Big weekend features Miami International Boat Show, Coconut Grove Arts Festival
MIAMI - South Florida is known for its sunny weather, popular beaches, and a great spot for some fun on the water.
For those who take the latter seriously, we have great news. The 2023 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, which kicked off Wednesday, runs through the weekend from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday,
"Talk about fun in the sun. Bring the family, friends, and relatives, it's absolutely amazing," said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Billed as the largest boat and yacht event in the world, more than a thousand boats of all shapes and sizes will be on display during the show which attracts more than 100,000 attendees.
"An incredible display of boats. Literally thousands of boats. This year new technology is at the forefront. Cutting edge. You know, what's the future with electric boats," said Andrew Doole, President of US Boat Shows.
The show is expected to have a $1.34 billion in economic impact.
The show features everything boating, from kayaks to super yachts to the latest marine accessories, across six locations.
The show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Pride Park, Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Superyacht Miami at Yacht Haven Grande Miami. Click here for a map of the locations and parking.
There are also premium open bars, gourmet food, pop-up activations, and a complimentary water taxi service.
There is no box office for tickets onsite at the show. Those planning to go should purchase their digital tickets in advance and they will be scanned at the show.
Click here for tickets and more information.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected at a total of three festivals and the Boat Show this weekend.
Michelle Barton King, the Board Chair for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that 80,000 people are expected at the Festival which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
She said there will be 285 artists from all over the U.S. and authorities say the event will lead to the busiest three days of the year in Coconut Grove.
"This is the 59th year of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and it is the largest street festival in the U.S. We have amateur artists and that is a different focus in the spotlight of the festival," she said.
Authorities say traffic will be shut down by the festival on South Bayshore Drive and instead of driving down 27th Ave., you should consider taking alternate routes on S.W. 22nd or 32nd Avenue.
Barton King said, "There are definitely parking spaces all the way down from Monty's to the Playhouse. Come on bikes, skates. Come using Metro Rail or public transit or take the trolley to get here."
Bob and Yona Bonneau are tourists from Brattleboro, Vermont who say they are looking forward to attending the Festival and will go there on their bicycles.
Yona Bonneau said, "We are both art lovers so we are both excited about being here when this is happening. But we will bicycle in to avoid traffic and that is environmentally responsible."
Bob Bonneau said, "We love art and this is a lot of art in one small area. We will ride our bicycles in to avoid parking problems."
Art Wynwood will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Herald Plaza on Biscayne Bay, featuring "premium winter contemporary art from 50 international galleries" and you are advised to look for parking in lots and garages near N.E. 14th St, and Biscayne Bay.
The Gay Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday and drivers are advised that S.W. 8th St. will be closed to traffic at the Festival between S.W. 12th and 17th Avenues.