Bay Skate Miami Is Back With a Halloween Edition

Back in February, Bay Skate rocked downtown Miami with a blowout bash, orchestrating the ultimate old school nostalgia on wheels. The roller skating soiree took over Bayfront Park and hundreds of Miamians relived their middle school awkwardness while circling Pepper Fountain. Now, the event is back for its second installment and this time, it's Halloween-themed. 

Bay Skate was the brainchild of brothers Marcos and Alex Macias, of Macias Advertising. The siblings had fond memories of an adolescence spent at the city's famous Hot Wheels roller rink, and wanted to bring the same sense of juvenile joy to one of Miami's public parks. The concept won the Miami Foundation's Public Space Challenge in 2014, and February's inaugural run drew plenty of attention.

The October installment is extra special, as it kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 30, and runs until midnight, allowing guests to ring in All Hallows Eve while on skates.

"Each Bay Skate event will showcase new local and seasonal features and elements that will make each event unique," says Alex of the second event. "For this special Halloween edition, we are first extending our hours until midnight and welcoming our guests to bring their costumes for a first-of-its-kind downtown skate jam."

There will be four DJ's spinning old school funk, freestyle, soul, and other mixed genre classics, curated by 222 Worldwide; an expanded list of food trucks; craft beer; and new signature cocktails. "You never know what other surprises may be at store, but it is a night of tricks and treats after all right?" adds Alex.

In addition, there will also be a skate rental and shoe valet, but supplies are limited, so bring your own skates if you've got 'em. With two skate sessions — one for families starting at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and adult run from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. — everyone can get their skate style on. For those who missed the first skate-around, Alex reiterates that the installation is free, totally unique, and (obviously) fun. 

"Newcomers can expect a unique mix of cultures, lifestyles, and age groups celebrating together in a unique setting, and roller skating the night away in one of the most beautiful public resources we have in the Miami area," he says. 

Eventually, the brothers hope that the event becomes a permanent staple for downtown. Currently, they're focused on making the event bigger and better every time so that it may become an integral part of the downtown nightlife. They're also seeking additional sponsors and support to make sure it sticks around. 

"We also recognize that if we can make Bay Skate a park staple during our proposed Skate Season, which runs fall through spring, we estimate we can attract over 100,000 attendees seasonally to the park, and as a result, directly activate the immediate area and its businesses," adds Alex. "These are some big numbers with an even larger community impact."

So dust off those roller skates and throw on a costume you can skate in — it's Halloween-on-wheels this year.  

Bay Skate
Friday, October 30, starting at 5 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; facebook.com/bayskatemiami.