Art Basel and Miami Art Week are kicking off once again in the Magic City this year from December 6 – 10. The 2023 event features more than 20 international art fairs and exhibits, plus special events across Greater Miami & Miami Beach. But hold up, it’s not just about the galleries – we’re talking activations, parties, and a whole vibe that draws in hundreds of thousands. It’s Miami, after all.
Here’s Baller Alert’s ultimate guide to some of the most can’t-miss events around town.
Reyna Noriega’s Full-Scope Multimedia and Multi-Dimensional Artwork Installation, Dec. 5-10
Nautilus Hotel | 1825 Collins Ave
Afro-Latina visual artist, painter, influencer, and author Reyna Noriega, who has dedicated her life’s work to celebrating women of color, has partnered with Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach and nAscent Art New York to debut her first-ever full-scope multimedia and multidimensional artwork installation during Miami Art Week 2023. Featuring over 12 never-before-seen pieces, the immersive exhibition explores Noriega’s vibrant heritage and identity as a female Cuban-American Miami native as it intersects with her culture and journey as an artist. RSVP here.
Bleacher Report Debuts ‘The Residency,’ Dec. 6-7
The LAB Miami | 400 NW 26th Street
Bleacher Report is set to unveil ‘The Residency’ during the highly anticipated Miami Art Week. This year-long collaboration brings together a collective of innovative artists whose passions span sports, art, fashion, and culture. In partnership with the NBA, the event is open to the public and will run from Friday, December 8 to Saturday, December 9. The opening event will showcase the following artists and their corresponding teams: Esther Wallace (Boston Celtics), Bryan “Blue the Great” Blue (Dallas Mavericks), D’ana “COVL” Nuñez (Miami Heat), Mark “MADSTEEZ” Paul Deren (Phoenix Suns), and Demitrius Omphroy (Toronto Raptors). The gallery will then be open to the public from 12 pm to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Abloh Skate Invitational, Dec. 6-10
Lot 11 | 301-349 NW 2nd St
The second annual Abloh Invitational, a captivating skating event organized by Virgil Abloh Securities and Architecture c/o Virgil Abloh™, will be hosted this year in Miami during Art Basel. The event kicks off December 6 with the Skate Photography exhibition, spotlighting the work of photographer Atiba Jefferson. It’s followed by a special artist talk event featuring Jefferson on December 8. And on Saturday, December 9, the Abloh Invitational officially kicks off at noon. The events conclude on Sunday with a block of “FREE GAME” community programming.
FIRST® Robotics & i.am/Angel Foundation Gala, Dec. 6
Loews Hotel | 1601 Collins Avenue
Co-hosted by will.i.am, founder of the i.am/Angel Foundation, and Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, the fundraising gala emphasizes the connection between STEM and the arts. The charitable initiative is dedicated to showcasing the importance of STEM education for young people, featuring a robotics-inspired cocktail hour, a silent auction, and a seated dinner. The highlight of the evening includes an on-stage discussion between will.i.am and Dean Kamen addressing the state of STEM education for youth and its future impact.
Kaytranada at Swan Upstairs, Dec. 7
Swan |90 NE 39th Street
Kaytranada takes over Swan’s second-floor lounge at David Grutman and Pharrell Williams’ Swan Upstairs, with Saint Woods at the APT200 PopUp! Guests are welcome to purchase tickets to see the world-renowned DJ along with other guest DJs, including Kitty Cash, Drewbyrd, Siobhan Bell, Honey, Leek, and more.
Tequila Don Julio Por Amor by Felipe Pantone, Dec. 7
The Temple House | 1415 Euclid Avenue
Join Tequila Don Julio and the world-renowned artist Felipe Pantone for a first-of-its-kind sensorial exhibition that blends kinetic art and digital expression. At the core of this exhibition lies Tequila Don Julio’s latest creation, “Por Amor” (For Love) – a bold and vibrant ‘Love Letter to Mexico.’ Now reimagined through Pantone’s artistic vision using new mediums and experiences, he invites attendees to perceive and appreciate the profound significance of capturing a nation’s soul and elevating it onto a global stage. RSVP: PORAMORMIAMI.EVENTBRITE.COM
PLAY by American Express Platinum, Dec. 7-9
The Miami Beach Edition | 2901 Collins Ave
American Express is back in Miami this year with an exclusive, interactive gallery—PLAY by American Express Platinum—during Art Week. In collaboration with PlayLab, Inc., and Mattel Creations, this unique gallery seamlessly blends the realms of art and nostalgia. From December 7-9, 11 am-5 pm, the gallery will showcase immersive installations and reimagine iconic toys as collectible works of art. Experience the creativity of Salehe Bembury, Surin Kim, Eny Lee Parker, Serban Ionescu, and Kumkum Fernando in this captivating showcase. The exhibit is exclusively for Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members.
