Ashley Brozic

Artistry is a defining pillar of Mexican culture—through the intricate thatching of embroidery, sculpted forms of hand-crafted pottery and mastery of ingredients to create the perfect tamal or enchilada. But when this artistic tick is applied to fashion, the result is wearable creativity. From the shores of San Diego to the urban centers of Chicago and Mexico City, Mexican and Mexican-American designers are breathing freshness into an industry that’s often overlooked Latin talent, making themselves not just seen but admired on local, national and global scales. Ready to add some color and originality to your wardrobe? Here are the five Mexican fashion designers that should be on your radar.

Miami is beaches, palm trees, nightlife and humidity. It is also Cuban food. This is the home base of America’s (if not the world’s) Cuban diaspora, which means we are likely the best place to dig your fork into a plate of saucy ropa vieja, shred through a dish of vaca frita or graduate from a Cuban sandwich to a medianoche, just like abuela makes it. Right now is an exciting time for Cuban food in Miami, from Little Havana to South Beach and beyond, as first- and second-generation Cuban Americans put their unique twists on the cuisine’s staples. We’ve included old-school classics and new-wave gems in this guide—and even some spots that come with a side of salsa (the kind you can dance to!). RECOMMENDED: Where to find the best Cuban sandwiches in Miami

Name a more wholesome way to spend a weekend morning than picking through fresh produce, biting into home-baked goods and filling your tote bag with artisanal soaps, candles and accessories as the Florida sun warms your shoulders. On weekends, Miami farmers’ markets pop off all around town, from parks to parking lots, shopping malls and historic estates. These markets not only offer high-quality ingredients at competitive prices but also provide a great opportunity to support your local community. Carve out a gorgeous morning, pack a picnic blanket and bring the family, friends and fur babies. We've picked out the best farmers markets in Miami right now, from year-round staples to seasonal pop-ups.  RECOMMENDED: The best vegan restaurants in Miami

The great news about living in Miami is that there's enough beachfront it would take an entire lifetime to lay a towel out to tan over every square foot. The bad news? Your dog probably can't join you. If you're a pup owner, a gorgeous day spent outside without them feels, well, empty.  Forget Miami's best swimming pools, you're best off hitting up one of our city's gorgeous parks or having lunch alfresco at one of our many dog-friendly restaurants. Or better, you can have an oceanfront day... at Miami's handful of dog-friendly beaches! You in your swimwear, Fido in his fur suit, you soaking in some rays, him fetching coconuts in the ocean and chewing them all up on the sand. Some are open all week and others only for select days and hours, so it’s wise to plan ahead and know the rules before you go. Ready for an awesome beach day with your doggo? Study up below and remember to pack plenty of water for your good boy/girl—plus, like, an extra 4,000 towels because they are going to get very sandy and smelly.  

Yes, Miami summer has nine circles of hell, but it's safe to say we're "in season" all year round these days. Art exhibitions, festivals and concerts, family-friendly events, fresh theater, new restaurants—snowbirds or not, things are heating up, indeed. The Magic City is brimming with things to do, even on school nights. We've got tons of activities to jump into any day of the week, plus tourist attractions that even locals love. In this list, we've handpicked special events and happenings over the next seven days, enough to have you saying "This was the best week ever."  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in Miami Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in Miami news, culture and dining.

Welcome to summer in Miami. After you've been here a while, you get the hang of swimming through the densely humid air and timing your outings around the daily deluges—a good thing, since there are plenty of fun ways to break outside and explore Miami this weekend. On deck, we've got back-to-back shows from L.A.'s bilingual indie rock outfit The Marías, a major circus event in Downtown (that happily leaves out the animals), an immersive art-fueled pregame at Superblue and plenty of outdoor festivals and fresh theater. Contemporary art exhibits, a prehistoric garden installation and a sultry cabaret round out the festivities. Ready to have some fun in the 305? Here are the best things to do in Miami this weekend.  RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Miami

