To quote Justin Timberlake… it’s gonna be May! Cue NSYNC ’cause a new month has rolled into the 305 and with it are countless things to discover and adventures to go on. From restaurant openings to dazzling immersive experiences and everything in between, here are 34 fabulous things that absolutely need to be on your calendar for the month ahead.
1. Soak up the sun at this stellar music festival only two hours from Miami
Kaskade, Afrojack, Alan Walker and more are slated to perform at the Sol Seeker Festival this Memorial Day Weekend, from May 26-28. Which means you can escape to the Caribbean — more specifically, the U.S. Virgin Islands — this summer for this epic music fest! Learn more here.
2. Take in Van Gogh’s captivating artworks
Imagine stepping into famous paintings like Sunflowers, Starry Night and Almond Blossom in a way you never have before. At this mesmerizing exhibit, you can! You’ll see Van Gogh’s work take over the walls and encompass your surroundings through its use of 360-degree digital projections, and learn everything there is to know about the famed Dutch artist. Get your tickets here!
3. Watch the return of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show
Of all the exciting events taking place in this summer in the city, Miami Beach’s annual Air & Sea Show is undoubtedly one of the best. It will return this year on May 27 and 28 to wow spectators lined up along the shore once again. 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! Read more here.
4. Watch drivers make their way around the Formula 1 track
With the Florida Panthers and Miami Heat in the playoffs, May has become quite an exciting month for sports in Miami. The city is also expecting the F1 Grand Prix from May 5-7, bringing a weekend full of high-speed racing and not-to-miss special events. Click here for a full guide of what to expect, from the best events to late night parties.
5-6. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, but did you know it actually commemorates Mexico’s military victory over Napoleon III’s French forces in the Battle of Puebla in 1862? Nowadays, this national fest is meant to celebrate Mexican culture, heritage and cuisine. From a Cinco De Wynwood celebration at Wynwood Marketplace to a Cinco de Mayo Block Party at CityPlace Doral, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday this year.
7. Enjoy a performance of classical music under candlelight
Experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in incredible Miami spaces. All throughout May, the Candlelight Concert series will feature a wide variety of shows from Coldplay to Fleetwood Mac, Luis Miguel, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and more.
See the full list of candlelight concerts taking place in the city here.8. Be dazzled by one of the sexiest shows in town!
Spend your weekend sipping on unique cocktails and watching burlesque that is sure to blow you away! Featuring acrobatics, an aerial show and gorgeous and talented performers, Nocturna: Red Writing at Savage Labs is the city’s hottest night out. Get your tickets here.
9. Find your favorite city view by hitting up Miami’s best rooftops
This year calls for outdoor dining and we’re loving it, especially when it comes with a side of gorgeous city views! From wonderful waterfront enclaves to lush gardens, these 23 Miami rooftops have it all. Check out some of our recommendations below or click here for the full round-up.
- Sipsip
- Area 31
- Terras
- MILA
10. Check out Calle Ocho’s newest dinner cabaret
After much success in Colombia, Calle Dragones, an exciting new dinner cabaret in Little Havana, is now officially open! Stepping inside, guests will find an elegant space with red velvet curtains, dangling crystal chandeliers and a vintage grand piano whilst nightly entertainment and an extensive food menu offer an authentic experience of Asian-influenced Cuban cuisine. Read all about it here.
11. And head to Brickell’s latest chef-driven food hall
Standing tall at three stories, Okeydokey is Brickell’s shiny, new eatery and it’s a foodie lover’s paradise! The 15,000-square-foot venue features six restaurants and three bars, as well as an upcoming area for ages 21 and over that includes and extensive cocktail program and nightly DJs and live music. Check it out here.
12. Book your spot in The Most Beautiful Party in the World
BRESH sold out an incredible fiesta last month. While it wasn’t their first time in the city, it was the very first BRESH party to be held at the iconic Club M2 and now, they’ll be coming back yet again for another night to remember. Since first taking place in Argentina in 2016, the traveling party has earned its reputation as “The Most Beautiful Party in the World” and now, it’s time for Miamians to show them how it’s done – again! Grab your tickets here.
13-15. Dive into brunch in the city!
Put on your brunch best and head on out to try the best brunches Miami has to offer. There’s no shortage of options, so we gathered several spots offering meals and bottomless drinks that definitely won’t disappoint. Check them out:
- 25 Amazing Brunch Spots To Try Out In Miami
- 6 Unbeatable Bottomless Brunches In Miami By The Water
- 15 Incredible Brunch Spots To Try In Fort Lauderdale
16. And while you’re looking for fun places to dine, give these dinner parties a try
Time to bring on the fiesta Miami! Combining the best of fine dining and Miami-style partying, dinner parties are a total staple of nightlife in the Magic City and are perfect for changing up things when it comes to dinner, especially if you enjoy a good party! From dinner-with-a-show options to incredible party vibes, these 13 awesome dinner parties are perfect for a fun night out in Miami.
17. Explore the great outdoors and head out on a hike
From the sprawling paths of that lead to the heart of the Everglades to the more urban trails of Matheson Hammock Park, explore the great outdoors at these seven gorgeous spots, perfect for hikers of all levels. Oh and don’t forget to bring your camera with you cause these gorgeous trails serve some equally gorgeous views! See them here.
18. Dine in complete darkness for a fun date night
Let your tastebuds take you on a trip through chef’s choice 12-piece “omakase” with Fever Original’s Dining in the Dark. You’ll be completely blindfolded while you enjoy a unique tasting experience that livens your remaining senses. Reserve your spot here!