Hive Wynwood, Dec. 7-10
Wynwood Marketplace | 2250 NW 2nd Avenue
Pop-up village HIVE returns this Miami Art Week for an action-packed weekend of art, entertainment and food in the heart of Wynwood. Taking place at Wynwood Marketplace, HIVE Wynwood will transform the venue into a haven that celebrates gastronomy, culture and creativity for four days. The event is free and open to the public.
Art With Me, Dec. 8-10
Virginia Key Beach
Originating from Tulum, Art With Me is set to return to Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park from December 8 to December 10, coinciding with Art Basel. This celebration will feature astonishing art installations and immersive experiences encompassing art, music, wellness, and culture. The event, spanning across music, art, food, and culture, will showcase performances from artists such as Polo & Pan, Channel Tres, Lee Burridge, Damian Lazarus, Jan Blomqvest, Nico Stojan, Parallelle, Underworld, LP Giobbi, Apache, Atish, Elephant Heart, Eli Light, and Glauco Di Mambro.
EBONY FWD Presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Dec. 9-10
The Temple House | 1415 Euclid Avenue
Join EBONY MAGAZINE for an exclusive 2-day Art Basel celebration, EBONY FWD – Presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. This immersive experience, supported by Nationwide, features a Diaspora Art Exhibit, culinary tastings, live performances, a fireside chat, and more. With participation from American and international artists, the curated collection includes an archival retrospective from EBONY Magazine, Coca-Cola Company Fine Arts Collection selections, and influential works by photographers, painters, and sculptors. Confirmed guests include Eden Bridgeman, Mariah The Scientist, Jason Carter, DJ Kitty Cash, Chef Amaris Jones, and talented artists like Wonder Buhle, Jon Moody, Tiffanie Anderson, and Tracy Guiteau. Don’t miss this extraordinary event on December 9th (6 pm – 11 pm) and December 10th (11 am – 5 pm).
Sea of Art, Dec. 9
Regatta Grove | 13415 Pan American Drive
Embark on a visual journey at Regatta Grove as it hosts “Sea of Art” in collaboration with Twenty6North Productions on Saturday, December 9. The event, open to the public from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., invites everyone to revel in live painting sessions with global artists. RSVP here.
The Hip Hop Museum Tour, Dec. 9
48 NW 25th Street
In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, The Hip Hop Museum, in partnership with Mass Appeal and sponsored by CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, has embarked on a nationwide tour to narrate the compelling story of the pioneers who birthed and nurtured a sound that reverberated globally. The museum features early Hip Hop artifacts, highlighting important firsts along the genre’s road from block parties to billboard charts. The night will feature an exclusive first look at the exhibit ahead of the museum’s opening in 2025. RSVP here.
SAVOR & SOUL™ #TheAmexBrunch, Dec. 9
The Miami Beach Edition | 2901 Collins Ave
American Express is hosting the third installation of SAVOR & SOUL™: #TheAmexBrunch, in collaboration with Blacktag – a global platform for Black creators and Black culture. The event will be an immersive experience celebrating Black art, culture, and community, featuring a menu handcrafted by Chef Akino West (James Beard Semi-Finalist) of Rosie’s Miami Beach. Tix will be available exclusively from Resy beginning December 6.
