Held April 5 to 14
Miami Film Festival
One of our April Festivals is the 41st edition of the Miami Film Festival returns to showcase the world’s foremost emerging and established filmmakers. Some of the biggest stars and filmmakers in the world have graced the screens of the Miami Film Festival from Riz Ahmed, Aldis Hodge, Javier Camara, Andra Day, and Pedro Almodovar. The film fest attracts close to 45,000 attendees a year, 300 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals from around the world. With over $100,000 is cash awards, the Miami Film Festival strives to be a beacon of support to local filmmaking talent and has elevated the work of numerous local filmmakers via exciting marquee screenings and generous cash awards like the Knight Made in MIA prize for locally produced features and shorts.
Featured films will be screened at multiple locations throughout Miami. In addition to film screenings, Miami Film Festival also hosts dozens of world-class events, workshops, fabulous parties, masterclasses, and industry happy hours every year such as the Mercado de Cine Frances y Europeo event, which brings together over 40 buyers and sellers from Europe and Latin America. Annual events in partnership with VARIETY, including 10 Latinxs To Watch and the Oscars International Film Roundtable.
Deering Seafood Festival
Held on April 14
From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on April 14, visitors can expect loads of fresh seafood served with a side of breathtaking views and rich history at the 18th Annual Deering Seafood Festival. The picturesque bayfront grounds of the historic Deering Estate in South Dade will host this family-friendly day where kids can run free on the sprawling lawn, music floats through the air and everyone can devour delicious seafood. Besides, the historic 400-acre estate and nature preserve was owned by industrialist Charles Deering in the 1920s. Today, guests are treated to lush surroundings, majestic palm-lined walkways that lead to sparkling Biscayne Bay, and regular wildlife sightings of everything from birds to manatees.
April Festival Seafood Sensations
Arrive early and make a beeline for Seafood Alley, where you’ll find an array of seafood served raw, fried, sauteed and in other imaginative preparations. Check out Golden Rule Seafood for fresh-off-the-boat fish, pink Key West shrimp, crawdads and Miami’s coveted stone crabs. Then move on to Popo’s Seafood for kicked-up conch and shrimp salad. Dig into tasty paella brimming with seafood, rice and veggies from Paella Party. Other vendors include Sports Grill, Catering by Les and Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream. Additionally, some of the best chefs in Greater Miami & Miami Beach will also offer cooking demonstrations throughout the day in the courtyard. As a result, don’t miss the chance to watch them in action and take home the recipes.
Music, Art And Boat Rides during April Festivals
Music that represents Miami’s diverse cultural makeup will grab your attention as you stroll the festival. It’ll be hard not to break out in dance when Bahamian Junkanoo bands weave through the crowds. Or when you hear the sounds of the steel drum from such bands as the Caribbean Crew. They will transport you to a tropical island. Hometown cover band Cutler Stew will also raise the energy with their high-octane rock and pop tunes.When you’re not eating or dancing, peruse the Artist Village, where local artisans will sell their handcrafted goods. You’ll find vibrant paintings, fragrant soaps and candles, and artistic woodworking pieces. Another special activity is the scenic pontoon boat rides offered throughout the day at the Deering Estate. The 45-minute boat rides whisk guests across Biscayne Bay toward Key Biscayne and back. (Note: this is a separate ticketed activity and not included in the festival entry fee.)
Tips For Enjoying April Festivals
Arrive early to get prime parking. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and eating outside, so wear comfortable and cool clothing. Besides, don’t forget your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses so you can enjoy the day in the sun. With so much beauty and nature in one place, bring along your camera to capture the memories.