From outdoor art marathons to haunted Valentine's dates and boat shows bigger than your apartment complex, here's your guide to surviving (and thriving) in Miami this weekend.
Look, I won't sugarcoat it: this is one of the most packed weekends Miami has seen in months. Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, Presidents Day weekend is in full swing, and half the eastern seaboard decided to visit. But instead of doom-scrolling through event listings and still ending up at the same overpriced prix-fixe dinner, let me point you to what's actually worth your time. I've dug through it all so you don't have to. These picks span the Coconut Grove waterfront to Hollywood's ArtsPark, from intimate planetarium dates to all-night techno warehouses. Save your favorites on AllEvents and let's get into it.
How this list works: Events are organized by vibe, not by day. Some are ticketed, some are free. Some require advance planning, others you can walk into. I've noted the essentials for each so you can build your own weekend around what actually sounds good to you.
What: The 62nd edition of Miami's most beloved outdoor arts festival, featuring 285+ juried artists displaying paintings, sculpture, photography, glass, jewelry, and mixed media along the Coconut Grove waterfront. Live music stages, the Arts & Drafts Beer Garden, and a dedicated family zone round out the experience.
Why go: This isn't some craft fair with macramé and scented candles. The Grove Arts Festival has been the launchpad for serious artists for over six decades, and the curation shows. You'll walk away having discovered at least three new favorites, and the bayfront setting makes even browsing feel like an event.
Who it's for: Art lovers who actually want to meet the artists, couples looking for a cultured date that doesn't require reservations, families who want their kids to see that "artist" is a real job.
When: Saturday, February 14 (10am-6pm), Sunday, February 15 (10am-6pm), Monday, February 16 (10am-5pm)
Need to know: Free admission. The festival spans South Bayshore Drive from the Barnacle to Peacock Park. Arrive before noon for parking sanity, or better yet, Uber in. Food vendors are plentiful but lines get long after 1pm.
What: The final stretch of the world's largest boat and yacht show, spread across Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key (the in-water component) and Sea Isle Marina on Miami Beach. We're talking everything from kayaks to superyachts, plus marine tech demos, fishing seminars, and enough nautical gear to outfit a small navy.
Why go: Even if you're not in the market for a boat, this is industrial-grade people-watching. The yacht pavilions are where Miami's other side shows up, and wandering through floating mansions is free entertainment. The marine stadium location on Virginia Key is genuinely stunning, too.
Who it's for: Boating enthusiasts, curious landlubbers, families with kids who love anything that floats, and anyone who wants to pretend-shop for a $2 million catamaran.
When: Friday, February 13 (10am-7pm), Saturday, February 14 (10am-7pm), Sunday, February 15 (10am-6pm)
Need to know: Tickets start around $35 for general admission. The Miami Marine Stadium and Sea Isle Marina locations require separate entry but there's a free ferry connecting them. Water taxis are also running. Wear boat shoes, not heels.
What: Country trio Rascal Flatts brings their reunion tour to Hard Rock Live with openers Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane. Expect the full catalog: "Bless the Broken Road," "What Hurts the Most," "Life Is a Highway," and deep cuts for the longtime fans.
Why go: This isn't just nostalgia, it's weaponized nostalgia. The band sounds as good as they did in 2006, and Hard Rock Live's acoustics are legitimately impressive. Plus, Lauren Alaina is having her own moment right now, so you're getting a solid opener-to-headliner ratio.
Who it's for: Country fans who came of age in the mid-2000s, couples who had "Bless the Broken Road" at their wedding, anyone who wants to feel feelings in a stadium full of people also feeling feelings.
When: Saturday, February 14 at 7pm
Need to know: Hard Rock Live is at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, about 30 minutes north of Miami proper. Parking is plentiful but costs $25+. The attached casino and restaurants mean you can make a full evening of it.
Love Kills Valentine's Haunted Experience
What: The Horrorland team transforms Jungle Island into a twisted Valentine's horror attraction. Think fog-filled corridors, love-gone-wrong storylines, and enough jump scares to test any relationship. This is billed as Miami's first Valentine's haunted attraction, running four nights only.
Why go: Skip the roses-and-chocolate routine. This is for couples who bond over adrenaline rather than prix-fixe menus. The production values are legit (same team behind the Halloween Horrorland), and Jungle Island at night is inherently spooky anyway.
Who it's for: Horror-loving couples, anti-Valentine's crews, friend groups who want to scream together. Not for the easily scared or anyone who thinks a haunted house is "just actors in costumes."
When: Thursday-Sunday, February 12-15, 7pm-10pm
Need to know: Tickets start at $29.99 for regular admission, with couple bundles available. Located at Jungle Island on Watson Island. The experience takes about 45 minutes. They mean it when they say it's scary.