Art, Beats & Lyrics, Dec. 9
loanDepot Park | 501 Marlins Way
Art Beats + Lyrics (AB+L), a traveling urban art and music exhibition, is set to return to loanDepot park for the third year. The event started as a local art show in Atlanta and has grown to support visionary artists and musicians whose values of authenticity, creativity, and individuality. The event is presented by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. RSVP at: https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/vault/art-beats-lyrics/
Everyday People Party, Dec. 9
In partnership with Wray & Nephew Overproof Room, “The World’s Coolest Day Party” is headed to Miami for Art Basel weekend! The 21+ event takes place at Oasis in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, and we’re certain the vibes will be there. RSVP: https://www.everydayppl.nyc/events/miami23
STAMPED x Norma Now Presents CLUB PARADISE Presented by CÎROC, Dec. 10
This Art Basel, STAMPED, presented by CÎROC, brings the sounds from the continent to the world. The immersive “experience” pays homage to Amapiano, Afrobeats, and more. Within this special edition of the event, named Club Paradise, the focus remains on celebrating community and heritage.
Red Rooster Overtown Celebrates Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary, Dec. 10
The Pool Hall @ Red Rooster Overtown | 920 Northwest 2nd Avenue
This acclaimed Overtown restaurant, presented by Marcus Samuelsson, Derek Fleming & Michael Simkins, will be hosting a Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary celebration and panel discussion sponsored by Uncle Nearest. Attendees can expect complimentary light bites as they delve into the evolution and impact of hip-hop with industry luminaries over the past five decades. Panelists will include Hip-Hop legends Jarobi White (A Tribe Called Quest) K Foxx (99Jamz) DJ EFN (Drink Champs) DJ Nasty305 (99 Jamz), and a surprise special guest. The panel will be moderated by DJ Tillery James (The DJ Collective) and C. Isaiah Small II (Miami Herald). RSVP here.
Art Fairs/Exhibits
“Give Us Our Flowers” by Guy Stanley Philoche
Renowned New York artist Guy Stanley Philoche is gearing up to present his “Give Us Our Flowers” series at the Scope Art Fair during this year’s Art Basel/Miami Art Week, scheduled from Dec. 5 to 10. Within this collection, the Haitian-born visual artist pays heartfelt homage to Black historical figures, including James Baldwin, Jackie Robinson, and Lena Waithe. His unique portrayal features the subjects rendered in black and white, elegantly framed by daisies—a poignant nod to his mother’s favorite flower.
Art of Transformation: AFRICA GLOBAL, Dec. 3-10
Art of Transformation: AFRICA GLOBAL features exhibitions, discussions, performances, and films exploring contemporary African and African Diaspora art. The festival is held in Opa Locka, FL, and includes six exhibitions, a sculpture pavilion, a Black literature installation, and pieces from Ten North Group’s extensive collection. Events cover topics like community transformation through the arts, a voguing workshop, Afro-Cuban dance, and a panel discussion with a film screening on grief, identity, colonialism, and gender. Presented by Ten North Group, an organization fostering affordable housing, the festival aligns with their commitment to community development, youth programs, and supporting small businesses.
Point Comfort Art Fair & Show presented by Hampton Art Lovers, Dec. 7-10
The Point Comfort Art Fair & Show, presented by Hampton Art Lovers, is a vibrant celebration of art and culture with the 2023 theme “Before the Culture (BE for the Culture).” Taking place during Miami Art Week/Art Basel/Soul Basel 2023, the event will be hosted at the Historic Ward Rooming House in Historic Overtown. The exhibition and lounge series are sponsored by notable entities, including the City of Miami Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Revitalization Agency, Art of Black, 100 Black Men of Florida, FIU-Wolfsonian Public Humanities Lab, E11even Vodka, and Duke + Dame Whiskey. The event celebrates Hip Hop’s Golden Jubilee and honors George Clinton (P-Funk) as the 2023 Cultural Ambassador.
The Miami Museum of Contemporary Art’s Hybrid Museum Art & Tech Cultural Experience, Dec. 4
Miami MoCAAD launches Soul Basel and Miami Art Week with a groundbreaking digital event on December 4, 2023, at The Urban. The museum premieres “This Life: Black Life in the Time of Now,” a documentary and digital exhibition exploring contemporary Black existence through the narratives of four visual artists. Accessible both in-person and virtually, the project employs augmented and virtual reality to provide an immersive, boundary-defying experience. Against the backdrop of global discussions on race, identity, and social justice, “This Life” stands as a powerful testament to art’s ability to spark conversations and inspire change.
Art Basel Miami Beach, Dec. 8-10
In it’s 21st year, Art Basel Miami Beach returns Dec. 8-10. The event will draw thousands of art dealers, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to explore modern and contemporary artworks showcased by 277 galleries at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
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