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Award-Winning Chefs Highlight Caribbean Flavors at Food, Wine, and Fete

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Vanessa James Media Celebrates the Return of Food, Wine, and Fete: Miami’s Premium All-Inclusive Soca Fete Experience Celebrating the Caribbean Diaspora.

May 18th, 2024

More than 800 foodie and Soca lovers attended the fete on May 18th, which featured the Caribbean’s most esteemed chefs, culinary creatives, and artists.

Vanessa James Media welcomed the successful return of Food, Wine, and FeteMiami’s premium all-inclusive Soca experience. The event took place on Saturday, May 18th at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s Grand Pavilion. The eagerly awaited second annual event celebrated the diverse culture of the Caribbean, showcasing the region’s most brilliant chefs, mixologists, tastemakers, culinary creatives, buzz-worthy wine brands, rums of the Caribbean and spirits partners eager to connect with South Florida’s vibrant Caribbean community.

This year’s lineup included renowned chefs such as:

  • Chef Irie, recipient of the prestigious James Beard award and the festival’s official culinary ambassador is a Jamaican culinary trailblazer, whose journey from architecture to the kitchen is as bold and flavorful as his Caribbean-inspired dishes.
  • Myriam “Chef Mimi” Charles, the award-winning Haitian pastry chef known for her triumph on Cooking Channel’s “Cake Hunters” and as the founder of Lux Cakery.
  • Chef Alain Lemaire, the host chef of the “Luda Can’t Cook” series on Discovery+, brought his Haitian culinary heritage to life with his renowned dish “Ou Manje Deja style,” showcasing his unique flair and flavor.
  • Celebrity Chef Paul Griffith, an award-winning Barbadian-born culinary prodigy, is renowned for delighting A-List celebrities, top musicians, NFL stars, and professional athletes. Based in South Florida, Chef Paul travels globally, delivering exceptional dining experiences with his unparalleled flavors and signature artistry.
  • Jamaican Chef Troy Tingling of SoulFly Chicken, served up his signature fried chicken sando sandwich and did a tasting on Foodie Avenue showcasing his recently opened SouFly Chicken restaurant in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood community. Chef Troy began mixing Caribbean flavors to create fusion recipes that he uses in his recipes today.
  • Trinidadian culinary sensation Shaun Alexander of Foodie Nation wowed the crowd with a rendition of his viral cocoa-rubbed pork bao bun and pineapple and tamarind chutney sauce.

Chefs gave guests of the fete a taste of what they do in the kitchen and around the world with plays on their signature dishes. Chef Lemaire’s conch tacos, Chef Irie’s snapper escovitch with breadfruit salad, and Chef Paul’s Bajan-style macaroni pie with crisp pork belly were all received with heavy applause.

Alongside the chef demos, this year’s fete also showcased local caterers and small businesses on “Foodie Avenue”. These culinary creatives brought their flavor to the experience, showcasing a little bit of their island’s flair. Kimesha Chong of Kanin Catering, known for her Caribbean vegan dishes sampled her play on a jerk oxtail taco using breadfruit while UserXCatering wowed guests with a play on Trinidad’s official street food “doubles”. WIPS pepper sauce also joined in on the action making their signature “chows” in cucumber, mango, and pineapple flavors using their staple scotch bonnet-infused pepper sauce.

No Caribbean fete experience would be complete without the electrifying sounds of Soca music, the driving force and rhythm behind many fetes and all-inclusive experiences around the region. Food, Wine, and Fete delivered a jam-packed lineup of the most buzzed-about DJs and Soca Artistes, Teddyson John of St. Lucia and King Bubba of Barbados, who not only performed at this year’s experience but tried out their hands in the kitchen too! Vincentian soca singer, Kevin Lyttyle also joined in on the soca musical extravaganza.

DJ Ryan Sayeed, LL Cool Blaze, TeamSoca’s DJ Spice, Barrie Hype, and DJ Mark D turned up the heat, electrifying the crowd all evening. Tourism brands also got in on the action with spectacular getaways including The Buccaneer Hotel which surprised one lucky winner with a 4-day, 3-night stay to their spectacular property in the St. Croix, USVI along with a foodie tour 2. St. Lucia’s coveted Calabash Cove Resort and Spa also awarded one lucky patron with a lavish 5-day, 4-night stay.

Premiere Spirits sponsor Proximo Spirits rolled out a nine-round tasting and clear old-fashioned showcasing their Cristalino Collection of tequilas including their popular Dobel Maestro, 1800, and El Gran Centenario. Wine lovers were treated to an array of wines including La Fete Rose, The Pale Rose, Château La Mascaronne, and rum aficionados were treated to neat pours by Dominican brand Ron Barcelo along with tastings by Carib Brewery featuring Caribe hard cider, Shandy spritzers and their Caribbean staple, cold classic Carib beers. Guests were treated to a dazzling drone courtesy of Luna Lite Drone Show Company to close out a day of food, fun, and feteing.

