Miami, Florida is a favorite tourist destination with pleasant mild weather throughout the year. This ensures an outdoor lifestyle and plenty of activities. There are several annual events in Miami and there is something to entertain everyone. Events offer a mixture of fun and culture and make a statement that Miami is much more than sunshine and beaches.

Late February is the month for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. This takes place at different locations in the South Beach area. The event is in a good cause as money is raised for the Florida International University hospitality program. Celebrity chefs present cooking demonstrations and there are food and wine tasting sessions with local cooks.

March is a busy month for popular events in Miami, including the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, a party with Irish food and music at various Irish pubs. The Winter Music Conference in South Beach attracts musicians and DJs involved with electronic and dance music. Parties are held in local parks and clubs and at Lummus Beach. There is also a serious side to the festivities during seminars where people can gain knowledge on music as a business. Also in March, the Miami International Film Festival is a ten-day showcase of films of different genres from across the world and from local filmmakers. The event is held in various venues across the city.

Independence Day is another highlight on the calendar of Miami events.  Each 4th of July brings fireworks and there is live music in Bayfront Park. Events in Miami are an opportunity to celebrate different cultures, bringing people together. A good example is the International Caribbean Music Festival, held in October in Bicentennial Park. This is a feast of music, performed by musicians from all across the Caribbean.

During August and September, ballet takes center stage at the International Ballet Festival. Established in 1995, it takes place in different venues, including the Jackie Gleason Theater. It is always presented by the Miami Hispanic Ballet Company and many notable dancers are involved. It gets a lot of attention from the media and is respected by all.

There is a rather unusual event that takes place shortly after Christmas. Named the King Mango Strut, a parade is organized to follow a route down Main Avenue and Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove. The theme of the parade is a parody of current events and the Orange Bowl Parade.