Miami is open and full of fun events for every age this Fall. Foodies will appreciate the range of festivals - from the famous South Beach Seafood Week to the debutante Annual Chefs Table on the Bay. Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias will be performing live at the FTX Arena. There are two soulful meditations lined up for World Mental Health Day and pet adoptions that will make your heart full. And, there’s no dearth of choices for kids and adults to enjoy a boo-tastic Halloween this year. You can thank us later for your cauldron-full social calendar this October.

Read on for the full list of the Top Things to Do in Miami this October below:

Things to Do in Miami - October Events at a Glance

• Special: Halloween Events

October 2021: Miami In-person Events

• Miami Entertainment Months: Throughout October-November
• PAWS Fall-O-Ween - Pet Adoption: October 2
• Wharftoberfest: Oktoberfest Riverside Festival: October 2
• Paragon x Sierra Beach Clean-Up: October 2
• Open Season | Miami Carnival 2021: October 3
• Miami Carnival: October 8-10
• Annual Columbus Day Regatta: October 9
• Best of the Best Music Fest: October 10
• Rooftop Yoga + Meditation for World Mental Health Day: October 10
• Sunset Sound Meditation + Full Moon Sound & Social: October 10 & 21
• Mira Lehr: Regenerative Rhythms - Opening Reception: October 15
• 2021 Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale MORE THAN PINK Walk: October 16
• Vegan Block Party: October 16
• Miami International Auto Show 2021: October 16-24
• KIDS JAMM at PAMM: October 17
• South Beach Seafood Week: October 20-23
• 1st Annual Chefs Table on the Bay: October 22
• Enrique x Ricky Martin at the FTX Arena: October 22-23
• The Turn of The Screw - Chamber Opera: October 28 & 31
• Slamdance Miami: October 28-30
• Films at the Coral Gables Art Cinema: Throughout October
• Events at the Adrienne Arsht Center: Throughout October
• Events at the Fairchild Gardens: Throughout October

October 2021: Miami Virtual Events

• Michael Richards & Caribbean Modernism – a Conversation at MOCA: October 9
• Virtual Bingo for the Animals + Pet Adoption: October 15
• Sounds of Brazil: October 21
• Lauren Shapiro on Live Virtual Views at PAMM: October 28
  
  

Special: Halloween Events in Miami

Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash

If you’re looking to go beyond the Lincoln Road or Wynwood block party for Halloween, we’ve got you covered. From strictly spooky to family-friendly, these spots are your best bet to go trick-or-treating or just have some frightful fun around town, and it’ll be fun to wear a mask:

Miami Halloween Parties

• Creatures of the Night: This pre-Halloween bash on the 29th will feature a Costume Contest and Tap Takeover, with your first beer on the house.
• Haunted W Rooftop: Join Miami’s top-rated Halloween costume party at the Haunted W Rooftop on the 30th, featuring two areas of (club and house) music, LED walls, and themed-décor for some immersive fun at the W Brickell.
• Maxim Halloween Party: What do you get when Maxim Magazine lands at the Fontainebleau? A class-act complete with cirque performances, headlining DJs, surprise musical acts, a 4-hour premium open bar & more on the 30th.
• Night in Havana: After 25 years, this costume party is back. Catch a Night in Havana with live performances by “Secret Society” and the best of beer by La Tropical Cerveceria on the 30th, at La Tropical Brewery in Wynwood.
• Pirates of the Wharf: Drop by The Wharf Miami on the 30th for a pirate-themed evening, where you’re encouraged to ‘drink like pirates and dance like mermaids.’
• Kickstart Halloween night celebrations with O Cinema’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show! taking place at the North Beach Bandshell, complete with a Freak Show Fashion Contest plus a Virgin Kit Prop Bag included with each ticket.

Miami Haunted Tours & Scary Movies

• Experience some paranormal activity for yourself or check out the record of activities narrated by previous visitors and staff at the Historic Ghost Tour of the Deering Estate - available every Tuesday and Thursday in October.
• Check out if the stories are true with a Ghost Hunting Tour of the Gold Coast Railroad Museum on October 2.
• Go for a spooky tour around the Versace Mansion, Espanola Way, and 11th Street Diner with Miami Haunts for a satisfying night full of frights.