“We are so deeply humbled and filled with gratitude by the outpouring of support we received for our second annual Food, Wine & Fete. Over 800 people joined us in celebrating the passion, world-renowned food, infectious energy, and unique culture that is the melting pot of the Caribbean” says event co-founder Vanessa James. “We created Food, Wine, and Fete with one goal in mind; to amplify and celebrate the array of creatives that we have had the pleasure of connecting and working with throughout the years who often get overlooked. Our goal is to continue to grow this unique festival year after year, and spark a new generation of cultural events and experiences that elevate Caribbean ingenuity and culture,” says James.

Participating sponsors for Food, Wine, and Fete 2024 included: Vanessa James Media, Proximo Spirits Cristalino Tequila collection, La Fete Rosé, The Buccaneer Hotel – St. Croix, Virgin Island Food Tours, The Calabash Cove Resort and Spa St. Lucia, Ron Barcelo, The Pale Rosé, Carib Beer, Caribe Hard Cider, WIPS (West Indian Pepper Sauce), Best Dressed Plate, LifeNetforFamilies, and Franki Fitz Consulting and LunaLiteDrone Show.

Food, Wine, and Fete offers a unique opportunity for brands to tap into an affluent, well-traveled, and highly motivated diverse community of South Florida’s Caribbean diaspora to showcase their offerings. Partnership and press opportunities allow brands to stand out amid a sea of motivated patrons eager to engage. For more information about future partnerships and sampling opportunities, visit www.foodwineandfete.com. Follow the Food, Wine, and Fete fun on Instagram and Facebook.

About Food Wine & Fete:

Founded by Vanessa James and Marcos Rodriguez, Food, Wine, and Fete is a premium all-inclusive Soca fete experience celebrating the Caribbean’s vibrant culture – our chefs, artists, and community. Conceptualized with a deep-seated passion for celebrating Caribbean roots and amplifying the creativity of the vibrant and talented diaspora. Born out of a love for travel, carnival, Soca music, and the delicious culinary scene of the Caribbean, Food, Wine, and Fete was born.

The first-of-its-kind all-inclusive Food, Wine, and Fete is an annual event that debuted in 2019 to a sold-out crowd of 500 foodies and Soca aficionados with a similar passion for celebrating Caribbean culture. In its second year, returning to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Food Wine & Fete will also highlight Caribbean brands, and feature curated pop-up experiences, giveaways, and a few fun surprises.

As proud children of the Caribbean, this legacy project is Vanessa and Marcos’ unique way of highlighting the diverse Caribbean diaspora and its many touch points including travel, music, food, and live culinary experiences. Although the Caribbean is known as the birthplace of rum, wine enthusiasts are now able to explore the many pairings of their delicious island food with their favorite wine too. For more information about partnership opportunities, vendor sampling opportunities, and press inquiries, visit www.foodwineandfete.com. Follow the Food, Wine, and Fete fun on Instagram and Facebook.

  • Chef Christian Barruos Brens showing off his siganture Cafecito Brownie (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • Chef Paul giving the crowd a taste of his Bajan macaroni Pie with Pork Belly (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • FoodieNation's Cocoa Rubbed Pork Baos (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • Soca artist King Bubba and Host Barrie Hype getting the crowd hyped (Photo by Colin Subratie)

  • Kevin Lyttle, Chef Irie, Carla Hill, King Bubba (Photo by Colin Subratie)

  • La Fete Wine served up their signature Rose and White blends to our guests (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • rumRon Barcelo gave patrons a taste of their signature Imperial (Photo by Colin Subratie)

  • Founders Marcos Rodriguez and Vanessa James (Photo by Colin Subratie)

  • Food, Wine and Fete (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • Chef Irie, Teddyson John, and host Carla Hill cooking live during their interactive Soca Demo (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • Premiere Sponsor - Cristalino Collection of Tequilas by Proximo Spirits showcasing their Clear Old Fashion (Photo Ricardo Reyes)

  • A Feter enjoying the Soca music (Photo by Colin Subratie)

  • Cessie Cerrato, Valérie Damaseau, President St. Martin Tourist Office, TV Host Carmen Ordonez, Celine Gumbs, St. Martin Tourist Office (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

  • Chef Alain Lemaire giving the crowd a taste of his infamous Haitian style Conch Tacos (Photo by Ricardo Reyes)

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Events

Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU Transform Tequila Town

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Miami Swim Week ventured beyond the traditional runway on Sunday afternoon as designer Lila Nikole unveiled her highly anticipated collaboration with Platinum FUBU at Tequila Town.


