October 2018 Miami Events, Holidays and Festivals

October is BOGO Month in Miami, that is Buy One Get One FREE for some of the most popular attractions in the city. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau organizes Miami Attractions Month, with great deals from a growing list of participating attractions.

Also, Miami in October celebrates several exciting festivals and holidays:

The Columbus Day Regatta, the Miami-Broward Carnival, one of the most colorful and vibrant expressions of Caribbean culture, and of course goblins and witches come out as Halloween approaches...

October brings also the opening of Stone Crab season and with it some splendid seafood festivals that are much anticipated by all.

Phil Collins, Romeo Santos, Nicki Minaj are in town, Phantom of the Opera opens at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this month and the Dolphins are well underway in the regular season.

What's coming? Our Miami Heat is back this month with a fully loaded pre-season schedule at the American Airlines Arena!

BOGO Month in Miami

Our most popular Miami Attractions are offering this month Buy One Get One Free Admission and other great enticements, this is a wonderful time to visit parks, take advantage of the deals, the cooler weather and get outdoors!

Some of this year's participating attractions:

Here's a full list of attractions and more info from the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event's organizer.

This Month's Miami Highlight Events:

Miami Spice Iron Fork - October 4, 2018
Columbus Day Weekend - October 6 - 8, 2018
Miami-Broward Carnival - October 7, 2018
Grovetoberfest - October 13, 2018
Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival - October 13 - 14, 2018
SOBE Seafood Week - October 16 - 20, 2018
Coconut Grove Seafood Festival - October 20 - 21, 2018
Formula One Festival - October 20 - 21, 2018
Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival - October 20 - 21, 2018
Halloween Events in Miami

The concert and entertainment scene in October 2018 features:

Booking.com

Phil Collins - Not Dead Yet Tour - October 5, 2018 at BB&T Center
The Phantom of the Opera - October 10 - 21, 2018 at Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Romeo Santos Golden Tour 2018 - October 11, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena
Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour - October 13, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena
Benise Spirit of Spain - October 13, 2018 at Miami Dade County Auditorium
Jim Jefferies - October 13, 2018 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Chayanne - Desde el Alma Tour - October 14, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena
Nicki Minaj & Future: Nickihndrxx Tour - October 19, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena
J Balvin "Vibras" Tour - October 28, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena
Alice in Chains - October 28, 2018 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Concerts and Sport Tickets Savings

TicketNetwork

Holidays in October

Columbus Day - Monday, October 8, 2018. This is a bank holiday. Schools and government offices will be closed but commercial establishments remain open.
Halloween - Tuesday, October 31, 2018, parties and events ongoing throughout the month

In the Sports Calendar:

Miami Heat Basketball Pre-Season begins! - October 2018 Pre-season Home Games and Tickets
Miami Dolphins Football Schedule - October 2018 Home Games and Tickets
Miami Hurricanes College Football Schedule - October 2018 Home Games and Tickets
Florida Panthers Hockey Schedule - October 2018 Home Games and Tickets

Specially for kids and families This October 2018:

Disney Junior Dance Party - October 5, 2018 at Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Madagascar A Musical Adventure - October 6 - 8, 2018 at Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Miami Broward Junior Carnival - October 7, 2018
Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival - October 13 - 14, 2018
Magic School Bus - October 19, 2018 at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
Giggle Giggle Quack - October 20, 2018 at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
Sesame Street Live! - October 25-26, 2018 at the Watsco Center at UM
Kidz Bop Live - October 26, 2018 at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
More Things To Do With Children!

Coming Up: Hot Tickets Now On Sale

Shakira - Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour

Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
November 20, 2024

Miami City Ballet: The Nutcracker

Adrienne Arsht Center
December 13 - 24, 2024

Andrea Bocelli

Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
December 22, 2024

October 2018 Highlight Events in Miami

Miami Spice Iron Fork - October 4, 2018

The Miami New Times' Iron Fork Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting event is back this year!

Competing for the Iron Fork Award will be two of the region's finest chefs, each starting off with a basket of foodstuffs to create their own magic in front of a panel of local celebrity chefs.

In addition to admission to this culinary extravaganza, Iron Fork will allow visitors to sample goods from more than 50 restaurants many of which are Miami Spice participants, a great way to get to sample from the best of the best in Miami cuisine.

Confirmed restaurants include favorites such as Amour de Miami, the Brick, Toro Toro, Soyka, Texas de Brazil as well as some new additions this year including 107 Steak & Bar, Mason, Islas Canarias Restaurant and K.Ramen.Burger.Beer.

When? Thursday October 4, 2018 - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Where? Hyatt Regency Miami and James L. Knight Center
How Much? General Admission tickets include entry into the event at 7:00 pm, food samples, access to cash bars and entertainment.

