Events
Miami’s Friends Experience: A Nostalgic Tribute
Celebrating the Legacy of Friends in Miami: A Bittersweet Tribute to Matthew Perry.
October 24th, 2023
In the heart of Miami’s Aventura Mall, a bittersweet celebration of friendship and laughter awaits as the Friends Experience takes center stage. Against the backdrop of recent events, including the passing of the beloved Matthew Perry, who portrayed the quick-witted Chandler Bing, the iconic TV show’s immersive world stands as a poignant tribute to the enduring magic of Friends. Eager to uncover the nostalgia and camaraderie embedded in this unique experience, I chatted with Andy Dempsey, the Marketing Manager for the Friends Experience, to explore the journey through the recreated sets and timeless moments that continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
Andy shared the birth of the Friends Experience, originally a pop-up in 2019 celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary in New York. Due to its overwhelming success, it evolved into a permanent flagship, subsequently taking its sets on a nationwide tour. While nostalgia is enough for most spectators, the interactive efforts truly distinguish itself from a traditional museum. Fans are encouraged to step into their favorite scenes (yes, you can even reenact Ross’s famous “Pivot” scene), quote beloved lines, and thoroughly enjoy the immersive journey with friends. This collaborative approach with the fans has led to continuous tweaks and improvements over the years, making the experience a true reflection of what fans cherish.

While discussing the sets’ authenticity, Andy clarified that although sets may vary between locations in the US, UK, Europe and Australia, the core experience remains consistent. The meticulous recreation of each location is a result of a partnership with Warner Brothers, ensuring an authentic representation of the show.
The Friends Experience is set to enchant Miami until March 24th, offering fans a substantial timeframe to relive their favorite moments. Andy also revealed a delightful surprise—on Fridays, the foosball table comes to life with a nod to the show, adding an extra layer of fun for visitors.
The topic of fan engagement continued with a mention of the infamous “Smelly Cat.” Andy shared that visitors are encouraged to perform their rendition of Phoebe’s iconic song with the guitar—an activity that has become a highlight for many.

As our conversation turned to the future, Andy hinted at the continual evolution of the Friends Experience. The team is committed to enhancing the experience based on fan feedback, ensuring that the journey of nostalgia and friendship continues to grow.
After the interview, I explored the merchandise, which included plenty of nods to memorable quotes from the show. The retail store, open to both ticketed and non-ticketed guests, offers a variety of exclusive products, including Huggsy, Joey’s bedtime penguin, and Monica’s break-up jam.
Reflecting on the global impact of the Friends Experience, Andy shared that the original cast members, including Maggie Wheeler (Janice) and the late actor who portrayed Gunther, have visited various locations, adding a poignant touch to the celebration of the show’s legacy.
As I concluded my exploration of the Friends Experience, I couldn’t help but feel the joy and camaraderie that the iconic sitcom had brought to fans worldwide. It wasn’t just a tour; it was a heartfelt tribute to the enduring magic of Friends, leaving visitors immersed in the timeless embrace of friendship and laughter.
A full schedule of operating hours can be found at www.FriendsTheExperience.com/Miami. Timed entry tickets are available starting at $27.50 plus taxes and fees. Guided group tours are also available for groups of 6 to 10 guests. These tours allow fans to visit the space in the morning before general ticket holders arrive as well as ensure maximum social distancing between groups for a more private experience.
To prepare for The FRIENDS™ Experience’s 2023 tour stop in the Miami area, fans can watch Friends: The Reunion special and binge all 236 episodes of the original beloved series.
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Luli Fama Launches Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Swimwear Collection in Miami
Luli Fama celebrates its Paradise Found Cruise ’27 swimwear and resortwear collection with a luxury Miami launch at its Dadeland Mall boutique.
August 20, 2026
Miami swimwear favorite Luli Fama is stepping into Cruise ’27 with Paradise Found, a new swimwear and resortwear collection inspired by tropical escapes, exotic prints and effortless vacation glamour.
South Florida Insider has already taken a closer look at the Luli Fama Paradise Found collection, and it feels made for Miami.
The new Cruise ’27 collection combines the bold, body-confident swimwear Luli Fama is known for with elevated resort pieces designed to move effortlessly from the beach and pool to cocktails and dinner.
On Thursday, August 20, Luli Fama will celebrate Paradise Found with an exclusive evening at its newest Dadeland Mall boutique in Miami, complete with fashion, light bites, personalized surprises, and a luxe espresso martini bar.
Inside Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Collection
Paradise Found is inspired by the feeling of discovering a hidden tropical retreat.
Think lush landscapes, warm golden hour light, exotic patterns, and silhouettes made for somewhere beautiful.
The collection features Luli Fama signatures, including flattering ruched details, seamless construction, adjustable fits, and statement swimwear, alongside an expanded selection of resortwear.
We especially love the pieces that blur the line between swim and ready-to-wear.
Flowing dresses, sleek coverups, and body-skimming silhouettes make it easy to transition from a sun-drenched afternoon to an evening out without losing that relaxed resort feeling.
It is sensual, polished, and unmistakably Miami.
Luli Fama Brings Luxury Resort Style to Miami
There is a reason Paradise Found feels so natural in South Florida.
In Miami, resortwear is not reserved for vacation.
A swimsuit can become part of an outfit. A coverup can take you to lunch. A flowing resort dress can carry you from an afternoon by the water straight into cocktails and dinner.
Luli Fama has always understood that lifestyle.
Paradise Found takes it a step further, creating a Cruise ’27 wardrobe that feels as appropriate for a tropical getaway as it does for a weekend in Miami.
The campaign captures that mood beautifully, pairing the collection with palms, lush greenery, tropical architecture and the kind of sun soaked setting that makes you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.
Paradise Found Comes to Luli Fama at Dadeland Mall
Luli Fama will bring the world of Paradise Found to life on Thursday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its newest boutique at Dadeland Mall in Miami.
The intimate celebration will bring together invited guests, influencers, celebrities and media for an early look at Cruise ’27.
Luli Fama is also dressing invited guests in pieces from the brand, allowing the new collection to be experienced the way it was designed to be worn: in motion, styled and out for the evening.
Luli After Hours Espresso Martini Bar
Fashion is only part of the experience.
For the Paradise Found celebration, Luli Fama is introducing Luli After Hours, an Espresso Martini Bar inspired by the glamour of the collection.
Guests will be able to sip three specialty espresso martinis created for the evening.
The Luli Babe puts a polished spin on the classic espresso martini, while Golden Hour pairs salted caramel with edible gold shimmer. Miami After Dark takes a richer approach with chocolate hazelnut and a cocoa dust finish.
Along with cocktails, guests can expect light bites, curated details and a special personalized surprise.
The result feels less like a traditional retail event and more like checking into a private resort for the evening.
A Miami Swimwear Brand Celebrates at Home
For a brand with such a strong connection to South Florida, launching Paradise Found in Miami feels especially fitting.
Luli Fama has built its identity around colorful, confident swimwear and resort fashion with a distinctly tropical point of view.
Paradise Found carries that identity into Cruise ’27 while giving it a more elevated, escapist mood.
And with Luli Fama’s newest boutique now at Dadeland Mall, Miami shoppers have another destination to experience the brand in person.
After getting our own closer look at Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 collection, we can safely say the name fits.
Paradise has officially been found, and this time, it is in Miami.
Check out the collection HERE
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