March Events!

March is an exciting month in Miami. This calendar provides a run-down of some of the regular events occurring in our fair city each March.

• The Fair. (March 14-31, 2013) March also marks the opening of the Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition (commonly referred to as "The Fair"). This event features rides, food and exhibits and is held at the fairgrounds located at the intersection of Coral Way and SW 112th Avenue.
• Sony Ericsson Open. (March 20-31, 2013) Each March, the Crandon Park Tennis Center on Key Biscayne hosts the world-famous Miami Masters tennis tournament. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to purchase yours in advance.
• Miami Fashion Week (March 20-24, 2013) takes place in March at the Miami Beach Convention Center. 

3rd Annual Miami Taste of Brickell Food & Wine Festival 2013

Miami Circle (next to The Icon), Miami
401 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131

The 3rd Annual Miami Taste of Brickell Food & Wine Festival will take place on March 23rd & 24th 2013..

 

Ultra Music Festival 3/15/13-3/24/13

Ultra Music Festival
March 15-17 and March 22-24, 2013
Bayfront Park
Miami, FL
Ultramusicfestival.com  
Facebook.com/ultrafanpage
Twitter.com/ultramusic
Youtube.com/umftv
Makes History As The First Global Major Edm Festival To Expand To Two Weekends
Ultra Music Festival has now confirmed it will hold the 15th annual edition of its gargantuan event over two three-day weekends March 15, 16 & 17 and March 22, 23 and 24, 2013 in Miami, FL. This
Continue reading Ultra Music Festival 3/15/13-3/24/13

 http://www.deeringestate.org/pages/Seafood-Festival-.aspx

 

Gallery Night on Main Street 3/30-31/12

“Gallery Night” on Main Street
March 30 & 31, 2012, 7-11pm
Limelight Gallery
6701-09 Main Street
Miami Lakes, FL. 33014
www.mainstreetmiamilakes.com

Come Support The Arts In South Florida!
Meet and Greet the Artists, Enjoy Free appetizers, and Free admission!
Friday March 30th-
Music by Andres Lasaga
Body paint by Jessie Melero
Live Art by KeLO
Saturday March 31st-
Outdoor activities including
Continue reading Gallery Night on Main Street 3/30-31/12

Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival 3/24/12 – 4/1/12

Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival
Saturday, March 24, 2012 – Sunday, April 1, 2012
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156
More Info
Ticket Information
Members: Tent seating, general admission, $25; Subscription to all four concerts, $75; Concert for Kids, free.
Non-members: Tent seating, general admission, $40; Subscription to all four concerts, $120; Concert for Kids, $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up and $12 for children 6-17.
Continue reading Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival 3/24/12 – 4/1/12

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind Walk, Waggle and Strol Dog Walk 3/25/12

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind “Walk, Waggle and Stroll” Dog Walk
Sunday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Shops at Midtown Miami
Free parking is available in the PetSmart garage, and walkers are welcome with or without dogs.
On-site registration is $20; the fee is waived for visually impaired walkers. Please click here to register.
Strut your stuff on Sunday, March 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Miami Lighthouse’s fifth
Continue reading Miami Lighthouse for the Blind Walk, Waggle and Strol Dog Walk 3/25/12

Miami New Times TweetUp at Burger and Beer Joint 3/29/12

Thursday, March 29, 2012, 7:00pm until 9:00pm
Burger & Beer Joint
1766 Bay Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Facebook Evite
Complimentary bites off new Happy Hour Menu!
Free Jack Daniels Honey cocktails
Beer specials on Bud Light & Shock Top Rasberry Wheat

Miami City Ballet presents Coppélia 3/30/12 – 4/1/12

Miami City Ballet presents Coppélia
Friday, March 30 at 8pm
Saturday, March 31 at 8pm
Sunday, April 1 at 2pm
Adrienne Arsht Center
1300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL
www.miamicityballet.org
Tickets from just $19
Buy Tickets Online
Charming and funny… she’s a real doll! The charm and humor of this classic romantic comedy, plus the sheer joy of its Delibes score, have kept Coppélia in the repertory
Continue reading Miami City Ballet presents Coppélia 3/30/12 – 4/1/12

