Caitlin Driscoll

We've hit peak summer, which means every outing is greeted with a sweltering hug and mosquito bite. Safe to say, if you're not diving into one of Miami's most storied pools or whirling down at one of South Florida's best water parks, you're best off hitting up Miami's many indoor attractions. This season presents an expansive Basquiat retrospective at the PAMM, an Overtown-focused jazz series on Ocean Drive, a Balloon Museum pop-up in Wynwood, and plenty of cultural events to pique your curiosity. Curated below is our guide to all the special events and happenings worth checking out over the next seven days, but should you prefer to plan your weeks in advance, here's our curated guide to everything happening in August in Miami.  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.  

Snowbirds: out. Locals: in. That's summer in a nutshell in Miami. As the temperature rises, traffic subsides, letting you inch out of your comfort zone to explore Miami's many activities and attractions. There are museums to explore and concerts to attend, jazz to hear and culinary pop-ups to book. Call up a friend and try something new!   Since you're out and about, duck the sweltering humidity and visit the myriad art museums around the city, check out our many locals-approved attractions, or book a reservation from our ever-changing list of Miami's best restaurants. If it happens to be a downpour (which, it probably is), we have a few ideas to keep you busy when it rains. Keep scrolling for everything worth doing this weekend. RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Miami

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. Updated August 2026: August is Miami’s calmest month. Think fewer crowds, lighter traffic, and more room to sprawl on the beach. All month long, Miami Spa Month offers relaxation at bargain prices, and smaller local events take the place of corporate pop-ups, presenting an August calendar of fun culinary collabs and more experimental parties. Plus, August kicks off Miami Spice, one of our favorite events of the year, when over 300 restaurants offer special-priced menus starting at $40. Free local concerts, major art exhibitions, and air-conditioned baseball round out summer’s grand finale in Miami. Take your pick from our August event

August in Miami feels like a sweaty hug: warm, sticky, and oddly comforting. Fewer crowds and snowbirds lend a sense of calm to the city. There’s more room to sprawl at Miami’s best beaches, more free concerts by local artists, and serious “staycation” deals at Michelin-rated hotels. Consider it our reward for tolerating daily downpours, and the humidity. Oh, the humidity! Thankfully, August saves the best summer events for last. Miami Spice returns with wallet-friendly specials at over 300 local restaurants, and Miami Spa Months continue the trend with savings on all sorts of wellness treatments, from Turkish foam massage to CBD facials. It’s a grand summer finale this August in Miami, complete with pool parties and art exhibitions wrapped in air-conditioned splendor. Take your pick from our August event guide and experience Miami summer like a local. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

Not to be a downer, but it rains in Miami. Like, a lot. Especially in the summertime, and especially (seemingly) whenever you had plans to do something outside. Whether that comes as a surprise or you were fully privy to Miami’s tropical wiles but simply hoped for the best, here we are. It’s wet out, and you’re looking for something to do that won’t totally spoil the day. The good news? We’ve got plenty of sweet indoor activities in Miami for when the storms roll in.  Shopping is always an excellent option, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to get off the sand and explore the city’s world-class museums. But really, there’s so much more to Miami beyond the beach, so consider now the perfect opportunity to take it all in. Below, we’ve sourced an in-depth, fully vetted guide to making the most of your rainy day in Miami, including kid-friendly activities, cozy adventures, self-care moments and boozy options, too.

Don we now our gay apparel! Pride Month has arrived. A celebration of the history and culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities, Pride also recalls the importance of resistance. Of standing up for others, caring for our neighbors, and demanding equal rights for a safer, more inclusive world.  Ready to party and show support? Our 2026 Miami Pride Guide has all the juicy details on the best Pride events in Miami this April. Plus, our top picks for the best queer parties, places, and spaces that center the LGBTQ+ community year-round. But wait, there’s more! Think inclusive field days and film festivals, all with insider tips from Miami’s reigning queens and cultural savants.  Here’s where to celebrate Pride in Miami this season. RECOMMENDED: The best gay clubs and bars in Miami for a night out with the boys

