All out for Day of the Dead at Chotto Matte, Fort Lauderdale parks’ exciting new program of experiences for all ages,  world’s largest street dance competition, MISO symphony in Peacock Park in the Grove, swimming extravaganza at The Biltmore, plus an advance on Art Basel Miami 2021 and more,  all in Things to Do this month, Part 1.

Join me at a not to be missed event! The Biltmore Hotel’s iconic swimming pool will turn into an artistic swimming extravaganza celebrating the 1940’s movie mermaid Esther Williams.  Splash!, an outdoor spectacle will feature world-renowned artistic swimming troupe Aqualillies . The one-night-only event will be on October 28, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. It e will celebrate the organization’s history, the legacy of its late Producing Artistic Director Joseph Adler, and the  future under new artistic leadership.  (BTW, the new season starts in November). Tickets, which include dinner and the show, start at $300 (50% is tax deductible). https://www.gablestage.org/splash

The Miami Symphony Orchestra and Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce are partnering to bring a series of four signature performances to the heart of the Grove. The first will be held Saturday, October 23rd from 6 PM-7:30 PM in Peacock Park with post-event activations and after-parties.

It’s not too early to start thinking about Art Basel in Miami, and here’s a good advance guide from Arts Circuits to get you going. Click here.

Lots happening in Fort Lauderdale from now until the end of the year for couples, families, singles of all ages. The City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department has launched The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park System), a $78 million project welcoming local residents and visitors alike to engage in “Infinite Experiences for Everyone Under the Sun,” involving Fort Lauderdale parks.

Located in the Central Beach area of Fort Lauderdale Beach it includes Las Olas Oceanside Park, Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, The Sunset Terrace at the Las Olas Beach Garage.

A few of The LOOP’s signature experiences in Fort Lauderdale Parks include:

• Friday Night Sound Waves (Oct. 8–Dec. 31, 2021). The free concert series presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District, features live music performances by local and national bands covering a range of genres, including Jazz, Country, Top 40, Indie, Oldies and Classic Rock.

• Music & Makers is the new pop-up Friday night market running concurrent with the Friday Night Sound Waves concert schedule, curated by Carley Sumner, producer of the  popular Flamingo Flea.

• Pumpkins & Palm Trees Date :Saturday, Oct. 23 ,9 a.m.–4 p.m  Celebrate the harvest season on the Main Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. The day will provide a bushel full of spooktacular fun and activities for the whole family to enjoy in celebration of fall’s arrival to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Free.

• Las Olas Oceanside Park Farmers, Antiques and Artisan Market (every Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) takes place at the beachside Las Olas Boulevard and A1A. The market features an eclectic array of traditional market fare, including a  selection of fresh produce, cheese, baked items, plants, handmade goods, jewelry and more.
• LO/OP Fit offers classes from yoga to kettlebell and HITT, to kids’ classes, throughout the week.

For a complete schedule of events at this great program at Fort Lauderdale parks, click here.

The world’s largest street dance competition Red Bull Dance Your Style will make a triumphant return to Miami on Sunday, October 17th at LIV nightclub. The event will be open to the public and tickets are available for purchase here.

Hosted by Wild N Out’s Rock Steady Crew MC MyVerse, Red Bull Dance Your Style Miami will bring together the region’s top street dancers to battle 1:1 against a spontaneous soundtrack provided by DJ Skeme Richards. The audience will play judge, ultimately deciding which dancer will advance from the Miami qualifier to the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals USA. With no panel of judges, no planned choreography, and no pre-chosen music, it’s all about embracing the moment, wowing the crowd, and moving to the beat. To get a glimpse of the action, check out the 2019 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals recap that took place in Paris.

Red Bull Dance Your Style Miami will also feature performances by Show Stopper Miami and V3. HERE.

This October, the magical culinary concept of Chotto Matte will pay tribute to its South American roots and honor the traditional celebration of The Day of the Dead (“Dia De Los Muertos”). On Saturday, October 30^th, Chotto Matte’s main event will feature the commemoration of the beautiful afterlife, offering diners an array of eye-catching entertainment,  Latin beats, and special dishes and cocktails featuring Código 1530 — a premium tequila brand hailing from Mexico. With a full day of lively celebrations, Chotto Matte will keep spirits high from lunch through late-night dinner. Dressed in traditional Dia de Los Muertos makeup and aesthetic, the team of staff and performers will welcome and transport guests into a dark dream world celebrating the beauty of the afterlife.

Building up to the culmination on October 30^th, Chotto Matte will kick off its week-long festivities on Tuesday, October 26^th, unveiling the vibrant art installations spanning the mysteriously intriguing space. Mystical offerings will feature a specially curated cocktail menu crafted with Código 1530 (available through Tuesday, November 2^nd), celebrating the wonders of the Day of the Dead. Guests can feel spirited with festive libations such as the Dulce Muerte, made with Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Mezcal, crème de pèche, pineapple shrub, lime, and coriander.

A special dessert inspired by the celebration will also be on display — Dulce de Noche with a pistachio financier, orange meringue, passion fruit cream, fresh red fruits, and mint cress. Of course, the culinary experience at Chotto Matte is  Nikkei cuisine, combining the  flavors of Japanese and Peruvian delicacies. 1666 Lenox Avenue, #1664, Miami Beach 33139.