The 62nd Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, presented by First Horizon Bank, closed Presidents’ Day weekend with record-breaking sales, national attention, and collector momentum that reaffirmed its standing as one of the country’s most respected outdoor art events.

Fresh Talent, Powerful Sales

Forty percent of this year’s exhibiting artists were new to the festival, bringing fresh perspective and energy to the waterfront showcase. Across all three days, buying remained strong, with 95 percent of participating artists reporting they were very happy with their sales.

The weekend’s defining milestone was the official commemorative poster by Kenneth Kudulis. Sales reached an unprecedented $40,000, more than doubling the previous three-day average of $16,000. All proceeds directly support year-round art scholarships, funding access to arts education for emerging artists. Kudulis’ work now stands as the most successful poster in the festival’s six-decade history.

The festival’s influence extended beyond South Florida. The Mayor of Beverly Hills attended the event and met with Executive Director Camille Marchese to gain insight into the Grove’s sustainable, artist-centered model — a clear sign of the festival’s growing national stature.

Festival Winners

Awards were presented in signature Grove fashion: executive leadership and board members traveled booth to booth in golf carts, bagpipers in tow, personally congratulating each winner to the applause of festivalgoers.

Best in Show was awarded to Nathalia Toledo Barcia (Painting/Clay), who earned a perfect score of 30 from the judges along with a $5,000 prize.

Gold Ribbon recipients included Bobby Goldsmith (Drawing), Cali Hobgood (Photography), Carrie Pearce (Painting), Christopher Buonomo (Sculpture), Helen Gotlib (Printmaking), James Pearce (Wood), Kenneth Kudulis (Digital Art), Michael Hayes (Glass), Olga Nenazhivina (Drawing), and Oliver Hampel (Jewelry).

An additional 35 artists received Silver and Bronze ribbons and automatic invitations to return next year.

Beyond the Canvas

For the fifth consecutive year, Miami-based Loud And Live produced the festival, continuing its transformation through expanded programming and elevated guest experiences.

Festival partners added dimension throughout the weekend. NBC 6 South Florida and Telemundo 51 energized families with interactive activations, while Lincoln Motor Company and Ford Motor Company showcased their latest models across the festival footprint.

At The Stacks, presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, street artists transformed industrial shipping containers into bold works of art, including the striking “Mi Gente” mural by Carlos Solano and Paulina Guajardo. The space also served as a performance stage featuring KerreKe and Venezuelan-American violinist Daniela Padrón’s Latin GRAMMY®-winning Joropango, alongside programming from the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

A Cultural Cornerstone

Produced annually over Presidents’ Day weekend, the festival features 285 juried artists along Coconut Grove’s scenic bayfront streets. Managed by the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association and supported by Miami-Dade County’s Department of Cultural Affairs, proceeds fund impactful year-round initiatives including scholarships for Florida International University and Miami-Dade high school students, the Visiting Artists Program, and the Next Generation Emerging Artist Program.

With record sales, national recognition, and unwavering community support, the 62nd Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival once again solidified its role as a defining force on South Florida’s cultural calendar and a powerful champion for artists and arts education.

America’s Premier Food & Wine Celebration Returns This Week, Select Can’t-Miss Events Still Available February 19–22, 2026

Miami Beach, FLA. (February 17, 2026) – The countdown is officially on! The 25th annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) returns this week for four days and nights of unforgettable food, drink, music and celebration. The star-studded event will showcase Food Network’s biggest culinary icons, Grammy Award-winning artists, popular lifestyle personalities, and more than 500 chefs, winemakers, and spirit producers all joining forces to EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. As excitement builds for this milestone anniversary, taking place February 19–22, 2026, tickets are going fast, but Festival fans and foodies near and far still have a chance to snag tickets to some of the weekend’s most buzzed-about events.

From high-energy beachfront parties and legendary tastings to indulgent brunches and late-night celebrations, SOBEWFF®’s 25th anniversary promises the most exciting Festival yet. Though select events are already sold out, the following experiences still have limited tickets available:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19

• Mike’s Amazing® Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® hosted by Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham celebrates 20 years on the sands of Miami Beach with over 30 burgers competing for the title of The Very Best Burger Award which will be selected by a notable panel of judges:
  • Ashley Graham
  • Bert Kreischer
  • Gayle King
  • Matt Kuscher
  • Nick DiGiovanni
  • Samantha Schnur
• A Taste of Italy presented by Pasta Rummo hosted by “The Pasta Queen” Nadia Caterina Munno and Scott Conant part of the Miami Design District Event Series is back with 15+ all-star chefs serving their Italian favorites.
• Goldbelly presents Diplo: Live from South Beach, Celebrating 25 Years of SOBEWFF® hosted by LIV Beach kicks off our milestone weekend with an electrifying beachfront performance by Diplo. For those looking to elevate the experience, a select number of VIP tables are still available, offering premium access to this unforgettable anniversary celebration.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

