Miami Memorial Day Weekend - May 29

Many events are being cancelled / postponed / rescheduled due to the current Coronavirus health precautions. Please check with event organizers for updates.

Miami-Dade county has issued an emergency order mandating facial coverings be worn in public at all times INDOORS and OUTDOORS and until further notice, with limited and specific exceptions.

The countywide curfew has been modified to be from midnight to 6:00 am and will be effective until April 12, 2021.
Please adhere to the rules to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Here's the latest.

Memorial Day is a public holiday celebrated every year on the last Monday in May in honor of the men and women who have died while serving our country. This year it will be on Monday May 31, 2021.

Federal government offices and schools are closed on Memorial Day.

You can expect the following to be open and closed on Monday:

Closed

Government Offices
Schools
Post Offices
Banks
Public Libraries

Open

Shopping centers and malls
Grocery Stores
Restaurants
Federal, State, Regional Parks
Public Transportation (check for special holiday schedules)

On this day, ceremonies to honor the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives to protect the nation's freedoms are normally held throughout South Florida.

Local Memorial Day ceremonies and parades take place in many of our cities. We will update any info on this as it becomes available.

The highlight celebration for Memorial Day in South Florida, the National Salute to America's Heroes and the stunning Air and Sea Show is scheduled to go on, and will be taking place in the sands of South Beach once again this Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday May 29 - 30, 2021.

Also most of our local attractions have started to reopen and with Memorial Day signaling the "unofficial" start of the summer vacation season, many will also be paying tribute to our heroes.

Here's what's happening this Memorial Day Weekend in Miami:

2021 Memorial Day Weekend Highlights

National Salute To America's Heroes: Miami Beach Air & Sea Show - Saturday and Sunday May 29 - 30, 2021
City of Ft. Lauderdale Memorial Day Great American Beach Party - Saturday, May 29, 2021 - TBC
Village of Palmetto Bay at Deering Memorial Day Parade and Celebrations at Deering Estate - TBC
Best of the Best Memorial Day Music Fest at Bayfront Park - May 30, 2021
PAMM Memorial Day BBQ - Monday May 31, 2021 - TBC
Flamingo Gardens Memorial Day KidzFest - May 29 - 31, 2021
Urban Beach Week 2021 - May 28 - 31, 2021
More outdoor fun stuff to do this Memorial Day Weekend: activities, tours, attractions that are OPEN

Memorial Day Weekend: Miami Beach Air & Sea Show

Miami Memorial Day National Salute Police Car

There is no better time to pay tribute to our military, first responders and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country than Memorial Day Weekend.

In this spirit, a fantastic event as part of the National Salute to America's Heroes initiative will take place on our sandy shores with all five branches of the military represented: The Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines and the Coast Guard as well as our police, firefighters and first responder agencies.

This is the highlight event of the weekend and one you should not miss right on the sands of Miami Beach...

When? Saturday and Sunday May 29 - 30, 2021
Where? Along the shores of South Beach, main event site and best viewing for the Air and Sea Show is between 11th and 15th Street.
Public viewing areas are from 1st to 10th streets and 13th to 23rd Streets. See event site map here.
There will be many designated Park and Ride locations in and around the City of Miami where you can leave your car and ride a free shuttle to the event. Do not try to park in Miami Beach this weekend!
How Much? FREE from the public viewing areas on the beach on the North and South ends of the main event site. Tickets available for hospitality chalets, family seating area, VIP clubs and hotels packages, see below.

The Air & Sea Show:

Jets will be flying overhead as powerboats zip along the shore. This two-day spectacular event will feature civilian aerobatic acts, offshore powerboat racing demonstrations, extreme water sports and more, all on the beautiful shores of Miami Beach.

Sea Events including Waterski, wakeboard, jetski, stunt kite, hang gliders, hover boards and jet surf board demonstrations, offshore powerboat racing...
U.S. Marine Corps Beach Invasion
Air Events including fly byes, precision exercises and demos including rescue demos, special ops, the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team and many, many, MANY more.

When? Sea Events: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Air Events: 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Where? Along the beach, best viewing for the Air and Sea Show is ON THE BEACH between 11th and 14th Street. There are FREE public viewing areas from 1st to 10th streets and 13th to 23rd Streets. See event site map here.
The Air Show landing zone is between 10th and 11th Streets.