Kid-Friendly Halloween Events in Miami

• Celebrate Happy Hauntings on the 23rd, 24th, 30th, and 31st at Miami Seaquarium, with lots of themed fun including Flipper's Dance Party and interactive trick-or-treating.
• Dress up the kids in creative costumes for the Annual Spooky Science Monster Mash hosted by the Frost Museum on the 30th. There will be tons of themed experiments for junior to enjoy!
• Join 24 superheroes on the 31st for family-friendly trick-or-treating at the Hallowave on South Beach’s Washington Ave. with music, food trucks, and a costume contest for dogs.
• Zoo Boo is back this year with costume contests, Halloween crafts, trick-or-treating with the animals, and more over the 30th and 31st.
• The Bass is celebrating Female Superheroes on the 31st, where you’re invited to create female-empowered art in superhero costumes at the museum, or even virtually at home.
• The Fairchild is inviting families with their pups for a Garden Party, complete with fall treats, drinks, and a canine costume contest.
• Looking for the best pumpkins? Head out of town to Tinez Farms or Pinto’s Farms, or plan a day closer home at the Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch or The Wharf Miami.
  
  

October 2021: In-Person Events in Miami

Miami Entertainment Months: Throughout October-November

Various restaurants across Miami

Looking for some fall entertainment? Then Miami’s Temptations Program has you covered. Discover the best acts around town, hum along with soul-stirring concerts, and explore museum highlights – all with attractive discounts, BOGO savings, complimentary drinks, and much more.

PAWS Fall-O-Ween Pet Adoption: October 2

The Underline’s Brickell Backyard, Miami River to SW 13th Street, Brickell

Join in a Halloween pet costume contest, and perhaps take home an adorable cat or dog? This weekend event features local craft beverages, delicious fall-themed treats, fun fall activities, and tons of furry friends to choose from and take home for a better life – for you and them.

RSVP to this Facebook page to attend, or tune into their ‘Virtual Adoption Thursdays’ for some your next feline or canine best friend in need of a furever home in any given week.

Wharftoberfest: Oktoberfest Riverside Festival: October 2

The Wharf Miami, 114 SW North River Drive, Downtown Miami

The Wharf Miami is doing Oktoberfest – and you’re invited. This two-day weekend affair will feature live music, lots of entertainment, a Polka band, great food, free pretzels, Oktoberfest drinks specials such as ‘buy a Jägermeister shot & get a German beer free,’ and more.

Paragon x Sierra Beach Clean-Up: October 2

South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Avenue, South Beach

Do your bit to keep Miami’s beaches clean, as you join fitness expert Sierra Carter for this morning clean-up. Those who collect the most waste will also receive Paragon giveaways at the end of the event. 

Open Season | Miami Carnival 2021: October 3

Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Key Biscayne

Fall is carnival season in Miami and what better way to kick it off than with a music, arts, and food festival in Virginia Key Beach Park. Bring along friends and family to enjoy live DJs, performances by the FULL Teddyson John Project Band, fun games, child-friendly activities, and lip-smacking West Indian cuisine. Kids 5-and-under get in free.

Miami Carnival: October 8-10

Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds, 10901 SW 24th St, University Park

Get ready to dive into the Caribbean with three days of arts & crafts, fun, food, and festivities. Celebrate this vibrant culture as you choose to attend their evening kick-starter ‘Panorama,’ the morning-to-noon ‘J’ouvert,’ or all-day concert and parade with hundreds of masqueraders showcasing a colorful display of costumes and exciting energy.

Annual Columbus Day Regatta: October 9

Coral Reef Yacht Club, 2484 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove

Plan a great start to Columbus Day weekend as you catch exciting sailing action over at Regatta Park. Sailors from across the globe will be competing in the oldest regatta of Miami. All classes will start the race at the same time, keeping all eyes on the Bay in this single-day event.

Maluma in Concert: October 9

FTX Arena (formerly AmericanAirlines Arena), 601 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Columbian Latin pop sensation Maluma is bringing his Papi Juancho Tour to the FTX Arena in what is sure to a be heart-stopping performance. 

Best of the Best Music Fest: October 10

Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Spend Columbus weekend at Bayfront Park listening to some amazing reggaeton and hip-hop beats belted out by the best in the business. This year’s live performance lineup includes artists such as Koffee, Spice, Lady G, Tarrus Riley, Tee Jay, Skinny Fabulous, Bunji Garlin, Farmer Nappy, and Problem Child.

Rooftop Yoga + Meditation for World Mental Health Day: October 10

Shelborne Hotel South Beach, 1801 Collins Avenue, South Beach

Work in some “me time” this World Mental Health Day. For a little yoga flow followed by soul searching on a gorgeous rooftop, head to the Shelborne Hotel for this Stay FIT 305 session. There will also be 20% off food and beverage at the hotel’s café and pool bar for participants. 

