If you and the kids haven’t made your way over to Coconut Grove in a while, now’s your chance. The Mad Hatter Arts Festival with Artisans & Vintage Marketplace celebrates its 14th season, March 16-17 (10 am – 6 pm) at The Barnacle Historic State Park in the Grove.
For the young and not so young, the Mad Hatter Arts Festival truly is a great way to celebrate the “old Grove spirit” with the entire family. Event is included with regular park admission: $2 ages 6 and up; under 6 free.
Coconut Grove has a deep Bohemian history of quirky artists and musicians. In fact, the name of this annual festival originates from a popular ’70s song written by John Sebastian of the internationally famous group, the Lovin’ Spoonful.
Also in keeping with the event’s namesake, here you’ll see folks wearing “mad hats” of fabric and glue, from fedoras to sombreros to trucker caps — an ode to characters in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
At any given moment, park visitors may also spot charming little girls dressed as Alice or the Queen of Hearts, or adults dressed up as a hookah-smoking caterpillars, and others donning.
As always, music is a big highlight of the Mad Hatter Arts Festival, plus activities for kids of all ages, including a special “Tea Party” with fruity sips and sweets. Adult food also is available — as well as ice-cold beer — found Down the Rabbit Hole, the Festival’s biergarten sponsored by Oasis Lounge and Hookah Bar.
Local arts and artisans will be selling everything from paintings and prints, to teas and jams. Last year, such vintage objects for sale included Buddha statues, life-size Santa Claus dolls, and vinyl records and antiques.
Classic Film Feature
Families also will enjoy a special under-the-stars screening of the 1951 Disney classic film Alice in Wonderland on the grounds of The Barnacle, Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $6 each and admission is free for kids age 2 and under.
About The Barnacle
The Barnacle was built in 1891 and offers a glimpse of frontier life during The Era of the Bay, when all travel to and from Miami was by boat. Situated on the shore of Biscayne Bay, this was the home of the Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s most charming and influential pioneer.
Throughout the year, The Barnacle Society hosts numerous events, including moonlight concerts and outdoor films to raise funds to support this lovely Historic State Park.
To become a volunteer, a member, or for general information visit www.thebarnacle.org or call the Park Ranger station at 305-442-6866. The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
