Viernes Culturales Cultural

15 years in SOFLO and my first Viernes Cultural! NOT my last . I never expected to enjoy so much a night walking in Little Havana, So many food choices that I decided to try a little here and there. Its only 3 blocks aprox of establishments so BE AWARE of the parking costs... a true RIP off. Many places have live music so it's pretty fun and drinks are really affordable. Except for the 2 high end style locations .

This was an incredible experience. Dr. George is just a genius in local history and a very entertaining guide. A must do for tourists and locals.

Excellent monthly festival where merchants stay open beyond 5pm for this open street festival with music food drink and art. Meet artists, other owners make new friends and listen and dance to great music.

Great example of early 1900 wealth. Private residence with elevator, phone, gardens, and dock. Used as a photo site for many events.

A MUST DO!! Last Friday Of Every Month Starting At 7pm. It's An Outdoor AND Indoor Event. Performers And Bands Playing Live Outside AND Inside The Dance Clubs. Art Galleries, Restaurants, Cigar Shops And Stores Offer Samples Or Entertainment To Make Your Night A Great Experience. A MUST DO!!

What a great time, my 3 ye ild was amazed with the musicians, my 8 yr old was amazed how many people were dancing, and my 15 yr old was so happy to see art work and meet the artist/ try chocolate made from the people in front of her. It was lovely, we didn't even walk the whole thing . Can't wait to go back.

Great date night to feel the Miami Cuban soul. Wife and I went and did an appetizer , dessert and bar crawl all in one night, ended up dancing the night away, came for dinner stayed for the whole night !

A fun, free party every last Friday of the month. When the weather is nice, why would you go anywhere else? Live music, dance and fireworks.

Somebody once told me that Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to bring visual arts to Parisians by decorating Paris with paintings and sculptures. I don't know how much of this is true, but what is true is that over and over again someone creates an event where common people are allowed to enjoy fine art. Whether it is at a mall, at a hotel or at a government building, the trend is present and has lasted for hundreds of years. Fast forward to 2012, location Miami, Florida. Viernes Culturales is an event where restaurants, galleries, clubs and street vendors, among others, participate. Starting on 17th Avenue and down to 13th Avenue, merchants set up on the streets of Calle Ocho to turn it into what looks like a street fair. The City of Miami sets up an event area in the alley next to the Tower Theater to host DJs, performers, artists and sellers. Sponsors set up booths around here and offer free tastings and free gifts. Down by the McDonald's on 14th Avenue a mini market is set up where jewelers and carpenters are offering their goods. The restaurants that occupy the vicinity are all open for business. Probably this time of the month is the most active for them, though they don't offer anything special other than their regular menus. The most notable ones are Catharsis and Casa Panza, the latter making a giant paella outdoors. Almost all restaurant have performers playing Latin music or DJs either inside or outdoors. At one of the larger eateries I saw a whole orchestra set up outside. Probably the businesses that benefit the most are the art galleries. Some display the works of many local artist, some are owned by artists displaying their work. Most artwork is for sale, and some is just on loan for the occasion. Many studios also offer complimentary food and beverage, normally paid by a sponsor. The largest gallery of the bunch had a jazz trio when I visited. The band, along with the free wine, made things upbeat and sophisticated. Nightclubs and bars also have their doors open, regardless of the time of day. If you walk down the streets, you'll be able to buy drinks like "mojitos" and "Cuba libres". If you feel like getting down to boogie, you won't have a problem finding a good spot, let alone the fact that people are dancing on the streets. Cigars shops close the roundup, surprisingly hosting performers and smokers alike. If you show up you will definitely have a great time. If you want to have dinner at Viernes Culturales I would recommend checking the restaurants' info prior to arrival. The galleries showcase some amazing artwork, and the streets are filled with beautiful knick knacks. The crowds are large but not suffocating, making it good for kids. Some bars are hosting great parties, and last but not least, you can stop by one of Miami's best ice cream parlors called Azucar.

Where can you taste blueberry, pineapple and mango wine in a colada shot glass? Where do Cuban abuelitas and their family mingle with German tourists, Argentinian jugglers and same sex couples? What about entrancing yourself in a toque de santo while sampling cigars? All this and more can be had for about your $5 parking at Calle 8's Viernes Cultural! The "Viernes Cultural" (or Cultural Fridays) occur the last Friday of every month on about 3 block stretch of Calle 8 (SW 8th Street) between 14th and 17th Avenues during the early evening. For those 3 hours you get to check out street performers, established exilio artists, as well as artists just arrived from Cuba (i.e. the kitty painting). There's also the $3 mojitos and Cuba Libres (rum and coke), as well as the opportunity to check out various restaurants. A couple of the streets had street musicians jamming out to salsa, son and merengue standards, one supposedly with Luis Enrique's drummer. True, the street outside one a couple of the clubs can get a raunchy reggaeton vibe similar to the better known Calle 8 festival, but still it's fun. Heck, one of the times I even saw a couple easily in their late 60's jamming out to Daddy Yanqui "Lo Que Paso Paso" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thw0WQSn7_8 Ah, the beauty of Miami's melting pot!

