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Art Basel Miami 2024: A Symphony of Creativity and Connection

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Zen Gardens, Tequila, and Artistic Revolution: How Art Basel 2024 Took Creativity and Culture to Unprecedented Heights.

December 3rd – 8th, 2024

Greetings, my gentle readers! It’s Noah Torres, your trusted South Florida Insider, here to share another captivating tale from the heart of where all the magic happened. This year’s Art Basel was a masterpiece in its own right, an unparalleled convergence of creativity and culture that left last year’s extravaganza in the dust! The world’s most brilliant minds—celebrity actors, acclaimed chefs, legendary musicians, and influential politicians—returned in full force, investing their energy and vision into a celebration that redefined what it means to honor art on a global stage.

From the sprawling galleries to the exclusive soirées, every corner of Art Basel buzzed with the electric hum of innovation and ambition. The installations were bolder, the performances more daring, and the conversations richer with purpose. Visionaries from across the globe showcased their work, reminding us that art is not just a medium of expression but a catalyst for connection, reflection, and change.

Of course, it wasn’t just the art that stole the spotlight. South Florida itself played a starring role, with its vibrant backdrop of beaches, nightlife, and cultural diversity amplifying the magic of the event. From Wynwood’s graffiti-lined streets to the opulent venues of Miami Beach, the city transformed into a living canvas, proving once again why it’s a hub for global creativity.

But let’s not forget the true beauty of Art Basel: its ability to unite us all—regardless of background, industry, or origin. Whether you were sipping champagne at a private gallery opening or dancing under the stars at a pop-up event, the energy was palpable, the inspiration contagious, and the memories unforgettable.

So, my dear readers, stay tuned as I take you deeper into the highlights, the stories, and the whispers from behind the velvet ropes. After all, what’s art without a little curiosity?

A Weekend of Wonders: Personal Highlights from Art Basel Miami 2024

As a South Florida Insider and Florida native, I relish any opportunity to explore the diverse cultural tapestry that Art Basel weaves through our streets. The events I attended were not just about admiring art—they were about immersing myself in the stories, creativity, and resilience of the people behind the masterpieces. Here are some unforgettable moments from my journey through Art Basel week:

Murals on 27th: A Story of Community and Cuisine

December 3rd, 2024

Location: Social 27 Cuban Supper Club

Henry and I were captivated by the heartwarming experience of Murals on 27th. Hosted at Social 27 Cuban Supper Club—the only rooftop restaurant in Little Havana—we met the owner, who doubles as the chef. His passion for Cuban cuisine is an extension of a beautiful love story, translating into dishes filled with depth and delicacy.

The muralists’ tales were equally compelling, as they shared how their art connects with their communities. One artist, Chroma J, spoke about her mission to uplift women of color through her work. “Artists are creative historians,” she said, emphasizing the enduring impact of their craft.

After exploring the vibrant murals, we enjoyed a sublime rooftop view while sipping on Bacardi-sponsored cocktails, further highlighting the cultural essence of Little Havana.

R House Installation Activation: A Journey Through HIV Awareness

December 4th, 2024

Location: R House Wynwood

The R House Installation Activation was nothing short of transformative. Through six distinct art rooms, each representing the stages of an HIV/AIDS diagnosis, Henry and I embarked on an emotional journey. From moments of sorrow to pure joy, the art resonated deeply, especially as both of us have friends affected by HIV. This powerful event was made possible through a collaboration with AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation), a global nonprofit committed to supporting people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

The buffet was a culinary masterpiece, with dishes like skirt steak and crispy snapper paired with creative salads. Responsible for bringing together this magical hub of art, food, and community to life? Chef Rocco and Owen. Performances by Kat Wilderness and live painting by Emma Hack elevated the evening, making it a night to remember.

Biatch Tequila x Untitled Art: A Beachside Treasure

December 6th, 2024

Location: Miami Beach

The Biatch Tequila x Untitled Art collaboration was a feast for the senses. With the beach as our stage, we enjoyed expertly crafted cocktails while admiring beautifully designed tequila bottles that felt like pieces of art themselves.

The atmosphere was electric, with music from top DJs and a crowd that buzzed with excitement. Meeting fellow art lovers and toasting to the creative spirit of the week felt like the quintessential Florida escapade.

This unforgettable gathering was part of Untitled Art, Miami Beach, celebrating its 13th edition this year. The event featured 176 exhibitors from 34 countries, exploring the theme East Meets West under the guidance of curators Kathy Huang and Jungmin Cho. The largest-ever representation of Eastern artists and galleries sparked cross-cultural dialogues, solidifying the fair as a key platform for global artistic exchange.

Notable moments included panels like Art and Real Estate: Where Creativity Meets Value with Arushi Kapoor and an insightful conversation with Paul Mpagi Sepuya and Silas Munro, presented by Aperture. Star power added extra flair, with The Agency’s Mauricio Umansky, star of Netflix’s Buying Beverly Hills, captivating attendees as a guest speaker.

