From film and food festivals to an arts program at the Bass Museum and the opening season of the New World Symphony, fall is a fine time to sample food, art and culture in Miami.
As part of the Bass Museum of Art's bassX series, famed sculptor Rachel Harrison's best work will be on display. Harrison is best known for her colorful and witty work that addresses the conventions of art and mass culture. bassX is a series of solo projects, exhibitions, talks, education programs and events that will take place in a pop-up gallery space across the street from the museum in the Miami Beach Library at 227 22nd Street (22nd St. & Liberty Avenue) while the museum is closed for an internal expansion.
For something outdoors, travelers can enjoy live music and scrumptious bites at the Miami Beach Food Truck and Music Fest from 5 to 10 p.m. on September 23 at Miami Beach's North Shore Park Bandshell. The event brings together some of the city's finer food trucks, including GastroPod, Ms. Cheezious, Sakaya Kitchen, and Mushaboom.
Cinephiles can head to the Italian Film Festival (October 8-13) to experience the best short films and documentaries from Cinema Italia.
The New World Symphony will be kicking off their 28th academic season (October 10-11) with the 14-member Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble led by conductor and artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas. The ensemble will lend voice to Stravinsky's one-act chamber opera, The Fox, before bringing Russian vows to life in The Wedding.
Hosted by Miami-Dade Parks and Skyward Parks, the 22nd annual Kitetober Festival at Haulover Park (October 18) is a chance for the whole family to play together. The sky over Miami Beach will be covered in a wide array of colors and figures. People of all ages are encouraged to participate by making their own kite or by purchasing a pre-made kite. Live music and local food vendors will also be available for those who just want to enjoy the colorful show.
Foodies can celebrate South Florida's seafood and the kickoff to stone crab season with Hess Wines South Beach Seafood Festival (October 21-24). This multi-day seafood bonanza features season selections from celebrity chefs, live music, culinary and mixology demonstrations; a kids zone, health village, and VIP hospitality benefits. Ticket prices start at $25 per person and vary depending on the event.