Ah, Miami. It's hard to resist our 35-mile stretch of glorious beachfront, world class museums and sexy swimming pools. And as if that wasn't enough, would you believe that there's so much more to explore.  Historic vacation estates, iconic monuments and lush tropical gardens – some touting animals galore – make up another portion of Miami's offerings, alongside two of the most unique national parks in the country – one completely submerged under water and the second spanning over 1.5 million acres of tropical wetland. Your travels could even take you on a journey of food discovery, leading you to the best donuts, Cuban sandwiches and pizza in Miami. Whatever the reason or the season (though we must admit, winter is honestly the best), our guide to the best Miami attractions has something for everyone. RECOMMENDED: ❄️ The best things to do in Miami this Winter🍽️ The best restaurants in Miami🏖️ The best beachfront Airbnbs in Miami This guide was written by Falyn Wood, an editor based in Miami. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

To equate a michelada with a bloody Mary is a mistake. Yes, they’re red in color. Yes, some version of tomato, hot or Worcestershire sauce always finds its way in (many times, all three). But whereas one might feel like a hearty glass of gazpacho, the other is distinctly two things: a michelada is 100 percent a beer cocktail. It’s also 100 percent Mexican. It is largely believed that the drink originated in a country club in San Luis Potosí in the 1960s, but the idea of sprinkling some lime and spices into a beer is too ubiquitous to be traced to one person or place. Cocktail experts agree that people were likely doing their own versions all around Mexico. But while no one may have truly ever discovered the drink, every michelada-lover did discover the drink for themselves at some point in their life. As its popularity around the country rises, so, too, does the chance to indulge in more versions—with surprising, over-the-top ingredients you might not expect. Gearing up for National Michelada Day (July 12)? Here are a few ideas for ways to celebrate this year.

Everyone’s voice deserves to be heard, especially when it comes to karaoke. In Miami, there’s somewhere to sing for a crowd nearly every night of the week—and no shortage of situations, either. You can take the stage at a packed karaoke bar, sing from within the audience or take a quick moment to belt it out from the privacy and comfort of a karaoke-themed bathroom. (More on that later).  As a self-proclaimed “Cher-aoke” star, I’ve sung “Believe” at many of these venues (more times than I’d care to admit) and can guarantee that each humble “stage” is a damn good time. Start warming up those vocal chords and summon the most lyrical among your pals because the best karaoke bars and karaoke nights in Miami are ready to hear you sing. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Miami to go drinking at right now

We do birthdays big in Miami—and America’s is no exception. The 4th of July tends to hold a lot of meaning for those who call Miami home, whether they were born in this country or immigrated here in the pursuit of their own American dream. Of course, we have to add our Miami flavor to the most patriotic day of the year, whether it’s via a mojo-soaked barbecue, a star-spangled fireworks display on the bay, or a pool party that’s every shade of red, white and booze. But hey, that’s what freedom is all about, right? So light up those sparklers and pledge your allegiance to a good time. Here are the best ways to celebrate the 4th of July weekend in Miami. (We'll be updating this guide as the holiday approaches, so check back often.) RECOMMENDED: Our picks for the most dazzling 4th of July fireworks in Miami

July 2024: Miami is heating up (literally) and we've got tons of July events in Miami to ensure your summer gets a proper kickoff. Of course, there's so much to explore in the Magic City no matter the weather. Just be sure to bookmark our guide to Miami's best things to do on a rainy day now that those summer storms are here.  Locals and tourists can agree that the best things to do in Miami extend beyond lounging on the sand—though it goes without saying that spending some time on the best Miami beaches is fundamental to life in the 305. Aside from dabbling in our famous nightlife and exploring Miami's best bars, no trip would be complete without scoping out the booming culinary scene and our award-winning Miami restaurants. In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails, check off these essential Miami experiences, a mix of year-round attractions, seasonal events, cultural staples and exciting one-offs vetted by our expert editors and contributors. (We're a team of born-and-raised locals and passionate Miami transplants with an unhealthy aversion to staying home). By the way, this list is curated, as always, but isn’t ranked—we just couldn’t choose favorites.