What: Wynwood's monthly art walk gets the Valentine's treatment with extended hours, special gallery openings, live muralists, and the usual food trucks and street vendors that make this neighborhood feel like a perpetual block party. The whole district participates, from established galleries to pop-up shows.
Why go: This is free-range date energy. You wander, you discover, you argue about whether that mural is genius or garbage. The Valentine's edition means more live music and more reasons to linger. Plus, Wynwood's restaurant scene has matured, so you can actually eat well afterward.
Who it's for: First dates, longtime couples who want to walk and talk, art-curious folks who don't want the pressure of a formal gallery, anyone looking for good Instagram content.
When: Saturday, February 14, 12pm-10pm (individual galleries set their own hours)
Need to know: Free to wander. Start at NW 2nd Avenue and work your way through. Parking is either street (good luck) or the garages on NW 3rd and NW 5th ($10-20). The crowds peak between 6-8pm.
Moonlight & Music Valentine's Concert
What: The Deering Estate hosts its annual outdoor Valentine's concert under the stars, set on the historic grounds overlooking Biscayne Bay. This year features a mix of romantic standards and contemporary hits performed in a setting that feels like a movie set.
Why go: Honestly? The venue alone is worth it. Deering Estate is one of Miami's best-kept secrets, all old coral rock structures and ancient trees. Add moonlight, live music, and the bay in the background, and you've got a Valentine's date that doesn't require a reservation or a small fortune.
Who it's for: Couples who want romance without the restaurant markup, nature lovers, history nerds, anyone who thinks "dinner and a show" should involve neither restaurant drama nor stadium seating.
When: Saturday, February 14, 8pm-10pm
Need to know: Tickets required, usually around $30-40. Bring a blanket or low chairs. Picnicking is encouraged, so pack wine and snacks. The estate is in Cutler Bay, about 25 minutes south of downtown.
What: Veteran house and techno DJ Victor Calderone headlines a proper Saturday night (into Sunday afternoon) set at Club Space, joined by Italian producer Blackchild and South African DJ Themba. This is Space Terrace programming at its finest.
Why go: Club Space on a Saturday night is still the benchmark for Miami's underground scene. Victor Calderone has been doing this for decades and still knows how to build a set. If you've never experienced a Space sunrise, this is your chance.
Who it's for: Serious dance music heads, night owls who think 2am is early, anyone who wants to understand why people talk about Club Space like it's a religious experience.
When: Saturday, February 14, 11pm until approximately 2pm Sunday
Need to know: Tickets from $30. 21+. The venue is downtown at NE 11th Street. The Terrace is the main draw. Dress code exists but isn't pretentious. Pace yourself, it's a marathon.
What: Mexican rock legends Molotov bring their 30th anniversary tour to the Miami Beach Bandshell. If you know, you know: this is the band behind "Gimme Tha Power" and "Frijolero," icons of Latin rock who've never mellowed with age.
Why go: Molotov live is pure catharsis. The band still plays with the same fury they had in 1996, and the crowd energy at their shows is unmatched. The Bandshell's outdoor setting is perfect for this kind of show, intimate enough to feel the bass in your chest.
Who it's for: Latin rock fans, anyone who came up on '90s alternative en español, people who want a concert that feels like a celebration rather than a performance.
When: Sunday, February 15 at 7pm
Need to know: Tickets vary but expect $40-80 range. The Bandshell is at 7275 Collins Avenue in North Beach. All ages. Street parking is available, or take the free trolley from Collins.
What: Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, widely considered one of the finest bel canto singers alive, performs an evening of songs by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, and Latin American composers at the Adrienne Arsht Center's Knight Concert Hall.
Why go: This is world-class vocal artistry in one of Miami's best acoustic venues. Flórez has been called "the king of the bel canto repertory" by The New Yorker, and hearing him live is genuinely thrilling. The Knight Concert Hall's intimate size means even the back rows feel connected.
Who it's for: Classical music lovers, opera fans, anyone who appreciates vocal virtuosity, and couples looking for a sophisticated Sunday evening out.
When: Sunday, February 15 at 7:30pm
Need to know: Tickets range from about $48 to $190. The Arsht Center is downtown at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard. Valet and garage parking available. Dress is smart casual to dressy.
Downtown Hollywood Mardi Gras Festival
What: South Florida's largest Mardi Gras celebration takes over Hollywood Boulevard with parades, live music stages, Cajun and Creole food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and yes, plenty of beads. It's free, it's family-friendly (mostly), and it's delightfully chaotic.
Why go: Free street festivals with genuine energy are increasingly rare. Hollywood's Mardi Gras has been running for years and they've figured out the formula: good bands, good food, good vibes. Plus, Downtown Hollywood's restaurant row means you can escape the madness for a proper meal when needed.
Who it's for: Families looking for Sunday plans, groups of friends who want an excuse to party during the day, anyone who thinks Miami proper takes itself too seriously.
