Memorial Day 2019: Miami Takes To The Skies

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Strike up the band, unfurl the flag. Memorial Day weekend is upon us and it's once again time for The National Salute to America’s Heroes to take to the skies high above South Beach.

This year the Hyundai Air & Sea Show takes place on May 25 and 26. Pop sensation Flo Rida will host a live performance concert as the grand finale of the 2019 Hyundai Air & Sea Show on May 26.

The sea events each day are from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., when the air events begin and run until 4:30 p.m. This year's show includes a display by the elite U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels.

There are also tickets available to get front row access for the Music Explosion concert on Sunday, after the air events conclude. The concert event will begin at 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. when it concludes with a fireworks display. The headliner is Flo Rida with performances by Young Musicians Unite, and the U.S. Army Marching Band and U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and Max Impact Band.

Click here for tickets and more information on the Hyundai Air and Sea Show.

As the sun sets and the show comes to a close, the stars come out with Music Explosion. Starting at 4:30 p.m, multiple acts will take to the stage including Young Musicians Unite, the U.S. Army’s “As You Were” Band, the U.S. Air Force “Max Impact” Band, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, and finally Flo Rida at 8 p.m. for a one-hour performance.

The show culminates with a special night-pyro parachute demonstration by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team kicking off a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. Tickets are available for $45 as a Hyundai Air & Sea Show and Music Explosion ticket combo, or $25 for the Music Explosion only. They can be purchased in advance at www.USAsalute.com.

This event is free and open to the public, with the best viewing area being the beach between 10 and 14 streets. There is also more to enjoy for those interested in purchasing tickets like access to The Beach Club at Show Center on Saturday and Sunday with seating, access to concessions, and more.

Weekend Arts and Culture Program

The city of Miami Beach is gearing up to host their first Memorial Day weekend arts and culture focused program with local curators Octavia Yearwood and Jared McGriff who are collaborating with South Florida based artists to produce works that spark crucial conversations about inclusion, blackness and relationships. ReFrame: Miami Beach will speak to both residents and visitors and inspire engagement with Miami Beach cultural anchors, such as Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre, FIU-Miami Beach Urban Studios and The Bass.

“These activations were born from conversations with the community on “How can art and culture step in as a mediator to tell stories from and with different points of view?” said Octavia Yearwood. “In asking ourselves this question, Jared and I are designing an interactive program that mobilizes artists, curators and organizers. We’re looking at how institutions and public and digital spaces can be reimagined during Memorial Day weekend on Miami Beach as an opportunity to explore how to create more cohesive communities.”

ReFrame: Miami Beach will include the following FREE exhibitions and activations:

I See You, Too

An exhibition about how propaganda and misinformation have compromised us. Curated by Octavia Yearwood and Naiomy Guerrero with works by Loni Johnson and Rodney Jackson. Opening Reception, Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On view Friday, May 24 through Monday May 27. 737 Lincoln Road.

Digital Signs by Michelle Lisa Polissaint

Large digital road signs with poetic and witty interventions that subvert common narratives. On view Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27 Between 5 and 10 street, Ocean Drive.

ReFrame Photo Pop Up

An immersive photo pop-up where photographer Michelle Polissaint will capture the true essence of Memorial Day Weekend on Miami Beach. Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. Between 5 and 15 streets, Ocean Drive.

Out of Context, by Chris Friday

Operating with the belief that education is not limited to a classroom, Friday creates “learning environments”, reflecting information that has undergone a context change, back at the viewer. In this way, Friday investigates themes of Identity, Race, Gender, Sexuality and the effects of popular culture on the perceptions of brown bodies. Opening Reception, Saturday, May 25, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On view Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FIU - Miami Beach Urban Studios, 1618 Washington Avenue.

PLAY, LAY, AYE, by GeoVanna Gonzalez

Play, Lay, Aye explores a contemporary queer interpretation of tete-a-tete, a classic French design, which translates as "head to head". The structure acts as an intimate meeting point with its completely open design acting as a declaration, a place to not feel shame or need to justify one's self. This new design is now a place for openness and outness. On view Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. Performance on Saturday, May 25 by Queer Membership Club, This Girls Lunchbox & the FemPower Artist Collective. Noon to 3 p.m. with Open Mic at 3 p.m. The Bass, 2100 Collins.

