June Best Bets: Giant Bugs, Poinciana Parties, and More

Throughout the entirety of June (and continuing until September 28), Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is hosting the return of “Bugging Out: A Bugs World but BIGGER!” This insect-themed exhibit will feature massive bug sculptures, talks and interactive displays, a walk-through of Fairchild’s Butterfly Pavilion, a 21-plus party that will serve bug-inspired small plates and craft beers, and more. Tickets range from free for small children to $24.95 for adults.

10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org

The oldest continuously running festival in Miami is back for its 88th year. The Poinciana Fiesta Celebration Party at Fairchild starts at 6 pm on Sun., June 8, with trolley tours of the garden. Royal Poinciana punch and other refreshments will be served at 7 pm, and the Royal Poinciana Fiesta Queen and Court scholarship recipients and the Larry Schokman Book Award winner will be recognized at 7:30. The event costs $15 with a free option. Guests who purchase the free general admission tickets are encouraged to make a potluck food contribution. 

10901 Old Cutler Rd
fairchildgarden.org

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra is heading to the Coral Gables Museum on Thurs., June 12 at 7:30 pm as part of its “Summer Concert II: Romantic Revelry” series in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Featuring Huifang Chenon on the violin, Claudio Jaffe on the cello, and Catherine Lan on the piano, tickets for this concert range from $17.50 to $35, with additional fees. There will be a meet and greet with the musicians after the show. 

285 Aragon Ave
coralgablesmuseum.org

On Sun., June 15 at 3 pm, the Alhambra Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Daniel Andai, is presenting an afternoon of opera featuring top singers from the Manny Perez Vocal Studio. Experience the romance, drama, and unforgettable music of a live opera, including one of the world’s most beloved arias at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults and can be found on Eventbrite. 

280 Miracle Mile

Relive the prime of Black American sitcoms at the Sanctuary of the Arts on Sun., June 15 at 4:30 pm with “Remember the Times.” “Presented by the New Canon Chamber Collective, this production pays tribute to classics like “The Jeffersons” and “A Different World” through live music, dance, and more. General admission tickets cost $40.

410 Andalusia Ave
sanctuaryofthearts.org

This remake of Shakespear’s iconic “Hamlet” play won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022 and is in Coral Gables until June 15 at GableStage. In “Fat Ham,” Juicy’s already turbulent life turns upside down when his father’s ghost arrives at the family’s backyard barbeque seeking revenge. The show will run Wednesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 to 9:10 pm. Afternoon performances will be held on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting at 2 pm. Tickets range from $50 to $85. 

1200 Anastasia Ave #230 (The Biltmore Hotel)
gablestage.org

June’s Gables Bike Tour will celebrate the birthday of city founder, George Merrick. As part of the Gables’ centennial celebration, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the birthplace of the city and learn more about how it got its name. The tour starts at the Museum on Sun., June 15 at 10 am and will last until noon. Tickets range from $5 to $10. Bikes are not provided, and children under 16 are required to wear helmets. 

285 Aragon Ave
coralgablesmuseum.org

Attention all wine connoisseurs! You’ll have a chance to sample carefully selected glasses of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc varieties at the Duckhorn Vineyards Dinner on Tues., June 24 from 6 to 10 pm at The Biltmore Hotel. Duckhorn Vineyards, a Napa Valley producer, has been a well-acclaimed winery since opening in 1976. Tickets for this event start at $150. 

1200 Anastasia Ave
biltmorehotel.com

On Thurs., June 26 at 7 pm, hear from local author Julie Ann Sipos on her new book, “Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls.” The satirical story is Sipos’ debut, a novel “packed with biting wit and unpredictable turns,” according to Publishers Weekly. Sipos will discuss the book and how her childhood growing up in Coral Gables affected it, as well as host a Q&A and book signing. 

265 Aragon Ave
booksandbooks.Com

On Sun., June 22, celebrate the Summer Solstice in style at the CocoWalk plaza in Coconut Grove from 10 am to 2 pm. This artisan market will feature only local small businesses selling their wares, from flower bouquets to art, accessories, jewelry, clothing, candles, and more. Attendees will also have the chance to spin a wheel of giveaways and enjoy other activations around the plaza. The event is free to attend.

3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove
cocowalk.com