Friday, March 23, 2012

Carnival Destiny to be Renamed Carnival Sunshine + Major Transformation

By mommymusings.com


My family just finished cruising on the Carnival Destiny for spring break.  We went to Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman 5 days.  So when I came across this article I couldn't believe the ship will take on a major transformation.  Very interesting!

Representing Carnival Cruise Lines’ most ambitious refit and transformation project ever, Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel.

The refit will also include a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship, providing the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. One-hundred and eighty-two cabins will be added, as well.

The redesign will be so extensive and wide-ranging that the ship will be renamed Carnival Sunshine following the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013.  The refit work will be completed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri.

Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.

Here’s a look at some of Carnival Sunshine’s many features:

Carnival Sunshine On-Board Dining Choices

  • Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries in an atmosphere that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture
  • BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas that can be personalized with a variety of salsas and toppings
  • Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, all enhanced by understated ambiance and impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet)
  • Cucina del Capitano – or “The Captain’s Kitchen” – with Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in a fun and engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home (during the day, the venue will serve as a free casual lunch-time pasta bar with a nominal charge for dinner)
  • *A stunning new full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries that will feature an extensive menu of delicious favorites from the Far East, along with a striking Asian-themed décor (no charge for lunch with a nominal fee for dinner)
  • An expansive casual poolside eatery, Lido Marketplace, offering a seemingly endless array of delectable favorites from around the world, from paninis and pizza to a deli offering piled-high sandwiches and just about everything in between
  • *A new casual dining option, “The Comfort Kitchen,” located within the Lido Marketplace and offering a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes
  • Completely renovated main dining rooms that will offer extensive menus and wine lists, with a tantalizing selection of salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts nightly, including Carnival’s legendary chocolate melting cake
  • A newly designed coffee bar, serving a wide range of sweet and frothy concoctions such as cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and other caffeinated favorites, along with delicious pastries  and other decadent confections

Carnival Sunshine Bar and Beverage Concepts

  • RedFrog Pub where guests can enjoy the Caribbean’s best rums and beers – along with Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red private label draft brew – and island-inspired pub fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance
  • RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside adaptation of the RedFrog Pub offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red
  • BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor watering hole offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the poo
  • EA SPORTS Bar, a sports and video game lovers’ paradise where guests can catch live sporting events, check out scores on the real-time 24/7 sports ticker, and play the latest EA SPORTS games on a 16-screen video wall
  • Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” that’s the go-to spot for guests seeking a unique experience with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients or guests’ own custom-created cocktails
  • The Library Bar, a warm and cozy venue offering full bar service for those seeking a more intimate spot for before- or after-dinner drinks
  • *An exciting new lounge, Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing
  • *The new Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium where guests can enjoy a cocktail, dance and listen to live music
  • *A new cigar bar concept, with plush, comfortable surroundings, along with fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation

Carnival Sunshine Outdoor Fun and Relaxation

  • *Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, an oasis of tranquility offering plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool, a complimentary dining area with freshly made salads that can be customized by guests, and, of course, magnificent sea views
  • SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes such attractions as a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball, jogging track, ping pong, pool, and foosball tables, and bar with a large flat-screen for those who want to check out the action on TV
  • WaterWorks, a “splash-tastic” top-deck attraction that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages with wet ‘n wild thrills such as the line’s iconic “Twister” water slide, a Splash Zone kids water play area, an all-new thrill slide  and other fun features
  • Carnival’s Seaside Theatre, a poolside 270-square-foot high-tech LED screen offering nightly “Dive In Movies,” along with a variety of concerts, sporting events and other programming, all of which are enjoyed in the fresh sea air

Carnival Sunshine Entertainment

  • Playlist Productions, which builds upon Carnival’s reputation for high quality entertainment by combining captivating live performances and spectacular staging and special effects to create enthralling music revues produced by the top directors and choreographers in the industry
  • Hasbro, The Game Show, where guests are part of the show through a series of larger-than-life productions and entertainment activities based on the company’s iconic and popular games and presented in the ship’s remodeled main show lounge
  • Piano Bar 88, a new twist on Carnival’s popular piano bar concept that will amp up the excitement with themed nights, an engaging new décor and opportunities for spontaneous sing-along fun
  • The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez, featuring a hilarious line-up of both established and up-and-coming talent evaluated and vetted by the popular TV personality who serves as Carnival’s “curator of comedy”
  • The Punchliner Comedy Brunch, for those who want a little merriment in the morning, serving up laughter along with delicious cuisine

