Miami Socialholic

Art, Sunshine, and Good Vibes: The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Turns 61

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On February - 2 - 2025

Get ready for a creative explosion in the Grove. For 61 years, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has been the place to experience world-class art, live music, and interactive fun. It’s not just a festival; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community, and the sheer joy of art.

Wander along the scenic Bayfront and discover hundreds of artists showcasing their talents across multiple visual categories. With 285 juried artists, you’re sure to find a masterpiece that speaks to you. But the CGAF is more than just an art show- it’s a champion for emerging artists. For 61 years, this Presidents’ Day Weekend bash has supported scholarships and programs that nurture creativity, making a real difference in the South Florida arts community.

Festival Highlights (aka Things You Absolutely Can’t Miss):

  • Rock Out: Live music at Peacock Park, courtesy of Hard Rock & Guitar Hotel Stacks! Get ready to groove.
  • Art & Drafts: Wynwood Brewery brews + live artistry = pure genius. Sip and be inspired.
  • Get Creative: Unleash your inner artist at Regatta Park. It’s time to get hands-on!
  • Kid Zone: Home Depot’s Creative Corner is where the magic happens. Let the little ones explore their artistic side.
  • Young Collectors: Kids can buy real art for just $5! It’s the perfect way to start a lifelong love of collecting.
  • VIP Treatment: Collectors Club tickets = open bar, bites, and AC. Need we say more? Indulge in the ultimate festival experience.
    This year, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is turning 61 and throwing a party – with art! Think interactive experiences that’ll unleash your inner Picasso, and enough deliciousness to satisfy any craving. It’s the perfect Presidents’ Day Weekend getaway. Join the fun, explore the incredible art, and make a difference by supporting future artists.
  • https://cgaf.com
    Snag your tickets and get the details at cgaf.com! see you in the Grove!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: SOBEWFF Returns for its 24th Year

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 22 - 2025

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and mingle with the stars at the iconic South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF).

This four-day extravaganza, which returns for its 24th year from February 20-23, has grown far beyond its South Beach roots, spreading its culinary magic across Miami’s Design District, Wynwood, and Coconut Grove.

Imagine a gourmet playground teeming with over 500 celebrity chefs, renowned personalities, and beverage wizards. From Rachael Ray rocking the 18th annual Mike’s Amazing® Burger Bash to Aarón Sánchez sizzling up the hottest tacos at Tacos & Tequila, SOBEWFF promises an unforgettable foodie adventure.

But the delicious adventures don’t stop there. Dive into intimate brunches, masterclasses, and exclusive dinners, or bring the whole family for special events. Feeling festive? Late-night parties await. Whether you crave intimate culinary conversations or a grand tasting extravaganza with 1,200+ delectable samples spread across 135,000 square feet at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, SOBEWFF caters to every palate and party mood. 

Speaking of the Goya Foods Grand Tasting Village- it ranks among our favorite activations of the weekend. Imagine a daytime dance party with your 1000 closest friends right on the sand… but with a twist. The culinary playground features live cooking demos from Food Network stars, 1,200+ food and drink samples, and unforgettable concert experiences curated by the brilliant minds behind Groot Hospitality and Only in Dade. Get ready to groove and graze as Ultra meets the SOBEWFF.

The best part is that each bite you savor supports a worthy cause. 100% of the festival’s net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, a top-ranked program shaping the future stars of the industry. So raise a glass (or fork!) to good food, good company, and giving back at this epicurean extravaganza!Tickets are just a click away at SOBEWFF2025.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Miami’s most fun, creative and elaborate culinary happening.

TINA- the Tina Turner Musical is Simply the Best

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On January - 17 - 2025

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical isn’t just a show, it’s an electrifying explosion of raw talent, undeniable grit, and pure, unadulterated ROCK ‘N’ ROLL! Witness the legendary comeback story of the Queen herself, as she rises from the ashes to become an icon.

With a soundtrack that will have you dancing in the aisles, this show is a non-stop thrill ride. 12 Grammy Awards? Check. Millions of screaming fans? You betcha. More concert tickets sold than any other solo artist in history? Absolutely!

Get ready to feel the heat, hear the thunder, and experience the power of Tina Turner like never before. This ain’t no ordinary musical, folks. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the unstoppable force of a woman who refused to be silenced.

Warning: Contains adult themes, loud music, strobe lighting, haze, simulated gunshots, and strong language.

Dates: January 14th – 19th, 2025

Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center 

Run Time: 3 Hours of Pure Dynamite (with a 20-minute intermission)

Parental Guide: Ages 14+ 

Price: $35-$155 (Worth every penny!)

For more information, visit: https://www.arshtcenter.org

Kiwanis’ Every Child Has a Dream Gala

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2024

Get ready to Mambo under the Miami moonlight at the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana’s most fun event of the year – the “Every Child Has a Dream” Gala. Don your most comfortable dancing shoes for what’s sure to be a dance marathon- all for a great cause.

