Memorial Day Weekend in Miami

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 25, 2020.

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.

This year, due to the Coronavirus measures many of the events have been cancelled. The closure of all Miami beaches will affect all activities and events that have taken place during this weekend in the past. This year's National Salute to America's Heroes initiative has been cancelled and although we will certainly miss the fantastic events of the two-day extravaganza, there are other events planned to honor our heroes, including a flyover on Saturday to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, military, and all essential personnel.

Memorial Day ceremonies and parades which are normally held throughout Dade and Broward Counties won't be taking place in the normal way, instead many cities are making arrangements for virtual ceremonies to be streamed online.

• City of North Miami Beach Memorial Day Service - Virtual ceremony at 10:00 am
• City of Pembroke Pines Memorial Day Ceremony - Virtual Ceremony at 9:00 am
• Davie Memorial Day Ceremony & Parade - CANCELLED

This year's Memorial Day weekend will certainly be different. Miami's beaches are closed and all concerts and parties have been cancelled.

This Year's Memorial Day Weekend Highlights, Open Attractions, Things To Do

Many attractions begin to reopen and there's plenty to do this memorial day weekend specially outdoors while observing safe distancing guidelines.

• "Salute Flight" Flyover - Saturday May 23, 2020. Don't miss the "Salute Flight" in honor of Memorial Day and to pay tribute to the dedicated first responders and healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. Four U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft will soar over 34 South Florida hospitals from the Keys to Palm Beach County. Additionally, a U.S. Coast Guard MH65 helicopter and a U.S. Coast Guard C-144 aircraft, will have a different flight path and fly over 16 South Florida hospitals. See flyover times and paths here.
• Many sections of Everglades National Park including our favorite trail the Anhinga Trail are open. Here's the latest on Everglades National Park reopening.
• Take an exciting airboat tour of the Everglades while spotting alligators, turtles and fantastic wildlife. Gator Park Airboat tours are running.
• Check out the fantastic street art and splashy murals at the Wynwood District where shops have reopened and restaurants and bars are open for take out and delivery.
• Enjoy art, design and luxury shopping at the open-air Miami Design District where flagship stores have reopened.
• The Drive-Through Safari at Lion Country Safari is open
• Stroll the fabulous gardens at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
• Our marinas have opened and it's time for a cruise on the bay! Not all tour boat operators have reopened, but the Duck Tours are back! Miami Duck Tours are running during Memorial Day Weekend!.
• Big Cypress National Preserve roads and trails are open. Visitor centers, campgrounds and associated restrooms are closed until further notice. Here's the latest on Big Cypress National Park reopening.
• At Biscayne National Park the kayak launch and restrooms at Convoy Point are open on a limited basis. The visitor center, and Boca Chita, Elliott and Adams Keys remain closed. Here's the latest on Biscayne National Park reopening.
• Zoo Miami is OPEN

Memorial Day Weekend Events Cancelled / Postponed

• Miami Beach Air & Sea Show, Music Explosion and Fireworks Extravaganza - Saturday and Sunday May 23 - 24, 2020 - Cancelled
• City of Ft. Lauderdale Memorial Day Great American Beach Party - Saturday, May 23, 2020 - Cancelled
• Village of Palmetto Bay at Deering Memorial Day Parade and Celebrations at Deering Estate - Saturday, May 23, 2020 will not be held this year
• Best of the Best Memorial Day Concert at Bayfront Park - Sunday May 24, 2020 Postponed to May 30, 2021
• PAMM Memorial Day BBQ - Monday May 25, 2020 will not be held this year
• Flamingo Gardens Memorial Day KidzFest - Sat to Monday May 23 - 25, 2020 KidzFest is cancelled but Flamingo Gardens IS open
• Urban Beach Week 2020 - May 22 - 25, 2020 Beaches, Hotels and Restaurants are closed

Memorial Day Weekend: Miami Beach Air & Sea Show, Music Explosion and Fireworks Extravaganza - Cancelled

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 23 - 24, 2020
Where? Along the shores of Miami 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 15th 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 is a FREE public viewing area set up 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: Salute Zone private concession at the exclusive Beach Club at Show Center, tickets for Saturday Air Show TBA, last year were $38.27, for Sunday which also includes the Music Explosion concert $54.81, Two-Day ticket $76.85. Find tickets.
Hospitality Suites from $15,000 - $30,000 per day, more info.
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 and many family-fun activities including kids yoga, themed arts and crafts, face painting, relay races, a dance-a-thon, themed bingo, team scavenger hunts and a letter writing station to servicemen and women.

