WHAT'S HAPPENING - Industry news
The Betsy’s Overture to Overtown

Experience a progressive night of jazz, April 19, in Overtown, Little Haiti and Miami Beach during The Betsy's Annual Overture to Overtown Jazz Festival. Celebrating the historic connections between South Florida jazz and the national historic jazz circuit that once linked musicians from New York City's Harlem to Overtown – often referred to as the Harlem of the South – the 2024 series’ reaches beyond one venue with live performances in Miami Beach, Historic Overtown and Little Haiti.

Earth Day is everyday

Monday is Earth Day but in Greater Miami and Miami Beach – from the Everglades’ "River of Grass" to the Miami River, Biscayne Bay and Atlantic shores – we celebrate throughout April. Check out fun eco-adventures, learn how we protect our precious ecosystems and practice environmental stewardship. On Arbor Day, the GMCVB partners with Miami Gardens' One Community Alliance Network Foundation, providing deserving seniors with a front yard makeover.

CountryFest returns to Tropical Park

Saddle up to the Miami-Dade CountryFest, April 20-21 at Tropical Park. Formerly known as the Miami International Agriculture, Horse & Cattle Show, the revamped event led by Miami-Dade County Commission Vice Chair Anthony Rodriguez, promises farm-themed fun, live music and more. Since its inception in 2015, CountryFest has grown into a global gathering attracting locals, visitors and cattle breeders from across the world to its International Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

FIU’s Chaplin School jumps in world rankings

Congratulations to Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, ranked No. 6 best Hospitality & Leisure Management program among public universities in the U.S. Globally, the Chaplin School jumped to No. 31 in the QS World University Rankings of more than 2,250+ hospitality educational institutions, putting them among the top 1.37% worldwide.

Highly Anticipated Return of Formula 1 

The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix returns, May 3-5, to the Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium, featuring select seating for GMCVB members in its Boathouse Experience, an open-air shaded club with a communal lounge space. Need more? Elevate your race weekend with limited exclusive suite options offering panoramic views and luxury comforts – reach out to F1 VP Sales & Service Josh Young.

In its first two years, organizers report that America’s premier F1 race attracted more than 240,000 attendees across both weekends, providing an additional tourist boost and economic impact to local businesses in Greater Miami totaling $798 million.

MIAair – accessible for all

Marking Autism Acceptance Month, Miami International Airport hosted its latest MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) tour this week for children with special needs. The tour allows participants to rehearse the air travel experience from start to finish, all the way to an airplane seat, in a safe and controlled environment and also included 20 patients from the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. The program serves as a learning experience for MIA airline and TSA employees as well. The goal of MIAair is for anyone - regardless of their disability - to experience the magic and wonder of flight. 

#100YearsUnited

United Way Miami turns the big 1-0-0 this month and we can all be part of the festivities celebrating a longstanding community organization that has led the way in transforming the lives of so many. On April 24, help kickoff its year-long centennial and wish the institution a happy birthday using #100YearsUnited across your social media channels.

Adrienne Arsht Center honors three arts leaders with inaugural Arsht Awards

This week, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County honored three individuals who’ve made significant contributions to the Arsht Center and the Miami cultural community with the inaugural Arsht Award. Congratulations to honorees Marshall L. Davis (Arsht Education Champion Award), Ruth W. Greenfield (posthumously with the Parker Thomson Legacy Award), and Adrienne Arsht (Arsht Angel Award), recognized at the Arsht Center’s 18th Anniversary Gala, uniting more than 300 community leaders in support of the Center’s mission-driven education and community engagement programs.

An LGBTQ+ silver screen showcase

It's a silver screen showcase at the 26th edition of the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, April 18-28, when veteran and budding filmmakers debut features and short flicks. The 11-day movie marathon features internationally acclaimed films while celebrating premieres at opening and closing ceremonies, after-parties and a filmmaker's event.

Celebrate Earth Day at Redland’s Patch of Heaven

Escape to the beautiful Patch of Heaven Sanctuary in the Redland for an Earth Day Eco-Wellness Extravaganza. Celebrate Earth Day and a healthy life, April 21, among the 20-acre nature preserve’s old growth tropical hammocks, peaceful paths, historic structures and native habitat.

Annual Concierge Day at Biltmore

The GMCVB hosts the Southern Florida Concierge Association’s annual Concierge Day, April 30, at the Biltmore Hotel. The half-day program features award-winning influencer Sarah Dandashy of @AskAConcierge, former Miami Herald Food Editor Carlos Frias, and a panel of luxury and hotel/residential concierges, moderated by WSVN’s Lynne Martinez.

South Florida Black Legacy Celebration

The Marlins hosted Jackie Robinson Day and South Florida Black Legacy Celebration this week at loanDepot park, honoring local legacy makers who are not only pillars in the African American community, but also inspiring leaders making South Florida vibrant and strong for future generations. Each honoree is committed to education and mentorship of young Black people, economic development and Black culture.

The “Veritas” of the Bay of Pigs Invasion

The Bay of Pigs Veterans Association & Brigade 2506 Museum in Little Havana announce the release of "Veritas," a remarkable film directed by Eliecer Jimenez Almeida detailing the failed Bay of Pigs invasion 63 years later with the surviving Cuban-American dissidents. In detailed interviews, they narrate the calamity of the U.S. siege and the trauma they faced as prisoners, reliving the horrors of war to fill a gap in the military record. Available to national and international audiences on PBS, Apple Plus and other streaming platforms. 

Watermelon Festival in the Redland

Join The Berry Farm, April 27-28, for two days filled with mouthwatering goodness and fun activities at the annual Watermelon Festival. The third generation, family-owned Berry Farm is in Miami’s Redland countryside.

AOHT culinary journey

Don’t miss the 23rd annual Around The World Dinner, a culinary expedition benefitting Miami-Dade County public high school students in the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism Program (AOHT). Interact with chefs and culinary students as they balance creative artistry and gourmet foods, May 9, at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. Interested in sponsoring or donating an auction item? Contact Julie Kennedy at MDPS.

Festival association conference reimagines brands and events

Tickets are already on sale for the Greater Miami Festivals & Events Association’s (GMFEA) 11th annual conference, May 8, at Jungle Island. Sponsored by the GMCVB, this year’s gathering – Reimagine, Refresh, Renew – brings together event professionals looking to reinvigorate their brands and programming for educational sessions, an entertainment showcase, vendor expo, networking and more.

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