Memorial Day weekend is swiftly approaching and with it also comes the start of summer! Whether you’re looking to escape the city or welcome the warmest season, we’ve got the ultimate checklist of must-do activities around the Magic City. From high-flying aircraft on the beach to immersive museum exhibits and deals, as well as a pool party at the Keys, here’s what you can do during your long weekend:
1. Step into Messi’s shoes at The Messi Experience
If Leo Messi’s grand arrival and Inter Miami’s success weren’t big enough in Miami, the city has its own immersive experience taking Messi-mania to the next level! Taking visitors through the player’s childhood in Rosario and most memorable career moments like his World Cup glory, this 20,000-sq-ft fan attraction is not to be missed. Board Argentina’s World Cup-winning bus, challenge friends to some friendly soccer competition and capture fun moments with the player himself at The Messi Experience. Get tickets here.
⚽️ The Messi Experience is offering 15% off on entrance tickets in honor of Memorial Day, valid until Monday May 27. Use promo code MEMORIAL15 at checkout to save on tickets this weekend!
2. Look up at Miami Beach’s annual Air & Sea Show
Of all the exciting events taking place in this summer in the city, the annual Hyundai Air & Sea Show is undoubtedly one of the best. This year’s festivities will return on May 25 and 26 to wow spectators lined up along the shore. Take in the show-stopping view as F-16s, B-52s and dozens of different jets fly overhead, complete with divers, boats and parachute teams doing their thing! Learn more here.
3. Keep the fiesta going at Bresh
Memorial Day weekend in Miami isn’t complete without a massive party! Kick your weekend off right at Bresh, which will take over Club M2 with bold decorations, raucous on-stage performances and plenty of dance floor fun from reggaeton to disco. Get tickets to the next Bresh party here.
4. Race down Florida’s newest and only dueling water coaster
Everyone has at least one memory of splashing around at Rapids Water Park, but this is your sign to create new ones this weekend! Swim over to the Riviera Beach park where you can board Mega Mayhem, the longest dueling coaster of its kind and the only one in the state. Nothing compares to the thrills of racing down a nearly 54-foot-tall coaster with high speeds and blast zones to reach the finish line. Read all about it here.
5. Journey to space at this new exhibit at Frost Science
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science has announced its newest exhibit, Journey to Space, and it’s going to be out of this world! Opening May 25, Miamians can explore what it takes to live and work in space in this hands-on experience. From controlling a robotic arm to getting the sensation of floating aboard a mock-up of the Destiny Lab, learn something new in an experience that’s fun for the whole family!
6. Admire incredible LEGO® artworks
You can’t go wrong this weekend without a trip to the world’s largest LEGO® display here in downtown Miami! At Art of the Brick, marvel at more than 100 creations, from a 20-foot T-Rex or famed artworks such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa sculpted exclusively with thousands of LEGO® pieces. Get tickets to Art of the Brick.
7. Grab your crew for a mini trip to the Palm Beaches
In case you weren’t aware, Palm Beach County hosts a month-long celebration of arts and culture — called MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture) — with discounted deals to enjoy. This means MOSAIC comes to a close on May 31st, making Memorial Day weekend the ideal time to take advantage! You can find all the deals on their website, ranging from discounts on performances at the Arts Garage to BOGO admission to the Cox Science Center, Norton Museum of Art, Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and more.
8. Watch movies in style at Rooftop Cinema Club
Take your Memorial Day weekend plans to new heights (literally) at Rooftop Cinema Club, which will be screening Grease, Parasite, The Shawshank Redemption and American Psycho with awesome views of the skyline. They’ll also be showing Mamma Mia!, followed by a silent disco party, and a dog-friendly screening of The Princess Bride!
9. Indulge in Asian dishes at Smorgasburg’s Asian Street Food Festival
With several guest vendors, bamboo fan painting, bonsai classes and even fire dancers and Tahitian drums, there’s something to enjoy at Smorgasburg’s annual festival! This year’s event returns for three days in partnership with lifestyle journalist and culinary consultant Cheryl Tiu of Cross Cultures, bringing together some of South Florida’s best culinary vendors and performers to honor AAPI culture. Check it out from May 24-26 in Wynwood.
10. Take a day trip to this pool party at this Key West Hotel
With a long weekend ahead, there’s tons of lovely escapes to be made. Spend the day at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort for its Reggae Rehab Pool Party, taking place May 26. From 1 to 4 p.m., the sounds of local band Channel 3 will set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon. The event is sponsored by Captain Morgan and Booze Bandage and invites guests to immerse themselves in the island vibes while lounging by the pool.