Miami is a pampered city, figuratively and literally. There are endless perks that come with living in a town that touts so many incredible hotels and resorts, and one of those is access to world-class spas. Here, you can wrap yourself in 24-karat gold, clear your chakras through bodywork and celestial alignment, lather yourself in decadent Florida sugar scrubs or sweat it out in a luxurious, Turkish-style hammam. If there’s an up-and-coming treatment, rest assured you can find it here—otherwise, your next Swedish massage is probably just a block or two away. From South Beach to the Gables, these standalone spots and ultra-luxe hotel destinations are the best spas in Miami to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and and absolutely amazing. RECOMMENDED: 8 Miami Spa Month deals that are actually worth it

Who doesn't feel a wave of exuberance and emotion listening to a gospel choir? If you didn't know, the Adrienne Arsht Center hosts Free Gospel Sundays throughout the year and the show on April 21 will be one to sing about. Secure your free RSVP to enjoy 90 minutes of uplifting song as choirs from across Miami-Dade come together at the Little Haiti Cultural Center.

Are you at a restaurant or a bizarre carnival in the middle of rural Nicaragua? Between all the lifesize animal statues, penny-slot pony ride and wood-carved tchotchkes hanging around the wood-trimmed walls inside, we can’t tell: We’re too wrapped up in a styrofoam plate filled to the brim with carne asado (grilled meat) over gallo pinto rice or a thick tajada (plantain) stuffed with fried cheese to even think about it. People come to this Nicaraguan joint for the ambiance as much as they do the food—so don’t even consider ordering takeout from here. Just show up.

Miami has a Messi of soccer and now, a "Messi of wines." Casa Vigil is a Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred winery restaurant from Mendoza, Argentina by winemaker Alejandro Vigil. This is poised to be the Miami spot to learn about wine, particularly when you run through the five-course, Mediterranean-inspired tasting menu, which comes with three levels of wine pairings. It's as much a place for novices as pros, as plenty of rare vintages are on offer here, too.

Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, and Maria Sharapova – all on one pickleball court.  This weekend marks the second annual Pickleball Slam, where tennis greats will be swapping their racquets for paddles to compete for a $1 million purse. McEnroe and Sharapova will be facing off against Agassi and Graf, who have 30 combined Grand Slam singles titles. We know they can individually dominate on the tennis court, but can they take on its smaller, boxier cousin? We'll find out on Sunday.This event will be taking place at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Can't make it? you can tune in to ESPN on Sunday at 8:30pm to watch the pros live.  Another fun satellite competition is the Amateur Slam 2 on February 3rd and 4th. Taking place on Lincoln Road, 128 players will be competing in teams throughout the weekend for the chance to play against these legends and win up to $25K.     

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and translates them into Victorian flower language all around you.  The newly opened second floor features holographic sculptures by Studio McGuire including Sirens, which follows digital mermaids as they deal with ocean pollution and climate change. Tetra uses your touch to bring cell-looking worlds to life. And step into nature with Forest Perception–if a tree talks in a forest, does anyone listen? by celebrated Japanese artist Akiko Yamashita, where you'll experience lush jungle-scapes from a range of vantage points, whether you're a bird or an ant.

Miss finding all of Miami's best and buzziest street food chefs at Time Out Market? Get your fix of Miami's best food vendors at Smorgasburg Miami. In partnership with the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District (BID), this outdoor market pops up this Friday from 5:30 to 10:30pm all along the thoroughfare, bringing over 20 stalls, a full bar and live music. 

