1. Art Basel Miami Beach
A banana duct-taped to the wall drew international headlines as the show-stealing artwork at Art Basel. The work, from Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was subsequently pulled from the wall and eaten by another artist. Galleries from all over the world, including the Pace Gallery (shown), presented "Echoes," an exhibition that grouped more than 30 artists working across various disciplines whose work had conceptual connections, such as Louise Nevelson with Adam Pendleton and Robert Rauschenberg. In addition to the main event at Miami Beach Convention Center, the show spawns unaffiliated events from brands, venues, and other entities, resulting in a weekend of art-filled fun. Next: December 3-6, 2020
Photo: Sebastiano Pellion di Persano/Pace Gallery
2. Design Miami
Focused on design culture and commerce—from furniture to lighting and more—Design Miami celebrated its 15th edition in 2019 and moved to a new home, the six-acre Pride Park. A highlight this year was “Pink Beasts” by designer Fernando Laposse, which the Miami Design District chose as its neighborhood commission. The Instagram-friendly exhibit included pink sisal hammocks, tassels, and sloths hanging from the trees. Next: December 2-6, 2020
3. Art Miami
The contemporary and modern art fair Art Miami marked its 30th year in 2019. Collectors, curators, museum directors, and others gathered for the show from Informa Markets, where a highlight was the sculpture "Ultramarine Blue Cork Stack" from British artist Jason Martin. Sister fair Context Art Miami returned for its eighth year; both were held on the waterfront at One Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay. Next: December 1-6, 2020
4. Coconut Grove Arts Festival
Now in its 57th year, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival draws some 360 artists who show their work during the three-day event. Held over Presidents’ Day Weekend, the event spans one mile along Biscayne Bay and also includes live music, a culinary pavilion, and a family zone. Next: February 13-15, 2021
Photo: Courtesy of Coconut Grove Arts Festival
5. Art Deco Weekend Festival
The Miami Design Preservation League created Art Deco Weekend to celebrate Miami Beach's defining architectural style and promote historical conservation. The free community cultural festival encompasses more than 85 events including guided walking tours, a marketplace, classic car show, lectures, and more. The 2020 theme was "Sheroes: Women Who Made a Difference," marking 100 years of women's suffrage. Next: January 2021
6. Art Wynwood
Started in 2012, Art Wynwood focuses on contemporary and modern art. Each year the event takes place over Presidents Day weekend and in 2020 featured work from more than 50 international galleries. A highlight this year was a presentation of rare hand drawings by Andy Warhol from Long-Sharp Gallery that had not been exhibited in the United States. Next: February 11-15, 2021
7. Design Center of the Americas Winter Market
Inspiring Miami's design community, the Design Center of the Americas Winter Market brought together professionals for keynote speeches, trend reports, panels, and other talks on subjects such as the home decor industry's eco-response to climate change and the evolution of the home theater. The daylong event culminated with the Stars of Design Awards ceremony, which honored nine professionals from different segments of the design field. Next: Winter 2021
Photo: Courtesy of Design Center of the Americas Winter Market
