Miami Broward Carnival, Fun for All Ages

Come to Miami over Columbus Day weekend to dress up in masquerade for the Miami Broward One Carnival, a bi-county event that attracts over 50,000 participants each year. The main event is held at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds on October 9, although other festivities can be found throughout the city.

This exciting festival celebrates the culture, traditions and art heritages of the Caribbean. It’s fun for all ages with celebrations ranging from pageantry to musical performances by world-class entertainers.

Carnival Events

Leading up to Carnival, The Parade of the Bands takes place in early October. It features over twenty masquerade bands parading through the city on a six-mile route. Each band selects a theme and depicts characters from traditional Caribbean folklore. They dress in colorful costumes and beads (think, feather headdresses, sequins and ruffles) while dancing and performing their music. The parade is judged by an expert panel, and winners are selected based on creativity, authenticity and presentation.

Once Carnival begins there are non-stop events including The Steelbands where bands compete for the title of “Panorama” champions playing steel pans and drums for the crowd. The Music Truck is another highly anticipated event of the Carnival weekend. Music trucks make their way to the main stage while blasting music from DJs and entertainers as masqueraders follow along on the street. Both The Steelbands and The Music Truck are judged with expert and celebrity judges who come from near and far to cast their vote and crown the titles.

The Carnival Concert is a showcase of Caribbean talent where acts from the Hispanic and Haitian communities share in the tradition of Carnival and Caribbean music.

One of the biggest highlights of Carnival is the food from Caribbean islands, like the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, Guyana and Dominican Republic. Revelers also enjoy rum and other traditional beverages from across the islands. Dig into delicious jerk, curry and stews—some of the favorite dishes of the tropics.

Carnival culminates in the crowning of the Carnival King and Queen Panorama, as well as the Junior Carnival and the Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant.

Various clubs and venues host multiple nightlife events not officially affiliated with Miami Broward One Carnival, like the I Love Soca party at Mango's Tropical Café.

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