There's no better place to sip rum in the continental US than in Florida, which is why we love a good rum festival at this time of the year. Delight in mojitos, daiquiries and more at The Coconut Grove Rum Festival, taking place on January 20th at Regatta Grove. Sample over 100 different rum blends, enjoy mixology competitions and soak it all up with rum-inspired and infused bites. As the day goes on, feel yourself swaying a bit stronger thanks to a build-up of fermented and distilled sugarcane juice and infectious rhythms from the reggae band.  The event is free (in which case, the rum is not), however you could opt for a rum experience pass which is a better deal. $90 gets you six cocktails and a rum banana bread banafoe by Sunny Side Up. 

Brickell's tenth annual arts festival isn't just one festival; it's actually four: the Brickell Art Festival, the Brickell Food & Wine Festival, the Brickell Seafood Festival, and the Winter Music Festival taking place on Saturday night. The events give you a chance to sample the neighborhood’s best eats along with loads of culture, live music and more than 100 fine art exhibitors. Both food festivals are ticketed events ($69 for unlimited beverages and $99 for food as well) and take place on Saturday only from 2–6pm. The Winter Music Festival starts at 6pm and is presented by School of Rock. This and Sunday's Arts Festival are free to the public. The main entrance is in front of the Brickell Metrorail Station North Entrance  on SW 1st Ave between SW 9th and SW 10th Streets.  

Ever since Yellowstone came on air, we all think we can be cowboys and barrel recers. Except, we're not. The guys in the ring at the Homestead Rodeo, however, are. This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Homestead Championship Rodeo, an event that attracts the best bronc riders, lasso-touting rope riders, steer wrestlers and more to Miami's agricultural backyard. Over three days, you'll get to witness pure American showmanship on bull and horseback as, plus fun specialty acts that include clowns, goats and more.  And if you've been craving a night at the honkey-tonk, then pull up those boots, whip out the Stetson and get your tickets to the annual Homestead Rodeo Prime Rib Dinner & Dance on Saturday night. Be sure to brush up on some basic moves before you go; line dancing is one tough act!

For its 20th anniversary, the Fine Art Festival at Pinecrest Gardens will be taking on a new name and vision. Now dubbed the Pinecrest Gardnes Art & Design Festival, join over 5,000 visitors in perusing the works of artists and designers under a botanical canopy of rich plants and more. This year, they're also introducing an artisan goods market, and there will be live music and family-friendly activities throughout the two-day fest. When you're done sifting through art, spend the afternoon wandering the gardens.    artisans over two days in January. There will also be   

Not into the national hooplah and exorbitant pricing of SOBEWFF? Thank the food gods for EEEEEATSCON, the Infatuation's very own food festival. Taking place at Bayfront Park, this two-day eating extravaganza highlights some of our favorite local restaurants, not the Michelin Stars of the world, but places where we as humans in the city actually eat. We're talking B-Side by Itamae, Jaguar Sun, Tâm Tâm, and Walrus Rodeo, plus a really synergetic-seeming collab between Zitz Sum and QP Tapas and so, so much more. In addition to Miami stalwarts, there will also be a few out of town imports like LA's Bang Bang Noodles and Tacos Los Cholos, Austin's KG BBQ, New York's Rowdy Rooster, and yet another enticing collab, this time between Maty's and Austin's Nixta Taqueria.  You'll probably come for the food, but you'll linger around for who's on stage. Don't miss the music throughotu the weekend from local acts like Spinelli, Paperwater, Dante's Hi-Fi founder Rich Medina, Hiltronix and Afrobeta. As for panels and chats, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia showrunners and lead actors Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney are making the trip from their fictional Four Walls pub to premiere their real life Irish American whiskey brand, aptly named Four Walls, in Florida. SNL comedian and Only in Dade alum Marcello Hernandez is returning to his home town to crack some jokes about the 305, and you'll also get the chance to hear podcast hosts Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg of Girls Gotta Eat a

