Miami Beach’s longest-running live music series. The space's relaxed, Old Havana atmosphere gets amped up by a rotating roster of local and visiting talent, with free public jazz shows nightly through September. Some of the Miami-based musicians include Jim Gasior, Tal Cohen and Leesa Richards. Food and drinks are available for purchase from LT Steak & Seafood, The Betsy's on-site restaurant by chef Laurent Tourondel.

We actually have a very unique plant market here in South Florida, and summer is the prime growing season. Whereas the rest of the northern hemisphere needs greenhouses for their tropical flora to thrive, here, we have it in abundance. If you grew up in Miami, you're already familiar with the many nurseries tucked into the suburbs. While we still delight in being able to shop straight from the source, we're thankful for the abundance of Miami's urban plant shops with a more curated selection of greenery—some spots even have air conditioning! Ready to add a botanical touch to your home? Tap through to discover the best spots to buy plants in Miami right now. 

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.

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.