And at the heart of it all was Sue Hrib, the visionary behind Biatch Tequila. Her charisma, warmth, and hospitality made her the undeniable queen of the evening. She wasn’t just the life of the party—she was, as they say, a “boss-a*s” BIATCH!

Excuse my French, I think that’s the tequila speaking, or the Biatch Tequila, that is!

Zen Garden Cycle: The Intersection of Art and Design

December 7th, 2024

Location: ENNE Showroom, Miami Design District

The Zen Garden Cycle event at ENNE Showroom was a revelation. Merging luxury furniture design with healing art, this experience felt like stepping into a living, breathing masterpiece. We were graced by the presence of renowned European artist Silke Bianca, whose paintings were strategically placed to enhance the spatial energy of the showroom.

Bianca’s Zen Garden Cycle collection, a cornerstone of her innovative approach to Art Composing, blends art seamlessly into the space, creating an atmosphere of serenity and balance. The intricate furniture designs, reflecting the same themes of harmony, complemented her works beautifully, emphasizing the intersection of interior design and artistic expression. Her monochrome, relief-like paintings created with a comb spatula technique brought a subtle, yet profound energy to the showroom, as each piece invited contemplation, striking a balance of movement and stillness.

This event not only showcased Bianca’s unique style but also emphasized the importance of integrating art into everyday life, making the viewer feel immediately at ease in an environment where design and art coexist in perfect harmony. Through diptychs and triptychs, Bianca’s work echoes the lines of the furniture, creating a unified atmosphere that resonates with zen principles, offering viewers an immersive experience of tranquility and reflection.

As Silke Bianca herself explained, “In contrast to an increasingly restless world, it is important to live one’s inner peace and serenity and create mental stillness through the symbiosis of art and interior design. The essence of Zen, in this case, is that art fulfills its purpose in the living environment.”

The Zen Garden Cycle collection at ENNE Showroom exemplifies how art can elevate a space, transforming it into a sanctuary where tranquility reigns and the mind finds peace.

Topo Chico at Gramps Getaway: A Refreshing Night by the Bay

December 8th, 2024

Location: Gramps Getaway, Key Biscayne

Topo Chico’s event was an absolute vibe. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Miami’s skyline, the ‘Sabores Sounds’ EP release party felt like stepping into a new dimension of cool. The venue—Gramps Getaway—was a hidden gem, with an atmosphere blending sexiness and laid-back charm.

Among the notable attendees was Daniel Edenburgh, the visionary founder of Terrestrial Funk. His unique approach to music and culture was evident in the energy of the night, which complemented the beats of Psychic Mirrors and DJ Fitness. As the crowd vibed to the rhythms, Daniel’s influence in curating such an experience added a special touch, reminding everyone of the creative depth that Miami’s nightlife has to offer.

Terrestrial Funk Daniel Edenburg (Pic by Brooke DVanzo)

We sipped curated cocktails inspired by Topo Chico’s sparkling water flavors and grooved to live performances. Guests snapped photos with the shimmering cityscape in the background, and the exclusive EP giveaways added a memorable touch.

This event proved that Miami’s nightlife and art scene continue to redefine sophistication and creativity, with figures like Daniel leading the charge.

Art Basel Miami 2024: Where Creativity Shapes Tomorrow

Art Basel Miami 2024 was a testament to the resilience and brilliance of the global art community. From muralists preserving cultural history to experimental musicians blending sounds and textures, the week was an extraordinary celebration of creativity.

If you’ve yet to experience the magic of Art Basel, I urge you to step into a world where every corner holds a story waiting to unfold. From the vibrant streets of Wynwood to the halls of the Miami Beach Convention Center, Art Basel is alive with creativity, where art reveals the soul of humanity. Beyond the galleries, South Beach buzzes with exclusive soirées, whispered superyacht after-parties, and moments like a pop icon toasting with a renowned artist. But the true magic lies in the art itself—works born from resilience and innovation, proving that art is not just a reflection of our world but a force to shape its future.

And so, dear readers, as the curtains fall on yet another dazzling Art Basel, we’re left with the lingering thrill of having witnessed history in the making. Until next year, let us carry forward the inspiration, the awe, and the belief that in every brushstroke, every note, and every word, there lies the power to shape a brighter tomorrow. Your South Florida Insider, signing out! Xoxo

  • Sabores Sounds

  • Sabores Sounds

  • Terrestrial Funk Daniel Edenburg (Pic by Brooke DVanzo)

  • Topo Chico

  • Brother Dan

  • Brother Dan

  • Coral Morphologic (PC Karli Evans)

  • Sabores Sounds

  • Sabores Sounds

  • Kiki Barth (Photo Credit: TARA, Ink.

  • DJ Fitness set

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • BIATCH

  • Psychic Mirrors perform

  • Psychic Mirrors perform

  • Psychic Mirrors perform

  • Sabores Sounds Release Party

  • Brother Dan DJ Set

  • Sabores Sounds

  • Sabores Sounds

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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