These are the best things to do in Miami this weekend

Ahead of its season kick-off in October, the New World Symphony is hosting a “pay-what-you-wish” performance on Saturday, September 26, featuring guest conductor Nicholas Herch and New World Symphony Fellows. With impressive range, the chamber program draws from masterworks of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Dmitri Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony and Steve Reich’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Double Sextet. In other words, there's a little something for everybody. Get there early to admire the marvelous architecture of Frank Gehry’s New World Center, where the performance takes place.

Foodies, rejoice! Miami Spice has extended through October 31, offering special-priced three-course menus at over 300 local restaurants. Prix-fixe menus start at $40 for brunch and lunch, and range $50-$65 for dinner, excluding tax and gratuity. A new “Reserve” tier ups the elegance with $95 signature experiences. Check out a Michelin-starred darling in the Grove, savor Peruvian ceviche in Kendall, or see what’s newly opened in Doral. Or why not do it all? Explore the full list of Miami Spice 2026 participating restaurants.

‘Tis the season for jump scares and gut-wrenching screams. In other words, House of Horror is back. The annual South Florida scare-fest returns for its 25th year, September 24 through November 1, at an all-new location: Tropical Park. Included with general admission, five haunted houses and unlimited carnival rides await, if you dare. Outdoor scare zones, live entertainment, and food and drink vendors keep things light between the action. Or, brave souls can test their nerves on Howie’s Blind Terror, a pitch-dark rollercoaster run by psychopathic clowns. Fun! Keep an eye out for weekday deals and special theme nights (October 13 is Country Night). 

Climate change is no laughing matter – well, maybe a little in Bryan Watkin’s Weather Girl. Running September 25 to October 18 at The Wolfson Family Theater, presented by GableStage, the one-woman show sees Ella Olesen star as a California weather girl whose picture-perfect world spirals into madness as she struggles to report on a growing climate crisis. See why this “blistering dark comedy” was named one of The New York Times’ best theater moments of 2025.

Get wet, get wild at Daytime Service, a rooftop pool party at the Arlo Wynwood hotel presented by Midnight Service, a local LGBTQ+ nightlife collective. From 2pm to 9pm, boogie on down to disco and house sets by local DJs Crownel, Miguel Clark and others. Private cabanas, a playful energy, and poolside dining will lure you to stay well past sundown. Tickets from $20, ages 21+. 

Fall has officially arrived. That means shorter days and darker nights ahead—a perfect backdrop for The Gothic Cosplay Cabaret on Saturday, September 26. The sultry production by Black Moon Theatre leans into gothic cosplay, promising fire, drag performers, cirque, burlesque, live music, and more. Embrace your inner bat and dress to impress for a cash-prize costume contest. It’s all happening at The Boombox, 8pm to 2am. 

El Mercadito is Little Havana’s new “social farmers market” designed to bring more local art and community to the neighborhood. On Friday, September 25, head to El Jardín Inn and shop a curated mix of local artisans, food and drink vendors, jewelry makers, and more starting at 7pm. Come for the cozy patio vibes and stay for the Bloom After Dark program featuring live figure drawing, an artistic performance by Mónica Olivo, and storytelling moments inspired by indigenous wisdom and Olivo’s Caribbean and Dominican roots.