Art Under Tents

Cuckoo for Coconut Fests

SAT 2/19

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is one of the nation’s premiere outdoor art fairs where patrons can purchase tomorrow’s “thrift scores” today, or tchotchkes to accent any style of furniture and interior design. All kidding aside, the venerable festival celebrates its 42nd year of filling the streets of the Grove with beautiful artworks from all over the country. Last year approximately a quarter of a million guests spent about four million dollars for high-quality pieces in various media. Food, beverages, and live entertainment will be offered, and maybe some mild February weather will grace the event. Of course, the artists will be on hand to greet everyone and discuss their wares. There’s even an on-site picture framer, and children will be able to enjoy some hands-on art-making.

The festival takes place on McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive, and Pan American Drive. The easiest way to get there is the shuttle from the Douglas Road Metrorail stop. Admission is five dollars per day or twelve dollars for a three-day pass (which isn’t too bad despite the big stink created a few years ago when they began charging an admission fee). Tickets are still free for children twelve and under, Miami-Dade Transit Golden Passport, and Patriot Passport members. The festival runs from 9:00 to 6:00 today through Monday, February 21. Call 305-447-0401, or visit www.coconutgroveartsfest.com. –Margaret Griffis

Take a Bike

Ride it where you like

SUN 2/20

The founding members of the Everglades Bicycle Club wore full beards and disco sunglasses and had a passion for pedal-pushing through rural lands. That was almost 30 years ago, and since then the rural paths have turned into urban jungles riddled with deranged road warriors behind the wheel, the disco shades morphed into Lance Armstrong bracelets, and the shorts (if possible) got shorter. The one constant is the passion of the EBC, which was voted “Best South Florida Bicycle Club of 2004” by Florida Sports magazine, and it has organized today’s Snowbird Century Bike Ride starting at 7:30 a.m. from Fruit and Spice Park (28401 SW 187th Ave., Homestead). Trekkers can choose from a 25-, 62-, or 100-mile ride. Registration costs $25. Call 305-962-7120, or visit www.everglades-bicycleclub.org. –Kris Conesa