• Festival favorite Guy Fieri returns to host Coca-Cola presents Tournament of Champions LIVE, as all five past champions from the hit Food Network series — Brooke Williamson, Maneet Chauhan, Mei Lin, Tiffani Faison and Antonia Lofaso — go head-to-head for ultimate bragging rights. Plus, hip-hop legend Rev Run of Run DMC takes the stage for an unforgettable performance.
• Signature event, Fontainebleau Miami Beach presents Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best sponsored by Cunard, brings together over 60 of the nation’s most acclaimed chefs and more than 65 of the world’s premier wineries.
• The Festival’s most sinful new event, Naughty Bites hosted by The Naughty Fork part of The Hangar Event Series, puts indulgence center stage with elevated comfort food and crave-worthy bites that feel luxe yet familiar.
• Let Them Eat Cake! A Sweet Celebration of 25 Years hosted by Duff Goldman celebrates 25 Years of SOBEWFF® with a showcase of whimsical cakes, imaginative desserts and decadent sweet creations, crafted by Miami’s best pastry chefs.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

• Chew on This: A Live Podcast Series presented by iHeartRadio takes over the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell for a unique Festival experience bringing five live podcasts to the stage throughout the day, each hosted by some of the most dynamic personalities in comedy, music, entertainment, and food.
• Katie Lee returns to host Sip & Swirl: A Wine Happy Hour at Joia Beach where close to a dozen stations will feature wines from around the world.
• Ashley Graham, Michael Pirolo, and Marc Vetri host Late Night Pizza Party sponsored by Lucci Lambrusco at Bar Bucce for a late-night, full-flavor pizza party where great food, great wine and great music collide.
• Masters of Fire hosted by Tyler Florence returns as a signature tent event celebrating SOBEWFF®’s 25th anniversary, offering guests an exhilarating outdoor cooking experience featuring a lineup of talented chefs who take grilling to the next level.
• Hosted by 2026’s Tribute Dinner honorees, Michelle Bernstein and Sacha Lichine, Final Pour: Tribute Dinner After Party will celebrate the two visionaries with great food, craft cocktails and a performance by Les Greene & The Swayzees.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

• Andrew Zimmern, Robert Irvine, Kardea Brown, Aarón Sánchez and more will take the stage at Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove.
• THE WELL at Miami Tropic presents Coffee Culture: A Miami Wellness and Brunch Experience brewed by De’Longhi hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris part of the Miami Design District Event Series offers a lineup of local Miami favorite bakeries, cafés and roasters.
• Family Sunday Chicken Parm Night at Jon & Vinny’s hosted by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, is where classic Italian comfort will meet art, culture and great vibes for an easy outing with friends and family.
• Closing out the 25th anniversary, BACARDÍ presents 25 Years of Legendary Bites & Iconic Sips hosted by Andrew Zimmern with a special performance by DJ CASSIDY, unites the most iconic flavors, legendary chefs and unforgettable moments from the past 25 years for one spectacular night on the sand.

To date, the Festival has raised more than $45 million in support of its educational mission to provide an invaluable real-world experience and an interactive educational platform for future leaders of the hospitality industry at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). Between SOBEWFF^® and its sister NYCWFF, more than $55 million has been raised to benefit the respective charities of each Festival. Beyond the funds raised, both Festivals draw attention to the vibrant dining cultures of their respective cities, provide economic stimulus in their communities, and serve as a platform to drive awareness and engagement for a wide array of philanthropic activities. Tickets for the Festival are On Sale NOW, with plenty of options to suit your taste and budget at sobewff.org. Stay up to date all year long by following @SOBEWFF on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.                                    

The Bass proved once again why its annual gala is among the most anticipated dates on the Miami art/social calendar. The Bass Ball: Kaleidoscopic brought out artists, fashion-forward philanthropists, socialites, and party people to honor the fabulous Cathy Vedovi—the collector and designer whose French roots and LA education have made her a true icon in our local arts scene.

The theme was “Kaleidoscopic,” inspired by the museum’s exhibition The Kaleidoscopic: Writing Histories Through the Collection. The evening reflected the multifaceted nature of storytelling through art, welcoming artists and art lovers into a richly layered visual experience. This wasn’t your average black-tie affair; the guests took the theme to heart with outfits that were pure creative genius. Everywhere you looked, there were bold prints, shimmering textures, and over the top accessories that turned the museum into a living, breathing art gallery.