Watching from a boat: Allowed but observe the safety zone where No vessel or person will be permitted to enter without obtaining permission from the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative. The zone is to be enforced from 8:30 a.m. on Friday through 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and consists of the 0.5 mile stretch of waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Collins Park to South Pointe.

Paid options: There are 3 Preferred Viewing Areas between 11th and 13th Streets, entrance from the north on 13th Street:

The Beach Club - large screen viewing, restrooms and concessions - $30 single day $55 both days
The Umbrella Club - reserved private area 6-ticket packages $300 single day $550 both days
The Cabana Club - own fenced private cabana with an extended patio area, refreshments 10-ticket packages $2,500 single day $5,000 both days

And of course from any of the hotels along Ocean Drive which will have front row views and will likely be offering packages for the weekend. Needless to say, you need to book way ahead of time.

Action Zone & Display Village:

This is where you can see our military technology up close and personal along with a variety of interactive displays, high tech demonstrations, plus merchandise and food vendors. There will be meet-and-greets with servicemen and women.

This year's Action Zone features a one-of-a-kind action-packed motocross performance by Keith Sayer's KSFMX Freestyle Motocross demo team. There is no shortage of engaging activities for fans in the Monster Energy Action Zone.

When? 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where? Along Ocean Drive Between 11th and 14th Streets
How Much? FREE
More Info www.usasalute.com/action-zone/

More Info

Official Site: http://usasalute.com
Live broadcast on NewsRadio 610 WIOD
Livestream via the iHeartRadio App
USA Salute FB Page
Event site map, entrances, lavatories

Practical Tips

Plan ahead, get there early, have an exit plan
Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic, traffic redirections in effect throughout the weekend Check their FB page for updates.
Bring sun protection, beach chairs, water, cameras and phones
DO NOT bring glass and styrofoam, straws, drones, lasers, helium balloons

Where to Stay for Memorial Day? Top Hotel Choices

Ocean Drive Hotels and National Salute Police Car

From the celebrations to pay tribute to our Service Men and Women including a fantastic Air and Sea Show right from the sands of South Beach, live concerts, fireworks and parades, to the Hip Hop whirlwind of Urban Beach Week, this is one busy weekend...

Where the best place to stay in Miami for Memorial Day Weekend will depend much on what your preferences are, from heavy partying to a weekend of relaxation.

Hotels on Ocean Drive will be ground zero with all of the festivities literally in your backyard and front row seats for the fantastic air show. But there are also many options within easy walk and further away from the mayhem. If traveling with family or would like a quieter scene, choose a place away from the melee of South Beach.

Here are some top hotel options for Memorial Day Weekend in Miami

Booking.com

City of Ft. Lauderdale Memorial Day Great American Beach Party - TO BE CONFIRMED

Ft Lauderdale Great American Beach Party

A full day of exciting activities and entertainment for the entire family, this annual event honors our military members who died to keep us free as well as our local citizens who have worked to improve the community of Fort Lauderdale.

The celebrations kick off on the beach with a sand sculpting contest and plenty of kids activities, beach games, face painting, and more.

The live entertainment starts at noon, six bands perform on two stages throughout the day treating crowds to a variety of rock 'n' roll, country, funk, dance favorites, and more.

A military tribute then takes place at 2:30 p.m. to honor the men and women who serve our country in the United States Armed Forces. The tribute will be highlighted by a precision free-fall parachute jump and tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces by the SOCOM Para-Commandos. In an extraordinary display of timing, accuracy, and precision maneuvering, the Para-Commandos will skydive from 12,500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and land on targets positioned in the sand at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A.

When? TBC Saturday May 29, 2021 - 10:00 am to 8:30 pm (NOT YET CONFIRMED)
Where? Along Fort Lauderdale Beach near A1A and Las Olas Boulevard
How Much? FREE

More Info: The Great American Beach Party

Palmetto Bay at Deering Memorial Day Parade and Celebrations

To honor, remember and celebrate those who gave their lives for our freedom, the Village of Palmetto Bay has teemed up with the Deering Estate for a day of festivities at this historic venue.

The day will feature a military parade, live entertainment and DJ, food vendors, kids activities, a scavenger hunt, and the Estate's house tours, "On The Bay" adventures and nature hikes.

