During the traditionally slow summer months, Miami's top restaurants lure hungry locals out of their homes to indulge at unbelievable prices. Participating restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe menus for lunch and brunch ($30/$35) and dinner ($45/$60, depending on the menu).

 

Self-care is the focus in July and August thanks to the countywide Miami Spa Months program. For the next two months, renowned spas all over the city are offering wellness services at steep discounts, including facials, body cleanses, and relaxing rubdowns. At participating Miami hotel, day, and med spas, get special therapies starting at $109. It's time to treat yourself to the massage your body has been craving because you've earned it. Available at various locations.

 

The International Ballet Festival of Miami is back for its 28th season. Ballet groups from Colombia, England, Slovenia, Japan, the U.S., and more bring their best work to South Florida. Watch in awe as talented dancers from Miami-Dade, Miami Beach, Homestead, and Broward perform with professional dancers from all around the world. The festival spans the whole range of the genre, from cutting-edge works to opulent classical gala performances. It all begins with a broad collection of artistic creations inspired by dance on display at the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center.

 

This family-friendly summer activity has the perfect setting in Fairchild's gorgeous botanical gardens. As the kids participate in scavenger hunts and dragon quests to become knights and dragon royalty, impressive mythological monsters perched across the grounds will spew smoke, roar, and share their legendary tales.

 

Visit the Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay to see Donna Ruff's Terra Incognita Exhibit, which features stunning silk screens on Bhutanese bark paper. Learn how the historical images of the estate shot by botanist John Kunkel Small have been artistically interpreted. Don't miss the artist discussion on August 24 from 1-3 p.m. for an inside look at Ruff's inspiration and creative process.

 

Discover Fascinating Human and Animal Mummies as Well as 80 Unique Artifacts in the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami's "Explore Mummies of the World" exhibit. Learn about the ancient civilizations of South America, Europe, and Egypt. On August 11, make plans to attend the planetarium's mesmerizing laser evenings, which will feature laser lights synchronized to music by Metallica, Taylor Swift, Daft Punk, and others.

 

This summer, the last Friday of July and August marks the debut of Street Art After Dark, a new community event hosted by Wynwood Walls. Drink cocktails and eat from food stalls as you browse sculptures and paintings at the premier street art museum under the stars, music provided by local DJs. At the Street Art Experience, you can also pick up spray painting skills and see graffiti artists from Wynwood Walls make special appearances. For those of legal drinking age, each ticket includes a special welcome cocktail.

 

Bring the whole family to the Miami Children's Museum in Downtown Miami for the Rainbow Families Celebration, which features a dance party where everyone is encouraged to express themselves, face painting, collage creating, interactive story time with the museum's theatrical group, and family photo opportunities. At the conclusion of each class, you can design a rainbow wand or poster for the Rainbow Families Parade.

 

After seeing the new live-action "Little Mermaid" film, take in "Disney's The Little Mermaid" musical at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Downtown Miami for an enchanted experience. The Area Stage presentation takes place in a quaint coastal pub and features sailors and pirates telling the well-known Hans Christian Andersen fairy story. Enjoy a fantastic afternoon or evening of magical entertainment with your kids.

 

The Miami Dolphins' preseason begins on August 1 with a game against the Atlanta Falcons at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Put on your aqua and orange and support the team as they achieve success this season.

 

A chilly pint of beer is the most cooling beverage in the heat of August, wouldn't you agree? When the Miami Coconut Grove Summer Craft Beer Festival visits the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove for the sixth annual celebration, it will be providing precisely that. Along with mouthwatering food and great music, there are over 100 craft beers, excellent wines, craft spirits, and cocktails available for sampling. Visit hipster Coconut Grove for the day, then go to the event, which runs from 7 to 11 P.M.

 

Hard Rock Stadium will host the peerless Beyoncé on her much-awaited Renaissance World Tour in August. One of the biggest music stars in the world! Tickets were still available at the time of publication, but go quickly.

 

Colombian reggaeton and pop superstar Karol G's Maana Será Bonito Tour will return to town for two gigs just one week after Beyoncé performs at Hard Rock Stadium. Fans should act quickly to purchase their tickets.

 

With Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite, everyone's favorite animated canines take center stage at the Arsht Center. This live, interactive production of the lovable puppies is filled with audience involvement, engrossing narration, and a catchy musical backdrop.

 

 

The third annual Black Pepper Food Festival, a culinary celebration of the African Diaspora, will take place in Historic Overtown at The Urban. The exciting celebration will feature Black-owned restaurants and food trucks, a Black Vendor Marketplace, on-site cook-off competitions, guest chefs, and live music from 3 to 8 P.M.