The party will take place on Saturday, December 14th at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Center. Get ready to shimmy to the electrifying beats of DJ Alex Gutierrez and DJ Jimmie E., then sing your heart out to chart-topping Cuban crooner Leoni Torres. Keeping the whole night lively will be the ever-charming Martica Lopez, host of the afternoon show on Hits 97.3. The fun starts at 7:00 pm and unlimited cocktails and food will be served.

The real stars of the night are the kids. The Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of children and young adults for years, providing scholarships, educational programs, summer camps, and more. They’ve impacted hundreds of thousands of kids and awarded over $3 million in college scholarships Now that’s something to celebrate!

A big shout-out to Bacardi, Amerant Bank, Williamson Cadillac, Coca-Cola South Florida, Café La Llave, Gaviña Gourmet Coffee, Homestead Speedway, and all of the sponsors who are helping make this night possible.

Head to https://kiwanisgala.com for tickets. Follow the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana on Facebook (@KiwanisLittleHavana) and Instagram (@KiwanisofLittleHavana) to stay in the loop.

A Pucci-fied Fun Fair

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 12 - 2024

On Tuesday, December 3, Pucci transformed the serene Miami Botanical Garden into a veritable fun fair. It was a whirlwind of color, music, and pure joy.

Imagine a whimsical carnival, with fortune tellers, carnival games, and a dance floor that would make even the most reserved guest shimmy and shake. The food- hand-cut pasta, cotton candy, gelato, cannolis-was a feast for the senses.

Gunna and Saint Jhn and too many models to name mingled with the fashion-forward crowd, adding a touch of star power to the already dazzling night.

Camille Miceli, the brilliant mind behind Pucci’s current renaissance, dressed head-to-toe in shimmery, sequined, fringed Pucci. shared her inspiration. “We wanted to do something different, something unexpected. Miami is a city of art, beauty, and boundless energy. We needed to capture that spirit.”

And capture it they did! The limbo competition, inspired by Emilio Pucci’s own playful spirit, was a highlight. Who knew a simple game could be so glamorous? Obviously- the Italians have known for quite some time. 

The whimsical wonderland, brought  Emilio Pucci’s signature style to life. The stylish and fun crowd was lost in the rhythm of Disco Bambino’s infectious beats, several of which prompted me to quickly create an “Italian Disco” playlist.


This fete was the highlight of Miami Art Week and by far- the most fun, replete with fanfare, games, dancing and delights. Leave it to Pucci to throw an Italian disco dance party for the ages. Check it out!
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Hampton House Lights Up Miami Art Week: a Glamorous Night of Art, Music, and History

Posted by Mary Jo Almeida-Shore On December - 11 - 2024

The legendary Hampton House, once a haven for icons like Martin Luther King and Muhammad Ali (whose original rooms are still intact!), kicked-off Miami Art Week with a party that was nothing short of fabulous. In lieu of its historic after-hours jazz sessions, it was all about the art this time- at the grand unveiling of “Invisible Luggage.” With over 50 visionary artists exploring the themes of migration, memory, and what we carry (and what we leave behind), the exhibit dives deep into the intersection of freedom, displacement, and identity. Inspired by Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, the exhibit reflects on the often unseen struggles and triumphs of the Black community.

The opening was a star-studded celebration, with a dazzling array of special guests from the worlds of art, music, and philanthropy. Among the VIPs in attendance were collector and philanthropist Beth Rudin DeWoody, Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, and Pucci’s artistic director Camille Miceli, alongside gallerists Lauren Kelly and Danny Baez. Musician Mingus Murray, son of iconic photographer Ming Smith, was also on hand, as were prominent artists like Shinique Smith, Jeffrey Meris, and Tomm El-Saieh, who showcased their work in the exhibit. The guest list read like a who’s who of Miami’s cultural scene, with Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Cava-Levine, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, and former Dunkin’ Donuts CEO Bob Rosenberg mingling with art collectors like Gary Wasserman, Gwen Butler, and the N’Namdi Collection’s Jumanne and Lauren N’Namdi. Curators and art dealers such as Stefano Tonchi, David Maupin, and Monique Meloche rubbed elbows with the likes of Jason and Michelle Rubell of the Rubell Museum, while philanthropists like Kathryn and Dan Mikesell from the Fountainhead Residency added to the evening’s glamour.


After a scrumptious dinner curated by Chef Martin Rodrigue, the eclectic crowd gathered under sparking chandeliers in the open-air terrace to dance, muse, and mingle, enjoying an all-night dance party with the one and only DJ Mos spinning tracks that kept everyone moving. The historic venue, transformed into a dazzling art gallery, was buzzing with excitement.

The evening was a perfect blend of culture, creativity, and celebration. It was clear: the Hampton House is once again a beacon of creativity and celebration, bridging the past with a vibrant, future-forward vibe. Plan your visit here: https://www.historichamptonhouse.org

https://youtube.com/shorts/w_hgSCjuYTg?si=MqAkv4Qu4gWh7OXN