Miami has a reputation as a party city, where sun, sand and beauty are abundant. Even more plentiful are opportunities to enjoy free activities and events in this world-class city. Free art festivals, concerts and special events make Miami an entertaining, yet budget-conscious city. Enjoy free admission to an museum of art or explore the solar system at the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium. Whatever you choose, Miami is certain to impress.
Art Festivals and Galleries
Come and peruse the incredible artwork at the Annual Beaux Art's Festival of Art, held on campus at The University of Miami. The festival usually takes place during a weekend in January and draws more than 100,000 visitors each year.
The artwork featured is by student artists who reside in Miami-Dade County. Artwork for all budgets is on sale, and this cultured event is completely free to attend.
The Lowe Art Museum, part of the University of Miami, is also free to the public during this weekend event. Coral Springs Museum of Art offers free admission every Wednesday, and Gallery Night at Coral Gables is free every first Friday. Twenty art galleries open their doors for free admission during gallery night.
Concerts
The Miami Children's Choir offers a free concert series, which is separate from their regular ticketed performances, called All Together Now. The free series features family sing-alongs and promotes unity within the Miami-Dade community. There are five sing-alongs presented throughout the series; each held at a different location throughout Greater Miami.
Arts in the Park is another free concert series in Miami. Sponsored by the City of Miami Beach, Arts in the Park is held in a series of concerts, February through May. The concert series features well-known musical acts. Usually held in the evening on a Saturday or Sunday, Arts in The Park concerts alternate between North Shore Youth Center Park, Flamingo Park and North Shore Open Space Park.
The Miami Downtown Development Authority sponsors a free concert series that runs October through April called the Downtown Concert Series. All concerts feature local artists and are held in Bayfront Park in Miami.
Astronomy
The Weintraub Observatory is free every first Friday evening. Located in South Miami, the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium's observatory offers two Meade telescopes. Included with free admission is a planetarium show and a session inside the observatory. Guests are able to view planets, stars, nebulas and galaxies through the Meade telescopes.
Beaches
South Beach is legendary for its 7 miles of sand and glam. There are hundreds of restaurants and clubs that line Ocean Drive, but you can still have a great time without paying for a meal. Take a long stroll along South Beach at night. Get a glimpse of the famous Miami nightlife just by being on the beach.
When you've had enough of the hustle and bustle, head toward the water. Take your shoes off and walk along the sandy shores. Fort Lauderdale beach, located about 20 minutes north of South Beach, is the perfect beach if you're seeking tranquility. Take a stroll down the small, quiet beach and enjoy nature, free of charge.
Special Events
Celebrate the Fourth of July in style at Miami's annual event "An American Celebration." Sponsored by the City of Miami, thousands of people come out annually to 8th Street and Ocean Drive to enjoy the free music and fireworks. The event happens right on Miami Beach. The city does not allow picnic coolers or bottles, but restaurants and food vendors are plentiful.
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