MIFF Magic
Miami-Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival celebrates its 33rd year, with red carpet premieres, documentaries, international talent, master classes and parties, all featuring top-tier and breakout filmmakers interacting directly with audiences and talking about the film process and their inspiration; Mar. 4-13; MiamiFilmFestival.com.
Ceiling Art
Flos String Lights are a playful tribute to the everyday ingenuity of human living, reduced to its most basic essence, like a pencil line drawn in the air. This understated pendant, created by renowned designer Michael Anastassiades, was inspired by the electrical wires that connect the pylons on trains; 800.377.5483; Farreys.com.
Viva La Stone Crab
Stone Crab Under The Stars more than lives up to its cool name. Feast on stone crabs and currasco as you dine and dance the night away at this annual fundraiser for the Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church School. There’s an awesome silent auction as well. Tickets are limited, so purchase them early; Feb. 20; 305.361.2058; [email protected].
Cuddly Couples Rejoice
Spark a new romance, rekindle an old flame or tie the knot as the InterContinental Miami celebrates romance month with fabulous romance packages. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, hot chocolate couples massages or strawberries and champagne delivered to your door. Toro Toro’s featured dessert is Chocolate Cupcake Sushi hand-rolled tableside on Feb. 14; ICMiamiHotel.com.
Single Women Take Note
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the 5th Annual Singles For Switchboard Bachelor Auction at Conrad Miami at 9 p.m. allows you to go shopping for a hunky something for yourself. Bid on a prime selection of South Florida gents while enjoying great food, drink, music and prizes, all for a worthy cause; Feb. 12; SinglesForSwitchboard.org.
Romancing The Stone
Nothing represents love and romance more than a breathtaking diamond. Freddy’s: The Certified Diamond Store is a legend in South Florida for selling diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and diamond stud earrings. It’s no surprise with their extensive inventory and great prices; 305.371.8261; FreddysJewelry.com.
A Magnificent World
Maps are about so much more than getting from Point A to Point B. For 3 days, HistoryMiami’s MapFair allows Miamians to immerse themselves in rare antique maps, panoramas, globes and atlases. Explore rare books, attend fascinating lectures and get an expert opinion on your own map from the world’s finest dealers; HistoryMiami.org.
Giving Back Generously
Last year, the Key Biscayne Women’s Giving Circle was able to provide $24,000 in equipment, uniforms, instruments, supplies and materials to help change the lives of hundreds of deserving at-risk women and children in Miami-Dade County. Join them on Mar. 3 as they honor the 2016 grant recipients; 305.361.2770; [email protected].
Fashion With Purpose
Brickell gets glamorous as Miami’s best-dressed fashionistas, designers and dignitaries get together with Miss Universe delegates, local and national title holders, lawyers, celebrities and TV personalities for Fashion Night On Brickell. This amazing evening raises funds for Dade Legal Aid and its award-winning pro bono projects; Feb. 26; 305.722.2828; JoliLaw.com.
Fingertip Adventures
Looking for a distinctive Valentine’s Day gift for the armchair adventurer in your life? Check out Driven Mind by Garry Sowerby, 4x world-record holder for long-distance driving. Go with him as he tours the Berlin Wall in a week to celebrate its fall, puts a car on top of Toronto’s CN Tower, and much more in 50 humorous and moving stories; @DrivenMindBook.
Helping Our Furry Friends
Get together with a great group of people at the Born Free Pet Shelter Second Chance Dinner & Auction at the Key Biscayne Beach Club. Eat well, have fun and help over 160 homeless dogs, knowing that 100% of the ticket price benefits the animals; Feb. 13. Tickets: Lucille Zanghi; 617.519.3649; BornFreeShelter.org.
Love At Brunch
Already one of the most romantic settings in the city, Bizcaya at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove becomes more so during their Art Of Love Brunch on Feb. 14. It includes a love-inspired menu, a day ticket to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (one per person purchasing the brunch) and bottomless bubbles, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas; $85 per person plus tax & gratuity. Reservations required; 305.664.4680; RitzCarlton.com/CoconutGrove.
For The Love OF Music
Few things are more romantic than a lushly landscaped garden at night. Add in the amazing vocal talent of Grammy-nominated Renee Olmstead of Still Standing, The Secret Life Of The American Teenager and Unfriended fame and you’ve got the Valentine’s Day Concert at Fairchild on Feb. 14; FairchildGarden.org.
The British Are Coming
Put on your English accent Feb. 10-18 as BritWeek Miami takes over the town with a full calendar of events promoting British creativity, innovation and excellence in film, television, music, art, fashion, design, sports and more. Be sure to check out Nautical Britain at the Miami International Boat Show Feb. 11-15; BritWeek.org.
Contemporary Art Showcase
Art Wynwood’s President’s Day Weekend Fair celebrates its highly anticipated 5th Anniversary from Feb. 11-15. This always-dynamic event once again brings a wealth of remarkable works from street artists, muralists, emerging talent and world-renowned modern artists. This year has a ‘60s focus and highlights our Canadian neighbors; ArtWynwood.com.
Bring Your Lawn Chair
What do you get when you combine the A&E District’s creativity with the Miami International Film Festival? You get Movies Under the Stars: a free screening of Fading Gigilo with gourmet popcorn by Mad Chiller, Vice City Bean Coffee and handmade cookies; Feb. 11; RSVP required; AEDistrictMiami.com.
