Miami Events - October 2012

What's going on in Miami in the month of October?

October Highlights

Festival Miami
Oct. 2-Nov. 4
Where: Various venues around Miami; Complete schedule at www.festivalmiami.com. 

The University of Miami Frost School of Music launches its 29th Festival Miami that features a month-long series of concerts, workshops and lectures. The event kicks off with renowned pianist Leon Fleisher leading the Frost Symphony Orchestra, followed by performances by the Frost Wind Ensemble performing new works. Pianist Santiago Rodriguez returns as well as Grammy Award-winning soprano Ana Maria Martinez. Also on the roster: George Benson and Freddy Cole in a tribute to Nat King Cole and Broadway sensation Valerie Perri Lipson, Jon Secada and Trio da Paz. .

Fritz & Franz Oktoberfest
Oct. 5-14
Where: Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables; www.bierhaus.cc

Fritz & Franz Bierhaus host the 18th annual Coral Gables Oktoberfest where you can raise your bier stein from now until Oct. 14. The party starts at 11 a.m. every day with live music, lots of drinking and the ever-entertaining yodeling contest.

Oktoberfest Block Party
Oct. 5-7
Where: Brickell Irish Pub, South Miami Avenue and 14th Street, Miami;

Brickell Irish Pub takes over South Miami Avenue with its two-day street party with three live music stages, two outdoor beer gardens, a complimentary SX Liquors and Tequila Bar from 6-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Heineken giveaways, Beer Pong, and the Beer Brunch available Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.

The Miami Beach Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
October 5-7
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach; 239-732-6642
 
Antiquing season gets in full swing at this event featuring close to 150 top dealers showcasing their most fashionable and rare pieces. The event will showcase elegant signed pieces from famous names including Cartier, Tiffany’s, David Webb, Harry Winston, Patek Philippe, Van Cleef and Arpels and many others. Also, stock up on cameos, tennis bracelets, rings, decorative necklaces, brooches, gemstones and pendants from all eras of jewelry history from the Renaissance to Art Deco.

Bacardi Columbus Day Regatta
Oct.6-7
Where: Biscayne Bay, Miami; www.columbusdayregatta.net
The waters of Biscayne Bay fill up with nearly 300 vessels racing throughout the weekend. After the races, participants head down to Elliot Key to put down anchor and party all night. The Awards Party takes place on Sunday at Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Miami Carnival
Oct. 7
Where: Sun Life Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens; more information at www.miamicarnival.net

The 4th Annual Miami Broward Carnival celebrates the pulsating steel pan and soca music, dazzling costumes, sumptuous foods and lively spirit of South Florida’s Caribbean and international community, with an action packed schedule of festivities including a host of Caribbean performers, as well as a commemoration of both Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago's Independence.

Rock of Ages
Oct. 9-14
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; www.arshtcenter.org

Five-time Tony Award-nominate musical Rock of Ages, an arena-rock love story told through the hits of Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benetar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake, hits Miami for a short run. The time is 1987, the place is LA's Sunset Strip; a small town girl meets a big city rocker and they fall in love to the greatest songs of the '80s.

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach
Oct. 9-13
Where: Collins Avenue and 21st Street, Miami Beach and Studio 743, 742 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; www.funkshion.com.

FUNKSHION: Fashion Week Miami Beach is a platform for progressive and established designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers and select style makers. This year will feature runway shows by Nicole Miller, Guria Swimwear, Etienne Jeanson Couture, Traver Rains and Jnaba Diallo as well as the annual Go Red for Women event, an runway show that showcases red dresses created and donated by top fashion designers. The dresses will be auctioned off with proceeds to benefit the American Heart Association.

Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest
Oct. 12-14
Where: Acqualina Resort and Spa, 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach and Heritage Park 19200 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach; www.sunnyislesbeachjazz.com.

Sunny Isles Beach will again celebrate the extraordinary sounds of jazz music with performances from stars including Grammy Award-nominated contemporary jazz pianist and composer David Benoit; Tony Sona Trio with special guest appearance by Gail Robin; Ira Sullivan; Oriente Band; Rose Max; Ramatis Brazilian Jazz featuring Dorio Ferreira and the Frank Axtell Quartet.

Grovetoberfest
Oct. 13
Where: Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove; more information at www.grovetoberfest.com.

Round up your buddies (and designate one of them to drive after the festivities) at this celebration of beers from across the world. There will be a variety of craft beers, the Homebrew Pavilion, a Kitchen Lab for beer/food pairings, a VIP area and food trucks a-plenty.

Festival of Chocolate
Oct. 13 -14
Where: The Arena at The Don Taft University Center, 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrate chocolate in all of its many incarnations at this event that will feature a vendor showcase with local and regional chocolatiers and confection companies selling all things chocolate.  Watch cooking demos by renowned pastry chefs, live professional competitions, the Cocoa Couture Fashion Show, chocolate and wine pairings, hands-on classes, Kids-4-Chocolate workshop and more.

Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival
Oct. 20-21
Where: LeJeune and Miracle Mile, Coral Gables; www.gableshispanicfestival.com
 
This year's Hispanic Cultural Festival pays tribute to Cuban master artist Rafael Soriano. The event includes family fun at the Children's Pavilion, the Artists Boulevard, vndors, Estrellas del Festival at the Main Stage with and the Domino Tournament.

Miami Nice Jazz Festival
Oct. 26-27
Where: Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, 174 East Flagler St., Miami; www.miaminicejazzfestival.com.

This year marks the first Miami Nice Jazz Festival, an extension of France's celebrated Nice Jazz Festival. The line-up includes legends like Eddie Palmieri and his Latin Jazz Band, French drummer Andre Ceccarelli and his band Troc, and many more.

Back In Black
Oct. 27
Where: Midtown Miami; Information at www.wantickets.com.

Halloween mayhem for grown-ups returns to Midtown occupying a 100,000 square foot pop-up venue for the one-day event that will run from 2 p.m. to midnight and features a line-up of serious talent including Dirty South, Paul van Dyk, Funkagenda, The Crystal Method, LA Riots, Electrik Dread.

ZooBoo
Oct. 26-28 and 31
Where: Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami; www.miamimetrozoo.com

Boo at the Zoo gives the kids an exciting opportunity to trick-or-treat at the home of South Florida's most interesting animals. Included with zoo admission, families and kids ages 12 and under are invited to trick-or-treat in costumes, participate in costume contests, watch special performances, make Halloween crafts and see the wild animals get their Halloween goodies.

Nightmare on the Beach
Oct. 27
Where: The Bath Club, 5937 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; www.nightmareonthebeach.com

The Little Lighthouse Foundation's annual Halloween extravaganza, now in its third edition, has become one of the places to see and be seen in full Halloween regalia. The fun includes live entertainment, plenty of cocktails, over-the-top decor and a fun chance to support The Little Lighthouse Foundation and local children and their families who struggle with medical, educational, emotional and financial challenges.

Monster Splash
Oct. 28-31
Where: Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne.

Miami Seaquarium hosts a kid-friendly Halloween Extravaganza with trick-or-treating at Sharky’s Sweet Tooth Station; kiddie rides and bounce houses at the Little Monsters Play Area; the Monsters in the Mangrove Haunted Walk; Flipper’s Dance Party and Halloween-themed marine animal shows.