I've lived in Miami all my life, and have lived within walking distance of Calle Ocho for almost 5 years and only until recently discovered this fun little event. Like many around here, I've seen and heard about it, but never experienced it. Now that I have, I like it. Being a white non-hispanic American who only knows enough Spanish to order food in a restaurant, I have no idea what they are saying in the music that comes blasting out of the various shops. Being a non-smoker, I don't partake in any of the cigar smoking that surrounds me. That doesn't stop me from having a good time though, because it's one of the few times in Miami I can walk around exploring Miami and not feel like the only jerk walking down the street! For me it's all about the energy you feel with all the people around you having a good time, and that's what makes doing things like this worthwhile. Out-of-towners should make it a point to add this to their plans, to see there is more to do than just go to South Beach.

What an amazing time spent with my family! There was live music, vendors selling different items, and a bounce house in the kid area. Little Havana is such a dynamic place where you can eat at a variety of restaurants, ice cream parlors, hang out or drink at bars or just walk around and enjoy a little taste of Heaven...... A definite must see and we will definitely be coming back!

The first Friday... you can party 'til dawn in South Beach. The second Friday, you can rest from fatigue (it may take this long to recover). The third Friday, you can just chill with friends, go bowling, or have a sip of wine with some tapas on the side. But... the last Fridays... you have to go to Viernes Culturales - Cultural Fridays in Little Havana! I'll admit I've only gone a few times, and spent only a few hours each time, but I wouldn't mind going again with friends and visiting tourists. You won't find a better "feel-good" time to walk Calle Ocho than this night. And you'll walk on Calle Ocho more than you normally do, that I can guarantee. This is a good event if you like art (there's 13 art galleries). And that's if you like to walk around outside at night, sample Miami's Latin culture, watch old Cuban couples romantically dancing salsa the night away, browse souvenirs (and jewelry, bags, cute coffee cups, etc.), sip good Cuban coffee or take advantage of some restaurant specials. There's a ton of little things you can do to appreciate this night, and many people actually do. It's a perfect event to take tourists to, since it happens every last Friday of the month, and it's probably the best time to savor Little Havana's eccentricities. The atmosphere is nice - cool breeze, plenty of Latin music, some flamenco shows (inside Casa Panzo or on the stage set on a closed off street), lots of people walking around (think Lincoln Road crowd but on smaller proportions), and very safe, and with most of the stuff located between 14 and 17 avenues on Calle Ocho (SW 8th St). You can see the list of places you can check out here in the website. You park on the residential streets around Little Havana. This event goes on from 6:30 pm to 11 pm.

I feel like I'm in another country; in a good way. The shops, the restaurants, the bars, the languages...all different than the rest of Miami. The people are so nice and unassuming. The food is fabulous. I think everyone else knows this too, since parking can get tough if you get there late. Note to self: get there earlier next time!

for the past couple of months I've had the pleasure of getting to know Calle Ocho mano-a-mano. I'm embarrassed to say I had never really given it the time of day but I suppose it's better late than ever. Every little corner of the street has a story to be told and a charming individual that is willing to tell it. But of all the things I've experienced in this lovely street, nothing compares to the amount of fun I had a couple of weeks ago at their last Viernes Culturales....wow!! Dare I say I had more fun than at the last couple of Art Walks I've attended on Wynwood....no lies. Some of my favorite things are the $4 Mojitos, the street dancer with the doll and the Domino players at the park. They are so amusing to watch, the last time I was there they let me sit in one of the stools and hang out with them while they yelled at each other. Awesome. The little art stands are also the best, one of my particular favorites is usually at the Domino park; a man that sells hand made ceramic cafecito sets. Beautiful! The art, the people, the vibe...really is one of the best Friday nights in Miami, hands down, without a doubt. Also, ever since the Art of Freedom gallery opened, they've been having live salsa and afro-cuban music playing throughout the weekend. Always nice to check it out.

Totes did not know I could review this. Viernes Culturales is a mainstay of my tourist-circuit here in Miami--any time a friend of mine is visiting and it falls on the sacred last Friday of the month, you can bet I will be here. Begin your journey with a frita (Cuban cheeseburger) and a Cuban coffee from El Mago de las Fritas at 4:50/5:00pm. Make it snappy (if you can, you're now on Miami-time) and drive your car over to The Tower theater. Aim to arrive around 5:45/6pm and snag a nice (well lit) parking spot for a measly $5. Join the (undoubtedly) massive crowd below the theater's art deco marquee to begin a FREE walking tour of the neighborhood by UM history department faculty, Dr Paul George. The best part? The tour is never the same twice. My husband and I have gone around five times and have never been on the same tour. One tour was about the history of the Miami Jewish community. One tour was about famous Miami politicians of yester year. Wear very comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella. You will be hoofing it. Afterward, enjoy the sights and sounds and take it slow. There is usually a stage with a performance (music or dancing or both) near the famous Domino park, and a bunch of local art vendors. Buy some wares, casually watch a game of dominos (from afar! and enjoy the evening. Like cigars? You're in luck. People will dance in the streets. Check out the nearby art galleries for a taste of the Miami art scene. Round it all out with Azucar ice cream (across from the Tower) for dessert. You're in Miami, b1tch.

