By Jennifer Agress and Yours Truly
There’s so much going on in Miami to kick-off 2020, for nature lovers, culture buffs, foodies, fashionistas and those searching for the latest workout. Looking for cool things to do in Miami this month? Try one of the events listed below. We love them—and we think you will, too!
NATIONAL YOUNGARTS WEEK
Sunday, January 5th to Sunday, January 12th
National YoungArts Week is an intensive, week-long program of masterclasses and workshops just for select, talented high school artists from all around the United States, all of whom are just 15 to 18 years old. Classes and workshops will be taught by globally-recognized leaders in their respective fields—think: Tony Award-winner Santino Fontana (2000 Winner in Voice & U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts), Academy Award-winning film editor Doug Blush (1984 Winner in Film), Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Betty Wright and award-winning journalist, author and provocative cultural critic Dr. Joan Morgan, to name just a handful. Participants’ progress and work is judged throughout the week, and they will put on public performances of singing, jazz, theater, dance and classical music every night. There will also be film screenings at New World Center, writers’ readings in the YoungArts Jewel Box, and a Design, Photography and Visual Arts exhibition in the YoungArts Gallery. Event venues, ticket prices and parking options vary by performance. A full list of performances can be found here.
ESQUIRE’S “PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR” MEETS ESQUIRE’S “BEST NEW RESTAURANT”
Tuesday, January 7th
Prepare your tastebuds! During this one-night-only event, Enrique Limardo, Executive Chef of Washington, D.C.’s pan-Latin eatery, Seven Reasons (which was just named Esquire’s “Best New Restaurant in America 2019”) will be a guest chef at Antonio Bachour’s namesake Coral Gables restaurant, Bachour. Bachour was named Esquire’s “Pastry Chef of the Year.” The evening will include a six-course meal, with four courses by Limardo and two desserts by Bachour himself. Seatings start at 6 p.m. Bachour is located at 2020 Salzedo Street. Tickets start at $149 (excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity) and can be purchased here. Street, lot and garage parking are nearby.
SCREENDANCE MIAMI
Friday, January 10th to Friday, January 24th
Awarded “Best Festival” by Miami New Times, ScreenDance Miami is an annual film festival that takes place all over Miami and Miami Beach. Created by Tigertail Productions, this 15-day festival offers a bevy of skill-developing workshops, panel discussions and film screenings, all highlighting choreographers, directors and films that focus on movement and dance in cinema. Event venues, ticket prices and parking options vary by performance. A full list of events can be found here.
THE CLASS BY TARYN TOOMEY
Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th
Naomi Watts and Drew Barrymore consider The Class by Taryn Toomey their workout of choice—and now you get to try it, too! Head to the Sacred Space Miami on either of these dates and catch a class by Jaycee Gossett, one of the founding teachers. Here’s what you can expect from The Class: yoga vibes, rock concert-like energy, boot camp intensity and a workout that wrings you out, mind, body and life. There will also be beautiful art installations on display from Vivian Rosenthal and Joanne Stone. Classes will take place at 10 a.m. on both days. Sacred Space Miami is located at 105 Northeast 24th Street. Classes start at $65 per person and can be purchased here. Valet parking is available, and street parking is nearby.
SEABIRDS ON THE BAY CRUISE
Sunday, January 19th
This two-hour sunset cruise is a fun and educational night out on Biscayne Bay! The Seabirds on the Bay Cruise comes with bird watching, ecology fun facts and even the release of sick, injured or orphaned brown pelicans, seabirds and other native birds. It starts at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station and ends at the start of the Miami River, sailing past fabulous waterside mansions and the Downtown Miami skyline. There’s a stop at the mangrove islands to see the nesting and perching spots of up to 20 different species of birds, from prairie warblers and anhingas to frigate birds and nesting brown pelicans. Throughout the cruise, attendees can bring their own food and drink (alcohol allowed!), and a bird expert is onboard to provide interesting information and answer any questions they might have. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station is located at 1297 79th Street Causeway. Tickets are priced at $45 per person, and proceeds go towards funding the research, rehabilitation and release of sick or injured birds. Click here to find out how to register. Free parking is available onsite.
9TH-ANNUAL SPLENDOR IN THE GARDEN
Thursday, January 23rd
Head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for a fashion event like no other! Hosted by both Fairchild and Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay, this afternoon will start with garden tours and a champagne reception, and conclude with a fabulous fashion show and luncheon—all in the beautiful surroundings of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Tickets start at $300 and can be purchased here. Parking is available onsite.
23RD-ANNUAL ART PALM BEACH 2020
Thursday, January 30th to Monday, February 3rd
Recognized around the world as the Florida Gold Coast’s premiere mid-winter contemporary art fair, Art Palm Beach welcomes 75+ contemporary galleries featuring 20th- and 21st-century art that speaks to issues like global politics, sustainability and equality. Back for the 23rd year, and taking place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, this year’s event will come with some new additions. There will be new pavilions for special installations and curated projects, with the inaugural one being the 8,000-square-foot “Museum of the Moon” by Luke Jerram, which will make a stop in Palm Beach as part of a worldwide museum tour designed to encourage global conservation efforts. Attendees can also look forward to FOCUS| Latin America, which will showcase the most exciting artwork from the region’s important art capitals. Palm Beach County Convention Center is located at 650 Okeechobee Boulevard. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here. Valet and self parking are available.
BIG GAME BIG GIVE
Saturday, February 1st
Okay, this event is actually in February, but you need to know about it NOW so you don’t miss out! Big Game Big Give (BGBG) by The Giving Back Fund is the largest celebrity charity event that takes place during Super Bowl weekend. A star-studded gala, it’s thrown annually in the Super Bowl’s host city, and always benefits both local and national charities. This year’s event will take place at a private $65M mansion on Star Island, with a cocktail party co-hosted by famed filmmaker Michael Bay. Throughout the night, expect celebrity performances, surprise appearances, upscale cocktails, local cuisine by an award-winning chef, a live auction and more. Past celebrity hosts include: actor Mark Wahlberg, actress Hilary Swank, Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, former NFL quarterback Joe Montana, rapper/actor Common, actor and singer Jamie Foxx, rapper Ludacris, actress Demi Moore, TV personality Jay Leno and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The address will be revealed to party guests and ticket holders only. Limited tickets are available, and can be purchased by calling (310) 649-5222 or sending an e-mail to bgbg@givingback.org. Valet will be available.
