Music, Theater & Dance Events Miami/South Florida 2019

For the first time, Ultra Music Festival will take place on Virginia Key, Key Biscayne. The controversial move has uprooted it from its previous home at Bayfront Park, which has hosted the EDM celebration since 2001. Despite the move, top talent headlining sets abound: Adam Meyer, The Chainsmokers, Alesso, Dog Blood, and more are slated to appear. Ultra is the marquee event of Miami Music Week. Next: March 29-31, 2019

While Ultra may have moved, the 34th annual Winter Music Conference for industry professionals is staying inside Miami Beach’s Faena Forum. The conference is shorter than years past at four days and run alongside the 33rd International Dance Music Awards: It is also now officially part of Miami Music Week, opening its programming to consumers and industry vets. Next: March 25-28, 2019

With an eclectic four-day lineup and an infectious summer vibe, SunFest brings good vibes to downtown West Palm Beach. 2019 will bring Keith Urban, Diplo, One Republic, G-Easy, Earth, Wind & Fire, Tears for Fears, Ludacris, Don Omar, and more to the stage. Premier sponsors include Ford, Tire Kingdom, Miller Lite, JetBlue, Xfinity, Captain Morgan, and Bank of America. Next: May 2-5, 2019

The sixth annual Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival brought Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Snoop Dogg, Shaggy, and Cheap Trick to the stage at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in Florida. The festival, presented in partnership with Live Nation, also raises money and awareness for ocean conservation, encouraging participation through a custom hashtag: In 2018, it was #ChangeTheTide. The 2019 showcase will feature Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, Sheryl Crow, Flo Rida, and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Next: April 12-14, 2019

The sixth installment of III Points welcomed Tyler, the Creator; Beach House; SZA; James Blake; and Erykah Badu, among the more than 100 musical acts performing inside Mana Contemporary. The three-night festival’s artistic endeavors included the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami’s video-based exhibition alongside Skate Space, a roller-skating stage presented in partnership with Stillhouse and Faena Art. Next: Winter 2020

Now in its 25th year, the International Ballet Festival is held every summer throughout Miami-Dade and Broward County. The event features performances by over 100 Principal Dancers representing more than 20 ballet companies, a dance film series, art exhibits inspired by the dance, book presentations, workshops, and master classes. Next: July 27-August 18, 2019

North Miami and the City of Miami Garden’s top music festival is marking its 14th year with legend Lionel Richie, Blackstreet, Brandy, Jagged Edge, En Vogue, and more. The concert series has expanded its reach with a Pre-Show Chat Heritage Tour & Tasting Experience, FMAC Conference, and a poetry contest. Next: Spring 2020

Up from #9
Dubbed America’s Short Play Festival and now in its 24th year, Summer Shorts is a celebration of plays and musicals that last no more than 10 minutes. The City Theatre and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County take over the Carnival Studio Theater. The 2017 edition featured 21 Chump Street, a mini-musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning creator of the Broadway sensation Hamilton. Next: Summer 2019

Up from #10
Entering its 19th year, the Miami Salsa Congress presents more than 500 performers, as well as workshops, parties, and presentations. Johnny Vazquez, the “Prince of Salsa,” made his headlining debut in 2018. The five-day festival takes place at the Eden Roc Miami Beach. Next: July 24-28, 2019

Up from #11
Latin pop’s biggest players keep the iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina bumping year after year. Pitbull, Nicky Jam, Becky G, Steve Aoki, Nacho, and Farruko performed at 2018’s concert inside the AmericanAirlines Arena, and the event honored salsa king Marc Anthony for his work in arts education and Hurricane Maria relief in Puerto Rico. Next: November 2019

New to the list
Rolling Loud has quickly become a must-attend event on Miami music circuit, selling out its forthcoming fifth anniversary weekend. The festival snagged Migos, Cardi B, Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, and more to pack the three-day line-up. The Miami event takes place at Hard Rock Stadium, and a new sister show takes place in Los Angeles. Next: May 10-12, 2019

Puerto Rican star Ozuna owned the 2019 Premio Lo Nuestro awards, taking home nine trophies during one of the biggest award events in the Spanish-speaking world and Univision's longest-running show. Oscar-nominated actress Yalitza Aparici of Roma, made a video appearance, while Marc Anthony and Thalia commanded the stage. The 31st annual show aired live from downtown Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena. Next: Winter 2020

Sara Baras headlined the Arsht Center’s 12th annual Flamenco Festival Miami with a performance each night, as well as a matinee. Baras sold out four performances during the Arsht Center’s Flamenco Festival in 2015. The performance was part of the John S. and James L. Knight Masterworks Season – Dance Series, presented by the Knight Foundation. Next: Spring 2020

The 33rd annual International Hispanic Theatre Festival in July featured theatrical performances from Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Miami. The last edition included Hij@s de la Bernarda (Daughters of Bernarda), a freely adapted version of Federico García Lorca's The House of Bernarda Alba. Shows take place inside the Carnival Studio Theater. Next: Summer 2019