May is one of the busiest months in Miami, with major events ranging from Formula 1 and the Hyundai Air & Sea Show to Swim Week, ABFF, and neighborhood cultural festivals. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Miami in May 2026, these are the top events to know about, in calendar order.
Best Miami Events in May 2026
May 1–3 — Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Miami International Autodrome near Hard Rock Stadium. Miami’s biggest sports weekend brings race-day action, concerts, celebrity sightings, and packed hospitality venues.
May 5 — Cinco de Mayo, citywide. Expect restaurant specials, margaritas, live music, and late-night parties across Miami.
May 8 — Laser Evening, Frost Museum of Science, Downtown Miami. A special anniversary event under the planetarium dome with music-themed laser shows.
May 10 — Mother’s Day, citywide. Miami restaurants and hotels go all out with brunches, waterfront dining, and special menus.
May 23–24 — Hyundai Air & Sea Show, South Beach. Memorial Day Weekend’s headline event features military flyovers, maritime demos, and free beachfront viewing.
May 23–25 — Memorial Day Weekend. Pool parties, beach clubs, rooftop events, and nightlife make this one of the year’s busiest holiday weekends.
May 27–31 — American Black Film Festival, Miami Beach. A major film festival with screenings, panels, and networking focused on Black filmmakers and creators.
May 27–31 — Miami Swim Week, Miami Beach. Fashion events, runway shows, parties, and industry programming turn South Beach into the center of swimwear season.
What Are Major Events in Miami in May 2026?
⛳️ April 29 – May 3: Cadillac Championship PGA TOUR
Trump National Doral – April 29 – May 3, 2026.
The Cadillac Championship marks a major moment in professional golf as Cadillac returns as the title sponsor of the PGA TOUR’s newest Signature Event, re-establishing its presence at Miami’s legendary Trump National Doral on the famed Blue Monster course. Set for spring 2026, this multi-year partnership brings one of the sport’s most iconic automotive brands back to top-tier golf for the first time in a decade, celebrating history while introducing a fresh chapter in elite competition. As part of the PGA TOUR’s Signature Event lineup—with a limited field and elevated purse—the Cadillac Championship promises world-class golf, premium fan experiences, and renewed energy at one of Miami’s most storied venues.
?️ May 1–3: Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix
The biggest sporting event in Miami’s calendar returns for its fifth edition. The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix runs May 1–3 at the Miami International Autodrome surrounding Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Three days of practice sessions, qualifying, and race day — plus concerts, celebrity sightings, and some of the most elaborate hospitality suites in motorsport. The city floods with F1 fans from around the world. If you’re going, book everything now. If you’re not, expect traffic and packed restaurants all weekend. Tickets available at f1miamigp.com.
? May 3: Little Haiti Book Festival
One of Miami’s most meaningful community events, the Little Haiti Book Festival returns at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. Presented by Miami Book Fair and Sosyete Koukouy, the free all-day festival celebrates Haitian literature, culture, dance, music, and food. Author panels, children’s programming, live performances, and a comedy showcase make it a full day for all ages. Free and open to the public. miamibookfair.com.
?? May 3: Japanese Festival
Celebrate Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month at the Japanese Festival at Ichimura Miami Japan Garden on Watson Island. Free and family-friendly, the event features traditional Japanese music, cultural performances, and authentic food. One of Miami’s most unique free events of the spring.
? May 5-10: Broadway in Miami – The Notebook
Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, THE NOTEBOOK tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. “Full of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs” (Entertainment Weekly), THE NOTEBOOK is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love, and features music by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter (This Is Us).
This Mother’s Day, treat mom to a night at the theater. Use promo code MOMLOVE to buy one ticket, get one free for the Sunday, May 10, 7 p.m. performance.
[button link=”https://www.arshtcenter.org/tickets/2025-2026/broadway-in-miami/notebook-the-musical/” color=”orange” newwindow=”yes”] Get Tickets[/button]
?? May 5: Cinco de Mayo
Miami goes big for Cinco de Mayo. Expect takeovers at Mexican restaurants across the city, margarita specials, live music, and late-night parties from Brickell to Wynwood. Check local venue calendars for specific events as the date approaches.