Florida Renaissance Festival Miami at Cauley Square Historic Village 3/31/12 – 4/8/12

Florida Renaissance Festival Miami
Weekends March 31 – April 8, 2012 , 10 a.m. to sunset
Cauley Square Historic Village
22400 Old Dixie Highway
Miami, FL
Huzzah! Florida Renaissance Festival Debuts At Cauley Square Historic Village In Miami
Miami-area fans of the Florida Renaissance Festival can rejoice! For two special weekends, the Florida Renaissance Festival will be held for the first time ever at Cauley Square Historic Village in Miami. The
Continue reading Florida Renaissance Festival Miami at Cauley Square Historic Village 3/31/12 – 4/8/12

New World School of the Arts’ Silver Anniversary Rising Stars Showcase 3/23/12

New World School of the Arts’ Silver Anniversary Rising Stars Showcase
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday, March 23; 5:00 p.m.
Opening reception and show are FREE
New World Gallery
25 NE 2nd Street
downtown Miami
305.237.3135
Friday, March 23; 7:30 p.m.
Rising Stars Performing Arts Showcase
Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
174 East Flagler Street
downtown Miami
Assigned seating: $50, $40, $30, $20.
Continue reading New World School of the Arts’ Silver Anniversary Rising Stars Showcase 3/23/

COME CELEBRATE VIERNES CULTURALES CULTURAL FRIDAY March 29, 2013 - 7 to 11 pm Miami's best arts and music festival on the last Friday of every month,from 7 to 11 pm on SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) between 13th and 18th Avenues. Join us Friday for a fun filled evening!Where: Domino Plaza, at SW 15th Ave & 8th St.

Free Admission to the Youth Fair!!!!

 

  

The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition is offering many ways to get free admission this year.

OPENING DAY Thursday, March 14:

• FREE admission with the purchase of an advance ticket.
• SPIRIT DAY: FREE admission for students wearing their school logoed uniform with coupon.  Coupon available at Fairexpo.com.
• VETERANS & ACTIVE MILITARY: FREE admission for active duty or retired U.S. military personnel and immediate family with military ID. (Up to 4 guests)
• SENIOR DAY: FREE admission for Seniors 62 years of age and better with valid ID.

SENIOR DAY Thursday, March 21:

• FREE admission for Seniors 62 years of age and better with valid ID.

GIRL SCOUTS DAY Wednesday, March 27:

• FREE admission for Girls Scouts dressed in uniform and presenting the special Girl Scout coupon available at Fairexpo.com.

 SUNDAY FunDays Sunday, March 17, 24, and 31:

• FREE admission to The Youth Fair every Sunday for youngsters 6-12 years of age with a paid admission and special free kid’s coupon available at fairexpo.com.

STUDENT FIELD TRIP DAYS:

• The 5 FREE admission Student Field Trip Days take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Youth Fair is not open to general public between 9 am. and 1 p.m. on the following Student Field Trip dates:
• Friday, March 15: Grades 3, 4 & 5
• Monday, March 18: Pre-school, Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2
• Tuesday, March 19: Grades 6,7, & 8
• Wednesday, March 20: Grades 6,7,& 8
• Thursday, March 21: Exceptional Students Day for students of all ages with special needs. Every year The Youth Fair dedicates a special morning to the students so they can enjoy The Youth Fair in a safer and more accessible way.  Special needs students enjoy select rides that run at reduced speeds plus many vendors and concessionaires are open to accommodate these special guests. Access is provided to all exhibits inside Arnold Hall, the World of Agriculture Tent and The Petting Zoo located at The Oasis. The Youth Fair’s Tadpole and Katie make special appearances to visit with the youngsters.

