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Best Budget Arts And Culture Events In Miami

Miami draws tourists from around the world, and after they've spent a small fortune getting here, there can be a shortage of money remaining. Put those credit cards away, because Miami has plenty of events throughout the year that won't break a small budget.

Related: Best Free Stuff to do in South Florida

Goombay Festival
Goombay Festival
(credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Coconut Grove
3255 Plaza St.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 448-9501
www.goombayfestivalcoconutgrove.com

Dates: June 2-3, 2012
Hours: All day
Admission: Free

The boundless happiness and colorful ambience of the tropical islands beckon as the Goombay Festival is the younger sibling of Calle Ocho. Hailing from the Bahamian Islands and brought to the mainland by immigrants, this festival is a celebration of three holidays including Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Mardis Gras. Loads of activities, colorful parades, live steel bands, parties at CocoWalk, costume contests and native foods can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Related: Goombay Fest, Speed Boats & Bikini Body Tour Dominate S. Fla. Weekend

Fourth Of July At Bayfront
Bayfront Park
(credit: bayfrontparkmiami.com)

Bayfront Park
301 N Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 358-7550
www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

Dates: July 4th, 2012
Hours: Suggested arrival by 6:30 p.m., fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Admission: Free

Imagine a shimmering moon over Miami, ringed with a colorful constellation of fireworks bursting in floral array over the glistening city skyline. It's the perfect way to end the July 4th holiday, and an ideal reason to get out of the house to walk off all the BBQ and treats you've enjoyed over the holiday. It is free to the public, so make sure to get there early. Bring your favorite beach chair and blankets and settle in for the best pyrotechnic display since the formation of the universe.

Coconut Grove Bed Race
Great Grove Bed Race
(credit: thegreatgrovebedrace.com)

Commodore Plaza and Grand Ave.
Coconut Grove, FL 33131
(305) 446-9910
www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com

Date: September 2, 2012
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free for spectators

Ladies and gentlemen, start your…beds? If you are looking for a day that proves south Florida is truly crazy from the heat, then don't miss this annual homage to the official close of the lazy days of summer. Teams of five, four pushing and one steering, compete in crazy costumes while pushing beds as fast as they can for a quarter mile down Commodore and Grand Avenue in the Grove. Proceeds from the contestants' fees are donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami, so arrive early and stay late to cheer on your favorite king or queen size sleeper.

Related: Best Things to do on a Budget in South Florida

Miami Museum Month
Bass Museum of Art
(credit: bassmuseum.org)

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
701 Brickell Ave. Suite 2700
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 539-3000
www.miamimuseummonth.com

Dates: Throughout May, 2012
Hours: Vary, contact individual museums for specifics
Admission: Special offers at participating museums

Presented by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, experience the history, arts, culture and heritage of Miami during Miami Museum Month. From reptiles to art and Spanish architecture to Jewish heritage, there is something for every interest and passion. Participating museums include the Ancient Spanish Monastery, Art Center of South Florida, Bakehouse Art Complex, Bass Museum of Art, Coral Gables Merrick House, Haitian Heritage Museum, HistoryMiami and the Lowe Art Museum. There will be opportunities for both free and reduced admittance.

Glenn Osrin is a journalist and seasoned consumer products sales professional living in Miami, Florida. His work can be found at Examiner.com.


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