When? Saturday May 23, 2020 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parade at 1:00 pm
Where? Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33157
How Much? FREE for Palmetto Bay residents, veterans and active duty military personnel and Deering Estate Foundation members. General admission $7, "On the Bay" adventures $10 Cash only

More Info: Palmetto Bay at Deering Memorial Day Parade and Festivities

PAMM Memorial Day BBQ

Perez Art Museum Miami honors our heroes with a special Memorial Day Celebration on the terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Enjoy live music by Amy Arlo ∓ Almost Blue, a tasty hotdog station, and brews on the terrace, as well as art-making and kid-friendly activities.

Admission to the museum is free for all active duty military personnel, veterans and their families.

When? TBC Monday May 31, 2021 Museum opens at 10:00 am, Memorial Day celebration from 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Where? Perez Art Museum at 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
How Much? Free entry to the terrace, food available for purchase. Museum gallery admission: TBA, prior years $16 for adults, Children and Youth (7-18) $12, Seniors +62 $12. Free for PAMM members, active duty military personnel, veterans, family members.

More Info: Memorial Day BBQ at PAMM

Best of the Best Memorial Day Music Fest

On its 15th year, the largest reggae/caribbean music festival in North America returns to the striking landscapes of Bayfront Park and the Miami Beach skyline on Memorial Day Weekend with every intention of making history again!

Best of the Best has been built to legendary status by bringing crowds to their feet with classic artist performances from Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder, Super Cat, Sizzla, Mavado, Elephant Man, Akon, Beenie Man, Nicki Minaj, T-Pain, Bounty Killer, Gyptian, DJ Khaled, Diddy, Wyclef Jean, Rick Ross, Stephen & Damien Marley, Junior Reid, and Capleton just to name a few.

No outside food, beverages, or alcohol will be allowed. However, it is suggested that attendees bring blankets or folding chairs to sit on. Be advised, there is no re-entry into the concert so be sure that you don't leave anything in your vehicle that you may need during the concert.

When? May 30, 2021 - 2:00 pm 'til midnight
Where? Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
How Much? Discounts for early online purchases. General Admission $55, children 12 and under FREE, VIP $150+ for a private viewing area, express entry, private air conditioned bathrooms, front stage access, and an open bar, VVIP $499+ front and back stage access, premium open bar

More Info and tickets: http://bestofthebestconcert.com/

Flamingo Gardens Memorial Day KidzFest

KidzFest is a great day for kids presented by Nicklaus Children's Hospital Broward Outpatient Centers.

The annual festival features complimentary pony rides (10am to 4pm), butterfly encounter, animal presentations, kids games and activitities, arts and crafts, bounce house, music and live entertainment, and this is opening weekend for the Big Bugs exhibit.

When? Sat - Mon May 29 - 31, 2021 - 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where? Flamingo Gardens at 3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330
How Much? Adults $21.95 Children (3 - 11) $15.95 Discounts for Seniors, Armed Services, College Students. Narrated Tram Tour is included with admission.
More Info and tickets: Memorial Day KidzFest at Flamingo Gardens

Urban Beach Week

Urban Beach Week which is also known as Black Beach Week started back in the 1990's as a small urban fashion show. It was actually called Urban Fashion Week in the beginning.

Since then, the event has gradually grown to this massive outdoor party event in South Beach over Memorial Day Weekend.

This is the ultimate beach party for the Hip Hop culture that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Yes, that's right, hundreds of thousands over the long weekend.

What is it? This is not an officially sponsored event by the city, instead, it's a series of events... concerts, parties, pool parties, contests, fashion shows, celebrity pool parties... all organized by various private venues throughout South Beach, many just pop up and spread out on social media.

As you can expect, streets are overflowing and plenty of alcohol is consumed. Expect street closures and re-routed traffic patterns. Needless to say, this is NOT a family event. If you are heading over please act responsibly and observe the special regulations in effect as there will be zero tolerance for violations. This year certain items are banned on the beach including large flotation devices, coolers and tents and amplified music.

When? May 28 - 31, 2021
Where? Throughout South Beach
How Much? This is an outdoor event, no "admission" per se.
More Info: www.blackbeachweek.com

Activities, Tours, Attractions that are OPEN

Many attractions remain closed but several tours that can be conducted safely and within health department and CDC guidelines have reopened as have most outdoor activities.

It's time to get out! Here's a list of things to do while maintaining social distancing measures. They have reopened and can be booked now. Make a reservation as many of the tours and activities are running on limited capacities. You can book with confidence as there is a free cancellation policy for most of the activities listed here, if your plans change and you cancel up to 24 hours in advance you will receive a full refund.