All Day, Every Day at The Youth Fair:

• Youngsters 5 years of age and under are admitted FREE everyday, all day and no coupon is required.
• The Youth Fair offers FREE parking.

The Youth Fair is located on Coral Way (SW 24^th St.) at 112^th Ave. Gates open on weekdays at 3 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays at 12 p.m. and at 12 p.m. during Spring Break, which takes place March 22 – 29.
The Youth Fair takes place March 14-31.  For more information, visit www.fairexpo.com or call (305) 223-7060.

Free Movies at the Soundscape!

Free Movie at the Sounscape!

http://miamionthecheap.com/free-movie-at-soundscape-22/

 

The SoundScape Cinema Series screens free films on the 7,000-square-foot outdoor projection wall at the New World Center’s ExoStage, corner of 17th Street and Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. See The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring on March 13.

UPCOMING FILMS

March 20 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Directed by Ang Lee
March 27 My Fair Lady (1964) Directed by George Cukor
March 28 Life of Pi (2012) Directed by Ang Lee
April 3 Quantum of Solace (2008) Directed by Marc Forster
April 10 The Princess Bride (1987) Directed by Rob Reiner
April 17 The Help (2011) Directed by Tate Taylor
April 24 Titanic (1997) Directed by James Cameron
May 1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) Directed by Mike Newell
May 8 Sunset Boulevard (1950) Directed by Billy Wilder
May 15 Jaws (1975) Directed by Steven Spielberg
May 22 Bend It Like Beckham (2002) Directed by Gurinder Chadha
May 29 Wreck it Ralph (2012) Directed by Rich Moore

St. Patrick's Day in Miami!

Erin Go Bragh! Everyone in Miami is Irish when we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. If you don’t have plans for this year, consider joining in some of the festivities planned around our city. 

Gables Bites: St. Patrick’s Day on the Mile

Did you know St. Patrick wasn’t even born in Ireland and that the shamrock has only three instead of four clovers? Maybe Irish trivia isn’t your strong suit, but there’s one thing you should know for sure: The obvious destination for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration on The Mile is John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. This year locals and visitors will have more reasons to join in the fun than in years prior. Since the holiday falls on a Sunday, the folks at John Martin’s decided to extend their celebration into a three-day event.

Friday from 5 p.m. until goodness knows when, the corner of Salzedo and Aragon will be blocked off so guests can enjoy performances by two live bands. One band is Deck 52, a group of Miami-bred classic rockers, while the other, U2 by UV does—you guessed it—performances of U2’s greatest hits. Expect lots of cold beer, too. Admission is $10 per person. Stop by on Saturday from 6 p.m. on for a prix-fixe traditional Irish meal and live entertainment by Paddy Kelleghan. Sunday, the official holiday, John Martin’s will start the celebration early—at 10 a.m.—with a breakfast buffet and bagpiper. Enjoy the eats and sounds until 2 p.m.

As for the dress code, we suggest you wear something green. You don’t want to risk getting pinched!

Grab a pint at an Irish pub.

Miami has a few popular Irish pubs where you can grab a pint of Guinness and enjoy a traditional Irish meal. Playwright Irish Pub & Restaurant is located at 1265 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach. Nearby, you can also find Finnegan’s at 1344 Ocean Drive.
If you're looking to kick things off earlier, Fado Irish Pub in Mary Brickell Village is opening their doors at 8AM for kegs and eggs. They will also host a whiskey tasting with food pairings.

Make a traditional Irish meal at home

If heading out to a celebration isn’t your thing, consider making a traditional Irish meal at home this year. Corned beef and cabbage, while not truly an authentic Irish meal is the adopted dish of Irish Americans. Here are some recipes for traditional meals you can share with your family:

• Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
• Colcannon
• Bangers and Mash
• Irish Soda Bread

Trace your ancestry

If you have some Celtic blood in your veins, take this holiday as an opportunity to begin exploring your roots. About’s Genealogy guide provides a Guide to Exploring Your Irish Roots on the Internet.

