Miami Beach, Florida:

Miami Beach is seen as a trend-setting arts and entertainment Mecca, and a shopping and cultural wonder by visitors, world travelers, celebrities and locals alike. Miami Beach has always been a tourist-friendly vacation hot spot, but the city offers so much more now. Miami Beach is no longer just a place to lie on the beach soaking up the sun, due to an economic boom that has sprung from the refurbishment of the Art Deco Historic District. From café’s, clubs and shopping along South Beach’s Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and Washington Avenue; the international hotels and restaurants of Collins Avenue and Middle Beach; to the re-emerging neighborhood in North Beach, Miami Beach offers visitors and residents a dazzling array of amenities to enjoy.

 

MIAMI BEACH CALENDAR OF SPECIAL EVENTS

The Discover BSC National Championship Game – The top two college football teams in the Bowl Championship Series standings will face each other in this game to determine the national championship. January 7, 2013.

35th Annual Art Deco Weekend - This festival celebrates the National Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach and has more than 80 events including art exhibits, musical performances, lectures, films, street theater, parades, antique auto displays, artists, merchandise and food. January 18-20, 2013.

Homestead Championship Rodeo – An exciting seven-event rodeo including: bull riding, saddle-bronc riding, bareback-bronc riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. Fun also includes cowboy poetry performances, a parade, live music and dancing. January 25-27, 2013.

Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail – One of the largest new boat shows in the world showcasing more than 2,000 exhibitors. The latest powerboats, sailboats, engines, electronics and accessories are exhibited at three different locations — all connected via a courtesy shuttle bus. February 14-18, 2013.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival – Produces an annual fine arts festival during Presidents Day weekend with more than 350 artists from around the world and an average attendance of 150,000 people. February 16-18, 2013.

Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival – Join your favorite Food Network hosts including Rachael Ray, Guy Fieri, Paula Deen, Bobby Flay and many more for cooking demos and book signings at the American Express Grand Tasting Tents. Other events include the Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ, Wine Spectator Tastings, annual Tribute Dinner and more. February 21-24, 2013.

Winter Party Festival -Features an extraordinary lineup of celebrity DJs in a week filled with parties and events culminating with a beach dance party. Proceeds benefit the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and local Miami-Dade LGBT organizations. March 6-11, 2013.

Bacardi Miami Sailing Week – Miami Sailing Week gathers the national and international sailing community together in a fun-filled week of regattas, awards ceremonies, parties and cultural exhibits. March 3-9, 2013.

Miami Beach International Fashion Week – The largest Latin American and international fashion event in the U.S., with more than 50 of the world’s top fashion designers presenting their latest collections on the catwalk before hundreds members of the international press. 6-11 p.m. nightly. March 20-24, 2013.

Miami International Film Festival - The Miami International Film Festival, the premier U.S. showcase for films from Spain, Portugal and Latin America, presents 100 films from 30 countries during 10 days at venues across the Magic City. March 1-10, 2013.

Winter Music Conference – One of the most acclaimed music industry gatherings in the US, with more than 200 artists, DJ and record company receptions and parties, panel discussions, new product premieres, technology demonstrations, and the premier international awards show for the dance music industry. March 15-24, 2013.

Sony Open – This tournament features the world’s top-ranked men and women professional tennis players. It is an elite Tennis Masters Series event on the ATP circuit and a top-tier event on the WTA Tour. March 18-31, 2013.

Nautica South Beach Triathlon - The sister event to the Malibu Triathlon, the Nautica South Beach Triathlon features a half-mile swim, 18 mile bike ride and 4 mile run. Fun also includes an event expo, free clinics, interactive activities, VIP brunch, Nautica kids run-and-trot event, and an awards show. April 7, 2013.

Miami Beach Gay Pride – The 4th annual Miami Beach Gay Pride is a city-wide celebration and a collaboration of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) community. Events include a parade/festival on Ocean Drive, a kick-off reception and evening show, a Lambda showcase theater event, an after-party and more. April 12-14, 2013.

Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII – This international polo tournament will bring teams from around the world to compete as part of the Miami Beach Polo World Cup. Events include a player presentation/press conference, polo matches and social gatherings. April 25-28, 2013.

Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – The festival aims to enrich, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media presentations in the greater Miami area that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered experience. April 26- May 5, 2013.