2013 Calendar of Events

Weekly Events

Biltmore Hotel Historical Tours
Sundays at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  Tour of the historic Biltmore Hotel, narrated by professional historians from the Dade Heritage Trust, a volunteer organization devoted to preserving the historic environments of Dade County.  Tours begin promptly in the lobby.  Free.  For more information call (305) 445-1926.  Group tours by arrangement with concierge.

Biltmore Hotel Legends and Stories
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Legends and Stories of the Biltmore, related by a member of the Dade Heritage Trust, in the lobby near the fireplace.  Free.  For more information call (305) 445-1926.

Monthly Events

Gables Gallery Night
Held the first Friday of each month, art lovers are toured via minibus limousine to Coral Gables art galleries and Books & Books bookstore.  Minibuses run continuously throughout the evening, allowing passengers to board and depart at their leisure, as well as stroll the City.  Free.  For more information call (305) 444-4493.

Seasonal Events

Farmers Market
Held from mid-January through end of March; this European-style green market includes over 50 varieties of South Florida produce, baked goods ranging from all natural to creamy pastries and croissants.  Fresh-squeezed orange, grapefruit, carrot and passion fruit juices are also available, as well as fresh cut flowers.  Shoppers deal directly with growers who pick vine-ripe fruit from their fields.  Market takes place in front of Coral Gables City Hall (405 Biltmore Way). 2011 dates: Saturday mornings from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. For more information call (305) 460-5311.

Annual Events

Beaux Arts Festival of the Arts
Weekend juried festival of arts and crafts at the University of Miami campus, held to benefit the Lowe Art Museum.  For more information call (305) 284-3535, option 7.  Website is http://www.lowemuseum.org/

Dade Heritage Days
A series of events celebrating the history of Dade County.  In Coral Gables, the focus is on historic homes built in the 1920s and 1930s.  For more information call (305) 358-9572.  Website is http://www.dadeheritagetrust.org/

Mainly Mozart Festival
Seven successive Sunday afternoon concerts (including a special one for children) of chamber music and lieder by Mozart, his contemporaries and musical heirs, presented by the Coral Gables Cultural Affairs Council in May and June.  The Yearly Festival is played at the Omni Colonnade Hotel and features national and international ensembles.  For more information, call (305) 444-4755.

4th of July Extravaganza
Community concert with patriotic music and song performed by the 80-member Greater Miami Symphonic Band and a community choir, followed by a 20-minute fireworks display on the green of the Biltmore Golf Course.  7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Bring blankets and picnic or buy food at the site.  Free.  For more information call (305) 460-5620.

Festival Miami
The University of Miami School of Music international music and cultural exchange.  Concerts featuring internationally-acclaimed performers, jazz, opera, chamber music, piano and vocal recitals and full symphonic performances are held on campus.  For more information call (305) 284-4940.

Fairchild Tropical Garden Ramble
A horticultural and gardening festival.  Something for the whole family.  Plant sales, exhibits and educational displays, music, gardening and horticultural books for sale, wood crafts and lots of good food.  For more information, call (305) 667-1651.  Website is http://www.ftg.org/

Holiday Tree Lighting
Old-fashioned holiday celebration with carolers, music, the arrival of Santa Claus and special holiday activities for the young and young at heart, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Merrick Park, near City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way.  For more information call (305) 460-5102.  Website is http://www.coralgables.com/

Christmas Caroling
Held at the 550 Biltmore Way Building, area school choirs compete against each other for prize money the first week in December.  For more information call (305) 491-4180.

Junior Orange Bowl Parade
A long-established favorite in downtown Coral Gables, with spectacular floats, displays and marching bands.  For more information call (305) 662-1210.