Guide to S. Florida Easter Egg Hunts!

Ready, Set, Scramble for Eggs! Peter Cottontail will be busy come Easter weekend. Check out a number of fun-filled events happening on Easter weekend across South Florida. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, your camera and an Easter basket, if required.


http://miami.cbslocal.com/guide/guide-to-s-florida-easter-egg-hunts/

Miami-Dade County

Miami Seaquarium’s Bunny Palooza
Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL
Phone: 305-361-5705
http://www.miamiseaquarium.com
Join the fun on Friday, April 6, Saturday, April 7 or Sunday, April 8 for Bunny-Palooza, a hip-hopping weekend of Easter egg hunts, parades and more. The event features a big Easter Parade everyday at 12: 30 p.m. Enjoy continuous Easter Egg Hunts and five acres of adrenaline pumping fun with bounce houses, ‘Giant Fun Slide,’ Rock Climbing Wall and Euro Bungee jump. Plus, bunny hoppers will enjoy heaps of candies, prizes and other surprises. In addition to the park’s regular shows, check out 5 acres of rides, slides, music, bounce houses, live music and more.
Cost is included in the price of regular admission; $37.95 for adults, plus tax. Children ages three to 9-years-old is $27.95, plus tax. To purchase tickets online click here. For a coupon with $8 off admission for up to 6 people, click here.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Jungle Island
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL
Phone: 305-400-7000
www.JungleIsland.com
April 6-8, 2012
Join in on the fun at Jungle Island. Enjoy daily Easter Egg Hunts, pie-eating contests, arts and crafts stations, animal encounters and bounce houses, face painting and visits from special characters.
Egg hunts are held continuously between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are for children 10-years-old and under.

Admission is $5 for children (3-10) with purchase of adult admission of $29.95.  This event benefits Children First at University of Miami.
To purchase tickets online, visit their ticket site.

In addition, join Jungle island for their Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 8. It’s an all-you-can-eat buffet in addition to their full day of Easter fun. The brunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult tickets are $48 and $35 for children (3 to 10-years-old). Prices include discounted park admission, brunch and tax. Online reservations are required by April 2. Click here to make reservations.

Egg Safari at Zoo Miami
Zoological Society of Florida
12400 S.W. 152nd Street
Miami, FL 33177
Phone: 305-255-5551
Join Zoo Miami from at their annual Egg Safari on Saturday and Sunday, April 7and 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a magical day at Zoo Miami with continuous egg safaris, fun activities, the Easter Bunny, and more for kids 12 years old and under.
Adults 13 years and older is $15.95. Children three to 12-years-old is $11.95. Admission for children 2 and under is free.

Tickets may also be purchased online by clicking here.
The animals will also get special treats in honor of the holiday. See schedule below:

• 10:30 a.m.: Saturday, the Bengal tigers will receive papier maché bunnies.
• 11:30 a.m.:  Orangutans receive hard boiled Easter eggs
• 12:30 p.m.: Meerkats receive painted treat boxes
• 1:00 p.m.: Asian elephants receive Easter baskets with coconut eggs inside
• 1:45 p.m.:  Chimpanzees receive hard boiled Easter eggs
• 2:00 p.m.: Gorillas receive hard boiled Easter eggs
• 2:30 p.m.: Sun bears receive on Saturday coconuts painted like Easter eggs and on Sunday papier maché eggs
• 3:00 p.m.: African elephants – “egg hunt” painted coconuts and other treats hidden in yard

So don’t miss a minute of the fun!

