Miami Art Week hits South Florida like a glitter bomb in a blender. The traffic thickens, the Ubers surge, the Wynwood Walls somehow get photographed, even more, and suddenly, your friends from New York are asking if they can crash on your couch.
But not everyone wants the crowds, the chaos, or the existential crisis that come with saying “see you at Basel.” Good news: There is life beyond the satellite fairs, the VIP lists, and whatever brand pop-up says it is “redefining culture.”
Listed chronologically, here are ten excellent, decidedly un-Basel alternatives happening around Miami this week — no wristbands or velvet ropes required.
photo of illuminated sculptures of a dragon, waterfall, lotus flowers and lily pads on water
No pressure, but the illuminated sculptures at Luminosa will put your holiday light display to shame.
Jungle Island photo
Holiday Light Displays
Festive light displays began popping up around town in November, and you’ve got plenty of options. Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park features unlimited carnival rides, cocktails, coquito, games, fireworks, and six immersive holiday worlds. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Christmas Park at Amelia Earhart Park has rides, shows, Santa, and quirky Ripley’s experiences. NightGarden at Fairchild has garden paths, food, laser shows, movie nights, a dance party, and its famously sassy Talking Tree. Luminosa at Jungle Island features a 13-acre lantern-filled world of dragons, jungles, ancient civilizations, baobab trees, and a shimmering Frozen Kingdom; while Zoo Lights Miami boasts more than a million lights, a towering LED tree, Santa visits, animal shows, photo ops, train rides, and themed attractions.
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Editor's Picks
Chef’s Table With Erin Lichy at The Hub
Real Housewives fans, cookbook lovers, and anyone who appreciates a well-styled charcuterie board can catch Erin Lichy in Pinecrest on Wednesday for an intimate talk, meet-and-greet, and curated dinner. Lichy will share stories from the making of her new cookbook, She’s a Host, along with entertaining tips, personal anecdotes, and recipes that anchor the night’s meal. 3 p.m. December 3, at 5950 N. Kendall Dr., Pinecrest; 305-540-0700; thehubmiami.org
Sukeban World Championship Fight at Miami Beach Bandshell
Japan’s buzziest women’s wrestling league lands in Miami Wednesday night for a five-fight card that mixes the sport with fashion, music, and art. Reigning champ Atomic Banshee defends her title against Ichigo Sayaka in a main event built for spectacle. 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 3, at 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; miamibeachbandshell.com.
Holiday Harbour and Toy Drive at Regatta Grove
From December 4 through 28, Coconut Grove’s waterfront hotspot turns festive with specialty cocktails starting at 6 p.m., holiday décor, lively tunes, and a toy drive benefiting local kids. Whether you are in it for the drinks or the do-gooding, it is a breezy, low-lift way to feel seasonal cheer without battling Basel crowds. 3415 Pan American Dr., Miami; regattagrove.com. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.
photo of jai alai players on the court at Miami City Casino
Never been to a jai alai game? This is a good week to do it.
Photo by Aaron Gilbert
Battle Court Jai Alai at Magic City Casino
The fastest sport you have never actually gone to see is hosting its playoffs, and the stakes are high. The four top teams from the Battle Court season go head-to-head on Friday for glory, bragging rights, and the right to say they survived a ball flying toward them at highway speeds. The team with the best record takes on the fourth seed, while the second and third seeds battle for the other final slot. 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 5, at 450 NW 37th Ave., Miami; 305-917-9210; jaialaiworld.com.
Farmers Markets
Miami’s markets are in full swing this week, offering fresh produce, raw vegan specialties, small-batch goods, and baked treats. The Aventura Farmers Market runs from Friday to Sunday inside Aventura Mall with global ingredients, handmade products, and home décor. On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market brings raw vegan dishes, exotic fruits, nut butters, juices, and small-batch ice creams under shady picnic tables. Pinecrest Gardens hosts its weekly market on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with produce, artisans, and delicious foods in a lush garden setting. Also on Sunday, Vizcaya Village’s market runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fruits, baked goods, vegan snacks, and handcrafted items inside its historic village, rain or shine.
Food Truck Saturdays at Amelia Earhart Park
This Saturday, Amelia Earhart Park becomes a roaming buffet of tacos, burgers, pastries, and fusion everything from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Expect a DJ, bounce houses, free parking, and a rotating lineup of trucks curated by Miami Food Truck Events. Bring friends, kids, or just a healthy appetite. 11 a.m. Saturday, December 6, at 401 E. 65th St., Hialeah; miamifoodtrucksevents.com.
La Gente del Barrio Celebrity Softball Game and Home Run Derby at LoanDepot Park
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. headlines a day of big swings and bigger personalities as MLB stars, celebrities, and entertainers hit the field for a charitable cause. Proceeds from the Saturday games support La Gente del Barrio Foundation, the VG 27 Foundation, and additional partners. Expect home runs and the kind of crowd that is just as loud as a Basel opening but far more fun to sit next to. 1 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at 501 Marlins Wy., Miami; 305-480-1300; mlb.com.
close-up photo of a hand with long, red nails holding a pink of beer with a logo on the glass reading "Tank"
Run a 5K for free beer this week.
The Tank Brewing Co. photo
Beer Run at The Tank Brewing
Runners and beer lovers will flood Tank Brewing Saturday night for a run followed by a massive post-race festival with brews from local breweries, live music, games, and food by the bite. Your registration gets you a T-shirt, a cigar, a medal, and one beer. The bragging rights come free. 4 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at 5100 NW 72nd Ave., Miami. Registration costs $45 via runsignup.com.
Miami Heat Games at Kaseya Center
The Miami Heat hosts the Sacramento Kings while Art Basel is in full swing off the mainland Saturday night. Escape Basel gridlock by sitting in air conditioning with 20,000-plus of your closest friends downtown. Whether you’re sitting courtside or upper level, it sure beats sitting in Basel traffic. 8 p.m. Saturday, December 6, at the Kaseya Center, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; nba.com/heat.Tickets cost $46 to $546 via ticketmaster.com.