Catch Jon Batiste, Daryl Hall, Daniela Mercury, The Wailers, Seu Jorge, Cimafunk, Emily Estefan and more at the inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Miami, a three-day musical event taking over The Hangar in Coconut Grove. Landing in Miami for the first time, this legendary festival has been bringing some of the world's biggest musicians to perform in Switzerland since 1967—everyone from Etta James and Elton John to Miles Davis and David Bowie. The lineup is heavy on jazz, blues and soul, though recent years have also seen the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, Dua Lipa, Pharrell and Ed Sheeran take the sage.  Each night also features Montreux's signature Jazz Jam Sessions with surprise collaborative performances. In addition to main stage attractions, there will be sunset concerts featuring emerging artists and food from top Miami restaurants. 

Miami Spa Months are back, which means from July 1 through August 31, treatments and therapies at the city’s most coveted spas are more accessible than ever. Aching for a little stress relief? There’s an aromatherapy massage for that. Has this gnarly summer heat triggered a skin flare-up? Perhaps a clarifying hydra facial is the answer. Or maybe you’ve just been curious to try out that trendy new cellulite treatment. From Coral Gables up to Sunny Isles, Miami’s best spas are waiting for you to take advantage of this summer’s tempting reduced pricing. Still, starting at $109, treatments aren’t exactly cheap. We’ve combed through the offerings to pick out the very best Miami Spa Months specials (at our pre-vetted favorite Miami spas) that are actually worth it—because you deserve it.  Top Miami Spa Month deals Photograph: Courtesy Mandarin Oriental Spa/George Apostolidis 1. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental - Miami The spa: Crossing the bridge to Brickell Key for the day isn’t really getting away, but when you’re surrounded by water and pampered like royalty it’s easy to make believe you’re on vacation. This massive facility offers treatments inspired by ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese and Thai traditions. The treatment: The Oriental Essence Massage ($199, 80 minutes) uses custom-blended oils and movements inspired by traditional Oriental therapies, relieving tension through the whole body. Deep Tissue and Hot Stone upgrades are available for an additional $30.00..

Gordan Ramsay has had his eyes set on Miami as of late. After opening Hell's Kitchen in Brickell, the "world's meanest chef" will be opening yet another restaurant in town, this one inspired by Depression-era kissas (jazz pubs) in Tokyo and Shanghai drinking dens. But note, there's nothing depression-era about this space.  Originally from London's posh Mayfair neighborhood, Lucky Cat is Ramsay's Asian-inspired late night lounge and restaurant concept and his first to open stateside. The space is sultry, with velvet booths to sink into, dark fluted walls and art deco light fixtures that keep the space nice and dim. Black neko cats line curved golden shelves and we'd dare you not to order a second round at the sexy little bar inside. The restaurant also features a raw bar and chef’s table for special occasions.  Lucky Cat's menu is inspired by popular dishes across the continent from Ramsay's travels. Expect things like sushi and sashimi, buns and dumplings, tempura specialties, and robata-grilled items. There will also be small plates and creative bar snacks, as the venue also doubles as a late night lounge. Additionally, the culinary team has crafted some only in Miami items, including a manilla wagyu roll, smoked shima aji nigiri, baked clay pot glass noodles with Maine lobster and Berkshire pork belly and Lamb Dumplings with Szechuan pepper.  And as its inspiration might suggest, Lucky Cat will feature a robust selection of Japanese whiskeys and premium sakes, alongside win

The internet has been ripe with commentary since Royal Caribbean first announced Icon of the Seas, the biggest ship ever to set sail. It’s been likened to the Titanic, a “Disaster at Sea,” a colossus on water. I may have bought into the slander had I not gone on the ship myself, but after spending three rum-filled days on board, I can assure you that this ship isn’t sinking anytime soon. In fact, how it caters to every single age and interest guarantees the Icon will be sailing—and setting the standard for family cruises—for a long time. The Icon itself is a layered experience, and I mean that in a physical sense. On your standard cruise, every floor, restaurant and activity is markedly separated. You’re either on the top deck or the mid-deck, with nothing to connect the two but a staircase. Not so on the Icon. Though there are eight different “neighborhoods” on board, the ship is engineered for exploration and discovery, designed to flow people throughout its 18 public decks with the buoyancy of lapping waves. Standing on one level doesn’t prevent you from being integrated into the other; you can somehow be in five places all at once. Disorientating? Yes, but at no point will you ever feel claustrophobic. Photograph: Ashley Brozic for Time Out OK food, next-level cocktails and the never-ending night While grabbing an espresso at Pearl, the main café in the Icon’s two-story Promenade, where many of the lounges and bars are located, I looked up through a window into Central

