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 Monday, October 14, 2024.
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. So be sure you understand these are two separate events, even though they are both taking place in the waters of Biscayne Bay.
The Columbus Day Regatta
This is the oldest event taking place in the waters of Biscayne Bay. There is even some colorful history behind it that ties back to the 17th Duke of Veraguas, a direct descendant of Cristobal Colón, who attended the event in 1960 and granted permission for the use of the Columbus Coat of Arms for the Regatta's emblem.
Sailors from around the world are invited to join Miami's oldest Regatta!
2024 regatta details are TBA, stay tuned!
More info: www.columbusdayregatta.net
Columbus Day Weekend Events by Elliot Key
The heavy partying area (not part of the Regatta activities) is along Elliot Key. Elliot Key although part of Biscayne National Park, is not associated with these activities. The park has dubbed this the "most dangerous weekend of the year" and needless to say, this is not a family event.
In fact, there are special regulations issued for the weekend. If you are heading out please act responsibly and comply with them as there will be zero tolerance for violations.
Sports, Concerts, Carnivals this Columbus Day Weekend 2024
What else is happening on Columbus Day Weekend? There is plenty to keep you entertained:
- Miami-Broward Carnival Parade - Sunday, October 13, 2024
- Gold Over America Tour: Simone Biles - October 11, 2024 at the Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, aka Panther's Stadium
- Felipe Pelaez - October 11, 2024 at the James L. Knight Center Miami
- Usher - October 11, 12 & 14, 2024 at Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
- Savannah Bananas - October 12, 2024 at loanDepot Park aka Marlins Stadium
- Luis Fonsi - October 12, 2024 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Pinky Patel - October 12, 2024 at the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: Classical and Neoclassical Ballets - October 12, 2024 at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
- Aly Sanchez - October 12, 2024 at the James L. Knight Center Miami
- John Legend - October 13, 2024 at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Koo Koo - October 13, 2024 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
- Kirk Franklin - October 13, 2024 at the Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise, aka Panther's Stadium
- Magical Candlelight Concerts in Miami featuring: Tribute to Queen, Ed Sheeran, From Bach to the Beatles, Classic Rock On Strings, Tchaikovsky and many more - Multiple dates
- NBA Preseason: Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans - Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Kaseya Center aka Miami Heat Arena
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)
Go Out of Town!
Take advantage of the long weekend and get out-of-town!
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