This Broadway classic comes to South Florida. (©DeenVanMeer)
Plan your next mini-vacation to include any one of these fun and family friendly activities. Our round-up of Hot Dates for the New Year will have you prepared for what’s to come in no time.
Miami
"Newsies"
Feb. 3 to 8
It’s the turn of the century in New York City, and a group of newspaper boys become the headlines themselves when they dare stand up to the city’s richest and most powerful men. A Disney smash hit, it’s a performance leaving the country inspired to stand up for the right thing.
Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. ArshtCenter.org.
Miami Beach Jazz Festival
Jan. 10
There’s certainly more than enough jazz festivals to go around, but this one sticks to its roots and removes and dilution of other genres. Set in the backdrop of Miami Beach and its retro, Art Deco landscape, the festival has scheduled highly anticipated performances by legends Bucky Pizzarelli, Monty Alexander, Rufus Reid, and many more.
New World Center for the Arts, 500 17th St., Miami Beach. MiamiBeachJazz.com.
Art Deco Weekend
Jan. 16 to 18
Art and history come together every year on Miami Beach as residents and visitors celebrate the Art Deco movement that put the Magic City on the map. Interior design contests, music festivals, antiques, vintage toys, fashion shows, film and more. Along Ocean Drive; Miami Beach. Call 305.672.2014 or click here for more information.
Miami Beach Antique Show
Jan. 30 to Feb. 3
The largest of its kind, the convention center is transformed into a time machine of relics from around the world and across the centuries. Be on the look out for unique finds dating back to the Renaissance era, as well as an impressive Art Deco collection, beautiful American and European silver, historic 17th to 19th century furniture, and other treasures. Click here for more information.
Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.
Kite Day
Feb. 15
In its 23rd year, the sky will be inundated with whimsical creatures and colors flying through the air. Some kites are hundreds of feet big! Bring out the family for kite flying, paper kite building classes, demonstrations, and competitions for children and adults. Click here for more information.
Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour.
Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival
Feb. 19 to 22
Across the causeway in quiet Virginia Key, the annual festival returns for a long weekend of eclectic music, yoga, hearing arts, camping, and food. Take classes in the banjo, fiddle and guitar, hit the mat for cleansing yoga poses, learn to make a pizza, and other activities the entire family can enjoy. Bands and musicians ranging the gamut in genre include zydeco, reggae, country and Latin. Click here for more information.
FORT LAUDERDALE
"The Lion King"
Jan. 7 to Feb. 1
The blockbuster Disney favorites comes to the stage, with performers taking on the roles of regal lions, swooping birds, and graceful gazelles in impressive costumes. You’ll be up on your feet singing along to the tunes of “The Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and other timeless songs from “The Lion King.” Click here for more information
Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
Alton Brown Live
Feb. 4
The popular celebrity chef makes his way to Coral Springs, bringing his quirky and unique demonstrations of culinary how-to to the stage. Check out food experimentation, live music, comedy, and audience interaction that only Brown knows how to do. Click here for more information.
Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs.
Florida Renaissance Festival
Feb. 7 to March 15
Hear ye, hear ye! Calling all knights, fairies, gypsies and fair maidens, the popular Renaissance Festival returns to the park for special weekends of themed event, from pirate encounters to love spells in time for Valentine's Day. Get your turkey leg, mug of beer, and wander the property for corsets, soap making, tomato throwing, and other fun activities.
Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach.
Shock Pop Comic Con
Feb. 13 to 15
Why go all the way to San Diego when Comic Con is right here in South Florida? Bring on the cosplay costumes and head to the convention center for panels, vendors, interesting characters, and appearances by major guests, including Sean Cunningham, Elvira, Ralph Macchio, Robert Englund, Danny Trejo, Naomi Grossman, and other top billed stars. Click here for more information.
Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.