Key Celebration
The Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade is celebrating its 65th Anniversary this year. While some may consider this retirement age, the parade remains more energetic than ever as the all-volunteer Parade Committee confirmed more than 50 entries from all over South Florida for the hometown spectacular. It all began in 1959 when a couple of local Key Biscayners decided they wanted to teach their children the importance of being an American. They called on their friends and neighbors to celebrate the 4th of July by parading through the island streets. This year’s festivities run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 4; KB4.org.
Cultural Appreciation
Recognizing the many roots and routes of immigrant populations in Miami, the IFE-ILE Afro-Cuban Dance Festival celebrates the interdependency of cultural traits among and between Cubans, Latin Americans, Europeans and others of Caribbean and African origins, with a series of dance performances, parties and panels; Aug. 7-10 & 24; IFE-ILE.org.
Dinosaurs Gone Wild
Embark on a magical expedition through prehistoric plants accompanied by the era’s superstar dinosaurs at the new Jurassic Garden @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Add an extra level of drama as the sun goes down and the excitement ramps up with cocktails at Dino’s After Dark on July 20, Aug. 10 & Aug. 17. Also this summer, don’t forget the world-famous Fairchild Mango Festival on July 13-14; FairchildGarden.org.
Dance Legacy
The vision of the legendary Pedro Pablo Peña continues in the annual International Ballet Festival of Miami, bringing star dancers from famous ballet companies from around the world to The Magic City for classical and contemporary dance performances, breathtaking thematic art exhibitions, and summer intensives; July 20-Aug. 11; InternationialBalletFestival.org.
Savories & Spas
Relax and indulge in exclusive spa treatments starting at incredibly low prices this July & August during Miami Spa Months, followed by the opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine from top chefs at fantastic prix fixe deals during the Miami Spice Restaurant Months of August and September. It’s great to be a local!; MiamiAndBeaches.com.
Summer Sounds
The Miami Beach Classical Musical Festival returns with its popular Fourth of July orchestra and fireworks show at Lummus Park; an immersive symphony concert at Faena Forum; and opera nights at The Betsy Hotel, among many other musical surprises; July 4-28; MiamiMusicFestival.com.
Artistic Justice
The vivid and colorful works of Marcela Cantuária are evidence of her versatility through various mediums and techniques, including painting, textile and ceramics. The South American Dream is her first solo exhibition in the U.S., focusing on struggles, injustices and the beauty of the fight that often persists and lingers through generations; Until July 28; PAMM.org.
