ARCHIVE

SOUTH FLORIDA OCTOBER EVENTS

Premier Guide Miami

 

JOURNEY TO SPACE – Far out, man! We mean really far out. Through interactive exhibits and authentic objects, you’ll be transported to the International Space Station. The highlight of this museum exhibit is the full-scale, climb-aboard replica of the Destiny Lab, the heart of U.S. research on the International Space Station. You will experience a simulated zero gravity environment while astronauts share their experiences by way of a virtual tour.
When: Now through Oct. 6
Where: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami
Web: frostscience.org/exhibition/journey-to-space/g

FLORA & FAUNA: EARLY NATURALISTS IN FLORIDA – This exhibit includes short biographies of the principal naturalists working in the Florida Territory in the early 1800s and representations of their Florida-inspired works, including John James Audubon and Thomas Nuttall. Their observations of plants and animals were an art as well a science. The work of these naturalists made the Florida Territory a destination (despite the primitive travel conditions to get there) for People interested nature-centric recreation, such as hunting, fishing and bird watching.
When: Now through Oct. 20
Where: Key West Museum of Art & History
Web: kwahs.org/exhibitions/naturalists

BALLOON WORLD’S LET’S FLY –After entertaining people of all ages in Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London and New York, this amazing exhibit is now in Miami. You’ll see 20 astonishing out-of-scale inflatable installations created by renowned international artists. The immersive artworks will stimulate your senses through touch, sight and sound.
When: Now through Oct. 6
Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center, Miami
Web: BalloonMuseum.world

THE HORRORLAND – Get an early start on the Halloween haunting season, although this scary show might not be for everyone. A bigger and scarier version of this horror-fest will be offered this year. It includes five terrifying haunted houses, eight outdoor scare zones, a fear gift ship, the coffin bar, the macabre food village and the spine-tingling Freak Cirque show.
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 13-Oct. 31
Where: Jungle Island, Miami
Web: thehorrorland.com

FRIGHT NIGHTS – This carnival of terror offers four full fright zones, midway carnival rides, video games and virtual reality. Some of the highlights: flesh-eating zombies, twisted carnivals, evil clowns, haunted hotels, ghostly graveyards, insane asylums, dark fairy tale creatures, corn mazes, haunted hayrides and psychotic hillbillies.
When: Oct. 3 (for a behind-the-scenes tour), 4, 5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach
Web: myfrightnights.com

HOUSE OF HORROR: THE HAUNTED CARNIVAL – Born from the twisted tale of Howard Oliver Hunt, this year’s carnival promises to be the scariest one yet. The center-piece is the fog-filled scare zone Midway Mayhem, where Hunt and his loyal followers (Howie’s Hunters) lurk in the shadows and then ambush unsuspecting guests.
When: Sept. 26-Oct. 31
Where: Miami International Mall
Web: houseofhorrorcarnival.com

ZOMBIE BIKE RIDE – This one is more fun than scary. After a pre-ride four-hour party with face and body painters, food vendors and a full bar, thousands of costumed rock & roll inspired zombies take off on the bike ride. The ride ends with a huge dance party.
When: Oct. 20
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: zombiebikeride.com/

SCARECROWS IN THE PARK – Ordinary folks of all ages will make their own scarecrows based on this year’s theme of “The Great Outdoors.”  Scarecrows in the Park is part of a larger event called Fall Festival, which also includes a train ride, hay rides, bounce houses and yummy fare food.
When: Oct. 11-31 for the entire Fall Festival, but Scarecrows in the Park usually ends a few days before the end of the month
Where: Lakes Park, Fort Myers
Web: lakespark.org/scarecrows-in-the-park-2024

SCARECROWS IN THE FOREST ART EXHIBIT AND CONTEST – These not-so-scary scarecrows are made from natural and recycled materials. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: school-age individuals or groups, not-for-profit groups and businesses, amateur individuals and creative professionals.
When: Now through Nov. 30
Where: Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Web: keywest.garden/events/scarecrows-in-the-forest/

FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW – The numbers are staggering: More than 100,000 attendees, more than 1,000 exhibitors, about 1,300 boats and some $4 billion worth of merchandise. All kinds of boats can be purchased or gawked at, including extraordinary super yachts, runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, skiffs, express cruisers, sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, kayaks and an amazing array of marine accessories. Don’t miss the Nautical Ventures’ The AquaZone will give showgoers an upfront and personal experience with various water sports and innovative marine products. Pamper yourself and book space in the air-conditioned Windward VIP lounge in the heart of the super yacht section. Also included: kids’ fishing clinics, fishing and diving seminars, live water sports demonstrations, floating cocktail lounges and really good food. New this year: a collection of rarely seen classic and iconic cars Friday night in the Superyacht Village.
When: Oct. 30-Nov. 3
Where: Various locations in Fort Lauderdale
Web: flibs.com

MIAMI CARNIVAL – This multi-event party includes steel bands, parades, concerts, beauty pageants, colorful and elaborate costumes, scrumptious food and arts and crafts. The biggie events are: Carnival Sunday Parade of Bands and concert, the Junior Carnival, Panorama Steel Band Competition and J’ouvert.
When: Oct. 4-5 and 11-13 in 2024
Where:  Broward County Central Park in Lauderhill for the Junior Carnival, Panorama Steel Band competition and J’ouvert and Miami-Dade Fair & Expo in Miami for the Parade of Bands and concert
Web: miamicarnival.org

MIAMI HOME DESIGN & REMODELING SHOW – The latest trends will be on display for home improvements, décor, kitchen and bath renovations, flooring, closets, furniture, garden and patio, hurricane protection, home automation and security. Browse row-upon-row of booths, displays and demonstrations where experts and inventors offer cutting edge ideas for perking up your home and yard. See innovative new tools, ingenious storage systems, work-saving cleaning aids and brilliant gardening and landscaping ideas. Professionals teach you useful skills and share valuable information to help you on your next project. Also included: lifestyle seminars, family day art activities and food and wine pairing demonstrations.
When: Oct. 18-20 in 2024
Where: Miami Dade-County Fair & Expo Center, Miami
Web: homeshows.net

FANTASY FEST – Leave the young’uns at home and head for this non-stop, adult-themed mega-party. Highlights include costume competitions,  island bands, pool parties, a scavenger hunt, a living art expo and great food. The theme for this year’s 43rd celebration is “Nineties Neon Cosmic Carnival!” Some of the highlights are the famous Fantasy Fest Parade, the Masquerade March (aka the “Locals Parade”), the Goombay Festival, concerts, theater productions, Heroes & Villains 5K run/walk, the always hilarious Pet Masquerade and the Headdress Ball.
When: Oct. 18-27 in 2024
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: fantasyfest.com

III POINTS FESTIVAL – More than 100 performers will keep the party going to 5 a.m. on both days at this electronic music pound-a-thon. Some of the headliners include Rick Ross, Massive Attack, Arca, Cloonee, Jamie XX, Bad Gyal and Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton. It’s more than just music, though. The festival’s visual arts lineup will be announced as the event draws nearer.
When: Oct. 18-19
Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center
Web: iiipoints.com/#

NAPLES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL — The highlight this year will be the closing-night presentation of Batman (the 1989 version staring Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger and Michael Keaton), with the film’s music score performed live by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. More than 50 films will be presented, including narrative features, documentary features, short films and student films. In 2019 MovieMaker Magazine named it among one of the top 25 coolest film festivals in the world.
When: Oct. 24-27
Where: Various locations in Naples
Web: naplesfilmfest.com

HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL – This festival is held towards the end of Hispanic Heritage Month (it actually takes place in two months, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) and features concerts, visual art, film and theater. A key part of the festival is the academic conference that includes papers, recitals, lectures and performances, all relating to the arts of the Hispanic world. All facets of the arts from Spain, Portugal, Latin America and the diaspora will be presented.
When: Oct. 10-13
Where: Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach
Web: pba.edu/academics/schools/college-of-the-arts/performing-arts/music/hispanic-heritage/