Sunny Isles Beach’s Eggs Scramble
Pelican Community Park
18115 North Bay Road, Sunny Isles
Phone: 305.792.1706
Save the date for Saturday, April 7, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and visit Pelican Community Park for the city’s 10th annual Egg Scramble. Children ages 12 and under are invited to bring their baskets and scramble through thousands of beach balls to find their candy-filled eggs.
More than 10,000 candy-filled eggs will be hidden under a sea of 3,000 brightly colored beach balls. The baseball field will be divided into four age groups with one simultaneous egg hunt at 10 a.m.
This event is free and open to the public.

Broward County

Coconut Creek Eggstravaganza
5050  Wiles Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Phone: 954-222-5555
Coconut Creek will host a large Easter egg hunt that is said to be South Florida’s largest FREE egg hunt. Starting at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2012, there will be more than 60,000 eggs used in egg hunts for infants, toddlers and older children. Bring a basket to collect the eggs! This event is for the entire family with free bounce houses, refreshments, food and lots of  fun. PRE-REGISTER on the website at  www.eggstravaganza.org to reserve your family’s spot in all the fun and be entered in a drawing to win a MEGA prize.

Pembroke Shores and Pembroke Pines
Join in on the fun Saturday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m. for a free egg hunt. There will be 52,000 eggs between two locations:

• Pines Recreation Center, 7400 Pines Blvd.
• Pembroke Shores Park, 501 SW 172nd Ave.

In addition to the egg hunt, which begins promptly at 9 a.m., there will be face painting, a bounce house, balloon animals, and a special visit from Peter Rabbit! There will also be fun for the adults. Please remember to bring your cameras and Easter baskets!
For more information call (954) 435-6525

Deerfield Beach’s Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt
Constitution Park
2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd.
Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442
Phone: 954-426-6898
This egg hunt will be held on Thursday, April 5 for Children 7–14 years old, so bring your flashlights and get ready for the hunt of your life. The hunt begins at 8 p.m. but the exact start time will depend on darkness. Search the park for over 7,500 prize-filled eggs. Find the “SPECIAL EGGS” to receive exciting gifts and prizes.

Deerfield Beach Egg-Stravaganza
Westside Park
445 SW 2nd Street
Deerfield Beach also hosts a free egg-stravaganza on Saturday, April 7 at Westside Park.   Children ages 10 & under are invited to take part.  Over 5,000 eggs filled with candy and prizes will be scattered throughout the park. Prizes will be given for “Special Eggs” in each of the age groups. Age groups are divided into 3 years & under, 4-6 years, and 7-10 years.
Start time is 6:00 p.m.

Weston Regional Park’s Egg Hunt
Weston Regional Park
20200 Saddle Club Rd.
Weston

Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. is the kickoff to the annual free royal egg hunt and community gathering in Weston. There will be over 18,000 candy filled eggs along with golden colored eggs that come with a prize!The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance soon after all the activities begin!

Cooper City’s Eggciting Egg Hunt
Cooper City Sports Complex
10500 Stirling Road 33026
Cooper City, Fl
(Corner of Stirling & Palm)

This free event on Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. is limited to Cooper City residents for children in the fifth grade and under. Toddlers must be able to walk. Bring your own basket and join the hunt for that “Special Egg”!

Fort Lauderdale’s Egg-citing Egg Hunts
Carter Park
1450 W. Sunrise Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 828-5411

Celebrate spring with the City of Fort Lauderdale! The city will host several free spring egg hunts on Saturday, April 7. Children 2-11 years old are invited to participate. Egg hunts will be held for different age divisions from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.All events are free. Please remember to bring your baskets.