For a city bordered by an ocean and a bay, waterfront restaurants and bars are surprisingly hard to come by. And a decently priced one where the food and drinks don't just rely on views, that’s actually good? It doesn't exist—until now. Pioneering Wynwood bar Gramps expands to Key Biscayne with today's "soft grand opening" of Gramps Getaway, a campy, authentically Florida joint with boat access, skyline views, freshly caught seafood, tropical drinks and all the funky thrills Gramps has come to be known for—with a more "come-in-your-flip-flops" vibe. “We’re taking Gramps and doing it again, except with a bigger covered outdoor space…and it’s on the water,” says owner Adam Gersten. Photography: Ashley Brozic for Time OutGramps Getaway Though the layout feels virtually unchanged from what the shuttered Whiskey Joe's left behind (the thatched huts still stand), Gramps' DNA can be traced throughout. I popped in a few days before opening and noted the squiggly lines on neon planks of wood that look like they were drawn with magic dot pens, the schooner-like bar that'll be slinging out craft cocktails and frozens, and an area marked for a stage, because anytime they’re open, you can expect live music and entertainment. “We’ll have a pretty intense event program," says Gersten. "All the usual gramps stuff—DJs, live music, cultural events—and maybe more arcade games.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Key (@grampsgetaway) Dif

Have we reached peak Barbie yet? Not yet, Ken! After making its way across California, Mattel's Barbie Dreamhouse truck will be bopping its way to the Sunshine State, bringing tons of limited edition merch to those of us who love a life in plastic. (Spoiler alert: It's fantastic.)  As a part of its Dreamhouse Living Tour, the rainbow-hued Barbie truck will be making stops at three South Florida malls throughout February. Inside, you'll be able to shop tons of limited edition Barbie-themed merch, like bright and playful accessories, home goods (think cute doggy bowls, drink coasters and water bottles) and "Dream Wear," so you can flaunt your love for this iconic doll everywhere you go. Why not make a total Barbie Dream Day of it? Pop by the truck to get a full outfit, then head over to the Malibu Barbie Café in Wynwood for lunch, opening to the public on February 9.  You'll have three chances to catch the Barbie Dreamhouse truck as it rolls through South Florida. This includes a stop at Sawgrass Mills (in the Colonnade Outlets near the Matchbox Restaurant from 10am to 7pm), Aventura Mall (near the Slide Tower and Apple store from 10am to 7pm) and Dolphin Mall (in the Fountain Plaza from 11am to 8pm). Want to start strategizing your shopping trip? Here's a small snapshot of what you'll find:  Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel Photography: Courtesy Mattel  Recommended: A Malibu Barbie Café is coming to Miami

In the culinary and bar worlds, there are two reigning organizations that elicit prayers for recognition. On one corner, you've got Michelin Guide, which finally began doling some stars to Miami in 2022. On the other, you've got the James Beard Foundation, which is dedicated to highlighting the best of the best in America's hospitality industry. Today, the latter announced its 2024 nominees with a handful of Miami and South Florida cuts, and while we won't find out who officially won until June, securing a nod from this non-profit is enough of a badge of honor to warrant a visit in order to see for yourself what makes a particular restaurant, chef or bar worth noticing.   As Eater Miami points out, the James Beard Foundation updated its award criteria three years ago in an effort to be more inclusive and highlight diverse talent. Florida rarely gets is share of the pie, and this year is no different. Out of the hundreds of nominees across categories like Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, ten Florida establishments and chefs have been nominated, including five from Miami.  Our city swept up with bakery nominations: Zak the Baker got a nod for Outstanding Bakery and MiMo's favorite croissant and cachito makers (and father-son duo) Jesus and Manuel Brazon from Caracas Bakery have been nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Macchialina has been recognized for its fantastic wine program and Chefs Valerie Chang (Maty's) and Tristen Epps (Oc