SALSA FESTIVAL WEEKEND – The four-day extravaganza will help you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and keep you on the dance floor. Each night culminates in a lively Salsa dance party featuring live entertainment. This year’s lineup includes, Maykel Fonts, Ernesto & Denisse, Marisol Blanco, Delia & Raul, Alex Flavor, Carlos Hernandes, Michelle & Brandon and Benji & Sophia. Also included: Salsa lessons, workshops, DJ sessions, pool parties and rooftop yoga.
When: Oct. 3-6
Where: InterContinental Miami Hotel
Web: salsafestweekendmiami.com

BEER! BRATWURST! BUTT-KICKING LIVE MUSIC! BAVARIAN BEAUTIES! MORE BEER! — It being October, we could only be talking about Oktoberfest. Here are just some of the celebrations:

SOUTH BEACH SEAFOOD WEEK & FESTIVAL – Attendees will help kick off the annual Stone Crab season and enjoy a myriad of other seafood yummies prepared by Miami’s top chefs and restaurants. Also: live bands, culinary and mixology demonstrations, a kids zone, health village and VIP hospitality benefits.
When: Oct. 23-26
Where: Various locations in Miami and Miami Beach
Web: sobefoodfest.com

NAPLES STONE CRAB FESTIVAL – The stars are, of course, Stone Crabs, but there is so much more: all kinds of other seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors and discounted rentals at Pure Naples. It’s also a good time to explore the shops, sights and activities around the Naples waterfront area.
When: Oct. 25-27
Where: Tin City, Naples
Web: stonecrabfestival.com

REEF FEST —Activities include seminars, evening social gatherings, silent and live auctions and diving events along some of the best coral reef sites in the country. For non-Scuba folks, there will be snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. All seminars are free, but pre-registration is recommended.
When: Oct. 17-20
Where: Various locations in and near Key Largo
Web: reef.org/REEFFest

100 YEARS OF JAI-LAI – This museum exhibit pays tribute to the sport as it celebrates 100 years of being played in South Florida. It chronicles the sport from its early days in the 1920s, then to the glory days (1970s and 1980s, its near extinction in the 2010s and recent revitalization efforts that started in 2018. Through interactive displays and engaging storytelling, the exhibit offers a comprehensive look at the sports past, present and future.
When: Now through Nov. 10
Where: HistoryMiami Museum, Miami
Web: historymiami.org/exhibition/100-years-jai-alai/

ORCHID SYMPOSIUM – In addition to presentations and classes by the Southwest Florida Orchid Society, vendors will be selling orchids outdoors near the Garden Shoppe. Pollinator plants, herbs, fruit trees and more orchids will be sold inside. There will also be live music, food and beverages.
When: Oct. 12-13
Where: Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers
Web: edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/orchid-sale-symposium/

SWAMP CELEBRATION – Head to the Big Cypress National Preserve and explore the private property of noted photographer Clyde Butcher via guided swamp walks. Tours are 45 minutes and are limited to 10 people adults and five children. Reservations are required. Make sure to check out the gallery to see Butcher’s amazing nature photographs. To celebrate the Preserve’s 50th anniversary, both Clyde and Niki Butcher will be on hand. A variety of food trucks will satisfy your hunger cravings.
When: Oct. 19
Where: Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee
Web: clydebutcher.com/events/

MADAME GOUGOUSE CARIBBEAN CULTURE FEST – Hungering for some live music in the soca, reggae, dance hall, zouk, salsa and kompa genres? If so, this event is for you. It has always been a fusion of art, food and music connecting the Caribbean countries.
When: Oct. 12
Where: Miramar Regional Park
Web: eventbrite.com/e/madame-gougouse-caribbean-culture-fest-tickets-603872538017

ARTS & CRAFTS DUO – You’ll see works in a variety of media at these two outdoor gatherings:

Spread the love!