World-famous and incredible to watch, "Wicked" comes to our shores this year. (©Wicked)
We don’t know about you, but there’s a bit of a slump with the end of all the excitement of the holiday season. (Can we leave up our Christmas trees until March?) To get out of the blues, we’ve compiled a list of some of the things that the first few months of 2015 have in store for us, from concerts to annual events that we’re counting down the days until they get here.
Art Deco Weekend
Walking down Collins Avenue in South Beach, it’s clear from the towering hotels and boutiques stays that Art Deco was truly the era that inspired Miami Beach. To honor the heyday of the strip, this year’s annual event is special as it honors the 100th birthday of the city with tours, fashion shows, classic cars, street entertainment and other fun reminiscent of the Roaring ’20s.
Art Deco Weekend is Jan. 16 to 18 on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.
Billy Joel
The legendary "Piano Man" can’t seem to stay away from South Florida since he returned in 2014 after a hiatus. Performing in downtown Miami, Joel’s decades-long career has brought us favorites such as “Big Shot,” “New York State of Mind,” “She’s Got a Way” and many more tunes.
Jan. 31 at the AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786.777.1000.
Miami International Boat Show
If there was ever a crowd that loved boats, it’s Miami. When one's surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Biscayne Bay, being on the ocean is a part of life. Enthusiasts can enjoy seeing the likes of more than 3,000 mega yachts, sports boats and smaller vessels in this impressive show. Plus, see the latest in the technology of boating, attend seminars and spend time out on the water with sailing classes.
The Boat Show is Feb. 12 to 16 throughout Miami Beach, 954.441.3220.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival
For the biggest food event of the year, foodies of all types gather in South Beach for cooking classes, parties, intimate dinners, panels and the highly anticipated, two-day, grand-tasting village on the beach. For Food Network fans, there will be special appearances from the likes of Andrew Zimmern, Giada de Laurentis, Anne Burrell, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay and other celebrity chefs. Plus, funds from the big event go directly to local cooking students at FIU. Who knows what great things they’ll have in in the future, thanks to this event?
The SoBe Wine and Food Fest is Feb. 19 to 22, throughout Miami Beach
'Wicked’
Ever wondered how the Wicked Witch became so... wicked? In its 12th year on the stage, the hit Broadway musical tells the story of the green-skinned witch and the beloved Glinda the Good Witch’s school days at Shiz University. Understanding the backstory and the Wicked Witch’s unfair beginnings, you might even feel a little bad for her. We’re sure Dorothy would beg to differ, though.
March 11 to 29 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305.949.6722
Calle Ocho
For this celebration of Latin music, from traditional to more modern reggaeton, Eighth Street (Calle Ocho) is closed for the day to accommodate dancing, music, food and national pride. Considered a sort of Carnival part means the stages will be packed with many major and local acts. In the past, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee and Sean Paul have hit the stage, so stay tuned: the performing artist list hasn’t been released yet!
Calle Ocho is March 15 on Eighth Street in Miami.
Ultra Music Festival
It’s all about electronic music at this outdoor festival that draws fans from around the world right here to Miami. For three days, known DJs rock the stage with impressive light shows and booming bass sounds that will rock you to your core. Plus, people-watching is at an all-time high at Ultra with unique costumes and glow-in-the-dark paint galore.
Ultra Music Festical is March 27 to 29 at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.