Just as Memorial Day provides a time to remember and honor fallen heroes of the armed forces, the holiday weekend also invites us to savor the start of summer and explore the city before things really start to heat up. Although it's difficult to capture the magic of Miami in one place, the day-by-day guide below is sure to provide a starting point for Memorial Day weekend plans in and around UM.
On campus for the weekend? View Sebastian Spreng’s “Dresden” and Sheila Elias’s “Painted Pixels” at the famed Lowe Art Museum. Since classes won’t be in session, exploring the John C. Gifford Arboretum will be a blissful way to enjoy the morning before checking the summer dining hours and grabbing a snack for one of the many showtimes at UM’s Cosford Cinema.
Friday, May 25
The weekend may not have officially kicked off yet, but we suggest a visit to the University of Miami Gallery in the Wynwood Building to see Anna Meier’s “Outsider” exhibition before it closes on Sunday. While you’re there, enjoy the Wynwood Walls and if the mood (or hunger) strikes you, stop by the wildly popular Salty Donut and support a UM alum-run business. If art and donuts aren’t what you had in mind, how about relaxing to smooth sounds of (free) Jazz on the Coral Gables Plaza?
Saturday, May 26
From sunup til sundown, there are activities in almost every corner of our vibrant city, especially during the holiday weekend. For those looking to start the day with family fun, the Coral Gables Art Cinema will feature a (free) showing of the sensory-friendly Kid Flix 2, while the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) plans to entertain the little ones with a futbol and art-themed storytime. Interested in taking advantage of South Florida's desirable weather? Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden's Fern and Exotic Plant Show, Crandon Park's Sea and Snorkel Eco Tour, or Oleta River State Park's Full Moon Kayak Tour are sure to have you feeling like a Miami native!
Sunday, May 27
With courses ranging from 17 to 54 miles, South Miami’s Mack Cycle is set to host their last Women’s Ride of the season for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. Those looking for a slower pace, can unwind with yoga and views at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or visit the family-friendly reading at Books & Books, Coral Gables. If theme parks and lazy rivers are ideal for your Sunday adventures check the UM employee discounts that may be available before you hit the road. For those who make their way back to the Coral Gables campus, the new Kislak Center will host the sweet sounds of cellist Zlatomir Fung.
Monday, May 28
As ceremonies and celebrations round out the weekend, there's still time to visit the Miami Beach National Salute (events Friday-Monday). The City of Coral Gables will welcome the community to the War Memorial Youth Center for the official Memorial Day ceremony. If your weekend isn’t complete without a barbeque, head over to the PAMM for their BBQ on the terrace with special musical guests and honors for service members.
Whether you’re planning your own adventures for Memorial Day weekend or you decide to test out one of the local featured events, we're certain there’s nowhere like living and working in Miami! Before finalizing your plans, please be sure to confirm the times and dates of the activities listed above and share your weekend with us on Instagram @Inside_UM.