If you have only gone to Miami to hang out on the beach, you are missing out on the culture of the "Gateway to the Americas." To remedy that situation, if you are in the metro MIA area on the last Friday of the month, head out to Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) in Little Havana. As you can imagine from its name, this district is replete with people of the Cuban heritage. Some hail from families that have been in the city since the start of the revolution while others have very recently arrived. Either way, many of them employ Spanish and having a working knowledge will make your experience even better. From 7-11 p.m. on Calle Ocho, between 13th and 17th Avenues, you will see the streets transform to a huge block party, with live salsa bands playing all night long and incredible aromas weaving in and out of the crowds. Art galleries, local artisans selling jewelry and souvenirs, fantastic live bands, shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs teem with people and you may very well start wondering why you never took the time to check this monthly event out before. Don't ponder too long though, as maybe you had never been in Miami on the last Friday of a month or you just plain didn't know. Just let the syncopated rhythms fill your mind and let your nose guide you to a place for dinner. Before ending the night, stop by my favorite ice cream shop of all time, Azucar Ice Cream Company, and get yourself a few scoops. You'll totally be glad you did.

It is what it is. A cultural evening. Don't go there expecting an art extravaganza. This is a low key almost dare I say it, kitchsy event. It reminded me of many small town church event showcasing local talents and artists. A lot of fun watching people dancing at the stage that they have set up by the domino park.

The 5 stars is for the walking tour that a local professor gives of the area every viernes culturales. His tour is very interesting and there is a different tour each month. I highly recommend it if you are planning on attending viernes culturales. It lasts anywhere from an hour to 2 depending on the tour. You are welcome to leave at any time but I don't think you'll be able to. He has many regulars that take his tour each month. There are vendors with arts and jewelry and different types of food. We bought some local honey, ask to try all of the flavors, delicious. Lots of the restaurants have food and drink deals.

This event is pure insanity, imagine way too many people crowded into very thin sidewalks, tiny restaurants, and tobacco shops, all up and down 8th street, while every place tries as hard is it can to drown out every other places music with equally as loud music, that about sums up Viernes Culturales. There are street performers, art galleries, stages with live music, and all sorts of stuff going on. And every month it's a bit different, so you never know what you're going to see.

Visiting from out of town, I felt lucky to be at such a beautiful event. The first art gallery I went to had an exhibit dedicated to the orishas, which is something near and dear to my heart. The paintings were spiritual, colorful, and almost psychedelic. I could tell the artist had a personal relationship with them in a religious context. The musicians were excellent. I loved the lay out. They were scattered about on the sidewalks, in restaurants, and in a beautiful hidden away Cuban cultural club. Most everyone was super friendly. There were drummers, bands, and I even spotted a man in flamenco drag with no wig singing a flamenco/fado type song inside a Spanish restaurant. It reminded me of an Almodovar film. I honestly cannot remember a time when I have had so much fun at a cultural event or felt so at home in a Cuban neighborhood being a blanquita and all. Lol. If you are visiting Miami on the last Friday of the month, YOU HAVE TO GO!

wonder how many yelpers know about this (or maybe they don't like walking around calle ocho at night); it's definitely a fun first time event. Lots of people milling on the sidewalks, restaurants open with loud music blasting, a few street vendors and live music...great time to check out some restaurants like El Cristo.

Last Friday of the month, every month, is the wonderous event known as Viernes Culturales at calle ocho from 6:30 - 11 PM. I highly recommend checking it out. I went for the first time today in a long time and had an awesome time. I loved being immersed in the Cuban culture. The art galleries are outstanding. Latin Art Core was my favorite. The surrealist style of art really speaks to my inner raging yang. Viernes Culturales also gives you a great opportunity to eat some real and delicious Cuban food at El Pub, Casa Panzo, and various little eateries between 17th and 14th avenues. Also, live Cuban music, and random live action art that can be confusing, scary, and yet inspiring. I especially loved the art because it featured many paintings done by my late great aunt who was a famous artist in Cuba. I had very much fun and would like to return to try the Cabaret Club and have someone else drive so I can get loaded :)

not sure if it was cause of rainy weather, but this event has changed alot from the last time we went. during our initial drive out for this event, we found ourselves walking into several galleries which displayed beautiful and even sometimes hard to understand works of arts. this time however, we found it to be very empty and not much to see. one side of the street had 2 or 3 actual art galleries and then alot of bars and restaurants. we crossed the street and did find a couple more galleries, however in order to have a successful Cultural experience, i believe the participation of more artist is needed. it is sad how this is a lost art.

Awesome event with good music, food, and art, but my favorite part is the free walking tour with Dr. Paul George. They meet in front of the tower theatre at 7 pm (I think) and he takes you on an hour long tour showcasing the history and beauty of Little Havana. He does a different tour every time so there are always new things to explore and learn about.