The Father of Festivals

During the early, balmy months of the year, festivals in Miami are a dime a dozen. Culinary feasts, film screenings, and alfresco art exhibitions spring up everywhere from Pinecrest to Aventura. Among the highlights of festival season is the inimitable Coconut Grove Arts Festival. For 43 years this outdoor fete has brought color to the charming, tourist-friendly district. This year marks the first time in festival history that a photograph -- Clyde Butcher’s spectacular Ghost Orchid -- has been chosen as the image for the official poster. Many more surprises are in store during this weekend-long extravaganza. More than 330 artists will proudly display their handiwork, in mediums ranging from painting, printmaking, and photography to sculpture, jewelry, and digital art. The festival’s mile-long path will stretch along McFarlane Road and up South Bayshore Drive. Celebrate Presidents’ Day by feasting on tantalizing international cuisine and grooving to the music of power-pop performer Zach Ziskin and the undeniable Spam Allstars. Festivities begin today from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adult admission is $5. Call 305-447-0401, or visit www.coconutgroveartsfest.com.
Feb. 18-20