June 1, 2026

Unlike the nightclub runways and fashion tents that dominate Swim Week, this presentation offered something entirely different: an immersive experience that blended fashion, culture, music, and storytelling into a single event.

Guests arrived at Tequila Town for an afternoon that felt more like a creative journey than a traditional fashion show. The venue buzzed with anticipation as media, influencers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts gathered to experience the latest evolution of the Lila Nikole brand.

Inspired by the spirit and energy of the Brazilian rainforest, the presentation embraced bold colors, powerful visuals, and larger-than-life moments. Models moved through the venue in designs that reflected Nikole’s signature approach to fashion, blending cultural influences, vibrant storytelling, and fearless creativity.

Throughout the afternoon, guests were immersed in a world where fashion extended beyond clothing. Music, movement, and performance became part of the presentation, creating an atmosphere that encouraged attendees to engage with the story unfolding around them rather than simply watch from the sidelines.

What made the event particularly memorable was its ability to blur the lines between runway show, cultural celebration, and artistic performance. Every detail contributed to the experience, from the venue itself to the presentation’s cinematic approach to storytelling.

As Miami Swim Week continued to expand beyond traditional swimwear showcases, Lila Nikole’s collaboration with Platinum FUBU stood out as one of the weekend’s most unique presentations. By combining fashion, heritage, and immersive entertainment, the event demonstrated how modern runway experiences are evolving into something far more interactive and memorable.

For attendees gathered at Tequila Town, it was more than a fashion show. It was a reminder that great fashion tells a story and on Sunday afternoon, Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU delivered one worth experiencing.

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Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan Bring the Heat to Kiki on the River During Miami Swim Week

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Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion continued on Saturday night with a waterfront runway experience at Kiki on the River, where fashion, nightlife, and Miami’s signature energy came together along the Miami River.


June 1, 2026

Known for its glamorous atmosphere and picturesque setting, Kiki on the River provided a fitting backdrop for an evening featuring runway presentations from Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan. As guests arrived by car and boat, the venue quickly filled with influencers, media, designers, and fashion enthusiasts eager to experience one of the week’s most unique showcases.

The evening opened with Copacabana, whose collection embraced the vibrant spirit of tropical destinations through bold colors, playful prints, and vacation-ready silhouettes. The runway reflected the carefree energy of beach culture while delivering looks designed for both travel and resort living.

Mister Triple X followed with a presentation that brought confidence and attitude to the waterfront catwalk. Contemporary styling, statement pieces, and modern silhouettes created a runway experience that felt both fashion-forward and distinctly Miami. The collection balanced bold design choices with wearable looks that resonated with the crowd.

Closing the evening was Capristan, whose presentation combined elegance and resort-inspired glamour. Flowing fabrics, sophisticated details, and polished styling captured the luxury lifestyle aesthetic that has become synonymous with Miami Swim Week. The collection felt perfectly suited for sunset cocktails, yacht gatherings, and waterfront escapes.

What set the evening apart was the setting itself. Unlike the traditional nightclub atmosphere of many Swim Week venues, Kiki on the River offered a more intimate experience where the runway unfolded against views of the water, creating a uniquely South Florida backdrop for the night’s fashion presentations.

As models made their final walk and guests transitioned into the evening’s celebrations, the event demonstrated why Miami Swim Week continues to expand beyond traditional runways. By pairing emerging and established designers with some of the city’s most iconic venues, Art Hearts Fashion continues to create experiences that are as memorable as the collections themselves.

With luxury waterfront views, energetic crowds, and three distinctive runway presentations, Saturday night at Kiki on the River delivered a stylish reminder that in Miami, fashion is never limited to the runway.

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Miami Swim Week Turns Up the Glamour at M2 Miami with a Star-Studded Friday Night Runway

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Friday night at Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion delivered exactly what attendees came for: bold fashion, high-energy runway moments, and a packed house at M2 Miami.


June 1, 2026

The evening unfolded across three runway presentations, each bringing a distinct aesthetic to the catwalk.

The first runway featured Sun Life Beachwear, Cross Colours, Swiss Digital Design, and Brilleska. From vibrant swimwear and resort-ready styles to bold prints and contemporary silhouettes, the opening presentation celebrated individuality and creativity while embracing the energy and color that define Miami Swim Week.

The second runway shifted toward elevated resort fashion with collections from Belle D’Amour, Ca-Rio-Ca, and Vizcarra. Flowing fabrics, tropical influences, and sophisticated beach-to-evening looks highlighted the versatility of modern resort wear, offering designs suited for everything from poolside afternoons to waterfront dinners.

As the evening progressed, anticipation grew for the final runway presentation featuring Sorrento Blu and Giannina Azar.