In a city that’s literally always late, Miami’s hospitality scene moves at the speed of light. Hot new restaurants are spawning every day. Dive bars suddenly close and magically reopen. By the time you’re done reading this story, another glitzy brunch spot will have opened on the Miami River. The same velocity applies to our nightlife. South Beach mega-clubs reigned supreme in the ‘80s through the early 2000s. The arrival of Downtown’s “24-hour district” brought warehouse raves to the mainland, and today, a growing local cohort is pushing the envelope with smaller, more intentional lounges that focus less on bottle service and more on Hi-Fi sound systems.  While many of us mourn the bygone nightclubs (Grand Central, I miss you), our city’s current variety is really something to celebrate. Fancy a Vegas-style bacchanal with sparklers affixed to your Belvedere? There’s a club for that. Looking for a laidback vibe with mocktails and vinyl DJs? Honey, take your pick. Our latest guide to the best clubs in Miami looks to that variety and spotlights the top destinations for quality sound, curated lineups, and a damn good time on the dancefloor.  Updated January 2026: We’ve shifted away from listening bars and daytime patio parties to narrow our focus on late-night clubs and lounges. Factory Town and ZeyZey were omitted with that in mind (they’re venues more than clubs). Hyde Beach was removed as it’s closed for renovations. In their place, we welcome three new additions: MAD Radio,

How do we sum up 2025 in Miami? It was a year of triumphs: the legendary music venue Churchill’s Pub switched back on its speakers for the first time since 2020, and Allapattah’s grungy Las Rosas bar reopened, signaling a fresh rock ‘n’ roll renaissance. On the culinary front, Coral Gables’ beloved Fiola closed its doors—but only to make way for Daniel’s, the chef’s namesake steakhouse that has since been ranked among the world’s best.  It was also a year of heartbreaks: After being named 2024’s best chef in the South by the James Beard Foundation, Chef Valerie Chang shuttered her Midtown Peruvian restaurant, Maty’s, this summer. Miami’s queer community lost one of its only havens when Willy’s Neighborhood Bar closed suddenly, citing rapid redevelopment on its Wynwood street. Nearby, the longtime fixture Gramps Bar announced it would close forever at the beginning of 2026…among so many more sad goodbyes. Geographically, northern neighborhoods like Little River and Normandy Isles have continued to blossom with impressive new restaurants, galleries and nightlife venues, while Downtown has battled endless construction gridlock and iconic neighborhoods like South Beach seem to be reinventing themselves altogether. Imports from NYC and elsewhere are still flocking to Miami, but 2025 felt decidedly more locally driven, and that’s a beautiful thing. This year, like most, has been a mixed bag in Miami. For all its mishaps and low points, though, we believe this Magic City is moving i

October in Miami has plenty of frights. The mayoral election race, the downtown “spider bridge” and the omnipresent chance of hurricanes, to name a few.  Considerably less scary is Halloween, perhaps the city’s favorite holiday, where everyone is invited to let their freak flag fly. There are no rules to celebrating Halloween in Miami. Matching costumes with your dog? Sure, why not. A haunted garden party? Check. Dancing like a zombie for 12 hours straight? There’s a festival for that.  From a blood-soaked warehouse rave to a spooky night swim, here are some of the best Halloween parties in Miami for 2025.  RECOMMENDED: Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort: our ultimate guide to tickets, dates and more

Little River is not the glossy high-rise scene you find in Downtown or Brickell (mercifully so). By contrast, it’s the strip malls and warehouses that shape Little River’s charm. Or, more specifically, what’s inside of all that unassuming real estate: a moto-themed coffee shop, hand-beaded pearls, towering moss sculptures, and possibly the most-loved steakhouse in Miami, among other surprises. What makes Little River especially fun is that its coolness derives from locals. Nearly every business featured on this list is locally owned. As a lifelong Miamian, I can tell you that a cluster like this is rare to see these days. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the influx of NYC outposts that have proliferated once-local spots (Coconut Grove, I miss you). Let’s cherish it while it lasts! Get to know Miami’s creative hub with our locals’ guide to Little River.