Carnival Sunshine Staterooms, Shopping and More

  • All staterooms will be fully revamped and feature a new tropical décor that pays homage to the ship’s Caribbean itineraries with a combination of bright colors and soothing pastels, with 182 new staterooms to be added across a broad range of accommodations from interior to balconies, including 96 new spa staterooms
  • Newly designed play areas catering to kids in three age groups, part of the line’s top-rated children’s programs – Camp Carnival (2-11), Circle “C” (12-14) and Club O2 (15-17), with enthusiastic counselors and fun supervised activities for each group, along with popular elements of Carnival’s new partnership with Hasbro
  • The FunHub, featuring dozens of flat-panel stations for keeping up with the latest Carnival Sunshine happenings, surfing the Web, and staying in touch with friends and family back home
  • Cloud 9 Spa – Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, this newly constructed facility will set a new standard in oceangoing wellness with a sophisticated menu of exotic therapies, an elaborate thermal suite with varying degrees of soothing warmth, private treatment rooms, and the latest exercise equipment
  • Cherry On Top, which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more
  • Ocean Plaza, a stunning café and entertainment venue where guests can meet new friends, listen to music, enjoy drinks and light snacks, participate in a wide range of activities and people watch

Carnival Sunshine European and Caribbean Itineraries

Carnival Sunshine will launch a series of Mediterranean cruises beginning with a 14-day voyage departing from Venice April 12 and arriving in Barcelona April 26, 2013. The ship will then operate a series of 18 nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises either round-trip from Barcelona or sailing between Barcelona and Venice.  These departures will visit a wide variety of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular ports, including Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Carnival Sunshine will then sail on a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing departing Barcelona Nov. 1 and arriving New Orleans Nov. 17, 2013, positioning the vessel for its year-round deployment from the Big Easy.

Following a special six-day cruise from New Orleans Nov. 18-24, 2013, Carnival Sunshine will launch its year-round seven-day cruise schedule from that port Nov. 24, 2013.  Three different week-long itineraries will be offered – an exotic western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico; a Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; and western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.

Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans.  Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.

Miami's Ten Best Bakeries: Calling All Carb-Hounds




Hunting down fresh baked goods worth the calorie intake is a feat requiring carbohydrate perseverance. Most often, we hear complaints from local pastry chefs about the water and the humidity, which can effectively drain the life out of breads and cakes. The cry-out for good pastry in Miami is guttural, like a wailing howl, "where does the buttery, flaky, goodness lie?"

Don't fret, from cupcakes filled with cream to rolls studded with jalapenos and cheddar cheese, there are fantastic bakeries ranking high on the feel good scale of consumption. You'll find surprising assortments within the city's gourmet grocery stores, authentic French patisserie, and naturally, a few that specialize in Cuban and Latin American delicacies.

Both sweet stalkers and savory loaf seekers will find a bakery to call home on our list of the city's top ten. If visions of frosting, chocolate and flour dance in your pastry filled head, this one is for you.

 

10. Epicure
This gourmet grocery has a fairly impressive array of bakery items that reek of old school deli. Epicure is where you'll find a decent black and white cookie, rugelach just like Bubbi bakes, and classic 7-layer cake. Pick up a soft, doughy challah for fabulous French toast making, or a few fruit filled danish, drizzled with a smattering of thick white frosting. The cinnamon raisin loaves are outstanding, and this is the only place on our list to deliver a traditional rye bread.


9. El Brazo Fuerte Bakery
Pastelitos are the specialty at El Brazo Fuerte Bakery, stuffed with either a savory mix of beef, ham, or tuna, or the expected guava and cheese combo, this bakery does them well. Get a Pan de Bocadito (Pullman Bread) as well as pizza pastry so you can bring the bakery home to your own kitchen. From red velvet to chocolate, they bake up old fashioned looking birthday party buttercream cakes with lots of cute cartoon characters that would make any kid happy.



