It’s Thanksgiving month and you’ll have plenty to be grateful for if you’re in Miami. The run up to the holiday season just got more exciting. Catch comedy nights, live concerts, art shows, parades and even a NASCAR championship with great food and wine to wash it all down. Have a look at what November has in store for you:
Miami Live Arts Months – November 1-30
Various venues across Miami
Experience electrifying entertainment all month long this November. From comedy shows, poetry readings, theater and dance performances to live concerts, art shows and open mic sessions - Miami’s your playground. A whole bunch of top hotels, arenas, music clubs and lounges are taking part in the live arts month. Even restaurants and bars are offering some sweet deals to help you catch your breath, and a bite!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest – November 2-7
7900 SW 40th Street, Tropical Park
Don’t wait for Santa to come to you this year, especially when you can pay a visit to Santa’s Enchanted Forest. Get a head start on holiday fun with a family outing to this theme park and free carnival at Tropical Park. There are rides for every thrill level – kiddie to adrenaline junkie. You can even enjoy acrobatics, magic shows and a ‘Santa’s Snowstorm’ at the park. A collection of attractions such as the 92” Christmas tree, children’s maze, face painting, paintball, 7-D reality simulator, wall climbing, mechanical bull ride and mistletoe lane mean kids, teens and adults can all have their own kind of fun.
Best part – the theme park’s open 5 p.m. to midnight, even on all holidays during the season.
Photograph: Courtesy of Santa's Enchanted Forest
Veterans Day Parade – November 11
Ocean Drive 5th to 14th Street, South Beach
Take a moment to salute all the military men and women at Miami’s Annual Veterans Day Parade and Picnic. Watch as floats, veterans, marching bands, cars and an all-veterans high-flying parachute team occupy Ocean Drive for a commemorative weekend. In fact, the high-flying veterans will land on Ocean Drive for a wreath laying ceremony and picnic afterwards. Make it a day of pride and camaraderie for the entire family.
Photograph: Courtesy of miamibeachfl.gov
ZooRun5K and ZooKidsDash – November 11
12400 SW 152nd Street, Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami is hosting its 5th Annual ZooRun5K & Kidz Medical Services ZooKidsDash benefit this Veterans Day. The 5K event is for runners and walkers alike. Participants arriving in animal-themed costumes will be given special recognition on race day. Parents can also run with their children in the Kiddie Dash. All proceeds will go to the West Kendall Baptist Hospital and the Zoo Miami Foundation. Don’t forget to stay for the post-race festival and brunch featuring local restaurants, music and dance.
Photograph: Courtesy of Zoo Miami
Coral Gables Food Wine & Spirits Festival – November 8-12
355 Alhambra, Downtown Coral Gables
Treat that rumble in the belly to some of the best Coral Gables has to offer at this annual food, wine and spirits fest. Sample delectable dishes from more than 20 restaurants and a collection of over 300 brands of craft spirits and fine wine to slide it all down. This year, you can go to the A La Carte Area to create your own meal. Also new this year is the Art Avenue, featuring 40 of Miami’s hand-picked artists. Seminars, demos, live and DJ music add the perfect touches to this gastronomically tantalizing fest.
Photograph: Courtesy of Coral Gables Food Wine & Spirits Festival
Miami Vice Ultimate Beach Frisbee – November 11 & 12
10800 Collins Avenue, Haulover Beach
Bring your A-game to the Ultimate Beach Frisbee tournament this year at Haulover Beach. With ‘Chill’ and ‘Try Hard’ intensities to choose from, pick what level you and your mates are willing to test out on. Later, head out for the Friday and Saturday night parties in South Beach to celebrate victory (or defeat). It is the perfect weather and excuse to toss your worries for the weekend!
Photograph: Courtesy of Miami Vice Ultimate Beach Frisbee
Miami Book Fair International – November 12-19
Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, Downtown Miami
Come celebrate prose, poetry, comics and more in one of America’s finest literary festivals at Downtown Miami. Feast your mind on 8 days of readings, lectures, discussions, street fairs, cookbook demos and book parties. You can also catch best-selling authors, literary icons and newsmakers at this international event. They also have special programs planned for kids, tweens and teens to help develop an appreciation for the written word. A not-to-miss event for any cultured individual.
Photograph: Courtesy of Miami Book Fair International
NASCAR Ford Championship Weekend – November 17-19
Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1 Speedway Blvd, Homestead
This is your only chance to catch three NASCAR championship finales in one weekend. The race will be on for EcoBoost 200 (Camping World Truck Series), EcoBoost 300 (XFinity Series) and the EcoBoost 400 (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series). Diehard race buffs should also get tickets to the FanVision Fan Zone for the ultimate experience touring pre-race pits with free beers, lunch and snacks to keep that engine going. This is your ticket to one adrenaline filled weekend!
Photograph: Courtesy of NASCAR Ford Championship Weekend
Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest – November 18
151 Sunny Isles Blvd., Gateway Park, Sunny Isles Beach
Set aside a November Saturday for some Jazz therapy. The Spinners along with Cornell Gunter’s Coasters featuring Edwin Cook and Lourdes Valentin will be waiting to serenade you at the Gateway Park in Sunny Isles Beach. Get in for $10 with your own chair and blanket, reserve a seat for $20, or treat yourself to some VIP food, beverage and seating with the $50 pass. Spend a smooth evening with some soothing tunes.
Photograph: Courtesy of Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest
Mad Hatter Arts Festival – November 18 & 19
Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove
Wear a zany hat to this juried event that celebrates the creative community. In addition to showcasing art in all mediums, this eccentric festival will also feature an artisan and vintage marketplace to indulge the collector in you. Dance to the tunes of the drum circle, enter a hat contest and let ‘em kids loose on the activity and concession area for a day well spent. Keep that Saturday reserved for a picnic and special screening of the classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
Photograph: Courtesy of Mad Hatter Arts Festival
White Party Week – November 23-27
Nightclubs and bars throughout Miami and Miami Beach
How about partying for a week to join the fight against HIV/AIDS? Nightclubs, bars and lounges will erupt with excitement to help raise funds for Care Resource, an AIDS service organization, during this five-day gala. Tens of thousands turn up every year for this oldest and largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, not only for the nonstop partying, but also the chance to make a difference. This year, we have the National Hotel in Miami Beach playing the official host hotel.
Thanksgiving Day – November 23
Various venues across Miami
Although Thanksgiving is best spent with loves ones, it doesn’t mean it has to be spent at home. For those looking to save themselves the hassle of cooking, make a reservation to any of these restaurants in advance. Fleming’s Steakhouse is starting its prix fixe feast early at 11 a.m. Seasons 52 and StripSteak by Michael Mina are serving a traditional, family-style dinner. You’ll also find an exceptional spread at the buffet from Fontainebleau’s Vida.
Counting calories? Get in a day of activity before Thanksgiving. Try a Gables Bike Tour on November 19 to not only explore City Beautiful, but also get in a casual workout. Or, plan a day of hiking at the Everglades, as the dry season brings back migratory birds and makes alligators easier to spot. Better still, head to the Bal Harbour Shops, Aventura Mall, Dadeland Mall or Southland Mall for some sensational Black Friday shopping.
Christmas Tree Lighting – November 24
Bayfront Park, Downtown
If you’re in Miami, you can’t afford to miss this tradition of sorts. Head to Bayfront Park at 7 p.m. for the Christmas Tree lighting and watch it come alive in all its glory. The official kick start to the holiday season in Miami, there will be cheery music as the 50-foot tree stands glittering, ready to usher in that Christmas spirit.
So where are you headed this November? Leave us a comment or selfie below.