Beyond the neon skyline of Downtown Miami, past the bohemian enclaves of Coconut Grove, a low-key neighborhood is quietly taking shape as a groovy local hotspot. I’m talking about Westchester, more specifically, the Bird Road Art District.  The so-called district looks like any old warehouse lot to the untrained eye. But take a closer look, and you’ll find clusters of cool local shops and stops to explore: art studios and furniture stores, a viral French bakery, Miami’s first sake brewery, and the best smash burgers this side of the Palmetto Expressway. And just outside the district, there’s even more buried treasure to behold.  Glamorous? No. Fun? Absolutely. I have only the best memories of frolicking ‘round Bird Road with my sister when we lived in Glenvar Heights, and I’ve revisited it three times just for this story alone. All to say: let curiosity guide you, and you’ll be happily surprised. From workout classes to craft breweries, here’s how to have the perfect day in (and around) the Bird Road Art District. Where is the Bird Road Art District? It's located just east off the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and south of Bird Rd (SW 40th Street), in a mostly industrial area. For the purposes of this guide, we've also included businesses in Westchester that lie just beyond BRAD.   Wake and bake with Miami’s best croissants. Before your Bird Road journey begins, do yourself a favor and place an order for pick-up at Casa Bake, a French patisserie with some of the tastiest, flak

As Miami's most steadfast rave festival, Ultra can be relied upon to deliver a massive lineup of hard-hitting EDM, techno, house and underground dance music in the heart of Downtown Miami year after year. It's a beast of a fest, one which beckons thousands of fans (dubbed "Ultranauts") from around the world for three days of chest-rattling bass, cutting-edge production and truly over-the-top party vibes. This year’s Ultra is slated to be bigger and bolder than ever as the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary at Bayfront Park, upping the ante with even more star power, brand-new stages, and never-before-seen performances including visionary artists Solomun and Anyma (b2b), the return of drum and bass icon LTJ Bukem, and a rare live set from Pendulum b2b with a special ‘retro5pective’ throwback set from deadmau5. Get the rundown of every artist playing this year with the full Ultra Miami 2025 lineup—and keep up with schedule and live stream info, must-see acts and related shows. How do I buy tickets for Ultra Miami? Tickets for Ultra 2025 are available on the festival’s official website. If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, you’d better hop to it—the festival is 93% sold out as of February 21st. The last remaining General Admission (GA) tickets are priced $449.95 plus fees. Ultra-posh revelers can also purchase VVIP tables (price, TBD) with TAO Hospitality Group via this online form. Each VVIP Table booking includes admission tickets, a private check-in and red carpet esco

The Grammy-winning producer and remix DJ extraordinaire, Tracy Young, will perform on Wednesday, August 12, on the patio of 1-800-Lucky. Expect a bit of house, disco edits, and almost surely a Madonna song or two. After all, Tracy has officially remixed 14 songs for the mega-pop star. Free entry, ages 21+. 

A hot new bombshell has entered Coconut Grove’s dining scene. Acclaimed pizzeria Miami Slice will open its new location on McFarlane Road this Wednesday, August 12, debuting new appetizers alongside old favorites like Mushroom Truffle and Leeks on Bacon. Get there early and be prepared to wait. Walk-ins only, 5pm to 11pm.

It’s a battle of the bands (and DJs) at III Points Open House this week, when rising acts from across South Florida perform for a spot on the official III Points festival lineup. The free two-day event takes place at Las Rosas on Wednesday, August 12, and Thursday, August 13, from 7:30pm til 2am. Ages 18+ welcome.

In the mood for a mid-week dance? Do Not Sit On The Furniture offers free admission to local residents every Wednesday and Thursday, from 10pm to 11:30pm. Partygoers must show valid ID with a local address at the door. The promotion runs all through August and September, exclusive to residents of Miami and Miami Beach.

Normandy Isles’ charming bistro has dialed up the deals this summer. On Mondays, $35 gets you steak frites, a glass of wine, and a crêpe for dessert. Wednesdays are reserved for seafood; a pot of steamed mussels, crispy bread slices, and a glass of white wine are yours for $35. Wine aficionados should visit on Thursdays, when the entire wine menu is 50% off, no exceptions. Our suggested pairing? A show at La Poubelle, Silverlake's hidden cabaret theater, located nearby.

