Miami Events - April 2012

Highlights of what to expect in Miami during April.

APRIL 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

Wrestlemania XXVIII
April 1
Where: Sun Life Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami
www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania

Wrestlemania, the WWE's version of the Super Bowl, is expected to draw 70,000 fans to Miami Gardens’ Sun Life Stadium and another million-plus on pay-per-view television. In the most anticipated WrestleMania clash in history, John Cena will collide with The Rock.

Florida Renaissance Festival
Mar. 31, April 1, 7, 8
Where: Cauley Square Historic Village, 22400 Old Dixie Hiwy., Goulds
www.ren-fest.com

Miami-Dade will feel a blast from the past when the Florida Renaissance Festival comes to town. There will be jousting tournaments and featured games of skill challenging guests of all ages, including archery and the test of strength. More than 100 participants will be wearing costumes. Sword fighting, magical illusions and historical reenactments will also provide excitement.

Nautica South Beach Triathlon
April 1
Where: Miami Beach, near 6th Street and Ocean Drive.
www.nauticasobetri.com

Celebrities, athletes, corporate teams, paratriathletes and professional triathletes will compete in the fourth edition of this event. The event benefits the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There are two races covering different distances in the ocean swim, biking and run.

Heineken Transatlantic Festival
April 13-14
Where:  North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
transatlanticfestival.com

Nonprofit group The Rhythm Foundation hosts this musical showcase which presents emerging and international artists. This year's lineup includes Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 performing on Friday and Quantic and Nidia Gongora Sound System and Pedrito Martinez performing Saturday.

Miami Riverday Festival
April 14
Where: Lummus Park Historic District, 250 NW North River Dr., Miami
www.miamirivercommission.org

The 16th annual event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Miami's Lummus Park, the first park built in the City of Miami. The free festival features riverboat tours, a variety of live music, children activities, environmental education, historical re-enactors, art displays and more.

Food & Garden Festival at Fairchild
April 14-15
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
www.fairchildgarden.org

See what's cooking at Fairchild during their annual celebration of local foods and the gorgeous gardens they grow in, then take home spectacular plants at their annual Spring Plant Sale.

Miami Beach Gay Pride
April 15
Where: Miami Beach, on Ocean Drive between 6th and 12th streets
www.miamibeachgaypride.com

The Miami Beach Gay Pride parade and festival returns with a parade that features a diverse array of floats and Grand Marshall Chaz Bono. The day culminates a week long celebration that brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, their friends, allies, and supporters. Following the parade a festival on the sands of Miami Beach will feature 150 booths, food kiosks, exhibits and entertainment stages. 

Rum Renaissance
April 16 - 22
Where: Deauville Beach Resort, 6701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
www.rumrenaissance.com

The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is a celebration of fine cane spirits featuring a full week of exclusive VIP parties, a  two-day exhibition of the best rum brands, seminars, workshops and cocktail competitions.

United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival
April 18-21
Where: Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables), Fontainebleau Hotel (4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach), Mary Brickell Village (901 S. Miami Ave., Miami).
www.MiamiWineFestival.org

Details: Four days of food and wine events to benefit the United Way includes an interactive dinner with celebrity Chef Kevin Sbraga, winner of Top Chef: Washington D.C., a beer and food tasting, and a fine wine tasting paired with food from over 20 local restaurants in an outdoor setting complete with a Blues band and a whiskey afterparty. Tickets range from $75-$400.

Miami Beach Polo World Cup
April 27-29
Where: On Miami Beach, between 20th and 22nd Streets
www.miamipolo.com

The annual event takes over the sands of Miami Beach behind the Setai Hotel and draws nearly 3,000 people over the four-day span. Matches take place between sponsored teams, with champions crowned in men’s and women’s competition. VIP lounges and viewing areas contain plenty of complimentary cocktails, champagnes and small bites of food. There will also be fashion shows, a concert, and private parties on a yacht. The event is also open to the public as the matches can be seen from the outside the VIP areas on the beach. Maserati is the title sponsor.

Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
April 27 - May 6
Where: Various venues around Miami and Fort Lauderdale
www.mglff.com/blog

The 14th annual, 10-day festival showcases over 100 films at five venues in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. From documentaries to shorts, the films vary in topic, ranging from drama to comedy, from transgender to Spanish language.