Betsayda Machado y La Parranda El Clavo

Memorial Day concert presented by Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre. Monday, May 27 at 5 p.m. (Free to the public, supported by the City of Miami Beach) Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road.

Black Panther (2018)

After the events of Captain America: Civil War, Prince T'Challa returns home to the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country's new king. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war. Saturday May 25 – 8 p.m.

Crooklyn (1994)

An exhibition about how propaganda and misinformation have compromised us. Curated by Octavia Yearwood and Naiomy Guerrero with works by Loni Johnson and Rodney Jackson. Opening Reception, Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. On view Friday, May 24 through Monday May 27.

The Bass, 2100 Collins

Memorial Day concert presented by Miami New Drama at the Colony Theatre. Monday, May 27 at 5 p.m. (Free to the public, supported by the City of Miami Beach). Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road.

Free Miami Beach Trolleys

The free city trolleys will be in operation all weekend, and are a hassle-free way to get around. Click here or on the map above for more information about our trolleys.

Patch has compiled the following list of Memorial Day weekend events that we'll be updating throughout the week so remember to check back and refresh your browser for the latest information:

FORT LAUDERDALE

Great American Beach Party

Get ready to kick off the summer with live music, vintage cars, unique art, outstanding entertainment, and fun in the sun for everyone! It's all happening on Fort Lauderdale Beach at the City's Great American Beach Party on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at A1A and Las Olas Boulevard. Now in its ninth year, the free Great American Beach Party features a full day of exciting activities and entertainment for the entire family.

Seven bands will perform on two stages throughout the day treating crowds to a variety of rock 'n' roll, country, funk, dance favorites, and more. Featured artists will include: Swahili Band, Pitbull of Blues, The Storm, Shane Duncan Band, Sabor Latino, and Pocket Change.
At 4:45 p.m., the Great American Beach Party welcomes jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears for an exclusive engagement. Originally formed in 1967 in New York City, the band is most noted for their fusion of rock, blues, pop music, horn arrangements and jazz improvisation into a hybrid known as "jazz-rock." Their top hits include "And When I Die," "Spinning Wheel," "You've Made Me So Very Happy," "Hi-De-Ho," and "Lucretia Mac Evil."

Sandcastle Contest

Award-winning LivingSand artist and sculptor John May returns to present the Great American Sand Sculpting Contest from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the beach from Poinsettia Street to Cortez Street. No experience is necessary to participate in this spirited, friendly competition that has become an annual favorite among families, children, neighborhoods, and businesses. Prizes will be awarded for best sand sculptures in a variety of categories.

Classic Car Show

Automobile enthusiasts won't want to miss the Great American Classic Car Show, presented by Keith's Rods and Customs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 70 custom classics will line both sides of A1A from Cortez Street to Castillo Street giving beach-goers an up close look at a unique collection of vintage hot rods, rag tops, roadsters and muscle cars.

Family Fun Zone

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrity DJ William Pennhouse will bring his one-of-a-kind non-stop energy and excitement to the expanded Family Fun Zone, located on the beach at Poinsettia Street. Activities for children and adults will include music and dancing; face painting; hula-hoop, limbo and Twister contests; water balloon tosses; beach water slides and bounce houses; a cornhole tournament; life-size board games; Florida wildlife exhibits; and much more.

Military Tribute

In observance of Memorial Day Weekend, a military tribute will take place at 1:30 p.m. to honor the men and women who serve our country in the United States Armed Forces. The tribute will be highlighted by a precision free-fall parachute jump by the SOCOM Para-Commandos. In an extraordinary display of timing, accuracy, and precision maneuvering, the Para-Commandos will skydive from 12,500 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and land on targets positioned in the sand at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A.

