Art Basel Miami Beach isn’t the only place to see ‘cool stuff’ during Art Week

We at U & I Living love art week because it not only signifies the beginning of our favorite holiday season but typically draws tens of thousands of people from all over the world to Miami to celebrate culture and experience art in its many forms.

Making a strong come-back after a pandemic-induced hiatus, Art Basel will once again be adorning the Magic City with its bustling aesthetic. Art Basel Miami Beach is one of the largest and most in-depth art fairs in the world with over 200 galleries from various countries showcasing the works of thousands of artists. 2021 is set to be the event’s 50th year, located at the Convention Center, and is running exhibitions from Dec. 2nd - Dec. 4th.

Artsy spectacles, star-studded events, and performances graced by notable figures, tastemakers, and aficionados; this is most definitely a major deal for Miami and is considered by some, the highlight of the year. Undoubtedly Art Basel 2021 will be one for the books with the spotlight on the newly popular art/tech trend, NFT’s, which may very well usher in the future of digital.

We wish we could say Art Week Miami means we are “back to normal” but Covid-19 protocols like proof of vaccination or negative Covid tests are required upon entry and masks are mandatory, whether you’re vaccinated or not.

Our passion is people so we are all about immersive communal experiences but we also know that we can’t be everywhere all the time (as much as we’d love to). Picking and choosing where to be and when can be a staggering feat for first-time goers who just want to see some cool stuff. Well, the good news is that practically any place you choose to drop by will be in full Basel mode, from Little Haiti to Little Havana, and of course over the bridge to the beach.

Much of the crowds here are attracted by the allure of new, contemporary art but the satellite exhibitions, events, and after-hours parties at the best spots in Miami are most definitely worth noting (especially if they’re free!).

It’s safe to say that on your way to these you may encounter an impromptu mural painting or NFT exhibition on a billboard space, so expect the unexpected.

Here are just a few affairs that locals we know have been talking about to get you started on your exhibition excursion...

Flow Basel at Las Rosas

One of the many musical performances occurring during art week, but this one seems to be marinated in a special sazon. Flow Basel is shining the light on a new wave of urban reggaeton artists hailing from Puerto Rico! Las Rosas could be considered a laid-back dive bar but very much a staple in the Allapattah live music community.

Skateboarding and Graffiti At The Confidante

The Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood partners with the all-female graffiti crew, Few and Far, to bring street art and a skate ramp to the beach. The event will have live skate sessions from 5-8 pm Wednesday through Friday. The ramp will be painted by the crew themselves so if you want to see some live art in action you should definitely be there.

A Labyrinth In The Design District

Design District’s Jungle Plaza will look different this week as a pop-up forest and maze called “Five Echoes” has taken its place. A collaboration between Chanel and artist Es Devlin is likely to be a sensational expo because it is meant to promote Chanel’s fragrances (not a bad idea to see which scent is your partner’s favorite!) It will remain open until Dec. 21st. RSVP is recommended but walk-ins are welcome and of course, it is free and open to the public.

Reserve tickets here

Umbrellas of Little Havana Art Festival

The 9th annual Umbrellas of Little Havana Art Festival is a 3-day outdoor assemblage of over 30 local artists of all backgrounds and disciplines coming together to celebrate the arts in Miami under vibrant hand-painted umbrellas. A safe, family-friendly event in the heart of historic Calle Ocho, welcoming thousands of visitors from all over to witness what Miami’s Latin art scene has to offer. ULH Art Fest, not limited to visual mediums of course, also embraces musicians, dancers, writers, and more!

Flagler Street Art Festival

Downtown. Murals. NFT’s. If this isn’t Art Basel 2021 then what is!? There’s enough art to go around and with 15 murals to view along with an outdoor NFT gallery and 23-foot canvas, you might as well embrace the traffic and whip out your phone for some memorable moments. The exhibition will be open until Sunday.

RSVP online

Now, these were just a few events that we know of but please let us know which are your favorites this year!

We at U & I Living cherish an authentic travel experience so many of our properties are in ideal locations for you to get the best out of South Florida. We are excited to offer budget-friendly options for those who wish to indulge in the colorful scene Miami has curated for this particular week and beyond.

Send us a message or join our Facebook community to connect with some of our U & I Extended Families and get some more ideas/suggestions for your next vacation adventure!