January Events: McBride Concerts, Chocolate Festival, and More Best Bets

MCBRIDE PLAZA CONCERT SERIES

Music at McBride Plaza returns in January with two concerts on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 featuring musicians from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. From 5:30 to 7:30 pm, these talented ensembles — all of whom are auditioned and selected by UM faculty — will take the opportunity to showcase their skills in downtown Coral Gables.

Now in its third year, this free event promises a wide range of genres and performances every other Thursday through March 21.

coralgables.com/events/music-mcbride-plaza
150 Miracle Mile

AMERANT BANK 5K

The annual Amerant 5K in support of United Way Miami returns this year on Jan. 21. The race starts at 7:30 am, with registration beginning at 6 am outside City Hall. Afterwards, a festive post-race party will be held for all the runners, walkers, athletes, and families in attendance. Proceeds support nearly 100 programs in Miami-Dade County that strengthen education, financial stability, and health for residents.

Registration before Jan. 14 costs $50; $55 after.

unitedwaymiami.org/event/amerant-bank-5k-2024
405 Biltmore Way

“ARTHUR & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL!”

From the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre comes a children’s play based on the books and characters created by Marc Brown, featuring your kids’ favorite aardvark! From Jan. 12 to March 1, visit Mr. Ratburn’s class at Lakewood Elementary School, where Arthur and his friends are preparing to perform a big show for all of Elwood City! Will Arthur’s nerves get the best of him, or will he thrive with the help of his family and friends?

Tickets are $25. Saturdays at 2 pm, with a sensory inclusive performance on Sunday, Jan. 28.

actorsplayhouse.org/childrens-theatre
280 Miracle Mile

“OLD WICKED SONGS” AT GABLESTAGE

In 1986 Vienna, a young Jewish pianist arrives to study. But before he begins his piano instruction, he must first take singing lessons from the harsh, antisemitic Professor Mashkan. As the play unfolds through the poetry of Heinrich Heine and the music of Robert Schumann, secrets are revealed, and these two men from different generations find they have much more in common than they think. This Miami premiere runs Jan. 12 to Feb. 4 at GableStage. Performances Wed. at 2 and 7 pm, Thurs. and Fri. at 8 pm, Sat. at 2 and 8 pm, and Sun. at 2 pm. Tickets $40 to $65.

gablestage.org
1200 Anastasia Ave.

THE FINAL FRONTIER AT FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Produced by students at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, this family-friendly concert on Jan. 20 at 2 pm explores the cosmos, from the solar system to the stars. Featuring music inspired by outer space, such as Haydn’s “Il Mondo della Luna” and Holst’s “The Planets.”

This event at the Gusman Concert Hall is conducted by Matthew Cooperman and directed by Gary Wood. Tickets are $20, or $30 for a family of four using code “Family”

events.miami.edu
1314 Miller Dr.

A FESTIVAL OF CHOCOLATE

Sweet tooths abound at this annual festival hosted by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. On Jan. 20 and 21 from 10 am to 5 pm, experience a weekend filled with all things chocolate, including chocolate pairings, chocolate-themed drinks, and chocolate-infused foods. Delight your palate and maybe even purchase a cacao tree or a chocolate-scented orchid. Lawn games, live music, cooking demos, and more, with tickets at $11.95 for children, $24.95 for adults, and $17.95 for seniors.

fairchildgarden.org
10901 Old Cutler Rd.

WOOP WOOP BEER FEST

To celebrate Australia Day on Jan. 27, the Aussies at Bay 13 Brewery and Kitchen are putting on their second annual beer festival at 5 pm, featuring unlimited beer tastings, wine sampling, live music, and local food vendors. Tickets start at $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP packages, which offer exclusive early access, a sampling glass, t-shirt, unique beer samples, brewery tours, food, and a private hospitality suite with liquor and wine tastings. A “recovery brunch buffet” will also be held on Bay 13’s outdoor patio the next day from 10 am to 3 pm, including unlimited food and drinks for $40.

bay13brewery.com
65 Alhambra Plaza

BEST REASON TO LEAVE THE GABLES: LUMINOSA

Prepare to be amazed by this light festival at Jungle Island featuring over one million LED lights lit in larger-than-life Chinese lanterns across 1.35 miles of illuminated trails. Enjoy live music, acrobatic performances, stone-carving, and craft vendors, along with food and drinks. All through January and February, the Zigong Lantern Group’s 40 hand-crafted lantern scenes will showcase the beautiful designs of over 150 artisans. Visit Sun. to Thurs. from 5:30 to 9:30 pm or Fri. and Sat. from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. Tickets $29.90-37.90 for adults and $20.93-$26.53 for children. Special rates available for certain groups.

jungleisland.com
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail

THE HUB 2.0

Challenge your friends and test your skills! On Jan. 26 at 4:30 pm, the Coral Gables Library is hosting a free game night, where you can enjoy friendly competition and exciting adventures in all kinds of board and video games. To participate, children must be 12 years or older.

mdpls.org
3443 Segovia St.