Fall is one of the best times to visit Miami Beach. Miami Beach’s comfortable temperatures make it easy to experience and enjoy an assortment of activities and events late into the year. The city is bursting with a wealth of offerings from film and food festivals to an exciting exhibit at the Bass Museum and of course, the opening season of the New World Symphony. The choice of culinary, cultural and social events are so immense, travelers will want to book a flight and a hotel stay as soon as possible.
“Miami Beach is certainly busy and fun all year long, but fall is one of the most active and engaging times to visit the city,” notes Peggy Benua, Chair, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). “From the New World Symphony to the Bass Museum, from the Italian Film Festival to the Seafood Festival, and a variety of exceptional events in between, the city’s hotel room capacity should be at high levels all season long.”
In 2014, consistent with previous years, Miami Beach remains the most common area for visitor lodging in Miami-Dade County with the majority of visitors (48%) traveling to Miami Beach.1 “Miami Beach remains continuously intriguing and entertaining, with so much to do besides beaches, restaurants and nightclubs,” says Grisette Roque, Executive Director, MBVCA. “Our visitors have options here, far more than they even realize when they book a stay. That‘s what makes Miami Beach a new and return favorite for travelers and the Fall season amps up the activity level considerably.”
Where to go, what to do? The choices are endless in Miami Beach. As fall arrives, visitors and residents are dazzled by the assortment – and quality – of selections. A small sample of some of fall’s major events and happenings are below with something for everyone under the sun.
IT’S FALL 2015. HERE WE GO: As part of the Bass Museum of Art’s bassX series, famed sculptor Rachel Harrison’s best work will be on display. Harrison is best known for her colorful and witty work that addresses the conventions of art and mass culture. bassX is a series of solo projects, exhibitions, talks, education programs and events that will take place in a pop-up gallery space across the street from the museum in the Miami Beach Library at 227 22nd Street (22nd St. & Liberty Avenue) while the museum is closed for an internal expansion. https://www.bassmuseum.org/art/bassx/
For visitors who love la Dolce Vita, head to the Italian Film Festival (Oct. 8-13) to experience the best short films and documentaries from Cinema Italia. Since 2002, the Italian Film Festival has been promoting Italian culture through cinema and art in the US and internationally. http://www.cinemaitaly.com/
The New World Symphony will be kicking off their extraordinary 28th academic season (Oct.10) with the 14-member Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble led by conductor and artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas. Drama and power will ring out as the ensemble lends voice to Stravinsky’s oneact chamber opera, The Fox, before bringing Russian vows to life in The Wedding. http://www.newworldcenter.com/EventDetail.aspx?EID=858
Hosted by Miami-Dade Parks and Skyward Parks, the 22nd annual Kitetober Festival at Haulover Park (Oct. 18) is a chance for the whole family to play together. The sky over Miami Beach will be covered in a wide array of colors and figures. People of all ages are encouraged to participate by making their own kite or by purchasing a pre-made kite. Live music and local food vendors will also be available for those who just want to enjoy the colorful show. http://www.skywardkites.com/kite-festivals/
Celebrate South Florida’s seafood and the kickoff to stone crab season with Hess Wines South Beach Seafood Festival (Oct. 21-24). This multi-day seafood bonanza features season selections from celebrity chefs, live music, culinary and mixology demonstrations; a kids zone, health village, and VIP hospitality benefits. Ticket prices start at $25 per person and vary depending on the event. https://sobeseafoodfest.com/main/
1 http://partners.miamiandbeaches.com/~/media/files/gmcvb/partners/research%20statistics/annual_report_2014.
