While many Miami restaurants, food-related businesses, and event organizers have been trying to cope with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced Thursday, March 12, that all major gatherings would be suspended. Expect to see a lot of cancellation notices in the coming days.
Here, in alphabetical order, is a list of all changes, postponements, and cancellations of Miami food events that we know of to date. If you hear of a cancellation, email [email protected].
Calle Ocho Festival. The food and music fest that takes over 20 blocks of Little Havana and boasts ten music stages has been canceled for 2020. The event was to be held March 15.
Concrete Beach. The Wynwood brewery is closing its taproom for a week, stating, "The health and safety of our drinkers, coworkers and community is our top priority, and we’re taking additional measures to ensure their well-being. Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to close Concrete Beach Brewery for a week, starting today, Friday, March 13 and have canceled all tap room events during the month of March. We are continuing to evaluate and will update accordingly."
Doral Food & Wine Festival. After consulting with city officials, organizers of the Doral Food & Wine Festival have postponed the event, originally scheduled for March 21 and 22, until further notice. Organizers promise to contact ticketholders to provide more information.
FIU. The Judith Leiber Young Enthusiasts event and afterparty at Minibar scheduled for this evening, March 12, at 7 at the Jewish Museum of Florida and 8 to 10 at Minibar have been postponed.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. The festival, scheduled for March 18 through 22 at Arts Park in Hollywood, has been rescheduled for August 5 through 9. Organizers of the event, presented by Visit Fort Lauderdale, said they're postponing it "at the direction of the City of Hollywood and local health authorities."
Havana Rum Train. The Havana Rum Train on Brightline, with dates in April and May, has been postponed until further notice.
Hollywood St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival. The annual event that takes over most of downtown Hollywood has been canceled. The parade and festival were to have been held Sunday, March 15.
Jazz in the Gardens. Jazz in the Gardens, the annual multiday event whose 2020 edition was set to included food, music, and a headlining performance by the legendary Diana Ross, has been canceled. All events related to the festival — including Poetry in the Gardens, the Women's Impact Luncheon, the official press conference, and the opening-night party — have been canceled as well, according to a statement issued by Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert, who also declared a state of emergency for the city.
LIV Nightclub. LIV Nightclub is temporarily pausing operations until further notice. The club's management issued the following statement: "As the predominant nightlife venue in South Florida, we take the health, wellbeing and safety of our patrons and employees seriously and as our top priority." All prepurchased tickets will be refunded.
Little Lighthouse Hearts & Stars Gala. The Little Lighthouse Foundation's Hearts & Stars Gala weekend, including the opening party, the VIP donor event, and the gala, will be postponed until November.
Pinecrest Gardens Chili Cook-Off. The Village of Pinecrest has canceled the 2020 Pinecrest Gardens Chili Cook-Off, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21.
Swarm. All Swarm events, including the Sprung beer festival and St. Patrick's Day Block Party in Wynwood, have been postponed until further notice.
Veuve Clicquot’s Clicquot Weekend. The multiday event, which was scheduled for Thursday, March 12, through Sunday, March 15, will not take place as originally planned. A new date will be announced.