Greater Miami and Miami Beach are Magic in the Spring

Miami, a dreamscape caught at the end of the country and the beginning of the sea, is a destination as magical in the movies as it is in reality. With all that glimmering sunshine, era-defining art deco design, pristine shore lines, tasty culinary flavors and multicultural influence, it's no wonder Miami is host to a year-round line-up of world class activities and events that can't be missed.

But the real magic is about to crest on the horizon – a springtime overflowing with the stuff that dreams are made of. In March and stretching into the summer, Miami pulls out all the stops for exhilarating outdoor fun and adventure, artists and DJs spinning the best sounds at music festivals, and zesty food and art scenes to satisfy your inner connoisseur. Grab your partner and pals for a trip to check out all the magic served up in Miami this spring.

Miami Beach Live!

March madness takes on a whole new meaning with Miami Beach Live!, a month-long extravaganza of health and wellness activities and outdoor entertainment. The first week (March 3-5, 2023) launches an array of fun events, including Crunch Fitness classes and must-see Friday night movie "The Birdcage." Round out the first week of events with The Beach Party, an LGBTQ+ soiree on the sands of South Beach, which is a part of the infamous Winter Party. Week II (March 10-12) ups the ante with the Vodafone Queen & King of the Courts Crown Series and a beachfront concert.

You'll salivate over the Week III events (March 17-19) with the fine arts, crafts and food village, and barbecue pig roast competition while you catch the action of a beach volleyball tournament or sway to the sound of live music. The crescendo arrives with Week IV (March 2-26) and the Hyrox Miami Beach Fitness Festival, "a 4-day multi-disciplinary fitness fest bringing together fitness competitions, live music concert series and health/fitness activations," according to the website. If you're thirsting for more physical activity, crawl your way through The Monster, the aptly titled largest inflatable obstacle course in the world. Visit the Miami Beach Live! homepage for tickets and information about all the thrilling events.

Rainbow Spring

With winter in the rearview mirror, Greater Miami and Miami Beach roll out the red carpet for Rainbow Spring – the hottest destination for gay travelers. The three-month long season – running March through June – serves up a bevy of queer themed parties, festivals, and Pride celebrations.

Events at the top of your list include Miami Beach Pride, a two-week long extravaganza (April 1-16, 2023) that crescendos with the official Pride Festival in Lummus Park and Pride Parade down Miami's iconic Ocean Drive. Then in conjunction with FUNDarte's Out in the Tropics Festival, check out LatinXOXO by Migguel Anggelo (April 8, 2023), a performance that is "an artful collage of theater, queer comedy, physical movement, and sumptuous song selections," according to the website. And don't miss SweetHeat, taking over Miami from May 16-22, 2023. This diverse, women-focused Pride celebration "is the ONLY experience cultivated for women of all backgrounds and identities" and comes stacked with live music, dancing, food, and nightlife. Visit the Rainbow Spring website for updates and information and to keep the LGBTQ+ themed events rolling all spring long.

Baptist Health 305 Half Marathon and 5K

If a little exercise is more your speed, the 3.1 mile 5K or 13.1 mile marathon (March 5, 2023) will get your heart rate up. "With waterfront views of Miami and Miami Beach throughout the course, runners will also have plenty of scenery to gawk at," boasts the website. A beach party complete with yummy bites and sangria awaits runners at the finish line. Visit the registration page to sign up for the race.

OUTshine Film Festival

Hollywood comes to South Beach for the 2023 OUTshine Film Festival, a collection of the brightest LGBTQ+ talent in movies and entertainment. Running from April 20-30, 2023, this year's festival features "in-person screenings... a lineup of panel discussions, three shorts programs, exclusive virtual showings, Cocktails and Cinema Happy Hours and not-to-be-missed parties at various venues in Miami," the film festival website explains. Not only will you be enjoying great movies, you'll be supporting queer artists, leading to more art that represents our collective experience.

Miami Music Week

Coming up on ten years, hundreds of thousands of EDM revelers descend upon Miami for the last week of March to experience the biggest names in dance music and "everything from daytime discos to party boats and plenty of pool parties," writes the website. The grand finale arrives in the form of Ultra Music Festival, the premiere electronic music fest set against the backdrop of downtown Miami in Bayfront Park. According to the website, "this year's lineup is once again a "who's who" of electronic music... household names Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren and Afrojack will all be performing, as will hitmakers like Camelphat, Marshmello, Martin Garrix and Hardwell." This year's music week is poised to be Miami's biggest success yet.

"How the magic's in the music and the music's in me"

Queue The Lovin' Spoonful's hit song because you're packing your bags for a magical spring in Miami. Whether you're catching a flick at the film festival or just catching a wave at a glimmering beach, the sun – and magic – will always find you in Miami. Visit the official Spring in Miami web page for information about all the activities and events mentioned above and more.