By: Maryanne Salvat 

Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ) Miami 

Friends of St. Jude (FOSJ) Miami, the  young professionals dedicated to raising awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s mission, and chaired by Jeb Bush Jr., invites the South Florida community to the sixth annual International Dermatology “It’s All About the Kids” event, presented by the Andrés Asion Foundation. The Cirque-Chic-themed event will be held on Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m., at the JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami. During the event, guests will have the opportunity to savor an exquisite tasting menu and sip delicious cocktails, donated by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, while enjoying special music performances by The Culture Band and DJ Irie. “It’s All About the Kids” will be hosted by  award-winning journalist and anchor of Univision Network’s news-magazine show Primer Impacto Pamela Silva Conde, and co-anchor of “The Morning Show” on Fusion, a new cable network for multi-cultural millennials, Pedro Andrade. Tickets for “It’s All About the Kids” start at $150 for members and $175 for non-members, and can be purchased online at www.stjude.org/itsallaboutthekids or by calling 305.265.1371.  

Miami Attractions Month 

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) launches its fifth annual Miami Attractions Month (October 1 – October 31) bringing locals and visitors Buy One, Get One Free Admissions to the destination’s leading attractions.  And, this year, MasterCard has become a new partner allowing for consumers to save an additional 10 percent on purchases made with their MasterCard – from admissions to food to souvenirs in the gift shops.   There is no better time to check those adventures on your vacation “wish list” off than now as Miami. For a complete list of participating providers visit: www.MiamiAttractionsMonth.com. 

The Miami Rail 

TheMiami Railis bringing the carnival of your dreams to Miami and it’s all in the name of art and culture. Miami’s leading nonprofit cultural publication is celebrating one year in existence with a bang that includes Shorty’s BBQ, Tequila Snow cones, Vodka Popsicles, a bounce house, a three-legged race, even a dunk tank! The party will take place in the garden of Nina Johnson-Milewski and Daniel Milewski’s home and goes from 5 – 9 pm on Sunday, October 6. Tickets are $75 for a single and $125 for a couple and are tax deductible, purchase them online at miamifoundation.org/givenow select ‘Miami Rail’ from the drop down menu and enter the amount of your purchase, make sure to follow the instructions all the way to confirmation. 

Estrella Damm Beer of Barcelona 

Estrella Damm, the beer of Barcelona, is bringing the taste and tradition of Spain to Wynwood.  Until October 6, 10 participating restaurants are offering an exclusive tapas deal: 3 small plates and an ice cold Estrella Damm for the low price of $20.  Participating restaurants include Cafeina, Jimmy’z Kitchen, Pride & Joy,  Rincon Escondido, Soi Chinese Kitchen, The Butcher Shop, The Corner, Time for Wine, Will Call and Wynwood Kitchen + Bar. In addition, Estrella Damm fans can win a trip to Barcelona to dine at Tickets Bar by Ferran and Albert Adria by going to Estrella Damm’s Facebook page and uploading their favorite Estrella Damm photo.  Images with 20 likes or more are automatically entered into the sweepstakes. Visit EstrellaDamm.com/Miamitapasjourney. 

EDGE Annual Casino Night 

EDGE (Early Development of Global Education) a Miami-based charitable foundation impacting children in the United States, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico, in collaboration with the police officers of the Hispanic Police Officer’s Association of Miami Dade, announces that it will host its first annual Casino Night on Saturday, October 5, at the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Hosted by mistress of ceremony Natalia Zea of CBS4, EDGE’s Casino Night will raise funds specifically to benefit South Floridian children who are victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Priced at $50 per person, tickets include entrance, entertainment, food, cocktails and $5,000 in chips for friendly wagering. Tournaments and gaming include Poker, Texas Hold ‘em, Caribbean Poker, Three Card Poker, Blackjack, Ladies Blackjack, Let It Ride and Two Big Wheels. Additional chips are available for purchase. Winnings have no cash value. Cocktail attire is requested. The EDGE encourages anyone interested in joining the first annual Casino Night to purchase tickets now, as space is limited. Sponsorship opportunities are available; those interested can contact the EDGE at info@theedgeeducation.com. The 501c3, non-profit organization, enjoyed success at last year’s Masquerade Ball as money was raised to fund various projects locally and globally. For more information,visit www.theedgeeducation.com. 

iiiPoints Festival in Miami 

On Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5, Reyka Vodka, an Icelandic vodka brand manufactured by William Grant & Sons, will be sponsoring the iiiPoints Festival in Miami this weekend. The three-day interactive festival covering music, art and technology will be located throughout Wynwood and will incorporate local and national talent. The signature cocktails, such as Solstice Fizz, will be served by staff dressed in Icelandic-inspired attire, but with a Miami influence. Cocktail ingredients include Reyka Vodka, lemon, Orgeat, a small handful of mint and garnished with a mint sprig. Those attending will have the opportunity to create their own version of the specialty cocktail with a Forager’s bar of fresh herbs. Guests will also see the elements that make the brand so unique, such as lava-like materials, inspired by the use of lava rocks as a natural filtration system for Reyka Vodka.  For more information contact: lauren@taraink.com/christine@taraink.com.

