April Best Bets: Film, Festivals, and Centennial Celebrations
42ND MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL
Gableites can celebrate the 42nd year of the Miami Film Festival at venues across Coral Gables, including the Coral Gables Art Cinema and the Bill Cosford Cinema, from April 3 to 13. This festival will showcase the best in national and international cinema, including documentaries, shorts, and feature-length films. Tickets range from $5 to $130. For a full list of films at specific venues, visit the festival website.
Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave
Bill Cosford Cinema, 5030 Brunson Dr
miamifilmfestival.com
THE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF CORAL GABLES
The Coral Gables Woman’s Club will be hosting a day full of fun for kids of all ages on April 5 from 11 am to 3 pm. Families are encouraged to attend this free event that will feature face painting, arts and crafts, live performances, and interactive games that will make this Saturday one to remember!
1001 E Ponce De Leon Blvd
coralgableswomansclub.org
WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE LUNCHEON
The Junior League of Miami is recognizing women who have made positive contributions to Miami and its surrounding communities in volunteerism and the betterment of communities. The annual event will take place on April 12 this year from 11 am to 2 pm at the Coral Gables Country Club. Proceeds from the event will support programs dedicated to assisting at-risk women and children. Tickets start at $250.
997 N Greenway Dr
jlmiami.org
“SUMMER, 1976”
Catch a showing of “Summer, 1976” at GableStage through April 20. Presented by Roz and Charles Stuzin and starring Patti Gardner and Sara Morsey, this play follows the friendship between an iconoclastic artist and single mother and a naive young housewife as they help lift each other up. Tickets are $50 to $60. Evening showtimes at 7:30 pm Thurs.-Sat., matinees at 2 pm on Wed. and Sun.
1200 Anastasia Ave #230 (The Biltmore Hotel)
gablestage.org
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The University of Miami is turning 100! From 5 to 9 pm on April 8, take part in The U’s Centennial Celebration as the university commemorates a century of excellence and innovation. Play games and go on rides at the Canes Carnival, indulge in free food stations and enjoy live music at the Centennial Block Party and Centennial Concert, and end the night memorably with a fireworks show at 8:30 pm. There is no attendance fee.
1320 S Dixie Hwy
events.miami.edu
CORAL GABLES CENTENNIAL EXHIBIT
Learn more about the rich history of Coral Gables, from its inception by founder George Merrick in 1925 to the lively community it is today, at the Coral Gables Centennial Exhibit beginning on April 18. This in-depth exhibit at the Coral Gables Museum will feature original artifacts and documents from Merrick himself, historical maps and photographs, multimedia presentations, and so much more!
285 Aragon Ave
coralgablesmuseum.org
THE BUNNY HOPPENING
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has something for everyone at “The Bunny Hoppening” on Easter Day, April 20, from 10 am to 5 pm. Kids can embark on the Eggsplore Galore, an exciting egg hunt, as well as enjoy a whimsical journey on the Cottontail Express train and storytelling by Mrs. Jessica under the children’s garden canopy. Adults can savor a selection of signature cocktails with live music. Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $11.95 for children 3 to 11. Free for children under three.
10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org
RECYCLING DRIVE-THRU
This month, Coral Gables residents can recycle acceptable items like grocery bags, electronic items with a plug or batteries, and cardboard boxes; dispose of household hazardous waste; and drop off lightly used clothing, to be donated to Camillus House. The event is hosted by the City of Coral Gables’ Keep Coral Gables Beautiful program on Saturday, April 26 from 9 am to noon in the parking lot behind City Hall. Participants must enter through the Coral Way entrance to the City Hall parking lot.
405 Biltmore Way
coralgables.com
TREE OF THE YEAR CONTEST
Winners of the Tree of the Year contest, which celebrates Coral Gables’ 100th birthday, will be announced at the city’s National Arbor Day celebration on April 26 from 9 am to 11 am at the green space on Riviera and University drives, south of the War Memorial Youth Center. There will be a prize awarded to the person with the winning tree. The event is free.
405 University Dr
coralgables.com
UM CENTENNIAL BIKE TOUR
In celebration of the City Beautiful’s centennial, the Gables Bike Tour will visit the best of the past 100 years and look ahead to the future of the City of Coral Gables. The bike tour will start at Coral Gables Museum on April 27 at 10 am and will last for approximately two hours. The tour costs $5 to $10, and guests must bring their own bikes.
285 Aragon Ave
coralgablesmuseum.org
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA
Immerse yourself in a celebration of the city’s 100th birthday with the screening of an original play, “Greetings from Paradise,” which showcases the story of early Miami and city founder George Merrick. Opening night will take place during the Chamber of Commerce Gala, which will be at the Miracle Theatre on April 29 from 5 to 10 pm. Tickets range from $100 to $650.
Miracle Mile
coralgables.com