Summer is slowly making its exit and the air will not be getting crisper nor will the leaves turn brown, but that doesn’t mean we cannot still get into the spirit of the most basic season of them all — fall! Soon, hurricane season will come to an end giving way to endless sunny days, spooky vibes and the smell of everything pumpkin spice wafting in the air. So like we did with summer, we’re rounding up the must-dos of the season all the way from pumpkin patches to the spookiest of places.
Here are all the best things to do this fall in Miami, or as we like to call it, the Ultimate Fall Bucket List — the Miami way:
1. Catch a free movie at SoundScape Park
Get ready to spend your Wednesday nights at SoundScape Park because Miami Beach’s SoundScape Cinema Series returns this October! They’ll be screening a range of beloved films on the 7,000-square-foot projection wall outside the New World Center. See the full movie lineup for this season here.
2. Enjoy eerily enchanting Candlelight Concerts
This fall, Candlelight will host some gorgeous concerts in Miami’s best venues, made even more enchanting by flickering candles. From spooky, Halloween-themed classics to a night of beloved Latin hits, there’s a concert suited for every music taste. Check out the shows taking place this season:
Candlelight: The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole
Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles
Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More
Candlelight: Hip-Hop Classics on Piano
Candlelight Open Air: Tribute to Luis Miguel
3. Go on a stunning fall hike
It’s the perfect time to get out and about. Following a brutal summer — although the heat is still not letting up — it’ll do you well to get a breath of fresh air and take a little adventure. Explore the great outdoors at these Miami hiking trails, perfect for all levels. And don’t forget to bring your camera with you because these gorgeous trails serve some equally gorgeous views! Check out the full list here.
4. Make the most of the spooky season with these Halloween events
Would it really be fall without Halloween? To fully immerse yourself in the spookiest nights of October, check out bone-chilling haunted experiences, corn maze fun, doggie costume contests and more from our list of activities to enjoy this Halloween in Miami.
5. Stock up on pumpkins at a pumpkin patch
If you need a break from all the frights you’re bound to stumble upon this fall, then you can make your way to a nearby pumpkin patch, from Tinez Farms to The Berry Farm! Whether you’re gathering pumpkins for pie or house decor, pick yourself a perfect gourd to carve for the season, pet farm animals and more. Take a look at our favorite pumpkin patches to mark on your calendar.
6. Feel the magic of a luminous ‘We Call It Ballet’ show
Dance, music and lots of lights – ‘We Call It Ballet’ is a dazzling show that’s illuminating Miami this fall. Over the course of 60 mesmerizing minutes, graceful ballerinas take to the stage to enchant the audience with their raw talent, immaculate routines and spectacular costumes adorned with LED lights. They twist and turn to the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s timeless compositions in Sleeping Beauty, putting a luminous twist on this 100-year-old classic.
7. Attend the South Beach Seafood Festival
If you’re a huge lover of seafood, you’ll want to head to the South Beach Seafood Festival. The massive four-day culinary extravaganza is back for its 12th year and features the most appetizing bites we’ve seen in a while. From private dinners to a chef showdown competition and ocean-fresh delicacies, sample the best of the best from October 23-26. Learn more here.
8. Unleash your inner artist at Neon Brush
A unique painting workshop has rolled into town and it’s all about letting your creative side shine with vibrant neon paints and retro-futuristic vibes. Taking place at Novotel Miami Brickell, these paint — AND SIP — sessions are the perfect activity to light up your fall! Book your spot at Neon Brush here.
9. Live it up at III Points
Year after year, Miami’s own III Points Festival brings dozens of genre-spanning performers and a local art showcase to Mana Wynwood. For its 11th edition is this year, October 18-19, artists on the lineup include Massive Attack, PinkPantheress, Kaytranada, Arca, Jungle and Bad Gyal, among others. Check out the official lineup here.
10. Awaken all your senses by Dining in the Dark
Ever wondered what it’s like to dine in complete darkness? One of the most original dining experiences in the city puts your taste buds to the test with a blindfold and a surprise menu for you to discover. This edition of Dining in the Dark is hosted at Sushi By Bou Salt 7 and features a 12-course omakase sushi menu. Make your reservations now!
11. Celebrate stone crab season with some fresh claws
October 15 designates the official start of stone crab season in Miami which means its time to roll up your sleeves and dig into some extra fresh, hearty claws. To help you find the freshest claws in town we’ve put together a list of the best places in which to enjoy stone crabs in the 305. Find them here.
12. Shake it off at this starlit Taylor Swift tribute
Swifties, get ready to bop and sing along to your favorite tunes at this dazzling tribute concert at Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Perfect for your next girl’s night or a special date with your boo, this beautiful experience will take you through Taylor Swift’s most popular songs accompanied by stunning views. Grab tickets to A Starlit Tribute to Taylor Swift at Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay.
13. Test your bravery at one of South Florida’s many haunted houses
What’s Halloween without a visit to a blood-curling haunted maze? We’ve rounded up the best haunted experiences in and around Miami that’ll get your heart pumping, which you can find here — if you dare!
14. Saunter through South Florida’s picturesque parks
From Vizcaya to Morikami Japanese Gardens, these beautiful gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll, but they’re especially lovely in the fall. Check out some of South Florida’s splendid gardens and parks here!
Weather aside, you’ve finally got all you need to start your autumnal adventure! Enjoy the season’s best activities — from fall festivals and pumpkin picking to Halloween parties — in Miami this fall. What’s the first thing you’re checking off your bucket list?