? May 4: Chef’s Table: Adeena Sussman on Zariz
Join us at The Hub for an evening of flavor, ease, and Tel Aviv-inspired inspiration with Adeena Sussman as we celebrate her new cookbook Zariz! Sussman will speak in conversation with Mike Solomonov, Chef of Zahav and five times James Beard Award winner.
⚡️ May 8: Laser Evening at Frost Planetarium
The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science marks its ninth anniversary at the Downtown Miami campus with a special Laser Evening under the 67-foot dome. Fan-favorite shows include K-Pop Demon Hunters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bad Bunny, and more — all transformed into full-dome laser spectacles. frostscience.org.
? May 10: Mother’s Day
Miami’s restaurant scene pulls out all the stops for Mother’s Day. From rooftop brunches with Biscayne Bay views to French bistro blackboard specials in Coral Gables, there’s no shortage of options. Top picks include Bouchon, Toro Toro, Chateau ZZ’s, Bellini at Mr. C Coconut Grove, and Baia Beach Club at Mondrian South Beach. Reservations fill fast — book on OpenTable or Resy now.
? May 12: An Evening with Mark Oppenheimer on Judy Blume: A Life
Meet us at The Hub to celebrate Judy Blume: A Life, the highly-anticipated biography of one of the world’s most beloved literary voices, with journalist Mark Oppenheimer. To know the name Judy Blume is to know and love literature. Her influential novels turned classics—including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing; Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great; Forever…; and Summer Sisters—touched the lives of tens of millions of adults and children.
? May 15–16: Haitian Compas Festival
One of the top outdoor festivals in the country, the 28th Annual Haitian Compas Festival takes over The NoMI Village for a full day of live music, food, and culture celebrating Haitian heritage. The 2026 lineup includes Klass, Kai, Vayb, T-Vice, and more. Timed to Haitian Heritage Month, this is one of South Florida’s most high-energy outdoor events of the year. Tickets at haitiancompafestival.com.
? May 15: Viernes Culturales
Every third Friday of the month, Calle Ocho in Little Havana comes alive for Viernes Culturales — Cultural Fridays. Free and open to all, the monthly street festival celebrates Miami’s Latin American heritage with art, live music, food, and the energy of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. No tickets needed.
✈️ May 23–24: Hyundai Air & Sea Show
The skies over South Beach go loud on Memorial Day Weekend when the Hyundai Air & Sea Show returns to Miami Beach. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline two full days of precision aerial demonstrations, military flyovers, and offshore maritime action — all free to the public along Lummus Park. This year’s show also serves as a kickoff to America’s 250th anniversary, with a 3D mapping projection on Ocean Drive’s Art Deco buildings at sunset and a nighttime pyro parachute jump by the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Country act Parmalee performs live on Ocean Drive Saturday night. Free. usasalute.com.
? May 3-4: Fort Lauderdale Air Show
Nestled along the picturesque backdrop of Fort Lauderdale beach, this weekend-long annual extravaganza promises an unforgettable display of breathtaking aerial acrobatics that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression against the backdrop of our pristine sandy shores.
?? May 23–25: Miami Memorial Day Weekend
Miami goes into full party mode for Memorial Day Weekend. Hotel pool parties, beach clubs, DJ takeovers, and packed rooftop bars from South Beach to Brickell. Book accommodations well in advance — this weekend sells out every year.
[button link=”/memorial-day-weekend-in-miami/” color=”orange”] Memorial Day Weekend Miami Guide[/button]
? May 27–31: American Black Film Festival
One of the most important film festivals in the country lands in Miami Beach for five days. ABFF showcases new work by Black filmmakers across features, shorts, TV pilots, and comedy. Industry panels, networking events, and screenings make it a major cultural moment for the city. abff.com.
? May 27 – 31: Miami Swim Week® The Shows
As the largest swim and resort wear gathering in the world, this event will feature a star-studded lineup of designers, models, and celebrities. The Miami Swim Week® The Shows will showcase the best of swimwear fashion while also emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. With more shows, parties, and industry events than ever before, this year’s event promises to be the most exciting yet. Miami will become the center of beauty and summer fashion, as designers 18 countries unveil their summer collections.