Downtown’s contemporary art museum offers free admission for all ages every Thursday after 5pm. Pair your art-filled outing with happy hour at Verde, the museum’s waterfront restaurant, featuring special prices on food and drinks, 5pm to 8pm. Heads up: active military, first responders, Florida educators, and veterans receive free admission all year long with valid ID. 

What is it? Miami Spa Months is an annual wellness program presented by the city’s tourism board. Throughout July and August, participating spas and wellness destinations offer deep discounts on a range of treatments including massages, facials, body wraps, and more. Treatments range from $109 to $199, excluding tax and gratuity. Why go? Miami spas tend to be pricey, especially those located at luxury hotels. Miami Spa Months offer the rare chance to save hundreds of dollars while you enjoy some much-needed relaxation. Don’t miss: Select promotions also grant access to on-site amenities that are typically limited to hotel guests, such as fitness centers and beach umbrellas. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach sweetens the deal with free valet parking and beach access while downtown’s Gale Wellness Spa offers a pool pass and complimentary fitness class on the day of treatment.

Baseball fans know that August is when it counts. Playoff season is around the corner, and every MLB team is vying for a spot, pushing through brutal summer heat to climb to the top. Thankfully the Marlins have an air-conditioned stadium to help them keep their cool. August's schedule includes high-stakes games against the Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Boston Red Sox. Root for the home team and plan around theme days like Bark at the Park and $1 Kids Tickets on Mondays. For the grown-ups, a biweekly Saturday Beerfest starts the pregame early with unlimited 5 oz. pours of craft beer.

The Adrienne Arsht Center is hosting a free all-day program of theater, wellness, art-making classes, and more at the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Happening Saturday, August 8, Art + Mind Day has a little something for everyone: cooking demos, drum circles, yoga and movement classes, poetry workshops, a vendor village, and live performances, too. RSVP for free and receive 20% off parking when you pre-pay online.

If thunderstorms force your date night indoors, consider a visit to Superblue. The immersive art museum offers a buy-one, get-one ticket bundle on Friday evenings, when $39 gets you two adult tickets and two glasses of sparkling wine upon arrival. Pre-purchase the bundle online for admission times starting at 5pm.

Miami non-profit Style Saves will host its 16th annual back-to-school giveaway at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9. The free all-ages event promises a jungle-themed adventure complete with bounce houses, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, DJs and interactive experiences, while providing thousands of students with brand-new uniforms, backpacks, sneakers and school supplies. New this year, a food hall and grocery-style marketplace stocked by local partners will help families stretch the celebration beyond the weekend. RSVP online and select a timeframe for expedited entry.

The pioneering artist and 808 master returns to South Florida on Saturday, August 8, this time at Floyd in downtown Miami. Audiophiles and old-school producers will appreciate this one. Floyd’s little red room has an elite sound system, perfect for Egyptian Lover and his funky basslines.

It’s a rainy Sunday morning in Miami, and instead of cozying up, I’m on a mission to solve a burning question: what in the world is Cuckoo Clock? You see, for months, I’d driven past a mysterious old building on the corner of Northwest First Avenue in Little Haiti. The signs for barbecue and German beer caught my attention first, then the name, Cuckoo Clock, in a gothic Old English-looking font. “This is so random,” I thought to myself. What I found on Google intrigued me more: an impressive 4.9-star rating and over 350 reviews heaping praise on the friendly staff, the authentic vibe, and most of all, the food. Platters of bratwurst and Bavarian gulasch, giant salted pretzels, a mystery dish called “weiner art” and black forest cake. Also, it’s après-ski-themed. No signs of barbecue (ahem, you’ll find some here), but nevertheless, I’m hooked.  Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutCuckoo Clock “Did you know about this?” I texted my friends. Have I been living under a rock? It turns out, yes, I may be a hermit, as Cuckoo’s been open since January 2025. They tell me it’s a hangout for soccer fans, and a rowdy one at that. Could this be my spot for World Cup watch parties? I call for an investigation, and by that, I mean brunch. Unexpected après-ski oasis in Little Haiti We brave torrential downpours and follow our mission, timed with the Premier League Cup final. My group is the first to arrive, but we’re not lonely for long. A motorcycle gang rolls in, and by the looks of