Sunset Sound Meditation + Full Moon Sound & Social: October 10 & 21

1 Hotel South Beach, 2341 Collins Avenue, South Beach

The 1 Hotel condo-hotel will be hosting two spectacular sound meditation events on the beach this month. For World Mental Health Day on the 10th, you’ll be able to turn your ‘headphone ON, world OFF’ with a sunset meditation. On the 21st, an immersive sound bath will follow your sunset meditation during the full moon, accompanied by a silent disco dance party, mantra card, and essential oils.

Mira Lehr: Regenerative Rhythms - Opening Reception: October 15

Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay

Kickstarting the month-long exhibit by Mira Lehr, this opening reception will feature select works by the artist. The Regenerative Rhythms collection captures the artist’s ongoing dialogue with the patterns, textures and cyclical processes of life, birth, and regeneration in nature. RSVP here, for free access to the event.

2021 MORE THAN PINK Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Walk: October 16

Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Walk to raise funds and awareness supporting breast cancer. Dedicate your fall weekend to a good cause, as you join an existing team or start your own to participate in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk. Teams are expected to gather at Bayfront Park, in pink gear, to start the 6,000-step walk. 

Vegan Block Party: October 16

Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Key Biscayne

Calling out all vegans for the ultimate weekend food festival and block party! This family-friendly festival lets you join like-minded foodies to eat, sip, and celebrate everything vegan. Expect delicious eats at every turn, a fully vegan bar, music & entertainment, free wellness workshops, fun games, activism, beach access, and much more.

Alejandro Sanz in Concert: October 16

FTX Arena (formerly AmericanAirlines Arena), 601 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

The most successful Spanish singer of all time, Alejandro Sanz is bringing his La Gira 2021 Tour to the FTX Arena. Don’t miss this repeat performance of his greatest hits and songs from his latest albums. 

Miami International Auto Show 2021: October 16-24

Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr, South Beach

Love cars? Then you have to spare a day, two, or even more for the hottest car show in town! This year, the show will feature the debut of the sharpest, smartest, most talked about electric vehicles (EVs) in town. Popular exhibits such as Camp Jeep, Car Boutique, and Memory Lane are set to make a comeback. The auto show’s wildly appreciated ‘Ride & Drives’ arena will be stationed right outside the entrance, with some of the most highly anticipated cars available for a test drive.

KIDS JAMM at PAMM: October 17

1103 Biscayne Blvd, Verde at Pérez Art Museum, Downtown Miami

This one-of-a-kind event hosted by the Perez Art Museum marks a unique kid and grown-ups’ interaction with some of Miami’s best-known artists as well as others from across the country. The morning-to-lunch event will feature art-making activities, live music, snacks and treats, dancers, special guests, and activities centered around learning the artists’ creative processes.

South Beach Seafood Week: October 20-23

Multiple venues across Miami and Miami Beach 

Stone Crab season is here, and so is Miami’s wildly popular South Beach Seafood Week. Just grab hold of your crab mallet and head straight to the most delicious seafood festival in Florida. Like every year, this week-long celebration will feature a curated selection of talented chefs, epicurean masterpieces, cocktails, and a flaming-hot battle of the chefs.

You especially wouldn’t want to miss Saturday’s beachfront event that spans 4 blocks, complete with the freshest catch from the sea, hand-selected pop-up cafes from Miami’s top eateries, 30+ complimentary open bars, live music, games, and more.

1st Annual Chefs Table on the Bay: October 22

Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay

Enjoy the best of seafood, prepared live, with instructions directly from award-winning chefs at this inaugural food festival. Hosted by the Deering Estate, Chefs Cindy and Ashley Hutson of Cerveceria La Tropical in Wynwood will show you how to put together a delicious three-course seafood meal, while Michael Thaler will take over later for a quick bourbon cocktail lesson.

Enrique x Ricky Martin at the FTX Arena: October 22-23

FTX Arena (formerly AmericanAirlines Arena), 601 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

The hottest Latin male pop stars of all time are ready to set the stage on fire at the FTX Arena this October. Catch Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias live in concert, and relive the euphoria of the 90s and 2000s over two days of sensational performances. 

Other starry acts scheduled this month include an Alejandro Fernandez concert, Maluma in concert, an Alejandro Sanz concert, and El Alfa’s first-ever US tour. For more details and events at the FTX, go here.

The Turn of The Screw - Chamber Opera: October 28 & 31

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, 3251 S Miami Ave, Coconut Grove

Get ready to be immersed in the ghostly story of an old mansion with secrets behind the lives lived there. This chamber opera can be enjoyed up-close at the historic house’s main courtyard, from an interior balcony seat, or even the gardens. It will be worth your evening to watch the gothic masterpiece’s chilling plot unfold in this unique, multimedia experience.