19. Enjoy a concert under the stars
Swap the flicker of candles for the glimmer of starlight at one of Miami’s extraordinary Concerts Under the Stars. This evening series of live music at Elevar Wynwood will take you back in time with an array of tribute concerts that will pay homage to some of the greatest hits of the past few decades. Here are the ones taking place this May:
Check out all Concerts Under the Stars here.20. Attend the first-ever Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música (Latin Women in Music)
Hosted by Ivy Queen and Jacqueline Bracamontes, the two-hour music special will take place at the Watsco Center, to be taped on Saturday, May 6 and air on Sunday, May 7 at 9 p.m./8 CT on Telemundo. The historic night will celebrate Latin female artists, executives and creatives who are proactively working for positive change, inclusion and gender parity in the music industry. The lineup of honorees include Shakira, Ana Gabriel, Emilia, Evaluna, Goyo and Thalia.
21. Check out this colorful umbrella installation for spring
CityPlace Doral’s latest installation is still in bloom! Set in vibrant yellows, purples, pinks, blues and greens, approximately 1,300 umbrellas are floating overhead on the boulevard, casting quite a sight to see for visitors upon entering the center. Not only is the artsy display a lovely sight and great for pics, but it offers some much-needed shade. Read all about it here.
22. Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at 1-800-Lucky
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of AAPI individuals and communities. There’s no better place to do that than at 1-800-Lucky, Miami’s first and only Asian food hall. Inside, you’ll find a range of pan-Asian vendors you can support all under one roof, ranging from globally recognized chefs to beloved Miami classics.
23. Start your nights off right at MAD Club Wynwood
There’s no reason to stay home this May — with its vibrant atmosphere, lux party scene and top-tier DJs, MAD Club is the perfect place to let loose and stay out all night long. The club is open every Friday and Saturday from 11pm to 5 a.m., with an all ladies’ open bar through 1 a.m.! Book your reservation here.
24. Get ready for the story of The Temptations at the Adrienne Arsht
Broadway Miami’s latest offering, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” tells the story of the iconic musical group from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The musical takes the Adrienne Arsht Center stage from May 9-14. Read more here.
25. Catch a new movie on the big screen
There’s no better time to go to the movies than now! With both The Little Mermaid and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. hitting the silver screen, there’s so many incredible films to catch this month. Click here to book your tickets at a discounted price.
26-30. Grab the grandest hat you own and head to a Kentucky Derby watch party
Saturday, May 6, marks the anticipated Kentucky Derby, often described as the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” While the horse race is held in Louisville, Kentucky, Miami is racing into action with watch parties, deals and fashion contests! Here’s where you can join in on the fun:
- Carousel Club: Sip half-priced mojito pitchers from noon to 4 p.m. in addition to exciting trackside entertainment and a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby.
- Ten Palms at Gulfstream Park: Join in on the Triple Crown action with a full day of live racing from the Kentucky Derby in Ten Palms with buffet dining featuring endless seafood, salad, carving, and dessert stations ($75 per person).
- Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap: For their 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Watch Party, they have partnered up with Makers Mark to execute the event and will be offering $1,000 in prizes: Show off your style with your finest hat and attire!
- Moxy South Beach: Beginning at 12:30 p.m., guests are invited to sip Woodford Reserve Bourbon Mint Juleps and dine on mini Hot Browns. Como Como will be transformed to look like a racehorse track clubhouse to simulate the excitement of the race.
- Lost Boy Dry Goods: For a Derby Day viewing party from noon to 8 p.m., the Downtown watering hole has partnered with Woodford Reserve whiskey to feature drink specials including $ 9 Woodford Julep, $7 Old Forester Brown Derby and $7 Finlandia Espresso Martinis. Guests sporting their best derby hat have a chance to win a prize.
31. Sing, dance and read at the Little Haiti Book Festival
Celebrate Haitian culture and heritage with readings by acclaimed authors, a vibrant marketplace, writer workshops, live performances, stand-up comedy and more at the Little Haiti Book Festival! Free and open to the public, the festival will take place in person on Sunday, May 7, at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex and virtually on May 21 and 28 with two panels discussions. The fest is presented by the Miami Book Fair and Sosyete Koukouy of Miami, Inc.
32. Roam Pinecrest Gardens for the inaugural Family Garden Day
For families and nature lovers alike, Pinecrest Gardens is hosting its first-ever Family Garden Day and an array of fun and educational activities on Saturday, May 13. This event brings families together for a day of exciting garden activities, animal talks, garden art, tours and more. Whether a seasoned gardener or a curious explorer, there’s something for everyone.
33. Eat and drink like a king at London-founded Balan’s Brickell
If you can’t make it to London for the coronation, Balan’s has a celebration fit for the King on Saturday, May 6! Balan’s is introducing their new Tea Cocktail launch, carefully crafted to honor the king and his glorious reign. And by popular demand, their classic Fish and Chips are making a comeback! Savor the crispy, golden goodness of this traditional British dish, perfectly paired with the new tea cocktails.
34. Catch Rooftop Cinema Club’s Y2K Tuesdays
Feeling nostalgic? Rooftop Cinema Club is celebrating the early 2000s by bringing turn-of-the-millennium films every week. Dressing to theme is highly encouraged, but whether you want to rock a velour tracksuit, pleated skirt ensemble or wide-leg jeans with Heelys is entirely up to you. The Rooftop is also celebrating Star Wars Day (5/4) with a screening of The Empire Strikes Back, Cinco de Mayo (5/5) honoring one of the most beloved Mexican-American entertainers of all time: Selena, a monthlong series of ’90s movies and more!