8. Karla Bakery
If you want the famous "ham bread," you will have to call it in, since it's only baked to order. But there are plenty of other breads and crackers always available at any of the Karla Bakery locations, ranging from Cuban bread to French baguettes, to multi-grain and pumpernickel. The "Dobosh" cake has seven individually baked layers intermittently slathered with an almond liquor scented buttercream frosting, and we highly recommend their "Gypsy" cake, a giant roll available in three flavors: cappuccino, chocolate and a dulce de leche version, which is heavenly.



7. Yiya's Gourmet Cuban Bakery and Cafe
Most important thing to know about Yiya's Gourmet Cuban Bakery is that it's super cheap, so you can walk away with a huge bag of goodies, minus the financial remorse. Meat and cheese savory pastries, custard and coconut sweet ones, cupcakes, cookies, Cuban flan, hardly anything on the baked goods line-up is over three dollars. That low as can be price point also applies to their global display of freshly baked breads, including Pan Gallego (a rustic Spanish loaf), Italian Ciabatta, and Indian Naan.



6. Le Royal French Bakery
Celebrated for pretty little tartlets and chosen as the winner of 2011's "Best Croissant," Le Royal French Bakery is an authentic taste of Paris in South Miami. This café opens early, 6:30 a.m., so if you want the freshest baguette and brioche, set your alarm (they have been known to run out of bakery wares by mid-afternoon). Croissants are stuffed with almonds, apples, ham; there's even an homage to our city's Latin and Cuban roots -- guava and cream cheese. Order a latte and get the pain au chocolat, a sweet way to start the day.



5. Fresh Market
The cake case at The Fresh Market has a wide scope of tarts and pastries, from chocolate mousse cups to traditional petits fours, but the peanut butter and chocolate "stack" reels us in every time. They have blueberry, cherry and peach pies made without any additives, just plain old sugar, fruit and flour. The crusts are crispy and the fillings are very 'state fair.' Speaking of crusty, the excellent bread offerings here range from fluffy jalapeno and cheddar rolls, to Italian Pane di Altamura with olive oil and sea salt.

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4. Puerto Madero
Delicate curls of chocolate crown a mousse cake, glazed strawberries sit at full attention on top of a tart, and you'll find rows of candy colored cups filled with every creamy sweetness conceivable. Although Puerto Madero is technically an Argentinian market selling meat and wine, it is also a great place to order a special occasion cake, or get the entire sweet assortment delivered, they also do an incredible job at dessert catering.



3. Sweetness Bake Shop & Cafe
They make outrageously beautiful cakes that would put even Martha Stewart to shame, and the cupcake display alone could cause a sugar stroke. During the holidays, Sweetness Bake Shop makes an amazing bourbon pecan pie (with Makers Mark) that wins out over anything, anyone in your family could possibly bring to the table. Whoopie pies, bread pudding, brownies, cheesecake, fruits tarts, eclairs...the menu goes on and on, and on. You must try the "Twix" -- vanilla bean cake with salted caramel, topped with chocolate buttercream, toasted shortbread cookies and more salted caramel.
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2. Solo Cafe and Patisserie at the Fontainebleau
This is where bakery fantasies come to play in Miami, because Solo Cafe and Patisserie is a wealth of sugary beauty on display. Executive Pastry Chef Jordi Panisello is a career pastry professional named one of the ten best in the U.S. by 'New York Times Magazine.' He imagines rainbow hued concoctions filled with creams and mousses, as well as cupcakes and croissants. The morning brings doughnuts, muffins, bear claws and cinnamon rolls, making this a sure spot for breakfast baked good cravings.



1. Buena Vista Deli
The ideal bakery does both sweet and savory well, and this is why we choose Buena Vista Deli as our ultimate choice on the list. Buena Vista Deli's croissants are flaky perfection; their ciabatta loaves and baguettes to go, are first stop shopping for any bread aficionado.The French brioche is unrivaled locally by any other bakery, but they only have a few at a time, so call ahead (just in case we've already been there). And then there's the dessert spanning the bakery case - how does one choose between a puffy Paris-Brest with hazelnut cream, a chocolate layered Opera, or the ideal coffee eclair? It's just too much to ask of anyone, you will have to get them all.

April Events

Lots of Events for April so remember Let's Go Out and About!!!! 



Wrestlemania 2012



Dr. Wasabi's Wild Adventures
Sunday, Apr 1 11:00a
at Jungle Island, Miami, FL



Nautica South Beach Triathlon
April 1, 2012
The sister event to the Malibu Triathlon, which is the premiere event in the sport of triathlon. Features a half-mile swim, 18 mile bike ride and 4 mile run.


