It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and whether you're working or have the day off, it's a good day to reflect on the distance we have to travel to realize his dream. Start by attending the annual parade in his honor in Liberty City.
Later in the week, continue the conversation on inclusivity by heading to PAMM for Latinx Art Sessions and TransArt at Villain Theater. Then, close out the week at MDC's Museum of Art and Design's monthly family day.
Here are the best free events happening in Miami this week:
It's always a good time to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., but the day named in his honor is an especially meaningful holiday. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, happening in Liberty City, is a great place to show your respect. Expect live tunes, a craft marketplace, food for purchase, and a children's area. Among the marching bands and performers will be a very Miami twist: Carnival dancers lighting up the streets. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, January 21, on NW 54th Street between NW 10th and 32nd Avenues, Miami; miamiandbeaches.com. Admission is free.
The first-ever Latinx Art Sessions, a two-day affair exploring Latin identity and contemporary art, kicks off Thursday. Artists and art admirers alike can enjoy studio visits at ArtCenter/South Florida, a session that explores what it's like being stuck between different colonial legacies, and other diversions. Speakers include Franklin Sirmans, director of Pérez Art Museum Miami, and Deborah Cullen, executive director of Bronx Museum of Arts. 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, January 25, at Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Admission is free with RSVP to latinxsessions.org.
Art. Food. Fashion. Drinks. Music. All of these things are part of Wynwood living these days. That's exactly what the annual Wynwood Life Festival celebrates. Back for a seventh year, the party will include tunes from several Wynwood DJs — including DJ EXF, DJ Erwin, Tillery James, and DJ Ivan — as well as art activations, yummy grub, and goods from seemingly every business in Wynwood. 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, January 25, noon to 3 a.m. Saturday, January 26, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, January 27, near 2250 NW Second Ave., Miami; wynwoodlife.com. Admission is free.
Transgender artists have long been ignored, and that's a tragedy, because some stellar art is stemming from this community. Look for it during the fifth TransArt event at Villain Theater. In addition to works by various artists, there will be workshops such as "The Art of Inclusive Language," a history of trans identities, and clay bead jewelry-making. 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, January 26, and Sunday, January 27, at Villain Theater, 5865 NE Second Ave., Miami; villaintheater.com. Admission is free.
It's time to drink up, because Concrete Beach Brewery is about to release its Pisco Sour beer in cans. Obviously, that's cause for celebration. This Saturday, dance to cumbia rhythms, eat Peruvian food, and sip the lime-infused Berliner at the brewery's Save the Drama for Your Llama: Pisco Sour Release Party. Plus, play pin the tail on the llama and embark on a scavenger hunt for mini-llamas to claim prizes throughout the night. 5 p.m. Saturday, January 26, at Concrete Beach Brewery, 325 NW 24th St., Miami; 305-796-2727; concretebeachbrewery.com. Admission is free.
Listening to the Miami Symphony Orchestra is a treat, and when the group performs in Collins Park for free, it'll sound that much more beautiful. The performance comes as part of the Bass' monthly family day. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy the show. If your spread is picturesque enough and on its A-game, you might even take home a prize for "best picnic" from the museum. Get cooking! 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, January 26, at Collins Park, 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; thebass.org. Admission is free.
Sunday Fun-day doesn't just mean bottomless mimosas at brunch. Take the kids out to Family Day at MDC's Museum of Art and Design inside the Freedom Tower, for a change. Family programs are tailored for children ages 5 to 12 and their families or adult companions. The event takes place every last Sunday of the month and programming includes artist-led workshops and interactive gallery tours. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College, Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; mdcmoad.org. Admission is free.
After about two years in the making, the Citadel will open in February. The project, by Nick Hamann and UrbanAtlanticGroup, turns the 60,000-square-foot former Federal Reserve Bank, built in 1951, into a combination food hall, market, and workspace that includes a rooftop bar, daily event activations, and a retail component. To celebrate its upcoming debut, the Citadel will host the Citadel Preview Block Party, a kid- and dog-friendly event complete with music, tastings, and a sneak peek at the Citadel. Food will be available for purchase, and the Indie Flea, bringing 30 vintage and maker vendors, will take over the retail space for the event. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 8300 NE Second Ave., Miami; 305-989-8601; thecitadelmiami.com. Admission is free with RSVP via eventbrite.com.