Davie’s 32nd Annual Spring Festival, Egg Hunt & International Mult-Ethnic Festival
Robbins Lodge
4005 Hiatus Road
Davie, FL
The Town of Davie will again host their International Multi-Ethnic Festival on Saturday, April 7, in conjunction with the Annual Spring Egg Hunt. The Festival will feature many diversified and multi-ethnic displays, cultural entertainment and hands-on activities for the entire family.
Free activities include animal farm, giant slides, hay rides, bounce houses and a 30-foot climbing wall. Plus, have your picture taken with Peter Cottontail, who will arrive by a fire engine.
The event starts at 10 a.m. sharp and ends shortly after. Ages for the hunt: 0 to 3, 4 to 5 and 6 to 8-years only. There will be prizes for all special eggs found and free candy for all kids participating.
Click here for egg hunt rules.

http://www.coralgables.com/index.aspx?page=878

Eggstravaganza

A Hop Through Pinecrest Gardens

Date:	Saturday, March 23, 2013
Time:	10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission:	$5 per person general admission
Featuring:	Egg Hunts Interactive Games Arts and Crafts Strolling Characters Wildlife Shows Story Time Magic Show  Face Painting Balloon Art Food & Gift Vendors
	TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE! Call 305.669.6990

 

Celebrate springtime, celebrate children and celebrate the joy of Easter at Pinecrest Gardens’ signature event, Eggstravaganza.  Stroll through our magnificent winding paths with our very own Spring Bunny and enjoy a cast of cute and cuddly characters to entertain you along the way. The day will be filled with “eggciting” activities for the entire family including egg hunts, face painting, balloon art, interactive games, music, arts and crafts, our petting zoo, and so much more. This is the event that every child will want to attend.  Mark your calendar today!

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=323


Another link added:
http://www.munchkinfun.com/news/miami/easter-2013/

Pinecrest Gardens March Events!

March Events are in Full Bloom!Featured This MonthJazz at Pinecrest Gardens; Fine Chocolate & Food Show; Eggstravaganza; Chick Flick Friday; Family Friday; Fashion in the Gardens; Horticulture Lecture Series; Orchestra Miami; Bike Day; Gardens Gallery; Botanical Arts & Crafts; Farmers Market
PUBLIC FESTIVALS ARE FREE TO MEMBERS
Renew your membership if it has expired or become a new member today!

FEATURED MUSIC EVENT Ed Calle Big Band Saturday, March 16, 8:00 p.m.

Click on image for full season Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens presents Latin Grammy nominated saxophonist Ed Calle in an evening of Latin jazz and jazz standards. His sensual sounds have appeared on albums by Frank Sinatra, Vicky Carr, Arturo Sandoval and Jon Secada. He has recorded and performed worldwide with artists including Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias and Michael Bolton. Critics hail his technique and musicality as “virtually flawless” Savor an evening with Ed Calle and his Big Band, Saturday, March 16th at 8:00 p.m. Gate opens at 6:30 for a light supper and refreshments. For tickets click here.

FEATURED FESTIVAL Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 23, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Click the image for details Calling All Kids! This Saturday you’ll want to be a part of Miami’s most exciting day of mayhem and madness at Pinecrest Gardens’ 10th Annual Eggstravaganza; the biggest and the best egg hunt in town. Over 50,000 eggs featured at scheduled egg hunts throughout the day, prizes, face painting, balloon art, interactive games, music, arts and crafts, our petting zoo, story-telling, delicious food and even a wild life show. It's a virtual wonderland of activities. Join us for all the excitement on Saturday, March 23rd, 10:00am-5:00pm. $5 General Admission, and Pinecrest Gardens Members enter FREE. For further information click here.

FEATURED FUNDRAISER Fashion in the GardensFriday, March 1st, 10:30 a.m.

The Village of Pinecrest along with the Community Foundation of Pinecrest invites you to an extraordinary day where all proceeds will benefit the Public Schools of Pinecrest. Featured at this fabulous event will be the latest series of painted dogs (and now cats) entitled "Teacher's Pets", all of which will be up for auction. You'll enjoy a delicious luncheon complete with decadent deserts and a "Fashionista Cocktail". There will be music, a silent auction, and a preview of spring & summer fashions courtesy of local boutiques at the Gardens Fashion Show in the Banyan Bowl. A full day of activities and all for the best possible cause. Friday, March 1st, from 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For further information and tickets click here.