General Admission online $50, at the door $60 (early bird $30)
VIP $80, at the door $90 (entrance at 6:00 pm, VIP area) (early bird $70)

Tickets and more info

Columbus Day Weekend - October 6 - 8, 2018

Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492 and is observed in the United States on the second Monday of October. Columbus Day is a bank holiday and this year will be on October 8, 2018.

Columbus Day Weekend is a huge boating event in Miami.

Originally, the center of the celebrations were the Columbus Day Regatta races commemorating the voyages of discovery.

Through the years, the event has given way to a massive Mardi Grass-like boating party that has drifted towards the banks of Elliot Key for a weekend jammed with boaters on (and in) the water, loud music, heavy drinking and clothing optional everything-goes crowd. The Elliott Key revelry is NOT part of the Regatta activities.

Here's more on this year's Columbus Day Weekend Events

Miami-Broward Carnival Parade and Concert
Sunday, October 7, 2018

Steel bands, colorful masquerades, flashy costumes, hot music, concerts, stage shows, cultural performances... all celebrate the spirit and vitality of Caribbean island culture.

This is a week-long celebration that culminates on Sunday October 7, 2018 when the grand finale events are planned.

A "Junior Carnival" is also held which include many family-friendly activities.

When? Main events on Sunday October 7, 2018 11:00 am to 11:00 pm include a Carnival Parade and the live Carnival Concerts.
Where? Miami Dade County Fairgrounds (The Fair) at 10901 SW 24th Street, Miami FL 33165
How Much? $30 buy online, VIP $100. Tickets are also available for the different events throughout the week.

More Info and tickets:www.miamibrowardcarnival.com

Grovetoberfest - Saturday, October 13, 2018

Without a doubt, this is the "most scenic beer festival in the world" and our own South Florida version of this German classic.

Set along the panoramic vistas of Regatta Park on the waterfront, an enthusiastic crowd descend to enjoy over 200 beers from all corners of the globe, great food, live music, a homebrew contest and more.

Entrance ticket includes all the beer sampling, food is available but extra. Must be 21 or older.

When? Saturday October 13, 2018 General 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. VIP 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Where? Regatta Park in Coconut Grove, 2700 Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
How Much? General $44, Beer Socialite (gets in one hour earlier) $74, VIP (gets in two hours earlier) $89 Groupon Beer Socialite ~~$74~~ $39

More Info, tickets and event schedule: www.grovetoberfest.com

SOBE Seafood Week - October 16 - 20, 2018

The week kicks off Miami's renowned annual Stone Crab season every October.

It has expanded beyond the main showcase fest on Saturday to a week of delectable events, South Beach Seafood Week, starting on Tuesday October 16 and featuring interactive cooking experiences, an Evening at Joe's and Chef Showdowns and culinary battles.

In the sands of South Beach, the main festival grounds on Saturday October 20 will be surrounded by mini cafes from signature local restaurants, multiple bars, a live entertainement stage, interactive zones, and more.

The selected restaurants will have splendid garden seating and showcase 2-3 generous portions of their signature menu dishes of choice that are priced between $5 and $10.

When? An Evening at Joe's - Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Cooking & Cocktails at Meat Market - Wednesday, October 17, 2018 (915 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach)
Crabs, Slabs & Cabs at the Shelborne South Beach - Thursday, October 18, 2018 (1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach)
VIP Chef Showdown at Lummus Park at 12th Street and Ocean - Friday, October 19, 2018
SOBE Seafood Fest at Lummus Park at 14th Street and Ocean - Saturday, October 20, 2018

More Info, tickets and events schedule: www.sobeseafoodfest.com

Coconut Grove Seafood Festival - October 20 - 21, 2018

Coconut Grove Seafood Festival - Stone Crabs

It's that time of the year again! Besides the freshest of deliciously prepared seafood from Cajun to Asian to Northeast chowders, there's a farmer's market for those who want to take something special home.

There's also the cooking workshops, a family fun zone with great activities for the kids and of course live music and a small art's fair.

When? Saturday and Sunday October 20 - 21, 2018 - 11:00 a.m. to sundown
Where? Miami Marine Stadium at 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
How Much? Early Bird General Admission $15 buy online, $20 at the door. Kids under 10 FREE. General Admission does NOT include food and beverage. Family Pack $30 for 2 adults and unlimited kids. Groupon from $8

More Info, tickets and event schedule: www.coconutgroveseafoodfestival.com

Formula One Festival - October 20 - 21, 2018

Experience Formula 1 in the heart of Miami with F1 cars running through the streets along side supercars doing doughnuts!

Unleashing the spectacle of F1 for fans in the USA, will be racing giants Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and Renault Sport Formula One Team, as well as two-time F1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, who will be driving his Championship winning McLaren M23 along the streets of Miami - supported by a range of other iconic cars, past and present.

