For the people of Miami, the Beaux Arts Festival of Art is an institution. Held at the University of Miami, the Beaux Arts Festival of Art brings over two hundred artists to the beach each year. As the oldest juried art festival in South Florida, the event has a legacy of excellence.
But with some of the worst drivers in the United States and crazy traffic, trips to Miami may make you fear for your life.
Join us as we dig into the Beaux Arts Festival and discover if it’s worth a trip to Miami.
Let’s check it out!
About the Beaux Arts Festival
In 1952, Anne Atkinson spearheaded the group of fifty individuals who came together to form the Beaux Arts Festival. Atkinson served as the Assistant Director of the Joe and Emily Lowe Art Gallery. Atkinson explored her options to raise needed funds for improvements to the gallery.
Originally called the Clothesline Sale, the Beaux Arts Festival of Art is now recognized as one of the best in the world. In 2002, they added the Student Artist Showcase, which allows middle and high school students to participate. And while the adults compete in ten categories, the students compete in five and can win cash prizes.
All of this is supported by the Beaux Arts Ball, the oldest costume ball in south Florida. For the culturally rich area, the themed ball is the highlight of the year and a significant fundraiser for the festival.
Over one hundred volunteers put on the Beaux Arts Festival of Art each January. Beaux Arts also gives back to the community. They support the University of Miami and the Lowe Art Museum through generous contributions.
Where Is the Beaux Arts Festival?
The Beaux Arts Festival of Art is just one of the reasons to visit Miami. Unofficially the capital of Latin America, the city is one of the US’s most vibrant expressions of Latin culture. Everywhere you look, the flavor of Latin America takes charge.
Miami is best known for beaches and massive parties along South Beach. While nightlife activities are a major draw in the region, it isn’t all parties; food is another reason to visit the city. Cuban food, of course, is everywhere. Tostones, empanadas, and yucca chips complement the standard Cuban sandwich. Just don’t overdo it before you head to the beach.
The mild Miami winters make way for brutally hot summers, with highs commonly in the 90s. But residents know the best way to handle the heat; wear as little as possible and enjoy the water. Fortunately, the average temperature in January, during the festival, is 75 degrees. It provides a pleasant atmosphere for walking around the event and the rest of the city.
The campus of the University of Miami, where the Festival of Arts convenes each year, is also impressive. A modernist masterpiece, the campus has fountains, palm trees, and outdoor spaces that beg you to sit and enjoy a Cuban coffee in the shade.
From the Muse: While you’re in Florida, check out the 7 Best Florida Beaches.
Where To Stay Near the Beaux Arts Festival
Inexpensive hotels are available when visiting the Beaux Arts Festival of Art. But it’d be a shame to miss out on an opportunity to stay in one of the classic Miami hotels. Here are a few options to check out.
The Biltmore
Built in the style of a Mediterranean villa, The Biltmore opened for business in 1926. One hundred fifty acres of lush palms welcome guests to this Miami landmark. Additionally, you’ll enjoy impeccable service, five-star meals, and access to the largest hotel pool on the eastern seaboard.
A championship golf course, concert venue, and spa may tempt you to stay close to the resort. Lucky for you, the University of Miami is a five-minute drive or a relatively short walk from the hotel. So you can enjoy the best of what Miami offers within walking distance.
The Mutiny
Surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Bay Biscayne, The Mutiny in Coconut Grove is a popular Miami hotel. The neighborhood itself is one of the big draws. You’ll find plenty of places nearby to check out and feel right at home.
The outdoor space at The Mutiny is beautiful, with pools, whirlpools, and bars open year-round. And if water sports are your thing, you can access the bay right out the front door.
Other Things To Do Near the Beaux Arts Festival
Because the Beaux Arts Festival of Art is right in the heart of Miami, you’ll have access to plenty of other activities. But, of course, the city is worth exploring too, and you can engage in cultural tourism just by walking around.
Explore Little Havana
Whether you go for the food, the culture, or the arts, Little Havana should be at the top of your list. Home to the Cuban diaspora, the neighborhood is a vibrant expression of Cuban culture and spirit.
Check out Versailles, the best Cuban restaurant in the city, or any other eateries in the area for a taste of Cuba. You can also pick up authentic crafts and gifts or just people-watch; you’ll love the energy. Grab a Cuban coffee and hand-rolled cigar, and enjoy the surroundings!
Visit Key Biscayne
Pristine white sand beaches and water sports are reasons to visit Key Biscayne. Part of three miles of beaches, the bay is home to sailing, boating, and fishing excursions. Within walking distance of five-star resorts, including The Mutiny, the area is also known for wildlife and ridiculous views.
You can also access a few state parks close to Key Biscayne Beach that feel more removed from the residential areas. And after spending the day outside taking in the surrounding nature, the bars and restaurants still have a great view of the bay.
Discover Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
You can’t skip Vizcaya if you love art and architecture. A relic of early twentieth-century excess, the residence has ten acres of gardens surrounding it. Jame Deering built the home in 1914 as an homage to Renaissance architecture. He also collected art and furnishings from Europe, and thirty-four of the seventy rooms practically burst with it.
Now a museum, the home is open to the public for tours. In addition, you’ll love the immaculate gardens filled with topiaries, local plants, and an orchid house with rare plants.
From the Muse: Check the museum’s website for a schedule of upcoming events.
Is a Road Trip to the Beaux Arts Festival Worth It?
Traveling to Miami during January means missing the summer crowds, so traffic might be better than usual. We think the Beaux Arts Festival of Art alone is worth the trip, but you’ll likely find many other reasons to extend your stay. Enjoy the city’s culture, food, sights, and relaxation opportunities. You’ll be happy you did.
Have you attended the Beaux Arts Festival? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
Outside Folk Gallery
You can explore folk, street, and outsider art in our personal collection at Outside Folk Art. We’re celebrating these creatives and giving voice to rising black, Native, immigrant, and working mother artisans.
We’ll also be offering pop-up shows and collaborations with small museums, so be sure to follow us to discover the where and when!