A new season of free and Pay What You Can events brings music, culture and family-friendly experiences to the community.
The Adrienne Arsht Center is opening its doors to the community with a new season of free and Pay What You Can cultural experiences designed to bring families and audiences of all ages together.
The 2026–27 Arsht Impact season features more than a dozen community events celebrating Miami’s diverse cultures through music, dance, traditions, education and the arts. Here are four experiences to have on your family’s radar this season.
The following events are free and open to the public:
Rhythm & Roots at the Arsht
September 29–October 4 | Free
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a colorful, weeklong celebration inspired by the South Florida premiere of Buena Vista Social Club™. The Arsht’s plaza will come alive with live music, DJs, dancing, domino games, local artisans and pop-up vendors, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
The celebration will spotlight Miami’s deep connection to Cuban and Latin American music with performances by internationally recognized artists and local favorites, including Yissy García, Mr. Pauer, Leslie Cartaya, Cortadito, Sonlokos and OKAN. Families can also head inside the Arsht to explore exhibitions, artifacts and photography celebrating Cuban culture and stories—and even contribute their own memories to a living oral history project. No ticket is required.
Journey to Día de Muertos
November 1 at 3 p.m. | Pay What You Can: Free; $10 suggested
Discover the beauty, history and meaning behind one of Mexico’s most treasured traditions. The celebration begins outdoors on Thomson Plaza with a Día de Muertos-inspired gathering featuring live music, calavera-making, hands-on art activities and performances.
The journey then continues inside Knight Concert Hall with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Through vibrant costumes, music, dance and storytelling, the production follows a small town in Mexico as families joyfully prepare to welcome the spirits of departed loved ones. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the traditions and cultural significance of Día de Muertos through the performing arts.
Sounds of Christmas: A South Florida Gospel Celebration
December 12 at 7 p.m. | Pay What You Can: Free; $10 suggested
Celebrate the holiday season with an uplifting evening of gospel music, Christmas joy and inspirational performances inside Knight Concert Hall.
Pastor Marc Cooper, Gospel Fest Miami artistic advisor, will be joined by some of South Florida’s favorite gospel voices for a concert filled with powerful songs celebrating faith, hope, community and the spirit of Christmas. It’s a festive way for families to come together and experience the energy and tradition of gospel music during the holidays.
Gospel Fest Miami: Arsht Gospel Choir Invitational
February 7, 2027 at 6 p.m. | Pay What You Can: Free; $10 suggested
Back for its third year, the Arsht Gospel Choir Invitational brings talented choirs and ensembles from across the community to the Knight Concert Hall stage.
Church, community and collegiate choirs will showcase their vocal talent, originality, creativity and showmanship before a panel of judges and a live audience. The groups will compete for a cash grand prize and the opportunity to perform at Gospel Fest Miami, making for an energetic evening celebrating the power of voices coming together.
And There’s More!
These four celebrations are only the beginning. The Arsht Impact season includes more than a dozen events throughout the year, with experiences celebrating hip-hop, Haitian culture, Pride, wellness, family entertainment and more.
For select Pay What You Can performances, tickets are free, with a $10 suggested contribution. Contributions help support Arsht education and community programs, which bring arts experiences to thousands of people throughout Miami-Dade each year.
Visit www.arshtcenter.org for the latest information.
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