Bridal & Quince Extravaganza
Sunday, Apr 1 1:00p
Bonjour!
Tickets at the door: $5
Self Parking & Valet only $4  
For more information contact (786) 374 - 9932 Or email mmpremiumevents@yahoo.com




Florida Renaissance Festival (Miami)
March 31 & April 1, 7 & 8, 2012
An enchanting event with performers such as sword fighters, minstrels, and magicians, plus battling knights on horseback, food, games, and merriment of all types.




Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Miami - 2012
Monday, Apr 2 6:00p
at Jungle Island, Miami, FL
The Biggest Baby Shower Ever is like no other baby shower you've ever seen. With over 50 of the best companies in the baby industry, it's a one stop shop to test out, touch, feel and get educated on everything you can possibly need for your growing family. Enjoy mingling with other expectant and new parents while you enjoy product demonstrations, sampling, educational seminars, sweet treats, mocktails and more in an elegant setting.


SoBe Tour des Forks
Monday, Apr 2 11:00a to 2:00p
Miami Food tours presents three-hour walk through South Beach's Art Deco District with stops at five restaurants and cafés. Food tastings, enough for lunch, are included in the ticket price.


Vizcaya Moonlight Garden Tour
Wednesday, Apr 4 6:30p
Enjoy Vizcaya's breathtaking gardens along Biscayne Bay under the light of the full moon. Enjoy informal concerts of live music. Light refreshments for sale in the courtyard of the Main House. Vizcaya's Volunteer Guides will be on hand to answer questions and lead area tours in the gardens. Reservations are not required. Not all garden areas are wheelchair-accessible.

 

Miami Marlins - Opening Night vs. St Louis Cardinals
Wednesday, Apr 4 8:00p
at Marlins Ballpark, Miami, FL





Join us for Food Trucks, Live Music & Farmers Market at the weekly Taste & Sounds of Miami!
Thursday, Apr 5 5:00p to 9:00p

Miami Vinyl: The History of Record-Making in Miami Part I: The 1970s and earlier
Thursday, Apr 5 6:00p to 9:00p
at Miami Art Museum, Miami, FL


 
Bunny Palooza
Friday, Apr 6 9:30a
at Miami Seaquarium, Key Biscayne, FL
The ultimate Easter Egg Hunt Celebration, returns to Miami Seaquarium® featuring continuous egg hunts, kids rides, Easter parade and much more.
Please call to verify event start time.



Easter Bunny & Family Fun at Mall of the Americas
Friday, Apr 6 2:00p to 6:00p
at Mall Americas, Miami, FL
Meet and take pictures with the Easter Bunny on Friday, April 6, from 2pm - 6 pm, or Saturday, April 7, from Noon - 6 pm. Pictures cost $6. On Friday, the first 100 customers who bring a proof of purchase at the mall to the management office can have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny for free.



Bailar Miami
Friday, Apr 6 8:00p
at Magic City Casino, Miami, FL
Magic City Casino presents the third annual Bailar Miami dance competition and get a chance to win $2,000


 
Bandshell Skate Night
at North Shore Bandshell, Miami Beach, FL
Friday, April 6 from 6:00pm-8:00pm & April 20
Enjoy skating under the stars at our new North Shore Bandshell Park – FREE!!


EGGSTREME HUNTS, CONCERT & CARNIVAL
http://www.coralgables.com/index.aspx?page=586
Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Join Coral Gables Parks & Recreation as we celebrate Spring with EGG HUNTS, a CONCERT and CARNIVAL!

EGG HUNTS: 10 a.m. at 5 participating parks. Find a GOLDEN, SILVER or BRONZE EGG and win fabulous prizes. Additional egg hunts will follow at the Youth Center field. FREE

Immediately after the egg hunts...
CONCERT: at Youth Center field. The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music will present the Windsor Folk Family group of musicians, who will perform traditional American folk songs through classic music instruments and beautifully harmonized vocals. FREE

CARNIVAL: Enjoy rides and games at the Youth Center field for the entire family. FREE
Participating Parks:
  • Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive
  • Jaycee Park, 1230 Hardee Road
  • Phillips Park, 90 Menores Avenue
  • Salvadore Park, 1120 Andalusia Avenue
  • Sunrise Harbor Park, 25 Sunrise Avenue


Food Trucks and Cocktails with DJ Oski
Saturday, Apr 7 6:00p
at Tobacco Road, Miami, FL
Tobacco Road’s Food Trucks & Cocktails with DJ Oski in the parking lot and South Florida’s finest food trucks from 6pm-12am. Fun games, cocktails and no cover and all ages are welcome.