Slamdance Miami: October 28-30

North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, North Beach

Enjoy cinematic works from the emerging filmmakers of Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida at this open-air festival. The 3-day film festival has an insightful lineup for those in love with world cinema. Anyone who misses the in-person can also catch the virtual component of the screenings from 31st October to 7th November.

Films at the Coral Gables Art Cinema: Throughout October

260 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables Art Cinema, Coral Gables

With cinemas now open, catch the likes of Singin’ in the Rain, Rashomon, The Book of Life, La Dolce Vita, Persona, Possession, The French Dispatch, and more screening at this historic art cinema.

Events at the Adrienne Arsht Center: Throughout October

1300 Biscayne Blvd, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Arts & Entertainment District

Besides the South Florida Premiere of Frankenstein – running October 14-31 – here’s what else is playing at the Adrienne Arsht this month:

• Negroni's Trio with special guest Elli Clarke live jazz concert on the 5th
• Scone Cash Players’ funky blues-rock concert on the 12th
• Tenor Jonas Kaufmann’s stellar performance on the 14th
• New World Symphony (NWS) and Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet’s live concerto on the 16th
• LaVie and her band performing their signature blend of jazz, R&B and soul on the 19th
• Doctor Natiivo’s signature combination of reggae, cumbia, hip-hop and pre-Columbian instruments on the 26th
• Pour Your Art Out’s Make Your Own Ofrenda class on the 30th. Join art instructor and Mexican muralist, Adriana Sandoval as she helps you create your own traditional ofrenda, inclusive of all four elements, in honor of the departed for Day of the Dead.

Events at the Fairchild Gardens: Throughout October

10901 Old Cutler Road, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables

Besides its famous weekend Orchid Festival on the 16th & 17th, Fairchild’s October lineup is ripe with a bunch of hobby to professional-grade workshops. See what’s in store: 

• Photography Classes | Portrait Photography on the 2nd, Macro Life / High Detail on the 6th & 8th, iPhone Photography in Black and White on the 9th, Understanding Light on the 16th, Full Moon Photography on the 20th, Master Your Digital DSLR on the 29th, and Intro To Studio Lighting on the 30th
• Painting Lessons | Painting Orchids on the 2nd, Watercolors with Diane Lary starting 6 Oct to 17 Nov, Painting Portraiture: Made Simple starting 6 Oct to 17 Nov, Portraits To Florals starting 7 Oct to 18 Nov, Watercolor with Marilyn Valiente starting 7 Oct to 18 Nov, Sketching with Confidence starting 15 Oct to 19 Nov, Orchids in Color Pencils and Watercolor on the 16th, and Soft Pastels in the Garden with Dan Bondroff starting 19 Oct to 16 Nov.
• Gardening Workshops | Gardening for Beginners on the 9th, Growing Your Own Herbs and Veggies: Pizza Garden on the 22nd, How to Attract Butterflies on the 23rd, and Garden To Table: Greek Leafy Greens Pie on the 27th.
• Yoga Sessions | Crystal Sound Bowls and Harp on the 3rd, Vinyasa with Crystal Sound Bowls on the 9th, and Full Moon Yoga on the 20th.
  
  
  

October 2021: Virtual Events in Miami

Michael Richards & Caribbean Modernism – a Conversation at MOCA: October 9

Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator (DVCAI) founder Rosie Gordon-Wallace, University of Miami Art & Art History Professor Erica Moiah James, plus Perez Art Museum Miami Director, Franklin Sirmans will come together to discuss Michael Richards’ artistic practice. An extension of last month’s talks, the Zoom conversation will feature a vibrant, contextual presentation by Professor James amongst other analyses of the artists’ works and influence.

Virtual Bingo for the Animals + Pet Adoption: October 15

Join the Humane Society of Greater Miami for a great night of bingo for a cause. Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume, tune in, buy as many bingo cards (money goes to the shelter) as your heart desires, and get ready to play. You could even check out and adopt a furry friend while you’re at it!

Sounds of Brazil: October 21

Can’t help jiving to samba, bossa nova, or chorinho? Join artist-in-residence Rose Max & Ramatis and other guest musicians, as they put forward a harmonious evening discussing their passion for the history and music of Brazil. This free, online performance promises to sweep you off your feet with popular and traditional Brazilian music.

Lauren Shapiro on Live Virtual Views at PAMM: October 28

Follow local artist Lauren Shapiro on a tour of her work and creative processes. A visual artist living and working in Miami, Shapiro loves combining ceramic arts with social practice to help bridge the gap between people and the environment with her art-making processes. The award-winning artist has exhibited at the Basel, Switzerland and draws inspiration from environmental research and data.

Care to share where you’re headed this Halloween? We’re all ears on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Photo by Marius Ciocirlan on Unsplash