This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, which means you have an entire weekend to celebrate (and, perhaps, recover). Here are our picks for the top Fourth of July events in Miami this year.
1. Red, White, and Woods 4th of July at Hyde Beach Miami
Hyde Beach at the SLS {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2990} is known for its wild weekend pool parties, and Saturday, July 4, will be no exception. The fun starts at 11am and will feature guest DJ Michael Woods, who is currently holding down his new residency at LiFE at the SLS Las Vegas.
2. MOB Burger To-Go
If you’ve already been planning your own Fourth of July shindig, consider adding a bit more spice to it by serving burgers prepared by Executive Chef Ralph Colon of Midtown Oyster Bar {3301 Northeast First Avenue, Midtown; 786.220.2070}. The special recipe combines the perfect blend of prime beef, including brisket, short rib, and chuck, blended with a seasoning mix that includes paprika, lemon pepper, brown sugar, cayenne, onion, and garlic powder. Anyone can order a minimum of four 10-ounce patties that can be picked up at the restaurant on the morning of fourth between 10am and noon. You MUST order before Thursday, July 2, at 2pm. To place your order, email: [email protected].
3. Fireworks Spectacular at The Biltmore
The Biltmore Hotel {1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables} will once again be hosting its famous annual fireworks extravaganza. But in addition to this brilliant display of lights, you can join in on an entire evening of patriotic fun. The event starts at 5pm when the open bar begins (through 8:30pm), and is then followed by an extravagant Stars and Stripes Barbecue Dinner featuring all your favorite Fourth of July eats like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue chicken, and more. Afterward, stick around, because you won’t want to miss the incredible fireworks, which begin at 9pm. For reservations, call 855.666.1727 or email [email protected].
But that’s not all! From July 3-5, Biltmore Fontana will serve special breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that will include barbecue specials created by Italian Chef Beppe Galazzi. Also for the fourth, Palme d’Or at the Biltmore will be offering a special $55 three-course menu (from noon-3pm and 5pm-close), starring American classics with a French twist.
4. Independence Day Night Swim at Delano Beach Club
Get ready for a unique Independence Night at the Delano South Beac {1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.924.4071} for a pop-up swim night and pool party, starting at 7pm. Hosted by YesJulz and DJs Tito, Arlette Carlin, and Dave Sol, sounds will be bouncing off the legendary hotel pool, keeping the party going ’til the early morning. Guests will enjoy grilling in the orchard and ice cream carts, while dancers and models provide in-pool performances with glow-in-the-dark beach balls and floaties up for grabs. To rsvp, contact [email protected].
5. An All-American Barbecue, Tamarina-Style
Tamarina Restaurat & Bar {600 Brickell Avenue, Brickell; 305.579.1888} is pulling out all the stops this year with a live band, an endless supply of traditional barbecue staples (including the restaurant’s brand-new, never-before-seen sliders), and unlimited Peroni and Four Roses bourbon. Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence, which inspired the restaurant to offer this special package for just $56.
6. Red, White, and Blue for Two at Oceanaire
The Fourth of July doesn’t necessarily have to be a group holiday. The Oceanaire Seafood Room {900 South Miami Avenue, Brickell; 305.372.8862} is offering a special three-course menu designed for two. Choose from a selection of first, second, and third courses in addition to your choice of bottle of Campanile Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio or 14 Hands Columbia Valley Merlot—all for just $60. If you can’t make it on the Fourth, don’t worry. The menu will be offered from July 1-7.
7. Fourth of July Brunch at Seaspice
Planning on heading out on the water this weekend? Be sure to fuel up first by docking at Seaspice {422 Northwest North River Drive, Miami; 305.440.4200}. And we don’t mean your yacht. On Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm, the waterfront restaurant is offering a special Fourth of July seafood-inspired brunch with menu items include Deviled Eggs, Baked Shrimp and Eggs Casserole, Oysters Rockefeller, and a selection of premium caviar.
8. American Social Brickell’s Supersede Group Takeover
What better place to celebrate our nation’s independence than at Miami’s very own red, white, and blue American-themed restaurant and bar, American Social {690 Southwest First Court, Brickell; 305.223.7004}? Join in the fun overlooking the Miami River, with music by the band Locos Por Juana and DJ Spiff. They’ll also be featuring $10 AmSo Burgers and Kobe beef hot dogs and $4 Tito’s cocktails and Bud Lights. Come for brunch and stay well into the night.
By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor