In town during the Memorial Day weekend and planning to hit the surf and sand on South Beach? Then, there are a few things you should know.
Miami Beach is a coveted destination year-round, but during the holiday, it turns into the must-go destination for thousands of hip-hop fans fired up for what is referred to as "Urban Beach Week" (or Black Beach Week)—four days of fun, music and food starting Thursday, May 26.
The weekend is notable for mega-parties, concerts and reveling on the sand and streets of South Beach. This year, the largest urban event in the nation will celebrate its 20th anniversary and is expected to draw record attendance—more than 250,000.
During the weekend, traffic on South Beach also gets an overhaul. If you are driving, arrive early to find parking in the nearby city garages. Only locals with appropriate zoned decals will be allowed to park in residential streets; visitors will be diverted along Fifth Street and Washington and Collins Avenues. East/west streets (100 and 200 blocks) will be restricted between Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive, Sixth to 15th streets. Ocean Drive will be pedestrian-only from 7 am Friday to 7 am Tuesday.
If you are not into the hip-hop scene and are looking for other distractions, there's still lots to see and do on-and-off the beach. Here is our roundup of some of the area happenings:
May 27
How Can I Be Down International Hip Hop Business Conference: This conference at the Breakwater Hotel will include several workshops for music, fashion, sports and business professionals. One of the most anticipated panels this year is "Formation of a Star ... The Entertainment Industry. How Do I Get In?" featuring Mathew Knowles, Grammy Award-winning executive and manager of Destiny's Child, Beyonce and Solange Kowles. Knowles will share his industry knowledge with aspiring music entrepreneurs. Call 561.201.2234 for tickets or purchase on Eventbrite.
Clevelander Happy Hour: This South Beach hotspot has one of the most popular Friday happy hours (4-7 pm Mo.-Fr.). Listen to a mix of hip-hop jams, Top 40 hits and reggae tunes from the nightly DJ, people-watch poolside and satiate with a margarita or the frozen-drink specials.
Vision Reggae: Mango's Tropical Cafe goes all-out with its nightly dance shows. Tuesday through Fridays, the restaurant plays host to reggae performances from 2 to 7:30 pm. There's also a Michael Jackson tribute show, salsa dancing and hip-hop show on the schedule, too.
May 28
Afrobeat Miami 2.0: The Rubi Lounge plays host to the finest DJs from New York City and Atlanta: DJ Afoo and DJ YB and DJ D-ROCC from 10 pm-5 am.
Life and Grind USA Tour: The hit cable reality TV series, "Life and Grind" continues its U.S. tour with stops in South Beach's Ocean Drive on May 28 and Downtown Miami on May 29, looking for the hottest unsigned indie artists, bands and dancers. To perform in the showcase, email vipsquadent@gmail.com.
R. Kelly: Music fans will flock to the AmericanAirlines Arena to watch R&B crooner R. Kelly captivate the audience with his sultry hits and power ballads. Concert starts at 8 pm.
May 29
Amazing Sunday Brunch: Unwind, recharge and have fun at Nikki Beach's world famous brunch with international dishes and exciting entertainment. 11 am-4 pm.
Reggae Sundays: Now at The Wynwood Yard, this weekly event will feature a reggae festival with 5 bands: JahnLee (acoustic/island reggae); The FreeCoasters (Ska/Rocksteady/Reggae); Ellameno Beat (Reggae/Ska); Sweet Justice (Caribbean Reggae) and InnaSense (Reggae/dancehall/pop reggae) and 5 DJs: Lance-O, Bin Bin, ODM, Mello-D, Ricky D from noon till 1 am for $5 entry.
Sangria Sundays: Enjoy a new Sunday ritual at the Mediterranean hotspot Cleo South Beach at The Redbury Hotel, with three different varieties of sangria to choose from: red, white and a specialty pink sangria prepared with the delectable sweet rosé. Whether enjoying a night out with friends or spending the evening with a special someone, this South Beach oasis will be the perfect way to end the weekend (sangria in hand). 6-11 pm.
Freedom Festival USA: For 12 hours (11 am-11 pm) this music festival on Virginia Key Beach will pay tribute to American soldiers with more than 50 musical acts. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Memorial Weekend Comedy Festival: John Witherspoon, Lil Duval, Kym Whitley, Steve Brown, Michael Colyar and Earthquake headline the ninth annual comedy fest at downtown Miami's James L. Knight Center. Adult language and topical subject matter is expected—you have been warned.
The Best of the Best Concert: For 10 years, this musical experience in Downtown Miami has included the best performances in pop, R&B, soca, reggae, hip-hop and Caribbean music. Immerse yourself for a day into the sights, sounds and taste of the Caribbean. Past headliners have included Wyclef Jean, Diddy, Akon, Shaggy and more.
May 30
Sizzle Miami Grand Anniversary: Mix and mingle with the most energetic and fun-filled crowd at the Rooftop at E11even from 6 pm to midnight. Created in 2002, Sizzle is among the most celebrated urban gay events in the nation. Party-seekers converge in Miami to celebrate pride, life and liberty with a smorgasbord of exciting events.
Memorial Weekend Day Party: Celebrate the holiday with a party from 2 pm-9 pm, hosted by The Majestic Group and radio DJs from 103.5 FM The Beat at Brick House in Wynwood Miami. Tickets $10.