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Top 15+ Things to Do in Miami in October 2026

by CondoBlackBook Team, September 25, 2026

Top 15+ Things to Do in Miami in October 2026

Miami may not transition into the amber colors of traditional fall foliage, but that doesn’t deter the city from getting into the spirit of the upcoming holiday season. This October, residents and visitors are in for a rich lineup of festivals, cultural expositions, musical performances, philanthropic gatherings, and, of course, Halloween celebrations.

In this guide, we’ll share our recommendations for the top Miami events in October 2026, from Miami Fashion Week and the III Points Music Festival to Miami Spice’s first-ever October extension and the South Beach Seafood Festival. Read on for the full breakdown.

 

Blackbook’s Picks for the Top Miami Events in October 2026

 

— Halloween Specials

 

Historic Ghost Tours | Deering Estate

Select Dates in October at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay

 

Part legend, part theater, Miami’s favorite seasonal ghost tour returns to the Deering Estate on select Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout October. Tours are led by guides sharing stories of the estate’s former inhabitants, historic events, and reported paranormal activity as guests walk the same paths once traveled by Charles Deering himself. Paranormal-detection equipment adds a touch of cutting-edge investigation to the experience.

 

Haunted Birdhouse Hunt | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

October 1–31 at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables

 

Taking on a more mysterious air this October, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is turning its historic grounds into a scavenger hunt featuring 13 haunted birdhouses, each tied to ghostly tales from Florida folklore. Wind along the garden’s trails to find them, solving riddles and uncovering stories from the state’s haunted past along the way.

On Saturdays and Sundays, participants have the option to craft and take home a birdhouse of their own.

 

Spooky Edition & Halloween Harvest Farmers Market | Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

October 14 & 25 at 3251 South Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove

 

On October 14, Vizcaya Late: Spooky Edition with Books & Books weaves art, literature, and early-1900s storytelling beneath the starry Miami sky. Get matched with a mystery read from partner Books & Books, enjoy a hair-raising selection of short films, and decorate a mini pumpkin inspired by vintage jack-o’-lantern designs.

On October 25, head to Vizcaya Village Halloween Harvest Farmers Market to check out its picture-perfect pumpkin patch, chef harvest cook-off, trick-or-treat market, and costume contest, among other fall-themed activities. That same afternoon, create your own traditional keepsake doll with natural plant materials at Harvest Corn Husk Creations.

 

Halloween Half Marathon & Freaky 4-Miler | Lummus Park

October 24 at 7th Street and Ocean Drive, South Beach

 

One of Miami Beach’s most “spirited” race events is back. The Halloween Half Marathon & Freaky 4-Miler places costumed runners (and walkers!) at the city’s scenic waterfront for a 13.1-mile half marathon or a shorter four-mile course.

Both races start and finish at Lummus Park, with the Trick or Treat Kids Dash adding a fun option for younger participants. Every finisher takes home a signature Halloween-themed medal.

 

Spooky Science Monster Mash | Frost Museum of Science

October 31 at 1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami

 

Kick off Halloween with a daytime dose of science before the city’s full-blown nighttime festivities take over. The 10th Annual Spooky Science Monster Mash celebrates National Chemistry Week with eerie experiments that are as freaky as they are fun. Attendees will also get the chance to meet scientists from local universities and professional organizations.

 

— Arts, Culture & Food

 

Miami Spice’s 25th Anniversary Extension

Throughout October at Various Locations

 

For its 25th anniversary, Miami Spice is adding an extra month of prix fixe dining at select participating restaurants, including the premium Miami Spice Reserve tier. This is the last chance to enjoy one of the city’s most delicious yearly events.

 

Ravel’s Boléro, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 & More | New World Center

October 3–4, 10–11, 18, & 24–25 at 500 17th Street, South Beach

 

On October 3 and 4, Ravel’s Boléro, led by Stéphane Denève, takes audiences on a musical globe-trot, from the Sierra Madre to Debussy’s visions of Spain, with violinist Anne Akiko Meyers joining for a mariachi-inspired concerto.