Farmer's Market Weekends at Tropical Park
Saturday, Apr 7 9:00a to 3:00p
at Tropical Park Stadium, Miami, FL



Spring Eggstravaganza
Saturday, Apr 7 10:00a to 12:30p
at North Shore Bandshell, Miami Beach, FL
Enjoy the amusements, crafts and photographs with the bunny. Concessions will be sold. Egg hunt for children 10 and younger.


 
3rd Annual Golden Key Gets SunSmart 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, Apr 7 8:00a
at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, FL




 
Jungle Island Easter Eggstravaganza
Apr 6-8, 2012

 
Coconut Grove Farmers' Market
Saturday, Apr 7 10:00a to 5:00p



 
Easter Brunch on Jungle Island
Sunday, Apr 8 11:00a to 4:00p
at Jungle Island, Miami, FL

 
"Hop" Into Easter at Dadeland Mall
Saturday, Apr 7 9:00a
at Dadeland Mall, Miami, FL
Families can get pictures taken with the Easter Bunny starting this Friday, March 23 through Saturday, April 7. To celebrate the HOP Blu-ray™/DVD launch date on March 23, kids will have the chance to receive an adorable HOP plush character given away randomly every hour, at the top of the hour during the Easter Photo Experience event, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Also, Kidgits Easter Eggstravaganza is on Friday, March 23 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Saks Fifth Avenue Corridor.


"HOP" Into Easter at Miami International Mall
Saturday, Apr 7 9:00a
at Miami International Mall, Miami, FL
Families can get pictures taken with the Easter Bunny starting March 23 - April 7. To celebrate the HOP Blu-ray™/DVD launch date on March 23, kids will have the chance to receive an adorable HOP plush character given away randomly every hour, at the top of the hour during the Easter Photo Experience event, taking place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Simon Kidgits Club will also host anevent on Saturday, April 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Center Court.


Sunny Isles Beach Egg Scramble
April 7, 2012 from 10 am - 2 pm
Celebrate Spring with games, rides, music and more at Pelican Community Park in Sunny Isles Beach.
18115 North Bay Road

 
Zoo Miami's Great Egg Safari
April 7 & 8, 2012
Visit ZooMiami for egg safaris, photos with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, music, prizes, and more.

Novecento Easter Brunch
Sunday, Apr 8 10:30a to 4:00p
at Novecento - Brickell, Miami, FL
Novecento will be serving a la carte Easter brunch from 10:30 am to 4 pm with complementary Mimosas until 1pm. Argentinean Parrilada and regular menu also available.


 

Miami Baseball vs. Florida Gulf Coast
Wednesday, Apr 11 6:00p


Frost Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, Apr 11 8:00p

 
Miami Beach Jazz Day Celebration
Friday, Apr 13 4:00p to 8:00p
at Collins Park, Miami Beach, FL


Moonlight Concert - Jennings and Keller
Friday, Apr 13 6:00p to 9:00p
at The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove, FL
Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, bring your friends and family and join us on the lawn of The Barnacle for an evening concert under the skies of South Florida. Enjoy an evening of folk music played by local favorites Jennings and Keller. Gates open at 6pm, music from 7-9pm. No pets please.


Bandshell Movie Night
Feature Film: “Hop” Rated PG
at North Shore Bandshell, Miami Beach, FL
Friday, April 13 from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Come out and enjoy a movie under the stars at our new North Shore Bandshell Park – FREE!!
http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/parksandrecreation/scroll.aspx?id=15892
&

April 27 – “The Three Musketeers” Rated PG-13



 
Miami International Agriculture & Cattle Show
April 13-15, 2012
Cattle breeders from all over the world meet for live music, educational booths, product vendors, shows, and activities for kids.