Live entertainment, concert, activities, simulators, e-sports, exhibitions, vip area and many others surprises. to host parades and cars exhibitions ! Silk City, Diplo and Mark Ronson's exciting, new collaborative project, will headline the evening concert starting at 18:30 on Saturday October 20th at the F1 Park located in the Bayfront Park!

When? Saturday and Sunday October 20 - 21, 2018
Where? Bayfront Park. A city circuit (car run) on Biscayne Blvd will also surround the Festival
How Much? Entry is FREE and everyone is welcome!

More Info and events schedule: www.formula1.com or follow their FB Page

Coral Gables Hispanic Cultural Festival

Celebrating with local and international artists, musicians, designers, and businesses to promote their work and showcase the diverse flavors of the Hispanic community and all cultures from around the world.

Come out and enjoy a weekend filled with art, culture, and live dances/folkloric performances and musical acts. This family friendly event has something for everyone.

Walk by the artist and boutique pavillion where you'll find beautiful original artwork, ceramics and boutiques with home decor and one of kind items, including jewelry, clothing and more!

Take the kids out to a fun filled weekend at our children's pavillion with bounce houses, and face painting. Also, don't leave your furry friends at home, this pet friendly event has a doggie booth with water and snacks.

Delight your taste buds with tastes of cultures at the Festival park. Fair food and cultural delicacies to satisfy your cravings.

When? Saturday and Sunday October 20 - 21, 2018 - Saturday noon to 9:00 pm, Sunday noon to 8:00 pm
Where? 405 Biltmore way & Lejeune Road
How Much? FREE admission to general public

More Info and events schedule: www.gableshispanicfestival.com

Holidays in October

Columbus Day - A Public Holiday - Monday October 8, 2018

Columbus Day is a public holiday which officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492 and celebrated on the second Monday in October in the United States.

Federal government offices are closed except for National parks.

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)

Columbus Day Weekend is a BIG boating weekend in Miami. Here's what-where-when is happening this Columbus Day Weekend 2018.

Halloween Events

Boo! It's that time of the year in Miami! Halloween ghosts and spooky mazes, costume parties and trick-or-treating...

Here are this year's most popular Halloween events and celebrations in Miami, from pumpkin patches and pony rides for kids, to haunted houses, live concerts and parties.

Click here for Halloween Events in Miami.

Miami Concerts and Entertainment this October 2018

Phil Collins - Not Dead Yet Live! Tour

When? Friday, October 5, 2018 - 8:00 pm

Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise

How Much? $210 +

›› Find Phil Collins Tickets

The Phantom of the Opera

When? October 10 - 21, 2018

Where? Au Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

How Much? $60+

›› Find Phantom of the Opera Tickets

Romeo Santos Golden Tour 2018

When? Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 8:00 pm

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? $60+

›› Find Romeo Santos Tickets

Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour

When? Saturday, October 13, 2018 - 7:00 pm

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami

How Much? $48+

›› Find Kevin Hart Tour Tickets

Chayanne Desde El Alma Tour 2018

When? Sunday, October 14, 2018 - 7:00 pm

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? $70+

›› Find Chayanne Desde El Alma Tour Tickets

Nicki Minaj & Future: Nickihndrxx Tour

When? Friday October 19, 2018 - 7:30 pm

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena

How Much? $60+

›› Find Nicki Minaj & Future: Nickihndrxx Tour Tickets

J Balvin "Vibras" Tour

When? Sunday, October 28, 2018 - 8:00 pm

Where? AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami

How Much? $60+

›› Find J Balvin Vibras Tour Tickets

Miami For Kids And Families This October 2018

Miami Broward Junior Carnival - October 7, 2018

Kids can have their own Carnival fun too! Junior Carnival will feature a parade with over 10 participating bands and many children's activities including bounce houses and face painting.

When? Sunday, October 7, 2018 - noon to 9:00 pm
Where? Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Fl, 33311, on the corner of 441 and Sunrise.
How Much? $10 Online. Park Fee $1.50

More Info and tickets: www.miamibrowardcarnival.com

Coconut Grove Pumpkin Patch Festival - October 13 - 14, 2018

It's pumpkins and palm trees! We might not have the crisp temperatures but yes, we can also have our own fun in the fall.

Coconut Grove puts on a fun-filled weekend for the family, together with scarecrows, cornstalk and haybale mazes, hillbilly hay rides, and of course pumpkin galore!

Lots of activities for the kids, a Pumpkin Food Court Feast, thrilling carnival rides, bounce houses, a Pumpkin Beer Garden for mom and dad and of course your favorite fair foods!

When? Friday to Sunday October 13 - 14, 2018
Where? Regatta Park in Coconut Grove, located at 2699 SW 27th Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
How Much? General Admission $20, (2 years old and up) includes all carnival rides, shows and activities except pumpkin and decorating purchases which are available for an extra fee.

More Info and tickets: www.coconutgrovepumpkinpatch.com