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Events
There are very few city-wide events planned during July and August because of the high temperatures during the summer in Miami.
- FedEx Orange Bowl Football Game, Dolphin Stadium, +1 305 341-4700 [1] – Held in early Jan around New Year’s Day. A major Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game held ironically in Dolphin Stadium. Top teams from two conferences, one of the conferences being the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), battle for this prize.
- South Beach Wine & Food Festival, various locations throughout South Beach, (e-mail: info@sobewineandfoodfest.com) [2] – Held in late February, this festival is sponsored by Food & Wine magazine and the Food Network. The event raises money for Florida International University’s hospitality program by having celebrity cooks and chefs (many of them who work for or have appeared on Food Network at one time) descend upon South Beach to do cooking demonstrations and throw parties. Florida International University’s hospitality program students volunteer at some of the festival’s events. Wine and food tastings featuring local chefs and cuisine are also held during the annual event. Tickets range from $15-$300 depending on the event.
- Winter Party, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 305 571-1924 (ask for Michael Bath) [3] – Held between mid-February and mid-March, this circuit party benefits several gay organizations throughout Dade County as well as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Beach parties, pool parties, parties held at local clubs and a dinner are the main features of the Winter Party.
- Winter Music Conference, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 954 563-4444 (fax +1 954 563-1599) [4] – Held in mid-March, the Winter Music Party attracts queer people for a good cause, the Winter Music Conference attracts electronic musicians (and the labels they belong to) and DJs as well as fans of various electronic music genres for the love of music. In addition to several parties held in clubs, parks and on Lummus Beach (and occasionally in retail stores and hotels), there are seminars for people to learn more about the music business and DJ showcases. Don’t confuse the Winter Music Conference with the Winter Party!
- Independence Day, city-wide. Held on July 4th. The Miami skyline is illuminated by fireworks on the “birth date” of the United States. While Key Biscayne has great views of the fireworks show, Bayfront Park has live music as well as a laser show.
- White Party, various locations throughout South Beach, +1 305 667-9296 [5] and [6] – The White Party held in mid-November. Miami’s oldest gay circuit party raises money for Care Resource, the largest and oldest HIV/AIDS association in South Florida. The party spans over 10 days. It’s not nearly as popular as the Winter Party held earlier in the year, but the White Party still manages to sell out its tickets nearly a year in advance.
- King Mango Strut, Main Avenue and Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, +1 305 401-1171 [7] – Held after Christmas, this parade began as a parody of current events as well as the Orange Bowl Parade. The Orange Bowl Parade, unlike its famous Rose Bowl counterpart, is no longer held anymore, but the King Mango Strut is still having a good time making fun of the previous year’s follies.
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