It’s been 40 years since Miami Beach's art deco architectural district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it continues to be an iconic cultural landmark and internationally recognized symbol of the art deco period. Art Deco Weekend, a free, three-day festival, celebrates the country's largest concentration of art deco architecture with events and activities for deco enthusiasts.
Daniel Ciraldo, executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), said the celebration is "a prime time to come and enjoy the world-famous [art deco] historic district, its art deco buildings, historic Lummus Park, and gorgeous Miami Beach."
The South Beach festival includes 85 unique events running from Friday, January 18, to Sunday, January 20, from guided walking tours and a lecture series to live music performances and even deco-themed fashion and dog shows. In addition to neighborhood restaurants and hotels serving food and drink, there will be a culinary tent with top local chefs highlighting their favorite dishes. Wondering where to wet your whistle? Local eateries and watering holes will be open for regular service, as will eight pop-up festival bars exclusive to the event.
The list of events and entertainment continues with karaoke, face-painting, stilt walkers, magicians, acrobats, and more. New this year is the presence of nationally recognized antique dealers from the Original Miami Beach Antiques Show, the largest indoor antiques show in the U.S. The MDPL has recently partnered with the show and will feature art for sale at the Antique and Design Promenade on 11th Street, adjacent to the Versace Mansion.
Art Deco Weekend. Noon to 10 p.m. Friday, January 18; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, January 19; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 20, at Lummus Park, on Ocean Drive between Sixth and 13th Streets, Miami Beach; artdecoweekend.com. Admission is free; visit Shopify for a 2019 Art Deco Weekend poster.
Correction 7:07 p.m. January 11: A previous version of this story incorrectly included activities for kids at Art Deco Weekend.