Miami Children's Theater presents: Songs for a New World Friday, March 1, 7:00 p.m.

Miami Children’s Theater presents Jason Robert Brown’s compelling musical review “Songs for a New World”. Brown describes “Songs” as a musical “about living the moment". It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back." These are the stories and characters of today! The audience is transported from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories above Fifth Avenue to meet a startling array of characters, ranging from a young man who has determined that basket-ball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams and a soulless marriage. With a small, powerhouse cast, exquisitely crafted score running the gamut of today’s popular music, “Songs For A New World” is a great way to bring the next generation into the theatre. Friday, March 1st, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the gate, or can be purchased on-line here.

4th Annual Pinecrest Bike Day Saturday, March 2 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon

The 4th Annual Pinecrest Community Bike Day is back and better than ever, Saturday, March 2nd from 9:00 - 12:00 noon, commencing and finishing in the Pinecrest Gardens Parking Lot. There are three different bike routes, (2, 3 & 4 miles) that you can follow depending on your physical ability and stamina. Upon your return to the Gardens there will be vendor booths, bike helmet give-aways, raffles, the Marlins Show-Mobile and Bounce House, lots of activities for kids, food trucks and a whole lot more. It's good for your health, good for the planet and a good time for all!

Miami Fine Chocolate & Food ShowSaturday and Sunday, March 9 & 10 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The inaugural Miami Fine Chocolate & Food Show is a unique culinary event that will feature the gourmet talents of Miami’s top chefs as well as fine artisanal chocolate from around the world. The event showcases local chefs and world class chocolatiers while presenting a selection of fine food products and beverages. You’ll experience scores of vendors offering samples for you to taste as well as specialty items for purchase. The show will also feature live cooking demonstrations by popular chefs, pairing seminars highlighting fine foods and chocolates alongside crafted beer, wine & spirits, live music and entertainment for the entire family at an affordable price ($35 adults advance ticket price and $10 children). For advance tickets and more information about this wonderful new event click here. Pinecrest Gardens members enter FREE.

Free Beethoven in the Banyan Bowl Orchestra Miami with Conductor Elaine Rinaldi Sunday, March 17th, 7:00 p.m.

Join us for our annual Free Concert on Sunday, March 17th. This year we're featuring Beethoven's iconic Symphony Nr. 7 (and we've heard a rumor that it's the Gardens' Director's favorite Beethoven symphony as well) conducted by Orchestra Miami's Artistic Director, Elaine Rinaldi. Joining the orchestra will be audience favorite, renowned and internationally acclaimed soprano, Elizabeth Caballero, as the soloist for Beethoven's "Ah, Perfido". No tickets are necessary for this concert...it's open seating so come early. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:00 p.m.

Gardens Gallery presents: TASTE OF THE TROPICS March 14 - April 3 Awards Reception, Thursday, March 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Whether you are familiar with the areas of Miami or not, the tropical feel that this city emits entices natives as well as new comers. The welcoming allure of the city engages people in a way that immerses them in an ambiance of tropical culture. This thematic exhibition allows students to examine Miami’s nuances while viewing it like a true native as they explore it through the use of various media such as, but not limited to: drawing, painting, printmaking, etc. Miami’s natural waterways, mangroves, palm trees, small islands, seagulls, sultry sea breezes, the sounds of Biscayne Bay lapping at the shore, flora, fauna and sunsets that paint the sky a thousand shades of tangerine and lavender are but a few of those tropical wonders explored and interpreted through this student exhibition.

Chick Flick Friday Made of Honor Friday, March 22, 8:00 p.m.