Bikini Jazz live @ PAX 
Friday, Apr 13 9:00p to 11:30p
at PAX, Miami, FL
Bikini Jazz is a Latin band whose wide-ranging musical approach draws from tropical styles such as bossa nova, cumbia, salsa, afro-latino rhythms mixed with jazz. Founded in Miami, FL., the multicultural band has an extensive original repertoire. Bikini Jazz’s founding members are Eli La O (Cuba), Davidsound (Colombia), and Reynaldo Pena (Venezuela).



TARZAN'S CUP - Toughest 5k Around
Saturday, Apr 14 8:00a
at Virginia Key Beach Park, Key Biscayne, FL
TARZAN'S CUP
THE TOUGHEST 5K OF YOUR LIFE!
 


South Miami K-8 Center "Peace, Love, Carnival"
Saturday, Apr 14 11:00a to 4:00p
at South Miami K-8 Center, South Miami, FL
Community event with rides, carnival games, dunk tank, delicious food and a silent auction.


Fourth Annual Golf for Art
Saturday, April 14, 2012 
Hollywood Beach Golf Resort 
1600 Johnson St., Hollywood 
954. 927. 1751

PhilanthroFest
Saturday, Apr 14 12:00p to 6:00p
at Midtown Greenspace, Miami, FL


 
 Pinecrest Earth Day Festival
Sunday, Apr 15 11:00a to 6:00p
at Pinecrest Gardens, Miami, FL
Join us at the Village of Pinecrest Earth Day Festival. The festival showcases green vendors and organizations that support green initiatives. In addition to going green, the festivities include, food vendors, children's activities, workshops and exhibits, Miss Earth Day Fashion Show and musical performances.


Miami Beach Gay Pride
April 15, 2012
Gay Pride events will include a parade down Ocean Drive, a business and health expo, an international pavillion, presentations and performances.




Miami Rum Renaissance Festival
April 16 - 22, 2012
Deauville Beach Resort
6701 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL USA



United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival Brews & Bites
Wednesday, Apr 18 6:00p


Sixth Annual Faces of Hope Luncheon
Wednesday, Apr 18 12:00p
at Biltmore Hotel, Miami, FL




United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival Taste & Toast
Thursday, Apr 19 6:00p
at The Village of Merrick Park, Coral Gables, FL



United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival Interactive Dinner
Friday, Apr 20 6:30p
at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL





United Way Miami Wine & Food Festival Cellar-bration
Saturday, Apr 21 6:30p
at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Miami Beach, FL

Roméo et Juliette presented by Florida Grand Opera
Saturday, Apr 21 7:00p



The Fresh Beat Band
The Fillmore Miami Beach @ Jackie Gleason Theater Miami Beach
Tues, April 24 @6:30pm

 

Brickell Fashion Week
Wednesday, Apr 25 7:00p
at Central Park Miami, Miami, FL
Brickell Fashion Week™ is coming Spring 2012 to Miami! This annual, upscale, multiple day fashion event is showcasing local, national, and international fashion designers. With our multi-media, press, and printed publications reach internationally with a heavy emphasis on each of the individual designers' hometown, this an event you don't want to miss! 

 
Death and Harry Houdini
Thursday, Apr 26 7:30p


 


Viernes Culturales / Cultural Fridays
April 27, 2012
Free monthly cultural event and street fair on the last Friday of each month showcasing music, dance, poetry, and the visual arts.





 
Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens Presents Debbie Orta
Saturday, Apr 28 8:00p
at Pinecrest Gardens, Miami, FL





Spring FEST Miami 2012
Saturday, Apr 28 & 29 10:00a
at Fair Expo, Southwest Miami-Dade, FL
Yearly event that brings together local merchants, artisans and services Includes shopping, food and entertainment.


Miami Beach Polo World Cup
April 27-29, 2012
Want to see horses on the beach? Then come to this international polo tournament featuring teams from around the world.



Art of Storytelling International Festival
April 28, 2012
Visit the Miami-Dade Cultural Plaza for storytelling, music, food, literary characters, puppet shows, dancing, arts and crafts, teen activities, face painting and more.


Afternoon Tea at Fairchild
April 29, 2012
An elegant tea party at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, held most months of the year.


"Arts in the Parks"
Free Soundscape Cinema Series
Miami Beach soundscape is located at the southwest corner of 17 street and Washington Avenue
Movies playing: Wednesday Nights at 8:00pm
http://www.miamibeachfl.gov/news/scroll.aspx?id=61665