Of all the adjectives to describe Miami, “affordable” hardly comes to mind. Tack on tariffs and the rising cost of gas, and suddenly you’re resolved to stay home forever. Mercifully, Miami has plenty of free entertainment to seek out this summer: art exhibits, yoga class, and live music, too.  Our latest music guide spotlights the best local bars and lounges that offer free entry, free performances, and laid-back atmospheres fit for lingering. Each listing also includes a happy hour deal or special-priced item to enjoy with your wallet-friendly outing. Supporting locals and saving some sheckles? We call that a win-win. Here’s where to find free live music in Miami this summer. Las Rosas If rock ‘n’ roll is more your speed, visit Las Rosas in Allapattah. The resurrected dive bar has free live performances several times a week, spanning punk, blues, darkwave, and more. They’ve got a proper stage with a solid sound system, and rotating drink specials like the $6.66 Las Rosas Lager and beer-and-shot combos from $10, available daily. On Tuesdays, live band karaoke invites everyone to be a part of the show.    Conventillo This cozy Argentine cocktail bar leans into its heritage with a bi-weekly Tango night on Tuesdays. The evening begins at 8 pm with a complimentary Tango lesson by two championship dancers, Rocio y Germán. Then, at 9 pm, a live Tango band performs original songs and Argentine classics surrounded by soft candlelight. Get there early for happy hour specials like $8

It’s a balmy Thursday evening in Miami’s North Beach. My friend, Jose, picks me up for a midweek rendezvous. We’re heading to La Poubelle, a speakeasy cabaret in Normandy Isles, though neither of us is sure where to go. This place is a well-kept secret. They never advertise, they barely promote, and you won’t find it on Google Maps, either. The exact location is revealed when you purchase tickets, and even then, you may struggle—but there are clues: poubelle is French for ‘trash can’. I find the directions and read them out loud like I’m following MapQuest in the year 2004. After a few missed turns, we seemingly arrive at our destination: a nondescript parking lot. “Are you sure this is it?” Jose asks. “I think so,” I respond. “I see a bunch of dumpsters over there. We must be close.” There’s a handsome blonde man lingering by the dumpsters. That’s definitely it, I think to myself, and that is definitely David. With sharp cheekbones and a charming smile, David Sexton is the face of La Poubelle. He’s also the producer, maître d' and tonight, he’s playing the doorman. “Bienvenue!” he says. “Are you here for La Poubelle?” Bingo. Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutLa Poubelle is hidden behind this dumpster The making of Miami's newest speakeasy cabaret Chatting with David feels warm and familiar, like catching up with an old friend. He tells us La Poubelle just opened a year ago, in August of 2024. What started as a once-monthly cabaret has evolved into a neighborhood sta

8:03pm Dear Diary… My Friend Misty is throwing one of its signature parties at the Museum of Sex tonight—a dark, romantic soirée layered with intrigue and sensory pleasures. Very much my scene. If past Misty parties are any indication, we’re in for a tantalizing treat.  Tonight’s affair takes place inside an erotic carnival. Misty tells me to dress the part. I’m wearing a pair of dark green Victorian bloomers. (I love saying ‘bloomers.’) White cufflinks, a black ruffled corset, and a pair of lacy black stockings, I think I pull it off. Leaning into the carnival theme, I paint my lips like a ventriloquist puppet, with cheekbone hearts and a pink button nose. It’s Moulin Rouge-meets-Barnum & Bailey. Just need to find my riding crop, and I’m off for the night… Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutMy Friend Misty at the Museum of Sex in Miami 10:07pm We have arrived. I check in with Alan T, a legend of Miami nightlife, and search for Tam Gryn, the museum’s curator. I find her smiling atop the staircase, in a pleated blue skirt with metal studs. Before we hit the dancefloor, Tam walks us through the exhibitions. First is "Modern Sex: 100 Years of Design and Decency," a journey of sexual health mirrored by American media. We marvel at douches from the 1920s. There’s a paper from Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood. “Whatever is happening in the world reflects in art, and reflects in sex culture,” Tam tells me. We look at post-World War II advertisements warning

