Watch CBS News

Top Spring Festivals In South Florida

While south Florida may be most famous for its winter season, there's still plenty to do when most snowbirds have flown home. This spring proves this point with an assortment of festival offerings from the southernmost areas of Miami-Dade to Deerfield Beach. The festivals highlight the best of south Florida in food, art, music and wine. The lineup of events include jazz performances, poetry events, world-class dance, an arts festival, and a food and wine festival welcoming the entire family.
Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

9th Annual All Kids Included Family Arts Festival
10950 S.W. 211 St.
Cutler Bay, FL 33189
(786) 573-5300
www.smdcac.org

Date: May 2, 2015

The 9th Annual All Kids Included Family Arts Festival features a whirlwind of wonderful activities for all children. A special lineup of activities designed for children of special needs that are appropriate and enjoyable for all children will also be on-hand, including a sensory-friendly Peter Pan theater production and storytelling in American Sign Language. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, a rock wall, arts and crafts, and games. Magicians, musicians and dancers will also be performing for an unforgettable experience.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

O, Miami Poetry Festival
Various Locations - Miami-Dade County
(786) 871-4817
www.omiami.org

Date: April 28 through April 30, 2015

The O, Miami Poetry Festival is a month-long arts festival with daily events. Events on April 28 and 29 include Poetry Parcels at Aesop Wynwood, Poetry Paella at The Betsy Hotel in South Beach, and the finale of the Zip Ode Contest at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens where participants share poetry dedicated to their respective zip codes. The final festival day closes with Piano Slam 7 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, presenting top Miami youth poets and classical musicians in tandem. The O, Miami Poetry Festival serves to expose south Floridians to quality poetry each year while supporting the art form and providing a platform for poetry talent.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

2015 Miami International Jazz Festival
1465 S.W. 8 St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 491-3588
www.miamiinternationaljazzfest.org

Date: May 1 through 3, 2015

The 2015 Miami International Jazz Festival will span one weekend and three venues. Friday night's Festival Kick Off Party in Little Havana begins with a film screening and finishes with a party and performance by the Martin Bejerano Trio. The next night continues at the Manuel Artime Performing Arts Center with the MIJF Latin Jazz All Stars Ensemble. The ensemble consists of an array of talents including Jimmy Bosch, Felipe Lamoglia and Antulio Mora. Finally, the festival closes Sunday afternoon at Miami Senior High School Theater with performances by the Emmet Cohen Trio and the UM Frost Concert Jazz Band with guest-star and baritone sax stylist, Ronnie Cuber.

Related: Top Art Walks In South Florida

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Deerfield Beach Wine & Food Festival
401 South Powerline Road
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
(561) 338-7594
www.deerfieldbeachwineandfoodfestival.com

Date: May 30, 2015

The fifth anniversary of the Deerfield Beach Wine & Food Festival is a family-friendly event full of cooking demos, fresh markets, shopping and live entertainment. Adults may enjoy specialty wine and craft beer, and other tasty beverages will be available for children and other guests. Attendees can dine on dishes from local south Florida catering companies, food trucks and restaurants. The youngest guests may take part in various activities and games at the Blue Wave Kids Zone.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Miami Dance Festival
Various Locations - Miami-Dade County
(305) 858-7002
www.momentumdance.com

Date: April 29 through May 24, 2015

Miami Dance Festival presented by contemporary dance company, Momentum, commenced in April and continues through May. The Artists In Collaboration discussion by a panel of artists, including pianist Dr. Alan Ngim and costume designer Marilyn Skow, examines collaboration in the arts. 'Alice In Wonderland' will be presented for free at the Coral Gables and Miami Beach Regional Public Libraries. Finally, more dance performances await fans with a dance improvisation set to the sounds of percussionist J.J. Freire, during An Evening of Water Ballet at the National Hotel's pool and Ballet Flamenco.

Related: How To Get Involved In South Florida's Theater Community

Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.