Sorrento Blu opened the final showcase with polished resort looks inspired by Mediterranean luxury, setting the stage for one of the night’s most talked-about presentations.

Giannina Azar delivered a dramatic finale that transformed the runway into a celebration of glamour, confidence, and artistry. Known for her celebrity clientele and red-carpet creations, Azar’s designs featured intricate embellishments, sparkling details, structured silhouettes, and statement-making gowns that immediately captured the audience’s attention.

The collection embodied the bold spirit that has made the designer a standout presence at fashion weeks around the world. Each look seemed designed to command attention, blending couture craftsmanship with the kind of theatrical elegance that thrives under the lights of a Miami runway.

Beyond the fashion itself, the atmosphere at M2 reflected the unique energy of Miami Swim Week. Influencers, media members, buyers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts filled the venue throughout the evening, creating a vibrant environment where fashion, entertainment, and nightlife seamlessly intersected.

As the final models exited the runway and guests prepared for Jason Derulo’s appearance later that evening, Friday night at M2 Miami proved once again why Miami Swim Week remains one of the most exciting events on the international fashion calendar. With standout presentations, a dynamic crowd, and a memorable Giannina Azar finale, the evening delivered the glamour and excitement that fashion lovers have come to expect from Art Hearts Fashion.

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Fire, Ice, and a Vitamin Boost: Inside Miami Swim Week’s Chicest Wellness Reset at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

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Miami Swim Week is usually all about bikinis, bronzed skin, camera flashes, and running from one fabulous event to the next. But tucked inside the iconic Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, one of the weekend’s most memorable stops offered something every Swim Week guest secretly needed: a chance to sit down, cool off, glow up, and get recharged.


June 1, 2026

Hosted at the Nobu Penthouse, the exclusive Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge brought a luxury wellness escape to Miami Swim Week® The Shows. Created by Skin Sports Society in collaboration with Cellebration, the private RSVP-only experience welcomed select media and influencers for an afternoon of beauty, recovery, and next-level self-care.

Set high above the Eden Roc Miami Beach complex, the Nobu Penthouse provided the perfect backdrop for the experience. With ocean views, sleek interiors, and a refined Japanese beach house feel, the space instantly transported guests away from the nonstop Swim Week schedule and into something much calmer, cooler, and definitely more hydrated.

The lounge was designed around the contrast of fire and ice therapies, giving guests the chance to move between treatments that warmed, cooled, refreshed, and revived. The Fire Experience featured options like LED and red light therapy, microcurrent facials, aromatherapy, and restorative beauty treatments designed to leave skin glowing. The Ice Experience leaned into cryotherapy, cold spoons, cooling masks, oxygen sprays, and chilled recovery moments that felt especially necessary in the Miami heat.

Guests could also enjoy vitamin B-complex shots and IV therapy, adding an inside-out wellness element to the afternoon. During our visit, the B-complex shot was a quick but energizing boost, while the IV therapy stations offered guests a more customized way to hydrate, recover, and reset during one of Miami’s busiest fashion weekends.

The experience also included personalized aura readings by Auratherapy, giving the afternoon a playful spiritual twist. Between the beauty treatments, wellness stations, oceanfront views, and calming lounge setup, the event felt like a luxury spa day with just the right amount of Swim Week sparkle.

What made the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge stand out was how perfectly it matched the mood of modern Miami luxury. Today’s beauty scene is not just about looking good in photos. It is about recovery, energy, hydration, skincare, and feeling confident enough to keep going from the afternoon lounge to the evening runway.

For Miami Swim Week guests moving between shows, parties, meetings, and beachside events, this was the reset button everyone needed. It was chic, intimate, soothing, and just indulgent enough to feel special without losing its wellness focus.

At a weekend known for high heels, high heat, and high-energy fashion moments, the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge proved that sometimes the best Swim Week accessory is a fresh glow, a cold treatment, and a little vitamin boost.

The Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge took place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach as part of Miami Swim Week® The Shows.

When you go to publish this, make sure you talk about the Photo Booth lady and the guy who was providing everyone with the oxygen masks and the shots

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Take PRIDE! Brings Community Together at Galleria

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Pride Month Launches with Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Take PRIDE!” 2026 Benefit Reception and Exhibition Preview Honoring LGBTQ+ Community Advocates.

(more…)

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Melissa Odabash Brings the French Riviera to PARAISO Miami Swim Week

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The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.


May 29, 2026

Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.

As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.

Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.

A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.

The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.

By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.

Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.

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Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon

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The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.


May 26, 2026

Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.

Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.

The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.

At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.

The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.

By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.

In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.

At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.

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Surfside’s Paddletopia 2026 Served Up Sunshine, Sweat, and Veggie-Packed Bites

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Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.


May 18, 2026

Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.

Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.

The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.

Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.

The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.

Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.

To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/ 

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