The best September events in Miami

Fairchild Garden transforms into a prehistoric playground this summer. Explore the lush grounds where life-size dinosaurs hold court amid a collection of cycads, ferns, conifers and all sorts of flowering plants that date back to primitive times. Kiddos can get hands-on during the ancient artifact digs, egg hunts and more while learning all about what the world was like 65 million years ago. Be sure to check the Fairchild Garden website for up-to-date information on upcoming dino events.

During the notoriously slow summer months, Miami’s top restaurants offer an irresistibly good deal that gets hungry locals sprinting from their houses to snag a table: three-course, prix-fixe menus at lunch and brunch ($30/$35) and dinner ($45/$60, depending on the menu). Your swimsuit body never stood a chance. Various locations

Legion Park is the place to be on a beautiful Saturday morning, as tents pop up from Biscayne Boulevard all the way to Biscayne Bay. Run by Urban Oasis Project, which oversees some of Miami’s most important farmers markets, you’ll find produce from local favorites like Little River Cooperative and French Farms, artisan-made goods like fresh bread, hummus and empanadas (the Chilean ones are excellent), and even dog treats. (Don’t worry, Fido always gets a free sample.) In the morning, a hundred or so yogis gather under the Spanish oak-draped banyan trees for a donation-based yoga class and then stock up on goods from some of the new-age vendors onsite.

Ever wondered what the magic city looked like hundreds of years ago? HistoryMiami has you covered—literally. Enjoy a free visit to the museum every second Saturday of the month. Spend the day time-traveling and discovering hidden nuggets of the 305’s past. The museum is free to explore from 10am to 5pm, with family-friendly activities hosted from 11am to 4pm. On July 13, participate in an interactive tour of the special exhibition Tropical Dreams while learning about the fascinating story of 18th-century author Amelia Simmon.

Chef Michael Schwartz hosts this pop-up dinner series through the summer, inviting an acclaimed chef buddy to Amara at Paraiso each month to showcase their culinary talents with a meal that reflects their roots. The experience begins at 6:30pm as the sun sinks over Biscayne Bay. Take in the expansive views with passed apps and a tropical welcome cocktail made with Brugal rum. Each intimate, seated dinner comprises four courses of Latin-inspired dishes prepared from the open kitchen and wood-fired grill plus wine pairings by Brazos Wine (except Chef Diego Oka's Brugal Maestro Dinner, which is accompanied by Brugal cocktails). A percentage of proceeds benefits Miami-based non-profit Viernes Culturales. Schedule May 28: Michael Beltran, CubaExecutive chef/owner and partner of Ariete Hospitality Group June 11: Diego Oka, Peru*Executive chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio *This Brugal Maestro Dinner features rum pairings by Brugal Brand Ambassador, author and FIU Hospitality professor, Gabe Urrutia. July 24: Pablo Zitzmann, ColombiaExecutive chef/owner of Zitz Sum August 27: Jose Mendin, Puerto RicoFive-time James Beard semifinalist and co-founder of Pubbelly Sushi, Casa Isola, Hitchihaika and June Burgers September 26: Karla Hoyos, MexicoExecutive chef/owner of Tacotomia and World Central Kitchen Disaster Relief Head Chef

Experience the magic of Miami summer nights at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Sunset Summer Jams Series. This enchanting outdoor concert promises vibrant tunes and botanical-inspired cocktails with a lush tropical backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon. The inaugural concert features Bryant Del Toro, a self-taught guitarist who explores his rich Venezuelan cultural heritage. 

A private tour around Little Havana with Cuban food, Cuban ice cream, Cuban cigars and even a cafecito-making lesson? That’s about as Miami as it gets. The Calle Ocho Experience reveals the neighborhood’s authentic side, highlighting local favorites and the flavors of Cuba. Soak up some sun in Domino Park, explore the Latin Walk of Fame and more during this vibrant, all-ages tour that includes coffee, a light lunch and tons of fascinating Miami history.

Embark on this thrilling nocturnal adventure with Redland ATV Tours for an intimate glimpse at Miami’s backcountry. This 45-to-60-minute journey through enchanting natural trails offers a unique, moonlit perspective of the historic, unincorporated agricultural community about 20 miles southwest of downtown. Prices start at $80 for single riders and $120 for doubles, with a required, refundable $100 deposit. Note: This expert-guided tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old. 12720 SW 177th Ave