Guests were immersed in lavish décor by Alejandro Muguerza, complemented by a dynamic lighting installation by artist MIKIHUMO that illuminated the museum’s façade and interior. Dinner by Le Basque was top-tier, as usual, but it was the outstanding music that really set the night apart. Things kicked off with smooth jazz by saxophonist Manuel Echazabal in the Social Assembly Lounge, giving everyone a chance to catch up in style.

But even before the dinner plates were cleared, the vibe shifted into high gear. The museum lobby transformed into the ultimate energetic dance party thanks to @DJCLAUDIOF aka Claudio Figueroa, the man behind the vibe at Casa Tua. He was on fire, spinning every genre imaginable—from global house beats to crowd-favorite anthems.

The music was so good it kept the gorgeous, fashion-focused crowd glued to the dance floor, keeping the energy electric well into the early morning hours. Let’s just say no one was ready to go once the “lights came on.”

All of the glam and fun supports a worthy cause, with proceeds going directly to the museum’s education programs and world-class exhibitions. Be sure to keep up with all of the happenings at the Bass on Instagram @thebassmoa and online at https://thebass.org.

Photos

Courtesy of the Bass Museum and World Red Eye.

For more than six decades, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF), presented by First Horizon Bank, has championed the vibrant intersection of community, culture, and creative expression. Now celebrating its 62nd year, the iconic three‑day outdoor festival returns February 14–16, inviting art lovers, families, and curious explorers to experience one of the nation’s premier cultural events where discovering, collecting, and celebrating go hand in hand.  Forty percent of the artists at this year’s festival are participating for the first time.

 Consistently ranked among America’s top art festivals, CGAF transforms the scenic Biscayne Bay waterfront, in the picturesque community of Coconut Grove, into a dynamic open‑air gallery and cultural playground. With 285 internationally recognized artists, the festival offers an inspiring blend of fine art, live performances, hands‑on activities, and immersive family‑friendly zones, making it a place where creativity truly comes alive.

 For more than 60 years, CGAF has served as a beacon of artistic excellence and community connection. Its mission remains steadfast: to foster creativity and bring world‑class art to Miami’s cultural landscape. But the festival is far more than an art show, it is a full cultural journey filled with interactive experiences for all ages.

 Festival Highlights

• The Stacks Presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood- Live music returns to Peacock Park, paired with live mural painting and interactive DIY art activities for all ages.

• Arts & Drafts Beer Garden Presented by Cervecería La Tropical – Enjoy craft brews while watching Miami’s artisans create in real time.

• Inner Artist – Dive into hands‑on creativity with painting, crafting, and live performances at Regatta Park.

• Comic Kid – A kid‑powered zone where young creators can build, paint, and explore.

• Young Collectors Club – Kids ages 6 to 12 can start their own art collections by purchasing artwork for only $5.

• Collectors Club presented by First Horizon Bank – Elevate your festival experience with a special ticket that providesexclusive lounge access, open bar, light bites, and air‑conditioned restrooms ($169.99++ per day)

Dates & Hours

• ​Saturday, February 14, 2026: 10 AM – 6 PM

• ​Sunday, February 15, 2026: 10 AM – 6 PM

• ​Monday, February 16, 2026: 10 AM – 5 PM

Tickets and more information:

https://cgaf.com

Burger lovers, this one’s for you!

Burgerliscious is back for its 14th year on Thursday, Feb 5, 5:30–9:30PM, taking over Alhambra Circle for a block-party showdown. Local favorites battle it out for Best in Bun and People’s Choice—with reigning champ PINCHO returning to defend the crown.

Expect juicy bites from spots like Ruth’s Chris, Bulla Gastrobar, Morton’s, ARCANO, Kitchen 57, Pinecrest Bakery, 450 Gradi and more, plus ice-cold Samuel Adams, a live DJ, and an epic set by Mad World Orchestra.

More information at burgerliscious.com and @burgerliscious_.

Award-winning Portland-based ice cream favorite Salt & Straw has officially opened a new scoop shop at The Abbey in Aventura. Known for its imaginative flavors and community-driven approach, the beloved brand brings classics like Sea Salt Caramel Ribbons alongside Florida-exclusive collaborations such as The Salty Donut Guava + Cheese and Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches. The new location celebrates the North Miami–Dade community with a full weekend of grand opening festivities, plus Salt & Straw’s signature monthly rotating flavors. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., this sweet new spot is already serving up smiles.