Last year's Action Zone featured a Stihl Timberworks Lumberjack Show, a Firefighters Combat Challenge and a Monster Motocross Demonstration. Stay tuned for this year's highlights.

When? 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where? Along Ocean Drive Between 10th and 14th Streets
K.I.D.S. Fun Zone will be located between 11th and 14th Streets.
How Much? FREE

The Music Explosion:

There will be performances by the U.S. Air Force "Max Impact" band, and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. To cap off the evening, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will descend and kick off the fireworks extravaganza. This year's line up is TBA. Last year's program featured Miami native FLO RIDA.

When? Sunday May 24, 2020 after the Air and Sea Show approx. 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Where? On the Beach on the Altec Lansing Stage. Stage is set up at the southern end of the event site east of the dunes between 10th and 11th Streets.
How Much? FREE from the Public Viewing area.

Paid option: Salute Zone private concession at the exclusive Beach Club at Show Center, Sunday tickets including Air Show $54.81, Sunday ticket including Music Explosion and Fireworks (access at 4:30 pm) $32.76, Two-Day ticket $76.85 Find tickets.

The Fireworks:

From the deck of a U.S. Army LSV Landing Craft, a few hundred yards offshore, a spectacular fireworks show will be launched over Miami Beach following the Music Explosion on Sunday May 24, 2020.

When? Following the concert, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will descend and kick off the fireworks extravaganza. Tentatively between 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Latest news and updates on the Fireworks Extravaganza
How Much? FREE from the Public Viewing area.
Paid option: Salute Zone private concession at the exclusive Beach Club at Show Center, Sunday tickets including Air Show $54.81, Sunday ticket including Music Explosion and Fireworks (access at 4:30 pm) $32.76, Two-Day ticket $76.85 Find tickets.

More Info

• Official Site: http://usasalute.com
• Download the App: AppStore | Android |
• 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, and a traffic loop will be in effect throughout the weekend Details to follow, 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
• Know The Rules: www.respectthescene.com
• More Free Events: City of Miami Beach - Memorial Day

Where to Stay for Memorial Day? Top Hotel Choices

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 fireworks. 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

City of Ft. Lauderdale Memorial Day 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, inflatables, face painting, and more.

The live entertainment starts at noon, six bands will perform on two stages throughout the day treating crowds to a variety of rock 'n' roll, country, funk, dance favorites, and more. Featured artists will include: Swahili Band, Pitbull of Blues, Rogue Theory, Shane Duncan Band, Stall 4, and Pocket Change. And at 4:45pm, the Great American Beach Party welcomes country music icon Lee Greenwood who won CMA Song of the Year in 1985 for writing "God Bless the USA." The song, "God Bless the USA" has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America.

A military tribute will take 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.

And don't miss the Classic Car Show and art booths and vendors along A1A and Cortez Avenue.

When? TBC Saturday May 23, 2020 - 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
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 25, 2020 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: $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 Concert - Postponed

On its 14th year, the largest reggae/caribbean music festival in North America returns to the striking landscapes of Bayfront Park and the Miami Beach skyline on Sunday May 24, 2020 with every intention of making history again!

Best of the Best 2020 will be bringing out again some of Caribbean music's finest, this year's line up feature Spice, Koffee, Shenseea, Lady G, Tanya Stephens, Alison Hinds and many many more.

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? Sunday, May 24, 2020 - 2:00 pm 'til midnight - Postponed to May 30, 2021
Where? Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
How Much? Discounts for early online purchases available through April 1. General Admission $52, children 12 and under FREE, VIP $152+ for a private viewing area, express entry, private air conditioned bathrooms, front stage access, and an 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, plus a few surprises!

When? Sat - Mon May 23 - 25, 2020 - 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 22 - 25, 2020 Please note that due to the current Coronavirus precautions in effect all Miami Beach hotels, beaches and parks are closed until further notice
Where? Throughout South Beach
How Much? This is an outdoor event, no "admission" per se.
More Info: www.blackbeachweek.com

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