by Jennifer Agress
The fall is a time to mix it up and do new things in Miami. We’ve put together a list of 7 different, fun things to do in September. From music performances, gardening and graffiti lessons, and a talk by renowned author Salman Rushdie, to the 3rd Annual South Beach Seafood Festival and other one-of-a-kind foodie events, September in the Magic City has a beat that doesn’t let up. Here’s a list of our favorite “must-dos” this month, curated just for you:
When: September 13th or 19th, 9 AM
Where: Little River Cooperative
Whether you’re passionate about gardening or you just want to learn the basics, Little River Cooperative has something just for you. On select Saturdays, head to this farm and nursery from 9 to noon, and learn how to choose the right garden location, build raised beds, prepare and compost soil, handle South Florida’s tropical climate, and facilitate pest control using organic methods. Geared towards beginners and experts alike, this event will also show attendees how to choose and prepare the best varieties of heirloom tomatoes, including insider tips on trellising and pruning. For more information about these classes, click here.
When: September 18th, 7 PM
Where: Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus Auditorium
Presented by Miami Book Fair and Books & Books, author Salman Rushdie — known author of Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights — will be in town to discuss his life, how he became a writer, and of course, what inspired him to write his latest book. This passion project sheds light on a mystic, epic war between light and dark; one where beliefs are challenged, words act like poison, silence is a disease, and a hidden curse hovers over all. Interested patrons can secure entry for two to this event purchasing a copy of Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights. For more information about entry to this event, clear here.
“2015 – 2016 Bailey Hall Presents” at Broward College
When: September 25th
Where: Bailey Hall, Broward College (Central Campus)
Each year, Broward College hosts Bailey Hall Presents, a series of nine performances by accomplished musical artists and theatre professionals — and for its 2015-2016 season, it will include new commissions by prominent, internationally recognized jazz composers from across the globe. Kicking-off the new season is an immersive, globally-themed program by Metta Quintet, made up of some of NYC’s hottest jazz musicians, along with door prizes, ticket giveaways and more. Ticket prices for these performances vary, and can be purchased here.
When: All Month Long, Individual Times
Where: Marriott Stanton South Beach
Now on South Beach, bring out your rebellious side and graffiti a hotel wall — legally. While the chic Marriott Stanton South Beach undergoes a $10M renovation, the owners have brought in a professional, locally known graffiti artist, Atomik, to lead Miami residents as they help turn the hotel’s ugly construction efforts into beautiful art. Sign up now and you’ll get a 60-minute lesson, where Atomik will show you how to paint your own name, a skyline piece and more — all while “vandalizing” the haunt’s outdoor walls with surf-inspired murals that reflect South Beach’s true, art-deco vibe. Class prices run at $170 per person, and reservations can be made by calling (305) 536-7700.
When: September 26th, 1 PM
Where: Moore Building
Matter of Taste is coming to Miami — and it’s bringing with it a no-holds-barred walkabout wine tasting experience based on the iconic vintages of Spain, Chile and Argentina. Taking place at the prestigious Moore Building, in Downtown Miami, this event will feature 150 bottles, each rated 90+ points by The Wine Advocate and handpicked by its world-renowned Spanish and South American wine expert, Luis Gutiérrez. When you’re done, check out what else the organization has to offer; they have a series of master classes and wine-pairing dinners designed to give you that sophisticated wine palate you’ve always wanted. Tickets to the event, which can be purchased here, are available to eRobertParker.com members for $50 and non-members for $99.
3rd Annual South Beach Seafood Festival
When: October 21st – 24th
Where: Lummus Park, Between 7th & 9th Street
Coming back to Miami just next month, the 3rd Annual South Beach Seafood Festival will showcase the best seafood dishes from the South Beach restaurant scene. Kicking-off with a wine and dinner pairing at Joe’s Stone Crab, the festivities will follow with interactive dinners with GOYA and STOLI, a chef showdown on Friday, and (the main event) the weekend food fest. And to make sure you get to try delicious fare from Smith & Wollensky, The Oceanaire, Drunken Dragon, A Fish Called Avalon, Naked Taco, Red Fish Grill, Joe’s and more, get your tickets now — rumor has it that delicious events like these sell out fast. Tickets for the long weekend’s events start at $25, and can be purchased here.
Estrella Damm Presents: “The Changing Face of Modern Gastronomy”
When: September 21st, 6 PM
Where: Miami-Dade College Chapman Conference Center
Later this month, Estrella Damm will bring the public a new Gastronomy Congress, titled “The Changing Face of Modern Gastronomy,” featuring an all-star lineup of some of the world’s most talented culinary greats. In addition to a live cooking demonstration by Diego Muñoz, Fran Agudo and David Gil, this exciting event will also highlight the talents and knowledge of Chef Ferran Adrià — previously of 3-star Michelin restaurant, elBulli — who won ‘Chef of the Decade’ in 2010 and is considered the world’s most awarded chef. Along with Lluís Garcia, Adrià will present thoughts on the future of “the restaurant” concept, discuss the evolution of elBulli into the elBullifoundation, and provide details about the pair’s upcoming joint projects: Heart Ibiza and Cirque du Soleil. In addition, all guests will receive complimentary passed tapas, Estrella Damm beer and a copy of Albert Adrià’s latest recipe book, Tapas: TICKETS Cuisine. Tickets to this event start at $75, and can be purchased here.