Summer is in the air. You've already noticed the signs: heightened humidity in the air, regularly scheduled afternoon downpours, an influx of roaches and other creepy crawlies trying to move into your apartment.
But don't add "nothing to do in Miami" to that list, because it's just not true. Yes, the summertime is South Florida's slow season, which means that there are fewer events to look forward to in the months ahead. But the ones that are, in fact, on the horizon? They're pretty awesome.
Read on for eight events making summer in Miami a little less unbearable.
Gutter Films Series
Summer movies don't suck -- not if you're at a screening organized by Gutter Films, which highlights cult and b-movies with enough gore and schlock to last you all summer long.
Screenings are scheduled for June 5, June 7, and June 12, with additional screenings TBA. Visit facebook.com/GutterFilms.
Reggie Watts
The comedian, musician, improviser, and all-around weirdo is a favorite of Conan O'Brien. He's coming to the Light Box in June for what'll surely be some of the best and most bizarre performances on a Miami stage this year.
June 6-8. Visit miamilightproject.com.
Summer Shorts
The Arsht gets a lot less busy during the summer, it's true. But the annual Summer Shorts make up for all that, bringing quick scenes penned by award-winning playwrights to the Carnival Studio Theater for an intimate series of performances.
June 7 - June 30. Visit arshtcenter.org.
American Black Film Festival
In 2012, the American Black Film Festival celebrated the massive hit film Think Like A Man, born from the minds of writers and actors who got their start at ABFF in years past. Who knows what future stars you'll discover when the festival returns this summer.
June 19-23. Visit abff.com/festival.
Neil Gaiman
Sandman supergeeks, unite! Gaiman, also the mind behind American Gods and Coraline, rolls through town to promote his latest book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, to be released June 18.
June 23, 2 p.m., at Temple Judea. Visit booksandbooks.com.
Kathy Griffin
Kim Kardashian, Big Ang, the cast of Jersey Shore -- South Florida is where the D-list comes to party. So it's about time Kathy Griffin rolled through town and took stock of our particular brand of insane celebrity.
July 11, 8 p.m. Visit hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com.
Fashion Week
Okay, so you probably won't see Anna Wintour sitting in the front row at this little sister to Mercedes-Benz's main fashion event in New York City. But you will see a ton of models in bikinis, which still ain't bad.
July 18-22. Visit miami.mbfashionweek.com.
Optic Nerve
The Museum of Contemporary Art's annual film festival returns, with the freakiest movie shorts you'll find anywhere else in Miami.
Friday, Aug. 23, time TBA. Visit mocanomi.org/2013/08/optic-nerve.
Follow Ciara LaVelle on Twitter @ciaralavelle.
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