? May 28–31: PARAISO Miami Swim Week
Miami Beach becomes the global capital of swimwear when PARAISO Swim Week kicks off at the end of the month. Over 45 events across four days — runway shows featuring designers from 18 countries, celebrity appearances, industry panels, fitness programming, and surprise music performances. If you’re in South Beach during this window, the energy is unlike any other week of the year. paraisomiami.com.
? May 30–31: Asian Culture Festival
The 32nd Annual Asian Culture Festival returns to Tropical Park for a two-day celebration presented by the Thai-American Association of South Florida. Traditional music, dance, martial arts, and food from across the continent make this one of Miami’s most immersive free cultural events of the spring. All ages, free admission.
? May, 2026 – Concerts & Shows at the Kaseya Center in Miami
From marquee NBA matchups to music’s hottest performers, downtown Miami’s premier venue, Kaseya Center (formerly American Airlines Arena), is the place to be for a night of entertainment. No matter the occasion. Get Kaseya Center tickets, so you can experience it live. You have quite a few to choose from this month with Travis Scott and more.
? May, 2026 – Hard Rock Live Concerts & Shows
Check out all upcoming events at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Primed as the epicenter of South Florida entertainment, the new venue hosts state-of-the art technical capabilities that supports A-list celebrity performances as well as award shows. You have quite a few to choose from this month with Jerry Seinfeld and more.
Miami May Sports
Winter is a great time to catch one of our professional sports teams in action! The Miami Dolphins are heading towards the end of football season. Miami Heat basketball is underway, and Florida Panthers hockey seasons. Make sure to add a Miami Game Day to your Miami vacation – it’s an absolute MUST in Miami!
? Miami Heat Basketball
See the Miami Heat play live at the Kaseya Center. If you’ve attended a Miami Heat game before, you know the excitement and energy of the crowd makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Get Miami Heat tickets, so you can experience it live.
⚾️ Miami Marlins
See the Miami Marlins play live. Soak up the sun and electric atmosphere inside picturesque Marlins Park throughout the season of Marlins baseball. With a multitude of big names and key opponents coming to town, you won’t want to miss out on the action live from the ballpark, beginning with Marlins Opening Day tickets available for the exciting start to a brand new year of baseball. Get Miami Marlins Tickets, so you can
⚽️ Inter Miami CF
Join us for Inter Miami CF matches and see your favorite team play live at DRV PNK Stadium. If you’ve attended a soccer game before, you know the excitement and energy of the crowd makes for a truly unforgettable experience. Secure your Inter Miami tickets and see the professional soccer team ignite the crowd with their stellar play once again.
Miami May 2026 Events — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest event in Miami in May 2026?
The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix (May 1–3) is the largest single event of the month, drawing a global crowd to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The Hyundai Air & Sea Show on Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–24) is the biggest free event.
What free events are happening in Miami in May 2026?
Several major Miami events in May 2026 are free: the Hyundai Air & Sea Show (May 23–24), the Little Haiti Book Festival, the Japanese Festival on Watson Island (May 3), Viernes Culturales in Little Havana (May 15), and the Asian Culture Festival at Tropical Park (May 30–31).
When is the F1 Miami Grand Prix in 2026?
The 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix runs May 1–3 at the Miami International Autodrome surrounding Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Race day is Sunday, May 3.
When is Miami Swim Week 2026?
Miami Swim Week 2026 runs May 28–June 1, with PARAISO Miami Beach shows May 28–31. Events are concentrated in Miami Beach.
What is the American Black Film Festival in Miami?
ABFF is an annual film festival in Miami Beach dedicated to showcasing films and talent from the Black community. The 2026 edition runs May 27–31 in Miami Beach.
What is the Haitian Compas Festival in Miami?
The Haitian Compas Festival is an annual outdoor music festival celebrating Haitian culture and compas music, held in Miami during Haitian Heritage Month. The 28th edition takes place May 15–16, 2026 at The NoMI Village.
What is the weather like in Miami in May?
May in Miami means highs in the mid-to-upper 80s with increasing humidity as the month progresses. Afternoon rain showers are common. It’s still very much outdoor and beach event season — just bring sunscreen.
What event are you most excited about? We will be updating this list leading up to end of month, so make sure to bookmark the page, check back often and let us know if you would like to be included!