Dessert Taco Special  

In celebration of National Taco Day on Friday, October 4, Huahua’s Taqueria, South Beach’s fun, fresh, fast-casual eatery, is offering diners a sweet – in all sense of the word – taco special. Known for his creativity and playful spin on traditional bites, executive chef Todd Erickson is at it again with a Huahua’s twist on an American classic. To that end, Erickson created the apple pie taco – a hard shell taco coated with cinnamon sugar, filled with flan custard, apple pie filling and topped off with whipped cream– available only on National Taco Day ($3.49). Whether you prefer something sweet at the beginning or end of your meal, make sure to save room for some favorites from the laid-back taqueria’s stellar taco menu like the Fried Chicken, topped with jalapeno cornbread, cabbage and ancho ranch; BBQ short rib with pickled jalapeno and sweet heat coleslaw; and Guaco with fried avocado, guacamole, grilled veggies and tofu crema. Huahua’s Taqueria is open for lunch and dinner daily; Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 5:00 a.m.  Telephone: 305.534.TACO (8226); www.HuahuasTaco.com. Ample street parking is available. 

God’s Innocent Angels 6^th Annual Halloween Extravaganza 

This year marks the 6^th Annual Halloween Extravaganza charity event benefitting God’s Innocent Angels and their efforts to create awareness and open a center for children affected by this debilitating disorder. This year’s Halloween Extravaganza Royal theme is “AN ENCHANTED EVENING IN THE ROYAL PALACE” and will take place 9:00 p.m. October 12, at a private estate.  The popularity of and exposure given to this yearly event has grown tremendously and as, in years past, will certainly prove to be the event of the season. October is RETT Syndrome month, and the event couldn’t take place at a better time! This year’s event will be more extravagant than last year’s, including libations and food meant for Royal pallets, mesmerizing entertainment for a Kings court and a Kings ransom in prizes. Tickets are available for a donation of $50.00 for Royal Palace (Pre-Sale General Admission) or $75 at the door, and we offer Pre-Sale tickets for a donation of $100.00 or more for Private Chateau (VIP). No VIP tickets will be sold at the door. RSVP online by purchasing your tickets today at: http://kingandqueenofthenight.eventbrite.com/ 

Sweat USA 

Sweat USA, America’s first All-Star Fitness Festival, is making its debut at the Miami Beach Convention Center this Columbus Day weekend, October 11–13.  Sweat USA will provide fitness enthusiasts access to the world’s top health, fitness and nutrition experts, as well as the opportunity to take part in classes hosted by celebrity fitness trainers Jillian Michaels, Tony Horton (P90X) and Shaun T. (Insanity), among numerous other TV personalities and creators of today’s most progressive fitness disciplines. Anchored around a 3-day Expo, the event will include exhibitors, fitness demonstrations, evening social events and a selection of classes conducted by today’s leading experts specializing in Zumba, kick boxing, SurfSet, Flywheel Cycling, MMA, Piloxing and Crossfit, among other workout routines. The weekend will feature a Wilhelmina Boot Camp and morning Pilates and Yoga classes held poolside at the Mondrian South Beach.  Attendees can pre-register online for a Weekend Expo Pass, to customize their own workout program, or choose from a series of VIP celebrity trainer packages; for a complete schedule and to register online, visit www.sweatusa.com.

Wet Willie’s Third Annual Koozies for Boobies Breast Cancer Awareness Party

Wet Willie’s, an award-winning national chain of daiquiri bars and full-service restaurants, will host the Third Annual Koozies for Boobies Breast Cancer Awareness Party on Saturday, October 12 from 8:00 p.m. until closing at the Wet Willie’s location at 760 Ocean Drive on South Beach. This event, held in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, is free and open to the public. During the Koozies for Boobies party, Wet Willie’s will donate 10 percent of all sales to a breast cancer charity. Raffle tickets will be available for $1, offering the chance to win a $100 Wet Willie’s Gift Card. Pink alcoholic and non-alcoholic daiquiris will be available throughout the month of October. Wet Willie’s will host weekend-long celebrations October 11-13 from coast to coast, donating proceeds to charity. All weekend long, Wet Willie’s will distribute pink beads and pink jelly wristbands for a recommended minimum $1 donation. Educational materials, designed to raise awareness of breast cancer, will also be available at all Wet Willie’s locations. Throughout the month of October, Wet Willie’s will donate $8 from the sale of Koozies for Boobies t-shirts, $5 from the sale of pink koozies and $1 from the sale of pink coolies (Velcro® drink container wraps). Wet Willie’s will also