It turns out Superblue and Artechouse aren't the only immersive art museums in town. If you're looking to discover experiential works in South Florida, Mad Arts just underwent a multi-million-dollar museum expansion, giving artists more space and opportunity to immerse people in really disruptive, technology-driven installations and exhibits.  “Expanding our physical space and exhibition program formalizes the work we’ve been doing at the intersection of art and technology over the years,” says Mad Arts Executive Director, Marc Aptakin. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors into an entirely new museum experience. This expansion will give Mad Arts an opportunity to bring in more artists, expand educational programs and elevate how we use emerging technology to amplify stories, something that is central to our mission. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mad Arts (@madarts_space) The 50,000 square-foot-space touts 20 different exhibitions by both local and international artists, blurring the boundaries between innovation, technology and creativity. A work on the first floor, Resonances, captures your movement at a moment in time, multiplying and stretching it across screens all around you. The Light Pours Out of Me by Miami-based Richard Velez is a live audio/visual installation that manipulates light and sound to create a cacophonous experience. And Sound the Deep Waters by Josh Miller and Angela Fraleigh asks you to submit secret messages, and transla

It only takes one trip to Miami to plant the seed in your mind: "I could live here." And how could you not want to? Boundless beaches and palm trees, a kaleidoscopic patchwork of cultures and an endless calendar of things to do under the sun puts our population in a constant vacation state of mind. But hey, don't take our word for it; just ask the thousands of city dwellers who voted Miami as one of Time Out's 50 Best Cities in the World.  Miami ranked #23 in this year's global survey, which asks locals around the world what it's like to work, play and just exist where they live. This years rankings focused on quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife, as well as how the city overall made them feel, from the aesthetics surrounding them to the friendliness of their neighbors.  What really stands out about Miami is our legendary party scene. Miami had the second highest score for nightlife with a 94 percent approval rating, right behind Dubai which scored 98 percent. We nudged ahead of other party destinations like Berlin (92) and Singapore (91). And we totally back this finding, from bars to day parties, and nightclubs to strip clubs. Even astrologists agree: there has never been a more exciting time to live in this city than right now. Change is the only constant here, and everything from our hospitality scene to our arts and entertainment offerings are leveling up. We have internationally revered chefs like Massimo Bottura and Thomas Keller opening restaurant

Dolphin Mall has Dave & Busters, Aventura has a crazy slide tower and The Falls basically has a fully-functioning country club and a recently opened, old school arcade. Malls are no longer places where you go just to shop or wander aimlessly on a rainy afternoon; to thrive, they now need to be flanked by both anchor stores and sprawling entertainment centers.  Elev8 Fun is opening up at Miami International Mall, the Miami Herald reports, bringing a full-fledged indoor entertainment center to Doral's OG shopping complex. And it's going to be HUGE. It's taking over a former Kohl's department store, filling the 110,000 square-foot-space with a karting track, mini golf, 12 bowling lanes, a prize-touting arcade and a restaurant, too. But it's not only fun and games; Elev8 Fun will also tout a fitness center, so you can get in a few laps on both foot and go-kart. Elev8 Fun is owned by the same operators of Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale, which can give you a better idea of what to expect. Their Tampa and Sanford locations offer a ton of other fun activities like a ropes course with zip-lining, laser tag, and "Dark Ride 7D," an immersive multi-player adventure game. No opening date has been given at this time, but the Herald reports that it's set to open some time in 2025. 