On October 10 and 11, Denève conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, marking the monumental work’s first performance at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center.

On October 18, The Baroque + Neo-Baroque traces the evolution of polyphonic writing from C.P.E. Bach to contemporary composer Thomas Adès.

On October 24 and 25, Reich, Stravinsky & Glass take center stage, with Grammy-winning violinist Jennifer Koh performing Philip Glass’s evocative Violin Concerto No. 1.

 

Selena, The Goonies, Casper & The Addams Family | SoundScape Park

October 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 400 17th Street, South Beach

 

With slightly cooler weather finally reaching Miami’s evenings, SoundScape Cinema Series serves as the perfect opportunity for an outdoor gathering with friends and family set to beloved film classics.

October opens with the biographical musical drama Selena on the 7th followed by the nostalgia-inducing The Goonies on the 14th, Casper on the 21st, and the timeless The Addams Family on the 28th.

 

Patti Smith, Miami City Ballet, Singalong Broadway & Ghostbusters | Adrienne Arsht Center

October 9, 16–18 & 30 at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Arts & Entertainment District

 

On October 9, punk-rock songstress and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Patti Smith presents An Evening of Songs and Stories, an evening of live music, readings, and personal reflections in collaboration with Books & Books and Miami Book Fair. Each full-price ticket includes a copy of her 2025 memoir Bread of Angels.

From October 16–18, Miami City Ballet makes a triumphant return with American Rhythms, inaugurating their 2026–2027 season. The show pairs Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante and Robbins’ N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz with a world premiere by former principal Patricia Delgado, moving from dazzling classical virtuosity to the leaping energy of midcentury jazz.

On October 18, shower singers and musical-theater devotees are called to the stage for Broadway-style karaoke. Singalong Broadway attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite Broadway character and come ready to belt out the classics, from Wicked to Little Shop of Horrors.

On October 30, Ghostbusters in Concert turns the 1984 cult classic into a full-scale movie-concert, with a live orchestra performing Elmer Bernstein’s score in sync with the film on the big screen.

 

Miami Fashion Week

October 13–17 at Various Locations

 

Miami Fashion Week is back with runway shows, designer pop-ups, panel discussions, workshops, industry events, and stylish parties. Through a distinctly multicultural lens, the week showcases everything from ready-to-wear collections to swimwear and resort fashion inspired by Latin American culture and trends.

 

III Points Music Festival | Mana Wynwood Convention Center

October 16 & 17 at 318 NW 23rd Street, Wynwood

 

One of Miami’s defining music festivals returns to Wynwood for its 13th year. III Points coalesces international headliners, emerging artists, and Miami’s local talent in the experimental, hip-hop, house, indie, R&B, and techno genres.

The two-day event is expanding this year with over 10 stages, immersive art installations, and a standout lineup featuring Blood Orange, Flying Lotus, Four Tet, Kelela, Underworld, and more. The new 444 stage hosts four-hour sets, while the VIP+ tier pairs artist-lounge access with reservation dining from some of Miami’s finest restaurants, such as Tâm Tâm.

 

South Beach Seafood Festival | Lummus Park

October 21–24 at 1130 Ocean Drive, South Beach

 

Welcome stone-crab season in style with the South Beach Seafood Festival, ranked in USA Today’s Top 5 Specialty Festivals in America and Forbes’ Top 5 Things to Do This Fall.

Four nights of culinary programming feature multicourse dinners on Wednesday and Thursday, a VIP Chef Showdown on Friday, and the festival’s signature Seafood Slam on Saturday, where more than 50 restaurants bring their best bites, cocktails, and culinary demos to live music.

Proceeds from the festival support healthy meals, food-literacy initiatives, and culinary opportunities for local youth through the Community Initiative Foundation’s EAT SMART program.

 

Miami Film Festival GEMS

October 29–November 5 at Various Locations

 

Returning for its 13th edition, Miami Film Festival’s robust fall showcase comprises international cinema, filmmaker appearances, seminars, parties, and special events across Miami Beach and beyond. Cinephiles will especially enjoy GEMS’ feature of the much-anticipated Fjord, starring Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve.