Click here for more information.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination Healthy Skin will be in Miami Beach on May 25-26 between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteer dermatologists will be performing free skin cancer screenings. Look for an RV parked in Miami Beach on 10 Street and Washington Avenue. Participants will have the opportunity to undergo a high-tech facial image scan to examine sub-surface sun damage, using the Canfield Reveal imager system. Walgreens and Shiseido will also be passing out branded sunscreen samples. The screenings are offered on a first-come basis.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AND OFFERS

Proyecto Tulum

Celebrate the holiday with a weekend-long Veintisiete Happy Hour and a Barbacoa (BBQ). Proyecto Tulum will also offer retired and active armed forces members a 27% discount on their final bill with proof of ID. Offering off-the-menu specialty Zunte Mezcal punch bowls for $27 from 2-7 p.m. Options will range from the Mezcalita with Zunte Mezcal, passion fruit puree, lime juice and agave syrup; and Mula Caliente with Zunte Mezcal, ancho reyes, lime juice and ginger beer; to Zunte Paloma with Zunte Mezcal, grapefruit juice mix and grapefruit soda; and Zunte Passion with Zunte Mezcal, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, lime juice and hibiscus syrup. The celebration will also include offerings of mouthwatering Mexican BBQ dishes until 9 p.m. like the Chicken Supreme Al Pastor, Aji Panca Marinate Churrasco and Pork Sausage, accompanied by Corn on the Cob with Corina Cheese, Grilled Potatoes with Tocino, Crema Limon & Cilantro, and Cucumber, Carrot, Jicama Coleslaw with Lime & Tajin Chile. To keep guests dancing all night long, rotating DJs will handle the turntables offering Tulum summer vibes.

Café Collective

All veterans and active personnel will receive a flavorful cup of drip coffee on the house with proof of government ID. Additionally, these brave men and women can explore all other beverage items for 50% off.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar's is offering two new 16 ounce Watermelon ‘Ritas — the perfect handcrafted summer cocktails. The drinks are topped with a giant slice of fresh-cut watermelon for only $5.99, and just like the homemade food at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, the cocktails are handcrafted using fresh ingredients, too. The Tito’s Watermelon Vodkarita is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sweet and sour and watermelon puree garnished with a lemon wedge and slice of watermelon. The Watermelon Texas Frozen Swirl is a new spin on the signature frozen Texas Margarita, featuring gold tequila and triple sec, swirled with watermelon puree and slice of watermelon.

Phuc Yea

Phuc Yea taps into its Cajun southern influences in celebration of Memorial Day with a cookout of an array of Oysters and $20 Bottomless Bourbon cocktails offerings on Sunday May 26 from 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Fire Roasted Oysters, lemongrass butter, Cajun spiced bread crumbs; Oysters Escargot Style, garlic butter, cilantro, Parmesan, biscuit crumbs ($15 per half dozen); Crispy Oyster Banh Mi, shaved lettuce, herbage, sriracha aioli, sliced tomato ($18). All new Bourbon Bottomless include Bourbon Bellinis with peach nectar, lemongrass syrup, bourbon, sparkling wine; Strawberry Basil Bourbon Punch, fresh strawberry, spicy basil, bourbon, rose wine; Bourbon Bloody Mary, sriracha horseradish Bloody Mary mix, bourbon, house made pickle garnish. Other cocktails featuring remade versions of signature cocktails utilizing our selection of bourbons include the District 5, fresh ginger syrup, lime juice, old granddad bourbon, ginger beer; Lucky Cheng, old granddad bourbon, pho spice syrup, angostura bitters; 10,000 Dongs, Bullet rye bourbon, matcha syrup, lemon lime, egg white, peach bitter; Tear of a Tiger’s Eye, old granddad bourbon, iwai Japanese whiskey, lemon lime, orgeat, tiki bitters, flaming lime and the Tom Who, Old Forrester bourbon, yuzu lemon, pho spice, club soda.

LongHorn Steakhouse Grilling Hotline

This Memorial Day, LongHorn Steakhouse will open its GRILL US Hotline to help guests “raise the steaks” on one of the biggest grilling holidays of the year. Callers can get expert advice on how to bring quality to the grill from one of LongHorn’s expert Grill Masters by dialing 855-LH-GRILL on Monday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This marks the seventh year that the GRILL US Hotline has been available nationwide, logging more than 5,000 hours answering callers’ questions, ranging from grilling basics to hard-core techniques. They can recommend the perfect cut of steak, guide at-home grillers through techniques for any cut of meat, navigate through tricky grilling scenarios – like what to do when a steak is overdone. For those who prefer a more relaxed holiday, LongHorn Steakhouse will be open all summer long. Click here to find the closest restaurant.

Avis and Amazon Joint Offer

Avis and Amazon are offering travelers up to 30% off car rental base rates and 10% back on an Amazon gift card when you book before May 31. The offer is available to customers in the U.S.