You've been to Carbone (or are on the waitlist, anyway). You've brunched at Sadelle's. You may have satisfied your carnivorous tendencies at Dirty French, or maybe you've celebrated an occasion or two at Contessa or Hasalon. Over the past two years, Major Food Group has opened six public restaurants in Miami – a big expansion in a short amount of time – and while they've been welcomed additions to our city's dining scene, they all have one thing in common: they're not from around here.  Chateau ZZ changes this with two bold firsts. One, this is MFG's first purely original concept in Miami, not inspired offshoots of their restaurants in other cities. Two, this is their first foray into Mexican cuisine. One might think, "A Mexican restaurant within a chateau?" In strolling the space, you'll see it's a delightful juxtaposition.   Photography: Kris Tamburello To start, the entire building and its interiors are STUNNING. MFG has taken over the Petit Douy in Brickell, one of Miami's first designated historic landmarks. Built in 1931 as a private residence, it was designed in the style of the Priory of Saint Julian, a monastery in the small village of Douy, France. They kept the bones and partnered with maximalist designer Ken Fulk to enshroud it with all the grand interior splendor that MFG is known for: floor to ceiling wallpaper in deep hues and tropical prints; bold pattern on pattern plays and touches of animal print; booths and barstools that urge you to sink in and stay a w

With our (almost) endless stream of sunshine, al fresco all year temps and overall rilassato attitudes (really, who's working after 5pm?), it's a surprise the Italian custom of aperitivo hour hasn't been met with more fanfare here. But ViceVersa, new Downtown Miami bar, might change that.  Set to open in 2024, ViceVersa will be a modern aperitivo bar featuring Italian spirits, vermouths, bitters and amaros shaken and stirred with unexpected ingredients. The project is a collaboration between Jaguar Sun's Will Thompson and Carey Hynes and Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartender winner Valentino Longo, who's best known for his work at the Surf Club and is currently building his consultancy and hospitality education platform Shoshin Art Club. “I come from a restaurant family in Rome and am happy to be following in my family’s footsteps," says Longo. "ViceVersa is the first bar I’m able to call my own, a dream come true, and the fact that I’m able to collaborate with the amazing team from Jaguar Sun makes this even better." If you've ever spent a day sipping cocktails at leisure at The Champagne Bar at the Surf Club or returned again and again to your go-to barstool at Jaguar Sun, you'll know that this won't be your average Aperol Spritz joint. This is going to be a negroni lovers paradise, as many of the drinks will be based on a house-made dolce amaro blend called Mi-To, which is short for Milano-Torino, the drink that inspired the Americano, which later inspired the negroni

Since the pandemic, it's been a whirlwind few years for Miami and Florida in general, but 2023 really threw us for a tizzy. Our restaurant scene? Blowing up in the best way possible. Craft cocktails? You don't have to leave town anymore to find them! And our arts and culture scene is refining itself little by little, offering a little something for everyone, whether via museums or all the great things to do in Miami – especially this upcoming winter.  It's also been a wild year for Florida politics, particularly in Miami: book bans brought on by parents at local schools, affronts on LGBTQ+ rights, and a starting lineup of city officials that are being called out to and looked into on a local, state and federal level for corruption. Ah, the Sunshine State. Don't just take it from us, take it from our readers. We asked them, "What’s your favorite thing that’s happened in Miami this year?" From the facetious to the serious to the fun-loving, here's what they had to say.  1. "RHouse winning the battle against the drag ban!" In late July 2022, Governer Ron DeSantis filed a state complaint against RHouse for conducting its drag shows in the presence of minors, stating it "corrupts the public morals and outrages the sense of public decency." RHouse faced a possibly having its license revoked, potentially putting it out of business. After a year-long battle, a resolution was reached in November. R House agreed to pay a $10,000 fine and bar anyone under 18 from entering. And thank the