August is one of the hottest months in Florida, and once that temperature is soaring past 90 degrees, you’ll surely want some fun events to cool off inside. This month, catch a ballet show or a horror flick, shop at an arts festival, dine out for Miami Spice, or chill out with an icy rum cocktail.
GET IN POSITION
July 27-Aug. 18
internationalballetfestival.org
If you’re a sucker for a good ballet show, make plans to attend the International Ballet Festival of Miami. It’s considered the most important ballet festival in the U.S. and features world prestigious ballet companies that are represented by their greatest stars. The shows consist of youth galas, contemporary galas, the classical gala, and gala of the stars, where the winner of the “Criticism and Culture of Ballet Award” will be announced. Make sure to review the schedule so you can choose which show to attend! All of them will surely be on pointe!
SPICY SUMMER
Aug.1-Sept.30
miamitemptations.com
Miami Spice Months are reason to party here in South Florida. Delicious food at truly delicious deals take over August and September, with some of the city’s best restaurants participating. New to the growing list of participants this year are Fiola Miami, La Cerveceria De Barrio, La Placita, Swan & Bar Bevy, Table 55, The Jim and Nessie, and much more. At each restaurant during these tasty months, enjoy three-course meals at reasonable prices, like $23 for lunch and/or brunch and $39 for dinner. Eat ‘till you can’t fit anymore!
FRIGHTENING FUN
Aug. 8-16
popcornfrights.com
The Popcorn Frights Film Festival is back and better, “bigger, bolder, and bloodier” than ever! Over nine nights, enjoy over 70 horror films from over the years, including some new ones that will be shown on the silver screen for the first time. The festival will be held at Savor Cinema and will feature horror films like Bliss, Itsy Bitsy, Daniel Isn’t Real, The Girl on the Third Floor, and more. On August 10th, there will be a special Florida Horror series with “Miami’s local filmmakers and Florida’s homegrown talent.”
STEP INSIDE ETSY
Aug. 11
indiecraftbazaar.com
You’ll feel as if you’re shopping at a real-life Etsy at the Indie Craft Bazaar, an independent art and handmade crafts festival at Revolution Live. Over 65 artists, designers, crafters, and makers will be displaying their items for sale, and there will be DIY activities, giveaways, henna tattoos, and food and drink specials. $3 mimosas will have you sippin’ and shoppin’, or, if coffee is your thing, Panther Coffee will be at the Stache Coffee Bar next-door. The first 100 attendees get a free swag bag with goodies inside, so make sure to head out early!
RUMS THE WORD
Aug. 16
nationalrumdayfest.com
National Rum Day lands on a Friday this year, which is perfect because the weekend is something to celebrate! Head over to the 3rd Annual National Rum Day Festival at The Confidante in Miami Beach. Both local and global rum brands will be served, and rum experts will host classes and seminars. Music will play by the poolside garden to set the mood, and plenty of cocktails will be served up to keep the fun going! This is the best way to close out a hot Miami summer, so swim on over. Cheers!
WOODSTOCK LIVES ON
Aug. 18
browardcenter.org
Hippiefest is back at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. The lineup includes Ten Years After, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Vanilla Fudge, and SHA NA NA founding member Henry Gross, who will host and perform. All of the bands contributed to the genre-bending sound of music at the time, with Big Brother & the Holding Company being one of the first great psychedelic bands. Gross was the youngest person to perform at the 1969 Woodstock festival, and his legend lives on. Check out these bands and be transported back to the ‘60s and ‘70s!
By Aaliyah Pasols