January Best Bets
A Festival of Chocolate
Dessert junkies and sweet tooth owners, rejoice! Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is putting on the best chocolate festival of the year – and it lasts two whole days! On January 21 and 22 from 10 am to 5 pm, taste your way through chocolate confections, decadent desserts, and savory bites. There will be chocolate pairings with wine and spirits, classes, demonstrations, and more. Non-member tickets for each day are $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $16 for students, and $12 for children ages six to 17. Children under six and Fairchild members can attend for free. For tickets and more information, visit fairchildgarden.org.
“Green Eggs and Hamadeus” Family Concert
Family concerts have returned to University of Miami’s Frost School of Music this season. On Saturday, January 21 at 2 pm, join the “Pied Piper of classical music” Rob Kapilow and the Frost Live Entertainment Management students in a musical and theatrical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.” The concert will take place at Gusman Concert Hall. Tickets are $10 for children, $20 for seniors, and $25 for adults, and can be found at events.miami.edu.
Healthy Start Bike Tour
Start off your new year with a new healthy habit! This fun and educational bike ride presented by Bike Walk Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Museum starts at 10 am on January 15 and lasts about two hours. The tour starts at the museum and the $10 ticket includes museum admission. Children under 12 and museum members pay half-price. You will need to provide your own bike and helmet (required for children under 16). Attending cyclists will learn how to stretch and warm up before the ride begins, ensuring your year will begin with a fun, healthy activity. Visit coralgablesmuseum. org or bikewalkcoralgables.org for tickets.
Woop Woop Beer Fest
Woop Woop is Bay 13’s first annual beer festival celebrating Australia Day. On Saturday, January 21 beginning at 5 pm, attendees can enjoy beer and food from local vendors in support of the Coral Gables Art Cinema. General admission tickets are $50 and include unlimited samples from about 20 participating breweries and a cup to sip them. VIP tickets are $150 and offer early access plus entry to the indoor Australian Hospitality Suite (food boards, premium liquor tastings, etc.). Also included are a festival T-shirt, a Bay 13 branded pint glass, a four-pack of barrel-aged beers, and one ticket to the Brewers Brunch event on January 22. For tickets, visit bay13brewery.com/beer-fest.
Amerant Bank 5k
On Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 am, Amerant Bank is hosting its 12th annual 5K event benefiting United Way Miami. The 3.1 mile run (or walk, depending on your preference) will begin and end at City Hall and finish with an Activity Zone full of fun activities, food, refreshments, and music. Early registration is $30 and will increase closer to race day. To register, visit unitedwaymiami.org/ amerant5k.
“We Will Not Be Silent”
GableStage’s newest production, “We Will Not Be Silent” follows German college student Sophie Scholl as she courageously stands up for social justice in a major act of civil disobedience against Hitler and his fascist regime. While being interrogated for her crimes, she must decide whether to save her own life or continue her righteous crusade. Based on true events, this production runs from January 7 to 29. Tickets start at $40. For tickets and more information, visit gablestage.org.
Beaux Arts Festival at Um
The 72nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival of Art returns January 14 and 15 to the University of Miami campus. The festival attracts more than 175 juried fine art exhibitors from across the country and awards more than $20,000 in prizes to exhibiting artists. The two day outdoor event takes place from 10 am to 5 pm in front of the Watsco Center. Admission is free thanks to the support of presenting sponsor Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables and Cutler Bay. New for 2023, the festival will feature a beer and wine garden presented by Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital will sponsor a community art tent and family entertainment zone.
John Daversa and the Frost Concert Jazz Band
For those who would like music with a more adult spin, Grammy-winning composer and trumpet player John Daversa will direct the Frost Concert Jazz Band for an evening of jazz on Thursday, January 26 at 7:30 pm. The concert will highlight the innovative music of composer and bandleader Jihye Lee, who joins the band for the night at Gusman Concert Hall. Tickets are $25 for seniors, $30 for adults, and can be found at events.miami.edu.
Coral Gables Art & Mega Festival
With an estimated turnout of 35,000 people and 350 exhibitors, this art festival and trade show on January 28 and 29 from 10 am to 6 pm is one of Coral Gables’ biggest annual events. The family-friendly festival takes place at 355 Alhambra Circle and features six events, including world class art, a kid’s fest with activities like face painting and a talent competition, a fashion fest, a dog & pet fest, and the Miami Beer, Wine, and Spirits Festival. Admission is free, although if you want to sample some beverages, you’ll have to buy a $39 ticket; VIPs can snag early entry for $89. For more information and registration, visit coralgablesartfestival.com.