January Best Bets

Whether you’re an experienced runner or someone who just wants to enjoy a jog through the streets of the City Beautiful, United Way Miami invite you to join the Amerant Bank 5K run on Jan. 11 at 7:30 am, which will benefit one of South Florida’s most impactful nonprofits. Registration costs $50. Proceeds directly support United Way Miami’s initiatives. The 5K starts at Coral Gables City Hall.

405 Biltmore Way
coralgables.com

Paula McClain’s new novel, “Skylark,” intersects the life journeys of a defiant woman pursuing artistic freedom and a determined doctor amid German occupation, both set in Paris 300 years apart. McClain, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Paris Wife,” discusses her latest novel Jan. 14, 7 to 8:30 pm, at Books & Books. This event is free. Skylark releases on Jan. 6 ($30 for a signed edition). 

265 Aragon Ave
booksandbooks.com

Based on the children’s book by Harry Allard and James Marshall, “Miss Nelson is Missing” follows a group of unruly students searching far and wide to find their teacher, Miss Nelson, while navigating around their dreaded substitute teacher, Viola Swamp. Will they find Miss Nelson? Find out in this production of the Children’s Theatre at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Saturdays Jan.17-Feb. 28 at 2 pm, with a sensory-inclusive performance Sunday, Jan. 25. $30.

280 Miracle Mile
actorsplayhouse.org

Jason Max Ferdinand conducts this angelic rendition of songs like “Amazing Grace” and “Precious Lord” from the singers of Seraphic Fire – the renowned Grammy-nominated, Miami-based vocal ensemble. The Jan. 16 performance at the Church of the Little Flower starts at 8 pm, with a pre-show conversation featuring acclaimed international bass-baritone soloist Dr. Marques J. Ruff at 7 pm. Tickets: $45 for general admission, $60 to $75 for reserved seating.

2711 Indian Mound Trail
cotlf.org

Performing the works of accomplished Chinese composers, Frost musicians invite families on this musical tour through China Jan. 17 at 2 pm at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall. General admission is $15, but groups of four are encouraged to purchase the $30 family bundle, using the code “Family4” at checkout. 

1314 Miller Dr
frost-music-live.miami.edu

The annual “Splendor in the Garden” returns to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, transformed into the go-to hub for South Florida fashionistas, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 11 am to 2:30 pm. This runway show, presented by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, celebrates women who exemplify the values of leadership and charity. Four-time Grammy Award winner and UM graduate Gloria Estefan will be honored with the Fairchild Icon Award. Tickets $750 to $1,000.

10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org

For its third production of 2026, GableStage presents “Sotto Voce,”written and directed by Cuban-American playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz. This moving tale explores the relationship between a young Cuban-Jewish researcher and an 80-year-old German novelist who survived the tragedy of the MS St. Louis just prior to WWII. The production runs Jan. 23 to Feb. 15, 7:30 pm Thurs.-Sat., 2 pm Weds. and Suns. Tickets $60-$95.

1200 Anastasia Ave (at the Biltmore Hotel)
gablestage.org

If you have a nagging sweet tooth, then Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has the right event for you on Jan. 24 & 25 from 10 am to 5 pm: “A Festival of Chocolate.” The event features interactive experiences, educational seminars, cacao garden tours, live cooking demonstrations, an abundance of tasty samples, and more. Tickets $11.95-$24.95, children two and under free.

10901 Old Cutler Rd.
fairchildgarden.org

Esteemed South Florida pianist Mike Gerber performs on Jan. 24 at 7 pm at the Sanctuary of the Arts. Blind and partially deaf since birth, Gerber’s soulfulness and imagination shine through his extraordinary music. He made his debut with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at age 15 and has since performed alongside the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Jaco Pastorius, and Pat Metheny.

410 Andalusia Ave
sanctuaryofthearts.org

Hailed by The Guardian as “New York›s most exclusive jazz concert,” the live-streamed “Harlem rent party” known as “Live from Emmet’s Place” is returning to Miami. Led by the multifaceted American jazz pianist (and UM alum) Emmet Cohen, this star-studded event features jazz artists from around the country – and Frost Dean Shelly Berg on piano. Monday Jan. 26, 7:30 pm.

UM Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive.
Tickets $50-$60
frost-music-live.miami.edu