Make a wish! Miami’s wildest nightclub, E11EVEN, is turning 11 this week. Once a tattered warehouse on the corner of Northeast 11th Street, the downtown mecca has drawn international fame and A-list celebrity fans for its unique “ultraclub,” a magic potion brewed with the spectacle of theater, the scandal of cabaret, and the glamorous debauchery of Vegas—with an over-the-top attitude that can only be Miami.   Ahead of their birthday bacchanal, we spoke with the founders of E11EVEN and teams behind the scenes for the craziest, jaw-dropping moments of the last 11 years. Take a trip down memory lane, and join the celebrations from January 30th to February 2nd for performances by Lunay, Marshmello, and more surprise acts to be announced.  Playboi Carti finds himself in a cage  “Hands down, the biggest moment for me was when Playboi Carti performed in July 2023,” says Carolina Joaquinez, Show Producer for Theatrics and Costuming. “A massive cage was built on stage, which we managed to set up in a matter of minutes. He started his performance inside of the cage, but the whole atmosphere shifted when Playboi Carti went on top of the cage…The crowd went absolutely wild.”  Photograph: Courtesy ADINAYEVPlayboi Carti at E11EVEN A shoe-less Kanye West shows up to the party  “During Art Basel 2023, the night Lil Wayne was performing, perhaps one of the strangest moments [at E11EVEN] was when Kanye West arrived unannounced, wearing socks but no shoes,” says Daniel Solomon, the club’s Ope

The story of Wynwood is all too familiar. Industrial area sees local artists set up shop. Area becomes cool and popularity explodes. Corporate brands and chains move in, the cool factor fades, and the original movers and shakers get priced out of the neighborhood they helped create. It’s true, Wynwood of today is vastly different from 10 years ago, and 10 years before then, and so on. But as a lifelong Miami girl, I’ve held on to hope that Wynwood maintains some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, and fun activities that are light on the wallet.  Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutA graffiti artist doing his thing in Wynwood, Miami's arts district that's become quite commercialized over the last decade To test this theory, I romped around Wynwood to revisit old favorites and uncover some new-to-me spots that still embody the cool, independent spirit we knew Wynwood for. Here’s what I found. Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutMy steaming cortado from Suite Habana Cafe, a local family-run cafeteria in Wynwood, Miami You don't have to go to Little Havana for real-deal Cuban coffee I started off hot—steaming hot—at Suite Habana, a local family-run cafeteria that brews its own specialty Cuban coffee. The ambiance here is bright and cheery; quiet enough for worker bees to crank out emails, but lively enough to chat with friendly baristas and avoid side-eye from the worker bees.  There are classic go-to’s like cafecito, cortado and iced cafe con leche, and

Back-to-school season has arrived. To me, a childless adult, this means more traffic and a tinge of jealousy toward the kids. Days full of arts and crafts, science projects, reading books and lunchtime with friends? Sounds kind of wonderful!  Middle school me would cringe reading this, but present-day Caitlin feels nostalgic for her youth—at least the fun parts, like volleyball practice and drama club rehearsal. Thankfully, Miami has plenty of creative workshops and adult learning courses, so it’s easy to get back to class and learn something new. To test this theory, I rolled up my high school musical sleeves for the Level 1 improv class at Villain Theater in Little Haiti. Here’s how it went. Photograph: Falyn Wood for Time Out Setting the scene Founded in 2015, Villain Theater is a local theater company and cozy black box theater located on Second Avenue near the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. I pulled up on a rainy Wednesday night for VT-1: Improv Foundations, an introductory course to the art of improv acting.  It’s been a while since I belted “Seasons of Love” on stage. As it turned out, that didn’t matter. My group had a woman in cyber security, a casino manager and a Pilates instructor, among others—we were all different ages and backgrounds, and no one had any improv experience. One student enrolled to “bring more zing” to her public speaking. Another wanted “a form for more fun and laughter.” Mostly, we were all there to let loose and have fun. Class started with