When: Sunday, February 15, 1pm-7pm
Need to know: Free admission. Located on Hollywood Boulevard between 19th and 20th Avenues. Street parking is free but fills up fast, so arrive early. Kids welcome, but it gets rowdier as the day goes on.
What: Comedian Kathy Griffin brings her sharp-tongued stand-up to the Parker in Fort Lauderdale. Expect current events commentary, celebrity gossip, and the confessional humor that's made her a comedy institution. This is Griffin in her element, working a theater crowd.
Why go: Griffin is genuinely funny, regardless of where you fall politically. Her delivery is impeccable, her timing is sharp, and she's been doing this long enough to read a room and adjust. The Parker is also a gorgeous venue, an old movie palace that's been restored beautifully.
Who it's for: Comedy fans who appreciate observational humor, pop culture enthusiasts, anyone looking for a Valentine's date with more laughs than longing looks.
When: Saturday, February 14 at 7pm
Need to know: Tickets vary by seating. The Parker is at 707 NE 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale. Parking garages nearby. The show is about two hours. Content is adult but not explicit.
Laser Evening at Frost Science
What: Frost Science transforms its 67-foot planetarium dome into a laser light show experience for a Valentine's date night. Multiple themed shows run throughout the evening, from classic rock to current hits, all projected onto the massive dome with full surround sound.
Why go: This is genuinely unique. You're lying back in reclining seats, watching lasers dance across a dome ceiling while music surrounds you. It's retro in the best way, a callback to the planetarium laser shows of the '80s and '90s, but with updated tech and playlists.
Who it's for: Couples who want something different, families with older kids, anyone who remembers laser shows from their youth and wants to relive the magic, science nerds and music lovers alike.
When: Saturday, February 14, 7pm-11pm (multiple shows throughout)
Need to know: Tickets required, check Frost Science website for pricing and showtimes. The museum is at 1101 Biscayne Boulevard downtown. The planetarium shows are included with admission but have timed entry.
What: E11EVEN caps Presidents Day weekend with a trance and progressive house showcase featuring Markus Schulz, vocalist Emma Hewitt, and yes, that Darude (of "Sandstorm" fame). This is E11EVEN doing what E11EVEN does best: 24-hour party culture.
Why go: This is a proper trance lineup in a city that doesn't get enough of them. Markus Schulz is a legend in the genre, Emma Hewitt's collaborations with him are emotional peak-hour stuff, and Darude is going to play "Sandstorm" and everyone is going to lose their minds. Sometimes you just need that.
Who it's for: Trance fans, electronic music enthusiasts who remember when melodic mattered, anyone who wants to celebrate Presidents Day by dancing until dawn.
When: Sunday, February 15, 8pm until approximately 10am Monday
Need to know: Tickets start around $50. E11EVEN is at 29 NE 11th Street downtown. 21+. Table reservations available for groups. The club literally never closes.
What: Broward County's award-winning light, art, and technology festival returns for its 5th anniversary, transforming four locations including ArtsPark at Young Circle in Hollywood. Expect immersive light installations, projection mapping, live music, and interactive digital art from international artists.
Why go: This is free outdoor spectacle done right. The installations are genuinely impressive, not just pretty lights but actual artistic statements about technology and community. ArtsPark becomes something otherworldly after dark, and the whole family can enjoy it.
Who it's for: Families, photography enthusiasts, anyone who appreciates public art, couples looking for a free evening activity, tech nerds and art lovers alike.
When: February 13-22, nightly from dusk until late (specific hours vary by location)
Need to know: Free admission. The Hollywood location at ArtsPark (1 Young Circle) is the most accessible. Other locations include Fort Lauderdale's Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park and even the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Check ignitebroward.com for full schedule.
What: R&B singer Mariah the Scientist brings her "Hearts Sold Separately" tour to the Fillmore Miami Beach. Known for her vulnerable lyricism and moody, atmospheric production, she's been steadily building a devoted fanbase with tracks like "Spread Thin" and her work on Young Thug's albums.
Why go: Mariah the Scientist is having a moment, and the Fillmore is the perfect size venue to catch her before she's playing arenas. Her voice is stunning live, and her songs hit differently in a room full of people who know every word. Great Friday night energy.
Who it's for: R&B fans who like their music emotional and introspective, people who discovered her through TikTok and want the full experience, couples who bond over sad songs.
When: Friday, February 13 at 8pm
Need to know: Tickets vary. The Fillmore is at 1700 Washington Avenue in South Beach. Standing room general admission. Parking is tough, so rideshare in.
What: Smorgasburg takes over Lincoln Road for a special Lunar New Year celebration, featuring 15+ Asian street food vendors, cultural performances including dragon and lion dances, and the usual Smorgasburg energy of curated food stalls and community gathering.