 

— Concerts & Performances

 

Jonas Brothers, Katseye & Tini | Kaseya Center

October 5, 13 & 18 at 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Downtown Miami

 

On October 5, the Jonas Brothers bring The Burning Up Tour All Over Again to Miami for one night only. The band’s infectiously fun setlist includes early hits, like “Year 3000,” as well as its latest work, like the Grammy-nominated comeback single “Sucker.” For anyone needing a boost of nostalgia, this is one of the best Miami events in October 2026.

On October 13, Katseye kicks off the North American leg of The WildWorld Tour in Miami, the group’s first US stop. The global girl group will perform in the Magic City after a whirlwind year marked by their third EP, Wild, and appearances at Coachella, the Grammys, and Governors Ball.

On October 18, Miami serves as the only US stop for Argentine pop star Tini’s FUTTTURA World Tour. From her breakthrough on Violetta to her solo evolution across pop, alternative pop, urbano, and cumbia, this will be a rare arena-scale Latin event on American soil.

 

Ricky Martin, Def Leppard, Blake Shelton & Ed Sheeran | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

October 10, 15, 24 & 29–30 at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood

 

On October 10, Puerto Rican pop icon Ricky Martin takes center stage for an evening spanning four decades of global hits, from romantic ballads to dance-floor anthems. With six Grammy and Latin Grammy wins combined, Martin remains one of Latin music’s defining performers.

On October 15, British rock legend Def Leppard is set to deliver an electrifying night of arena rock, with an unforgettable setlist featuring crowd-pleasing anthems like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Rock of Ages.”

On October 24, nine-time Grammy-nominated country artist Blake Shelton is sure to captivate audiences with his soulful vocals and impressive catalog of chart-topping hits, which include thirty number-one singles.

On October 29 and 30, an unmissable pop star touches down in Miami: Ed Sheeran. Inspired in part by Indian and Persian musical traditions and their unexpected connection to Irish folk, Sheeran’s latest album, Play, is eclectic while still retaining his unique sound. On his LOOP Tour, each song is built layer by layer, consisting of his impressive vocals, masterful guitar playing, and signature looping technology.

 

— Pet-Friendly

 

Paws in the Pool | Venetian Pool

October 4 at 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables

 

Open to four-legged friends only one day per year, Miami-area pups can look forward to making a splash at Paws in the Pool, held at Coral Gables’ historic Venetian Pool. Separate sessions are held for smaller and larger breeds. Our tip? Register early, as this popular event is expected to sell out.

 

— Charities & Galas

 

Raise the Bar | Museum of Miami

October 8 at 101 West Flagler Street, Downtown Miami

 

The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade gathers business, legal, and community leaders for an evening of discussion to “Raise The Bar.” All proceeds support the expansion of #ONETEAM, an initiative addressing human trafficking and the creation of a safer community for women and girls.

 

Cocktails Under the Stars | Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

October 15 at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables

 

Toast to a more equitable Miami at Cocktails Under the Stars. The evening features exceptional wines and cocktails, delicious bites, live painting, and a silent art auction benefiting Legal Services of Greater Miami and its work providing free services to low-income communities across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

 

Choose Your Sound Gala | Hilton Miami Downtown

October 24 at 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Arts & Entertainment District

 

Travel back to the ’90s at Choose Your Sound Gala, a high-energy gala supporting Guitars Over Guns’ mission to use music and mentorship to help young people impacted by violence reach their full potential. Live performances by students, alumni, and mentors plus a silent auction will serve to help Miami’s next generation find its artistic voice.

 

— Conclusion

If you enjoyed this selection of top Miami events in October 2026, keep an eye out for our autumn-inspired November roundup. For more insider insights into the Miami lifestyle and luxury condo market, be sure to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and sign up for our blog newsletter.

As real-estate experts with over 20 years of experience, we can help you find your next home, vacation condo, or investment opportunity. Call, text, or email us to start the conversation.

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