Jay Wheeler Will Headline Calle Ocho 2025

Jay Wheeler has also been named this year's King of Carnaval Miami.

February 7, 2025

Jay Wheeler will take the stage at Calle Ocho 2025 on Sunday, March 9. Dynamic Records photo

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On Thursday, the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, the organizer behind Carnaval Miami, announced that Puerto Rican singer Jay Wheeler will headline Calle Ocho 2025. Wheeler is also this year's King of Carnaval Miami.

"I am truly honored to serve as the King of Carnaval Miami 2025, especially in this milestone 50th year of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana," said Jay Wheeler in a statement. "To join the ranks of so many legendary artists who have represented Carnaval Miami as Kings and Queens is a privilege beyond words. This is a special moment in my career, and I am proud to represent our vibrant heritage as part of this amazing annual celebration of culture, music, and community."

Last year, the 30-year-old musician embarked on his Trappii Tour, which stopped at the Kaseya Center on October 20, in support of his 2023 album of the same name as well as 2024's Música Buena Para Días Malos, which set him apart among his peers thanks to a Latin R&B sound that shows off his singing chops. Wheeler earned two Latin Grammys in 2021 for "Best Reggaeton Performance" and "Best Urban Song" for his track "La Curiosidad."

Calle Ocho will return on Sunday, March 9, taking over the streets of Little Havana from SW 12th to 27th avenues. As always, the festival is free to attend. VIP access is also available for $135 via eventbrite.com and includes front-row access at the Telemundo 51 stage, private transportation through the 14-block festival, VIP lounge access, reserved parking, and sample food and drinks.

Ahead of Calle Ocho, the Kiwanis Club will also present Carnaval on the Mile in Coral Gables on March 1 and 2, with performances by Leoni Torres, Cortadito, Nestor Torres, Pedrito Martinez, and Paco Versailles.

Calle Ocho 2025. Sunday, March 9, at SW Eight Street between 12th and 27th avenues, Miami; carnavalmiami.com. Admission is free; VIP tickets cost $135 via eventbrite.com.

Jose D. Duran is the former senior music editor of Miami New Times. His work has also appeared in publications likeVice, Billboard, and Spin. He’s earned numerous accolades including placing first for Weekly Newspaper Contest: Business Reporting from the Florida Press Association in 2020; placing third for the Writing: Light Feature from the Florida Press Club in 2019; and placing third in Weekly Newspaper Contest: Best Obituary from the Florida Press Association in 2015.

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