Presidents’ Weekend is one of the biggest weekends of the year in Coconut Grove. For the last 60 years, this is the weekend of the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the three-day festival that celebrates world class art.
Over the years, it has expanded to recognize culinary displays, live performances and other forms of art that add additional color and flavor to South Florida.
This year’s celebration kicks off on Friday, February 17th and runs through Monday, the 19th throughout our charming waterfront village. Here is a summary of what to expect…
One of the top traditions with the Coconut Grove Arts Festival is the annual choosing of the commemorative poster. Each year, a contest is held for the design of the official poster with the winner typically paying homage to something in Coconut Grove’s rich history. This year is no different. Signe & Genna Grushovenko’s entry was chosen, with its midcentury-based feel and honoring the original location of Monty’s, which is an institution here in The Grove.
What started as a small community event is now heralded as one of the nation’s premier art festivals. Over 280 jury-selected artists that are internationally recognized will display their works along the Biscayne Bay waterfront with special events and culinary experiences peppered throughout for the whole family.
Booths are set up along the streets throughout the waterfront parks in Coconut Grove, making for a leisurely stroll as you peruse a variety of types of art. You are able to interact with the artists themselves and choose pieces to purchase.
A list of the chosen artists can be found here, along with their chosen media. You can also find links to their websites in order to preview the offerings.
In addition to the art, festival offers many other immersive opportunities for patrons to enjoy themselves. This year, the Arts and Drafts Beer Garden is being brought to you by La Rubia Pale Ale. You can visit this area to enjoy a craft beer while watching local artists create live works of art inside Peacock Park.
For those with an empty stomach, Flavors of the Grove is convening 10 top-tier restaurants to present a signature dish. Guests will cast a vote based upon taste, creativity, presentation and overall appeal, ultimately choosing the standout dish of the festival.
Immersive experiences are not limited to adults either. The interactive Inner Artists Space encourages kids of all ages to unleash their creativity through a host of events. They will have giveaways, coloring, and Color Boom’s face painting.
For future artists and collectors, there is the Young Collector’s Club. For $5, your child can choose their first work of art to begin their own collection. A rainbow of supplies will be on hand for young artists to experiment with the core principles of art in the Creative Corner.
Tickets can be purchased online at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival’s website, or at the entry. They start at $25 for general admission (ages 13+) up to $165 for VIP admission. VIP tickets include a commemorative poster as well as an open bar with hors d’oeuvres, private lounge with air conditioning and restrooms, lounge seating and a VIP collectable badge. Kids under 12 receive complimentary entry.
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is produced by the nonprofit, Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association. Proceeds help fund year-round arts programs. Since 1963, the association has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools.Â
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