These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

Prolific Miami food bloggers The Hungry Post host another IRL activation, this time on Jungle Island among its ongoing trippy Chinese lantern installation, Luminosa. Tickets to the party include full access to the Alice in Wonderland-like spectacle, an open bar from 6 to 7pm and one specialty cocktail by local rum purveyors Coconut Cartel. If you get hungry, tacos and dim sum will be available for purchase.

English comedian Jamali Maddix, known for his role as host on the confrontational Vice docuseries “Hate Thy Neighbour,” stops in for an intimate stand-up set at Shirley’s, the dimly lit backroom bar at Gramps in Wynwood.

Drag queen witchcraft, anthropomorphized croquetas, sex worker struggles and “the artiest movie ever shot in Hialeah” are all on the menu at this zany independent film festival created for Miami people, by Miami people. Celebrating 11 wild iterations that have birthed films destined for greatness (Berry Jenkins credits this fest for helping spawn his Oscar-winning Moonlight), Borscht returns to Adrienne Arsht Center for its flagship showcase and hosts a spate of other screenings and parties around the city over the course of 10 days. Various dates, locations and times

Get out and enjoy the glorious fall weather at Palm Court’s weekly outdoor concert. Formerly the Palm Court Performance Series, the weekly concert event, presented by the Knight Foundation, is free and open to people of all ages. This weekend, enjoy a special musical tribute to merengue and salsa with accomplished Dominican singer and bandleader Jonny Ventura, known as the “Elvis of Merengue.”

With more than 25 Billboard-certified hits to his name, Anthony stands tall as the leading man of tropical salsa. Lose yourself in his bilingual poetry as he croons “Vivir Mi Vida,” “Flor Pálida” and “You Sang to Me” on his Opus tour.

Would it still be Coconut Grove without another arts festival? This time, the neighborhood hosts the 15th annual Mad Hatter, a wacky spectacle that’s part street fair and part marketplace. Stroll Main Highway’s array of vintage items and shoppable accessories and stop in at the Barnacle for a hat contest, performances and activities for the kids. The outdoor festival happens on both Saturday and Sunday and is free with $2 park admission. 

While Miami gears up for the bustle of Art Basel, Fort Lauderdale’s Riptide Festival just a few miles north promises an artistic scene that’s way more chill. Saturday features pop-rock favorites the Killers and the 1975, while Sunday gets nostalgic for the 1990s with Jimmy Eat World and Reel Big Fish.

Feel like the belle of the ball at one of Miami’s most glamorous affairs. This year’s spectacular “Rock Your Rococo”- themed evening begins with a red-carpet photo op, followed by cocktails in the courtyard and a lavish dinner on the terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay. Bonus: Proceeds from the hefty ticket price go toward preserving and protecting the historic property.

Plan ahead and make the most of your time in Miami