Much like Dante’s “Inferno,” a Miami summer has nine circles of hell. We start in limbo, where the weather is moody and the snowbirds take flight. Slowly, we descend into a tropical fever dream, our skin practically set on fire, begging for mercy in the form of cold A/C.  It’s not all doom and gloom though. With each circle comes the chance for salvation, a way to look at the bright side and make the most of summer in Miami—like frozen soft serve or cute little trips to the gardening center. What summer fate awaits you? Read on if you dare to find out. See you in hell! Circle One: The Great Migration Watch as Miami’s part-time pleasure seekers flock up north and cross the pond. It’s far too humid for their taste, so off to the Hamptons and Bordeaux they go. Our fragile snowbirds will fly down again at their soonest convenience, probably when hurricane season ends and state tax extensions are due. The salvation: Empty nests mean baller Airbnb staycations. Now’s the time to invite your friend down from Minnesota, and maybe even score a reservation at Boia De.  Photograph: Shutterstock Circle Two: Borderline Concerning Can you believe it's this effing hot already? Was the 4th of July this brutal last year?! Our regular record-breaking temps are cause for concern—but also a great excuse for a Miami pool party. The salvation: Miami is stacked with beautiful pools, from swanky beach clubs to spacious city pools in Brickell. Pick your favorite and play tourist for the day. Circle

Every March, music lovers from around the world flock to our city for the annual bass-filled bacchanal known as Miami Music Week. This year, seemingly every major electronic DJ is playing a show, from sun-soaked pool parties in Miami Beach to Downtown’s massive Ultra Music Festival, to sweaty warehouse raves in Little River.  This eclectic mix of artists and events attracts a wide range of characters, offering up some excellent people-watching. Here’s a preview of the nine kinds of party-goers you’ll meet at Miami Music Week. RECOMMENDED: The best Miami Music Week pool parties for daytime debauchery 1. The guy with the all-access Space pass Miami Music Week is this guy’s Super Bowl. He put in his PTO request in September. Honestly, the stamina is pretty impressive. Watch him jump from Factory Town to the Space terrace, back to Factory Town, and round and round he goes. Without skipping a beat, this B2B party boy can tell you exactly who’s playing on any given stage across the Club Space universe—and that’s no small feat.  Photograph: Courtest Ultra Music Festival/Doug Van Sant Photography 2. Rave babies Going to Ultra is like a rite of passage for Miami teens. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, the adorably clueless rave baby is having the time of their life with absolutely zero regard for how to behave in a crowd. They’re pushing their way to the front, wearing completely nonsensical footwear and dripping glitter from head to toe. They’ll scream and shout as the Metro Mover app

From my early days crowd surfing at Vans Warped Tour, to my more recent Hot Topic-themed birthday, to the septum ring my parents hate, I’ve always held a deep appreciation for punk culture. But skateboarding? Not in my wheelhouse.  Be it fear of falling (or fear of looking stupid in all that padding), I'd never actually hopped on a skateboard. But after my first lesson at SkateBird Miami in El Portal, I seriously can’t wait to hop back on.  MORE THAN A SKATE PARK Tucked away on an unsuspecting street off Biscayne Boulevard and NE 83rd, SkateBird is the definition of a hidden gem. While technically a pro-level park, it feels more like a giant community center. Parents are dropping off kids for lessons, regulars greet each other by name, locals are picking up pizza to-go. I immediately felt at home, something SkateBird Founder and CEO Joner Strauss says was built by design.  “SkateBird is a curated safe space for kids and adults to learn the culture,” he says. “In the past, to be part of the street skateboard culture, you had to hit the streets and there’s risks to that. Here, we’ve curated it so that Miami has a space for an Olympic sport, where people from all walks of life can coexist and grow safely.” Photography: Courtesy Skatebird GEARING UP After checking in at the front desk, I met Coach Cody, SkateBird’s Head Coach and Park Manager, for my trial class. Required for newcomers and experienced skaters alike, this 30-minute class ($20) includes all of the protective gear