Why go: This is Lincoln Road at its best, actually activated with something worth stopping for. The food vendors are curated, not generic, and the Lunar New Year programming adds cultural depth to what could otherwise be just another food fest. Plus, it's free to enter.
Who it's for: Foodies, families looking for Saturday or Sunday afternoon plans, anyone who wants to eat their way through a dozen cuisines in one location.
When: Saturday, February 14 (12pm-10pm) and Sunday, February 15 (12pm-8pm)
Need to know: Free entry, pay for what you eat. Located at 1665 Lenox Avenue on Lincoln Road. Come hungry and bring cash, though most vendors take cards. The lion dances are typically in the afternoon.
What: MADtv veteran and comedy legend Aries Spears performs multiple shows at Miami Improv in Doral. Known for his dead-on celebrity impressions and high-energy delivery, Spears has been a comedy club staple for decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
Why go: Aries Spears is reliably hilarious. His impressions alone are worth the ticket price, but his crowd work and observational stuff is equally strong. The Improv is intimate enough that you feel like you're part of the show, not just watching it.
Who it's for: Comedy fans, impression aficionados, anyone who remembers MADtv fondly, couples looking for a laugh-heavy Valentine's weekend.
When: Friday, February 13 (7:30pm & 10pm), Saturday, February 14 (7pm & 9:30pm), Sunday, February 15 (8:30pm)
Need to know: Tickets around $36-45. Miami Improv is at 3450 NW 83rd Avenue in Doral. Two-drink minimum. The 7pm/7:30pm shows are less rowdy than the late shows.
What: The 9th annual Miami Concours transforms the Miami Design District into an outdoor automotive showcase, featuring significant post-war automobiles, hypercars, vintage supercars, and design-focused programming. The event includes The Screening (a VIP drive-in experience on Friday) and the main concours on Sunday.
Why go: Car lovers will be in heaven, obviously, but even if you don't know a Dino from a Daytona, walking through the Design District surrounded by rolling sculpture is pretty spectacular. The curation is excellent, they're not just parking random Ferraris around.
Who it's for: Car enthusiasts, design lovers, anyone who appreciates craftsmanship, people who want to see how the other half drives.
When: Friday, February 13 (The Screening, 7pm-11pm, VIP), Sunday, February 15 (main event, 11am-5pm)
Need to know: Sunday general admission tickets available; Friday is VIP only. The Design District is at NE 39th-41st Streets. The neighborhood's galleries and shops are also open, so you can make a full day of it.
What: Cuban singer-songwriter Leoni Torres performs a Valentine's concert at Watsco Center titled "Una Noche Para Enamorarse" (A Night to Fall in Love). Torres is known for romantic ballads and contemporary Cuban pop that bridges generations.
Why go: This is South Florida's Cuban community showing up for one of their own, and that energy is contagious. Torres has crossover appeal but the show will feel distinctly local, the kind of concert where families bring three generations and everyone knows the words.
Who it's for: Cuban music fans, couples looking for a romantic concert experience, anyone who wants to feel part of Miami's Latin heartbeat.
When: Saturday, February 14 at 8:30pm
Need to know: Tickets vary. Watsco Center is at 1245 Dauer Drive in Coral Gables (University of Miami campus). Parking available on-site. The show is in Spanish but the music transcends language.
José Luis Rodríguez "El Puma" & Charlie Zaa: Noche Romántica – Friday, February 13 at 8pm, Watsco Center. Two Latin ballad legends on one stage, perfect for the romantically inclined who want to start the weekend early.
Gryffin at LIV – Saturday night starting at 11pm. If you want the full South Beach bottle-service experience with legitimately good electronic music, this is your move.
BRESH Valentine's Day Edition – Saturday, February 14 at 10pm, Midline Miami. The wildly popular Latin American party brand brings reggaeton, pop, and disco energy to Wynwood.
Candlelight: Valentine's Day Special – Multiple showtimes Saturday at Scottish Rite Temple. Classical music by candlelight, extremely romantic, perfect for couples who want culture without the two-hour commitment.
What's the weather like? Expect highs in the mid-70s with low humidity. Perfect outdoor festival weather. Bring a light layer for evening events.
Where should I stay? South Beach for nightlife access, Coconut Grove for the arts festival, Coral Gables for a quieter base with good food. Brickell works for downtown access.
How do I get around? Uber/Lyft are essential. The Metromover is free downtown. For the boat show, use their water taxis. Don't try to park in Wynwood on Saturday night.
What's actually sold out? As of now, most events still have tickets, but Rascal Flatts and the major nightclub bookings are moving fast. Check AllEvents for current availability.
Is Valentine's Day dinner a disaster? Yes, if you don't have reservations already. Pivoting to a festival or concert dinner combo is smarter than fighting for a table.
Now go have a weekend worth remembering.