Click image for information “The romantic comedy Made of Honor adds tart satirical flavors to a cotton-candy formula without sabotaging the sugar rush.” Stephen Holden New York Times It’s a perfect, relaxing evening of live jazz guitar, while sipping a glass of wine, enjoying a tasty snack and watching a movie under the stars. This month we’re featuring "Made of Honor". This delightful romantic comedy revolves around Tom (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), who have been platonic friends for 10 years. He's a serial dater, while she wants marriage but hasn't found Mr. Right. Just as Tom is starting to think that he is relationship material after all, Hannah gets engaged. When she asks Tom to be her "maid" of honor, he reluctantly agrees just so he can attempt to stop the wedding and make her his! Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for music and refreshments, and our film begins at 8:00 p.m. Admission $5.

Family Friday at the Gardens Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Friday, March 29, 8:00 p.m.

For information click the image “... that rare breed: an imaginative live-action kid's film that engages and delights adults." Sean Axmaker MSN.com The world is astounded when Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder), for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movie-land, magic can happen. Flashlight tours at 7:00 & 7:30 p.m., the movie begins about 8:00 p.m. and we serve the best hotdogs and popcorn in town. General admission is $5, children under 2 enter free.

From the Ground Up...A Garden Re-Imagined "Organic Gardening and Pest Control" Gardens Gallery, Hibiscus Room

Click image for full schedule Join Pinecrest Gardens Horticulturist Craig Morell for a program on the basics of organic gardening, and especially the methods to control those pesky pests that want to eat your crops before you do! Learn the steps for success creating an organic garden, take home some new ideas on how to make your garden productive, and renew your vow to eat healthier by growing your own garden produce. We will feature the program twice this month, on Wednesday, March 13th (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.) and Thursday, March 28th (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.) The class is open to the public and there is $ 5 admission fee payable at the ticket booth. Coffee and snacks will be served.

Learning Made Fun Botanical Arts and Crafts Legends & Stories

Click image for full schedule Join us on Saturday, March 2nd or March 16th from 2:00-3:30 p.m. for Krafts-4-Kids. This month our program is entitled “Stories and Legends”. The class is about the legends surrounding the Banyan and Calabash trees...where they are from, how they are revered in their native countries of India and Mexico respectively. Children will receive seeds of both species to plant at home. There will be an informative discussion regarding the role of "decomposers" those insects and worms that help man return plant material back into fertilizer, mulch and enriched soil. We will also discuss earthworms and other valuable insects. These are classes for six through 12 year olds. Classes are limited to 20 children and the cost is $5 with all materials included in the price. Call for reservations in advance at 305-669-6990.

Pan American Orchid Society presents... Annual Orchid Auction Saturday, March 30, 11:00 a.m.

The Pan American Orchid Society has chosen Pinecrest Gardens as it's home. This wonderful plant society is one of the oldest, if not THE oldest societies in Miami. Founded in 1954 by a group of Pan American World Airway employees who wanted to share and expand their love of orchids, this unique group will hold their regular meetings at the Gardens the third Tuesday of every month starting April. Their Annual Orchid Auction will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 11:00 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to either add to your existing Orchid Collection or begin your love affair with these magnificent blooms. For further information call 305-669-6990.

Farmers Market: Fresh Produce & More Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Click on image for information Enjoy the fresh air while selecting your fresh produce, spices, home-baked breads, hand-made pastas, organic products and much more at Pinecrest Gardens' Farmers Market, every Sunday. The market is open from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and admission is Free. Relax, take a stroll, savor the selections and while you are there, enjoy the purchases you have made at one of our many picnic areas in the Gardens, or overlooking the magnificent view on Lakeview Terrace.

COMING NEXT MONTH Man Of La ManchaThe Musical Friday, Saturday & Sunday April 5, 6 & 7

Miami Acting Company presents "Man of La Mancha", a five-time Tony award winning musical, including Best Musical, tells the story of the "mad" knight, Don Quixote, as a play within a play. Come and enjoy this classic & enchanting tale and share what it means to dream, "The Impossible Dream". Performances are 8:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday April 5th and 6th, and 7:30 on Sunday, April 7th. This special presentation is directed by Pamela Kirkpatrick. For tickets and further information click here.