Events
Supercon 2025: Bigger, Better, Unforgettable
App-solutely Magical: How a Convention App, a Castle Set and a Forest Full of Cosplayers Made Supercon 2025 the Smoothest, Geekiest Escape of the Year.
July 18th – 19th, 2025
This past weekend, I had the honor of attending Supercon 2025 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, and, having attended the past several Florida Supercons, my expectations were set high for the event.
I only had a week to plan for Supercon, but I didn’t need more than that. One of my favorite parts of Supercon is how easy it is to prepare for; the app they created (and, most importantly, advertise and encourage people to download) is a lifesaver.
From parking addresses and a list of all their food and drink vendors and locations, to a full schedule of every event happening at Supercon, the app really does do it all. I always knew exactly where everything in the venue was because the app has a full, live map of the convention center and listed locations of every event, vendor, artist and panel. You can buy tickets within the app or purchase photo-ops and autographs from celebrity guests. Additionally, I didn’t need to make my own itinerary; Supercon has an in-app way to search events and panels by time, location or demographic and favorite them to your own personal schedule, and notifies you before your event is about to begin. I cannot emphasize enough how much I love this app, and how much it really elevates the convention experience. I’m not usually a fan of downloading apps for things, especially events when those apps are slow and buggy. Even last year, I experienced some lag with my app when trying to access the map features. However, this year, I noticed app performance improvement, and can now comfortably recommend downloading it for anyone attending in the future.
I attended Friday and Saturday at the convention and can say that I think the weekend passes are worth the money. I always felt like there were things to see and do during my time there. For me, I feel like my ideal convention is a con where I can do everything I want but still feel like there are things I didn’t do. If I’m at a convention this size and I can walk around the vendors floor one time and say I’ve seen everything, we have a problem. That isn’t what I saw here. In fact, even with dedicating a good portion of my time to the vendors hall on both days, I’m still not sure I saw all the artists, and I know there were panels I missed, but I still saw what I most wanted and left very satisfied.
I also feel like they did a better job selecting vendors this year than in years prior. Noticeably, there were fewer “slop” stalls. Anyone who is seasoned in the convention space knows what I mean by “slop”; 3D prints of the same public use trinkets over and over, stickers of the same official manga labels slapped on cups, obviously drop-shipped goods, etc. Generally summarized as stalls that prioritize easy profit over passion. While I may have spotted one or two of each of these, the vast majority of vendors were selling their own handcrafted goods. I was ecstatic, and I felt honored to be in a room with so many skilled craftsmen and artists. Additionally, the isles were wide and I never felt claustrophobic, having plenty of space to peruse each vendor.
Sharing the enormous vendor’s floor was Cosplay Central, an area of the convention specifically dedicated to the art of cosplay. There were free “cosplay medic” stations for repairing broken costumes, the cosplay admin desk for cosplay related events, and multiple themed photoshooting areas with backstops and props for taking cosplay photography. These cosplay photoshoot areas had handmade sets, and my favorites were the castle, the magic forest and the retro diner. This entire area radiated respect for the cosplaying community.
If you’ve been to Supercon in prior years, you have the advantage of learning the layout to where certain things are. Individual panels switch around spaces, but the Tavern and LARP areas, as well as the vending and artist ally areas, were still in the same place, which I liked. One placement I wasn’t fond of was the location of the Pride Lounge, since it was at the farthest possible end point of the convention. Genuinely, the signs that say “Pride Lounge Here” also say to turn around because the convention stops at that point. I’m not sure if the hosts of the Pride Lounge chose their spot, but I have to say, as a queer person, if they didn’t choose to set up there I would be very disappointed. Despite the considerable trek to the Lounge, I did attend a panel and loved the panel hosts and the pride-themed environment.
The final event that I attended at Supercon was the Cosplay Central Crown Championships, where the best cosplayers from prejudging would showcase their builds on stage and judges would decide a champion for three categories as well as overall. Each cosplayer was announced with a slide on a projected screen with their name, their character’s name, the franchise the character was from, and a picture of the character they were cosplaying. As they walked on stage, announcers would tell the crowd details the audience should be looking for in each costume, as well as details about the costume’s production (such as the time taken, materials used, techniques used, etc). This was phenomenal, and should be the standard for cosplay contest finals. Even those who have never cosplayed could easily follow along and understand the level of craftsmanship these artists displayed, and this felt like the most respectful way to showcase them. The announcers for this competition were succinct but entertaining, and during the judging, held a hilarious dance contest with random members of the audience to keep the crowd entertained. Overall, one of my favorite cosplay contest experiences I’ve attended.
Photo of Animauull as San, 2nd Place (left) Nerdy Nostalgia as Laudna, 1st Place (center) and MonsterMoth Props as Banbaro Armor, 3rd Place (right). Photo by Florida Supercon.
Florida Supercon has firmly cemented itself as a must-go to Florida nerds everywhere, every year attracting more attendees and bigger names for celebrity guests. I see no reason for Florida Supercon to slow down, so if previous years have been any indication, next year’s event will undoubtedly be even better.
– Briana Taylor
July 20th, 2025
Even though I attended the final day of the event, Supercon did not hold back on their panel line up. With stars like Josh Holloway and Henry Ian Cusick from the hit series LOST, to legendary voice actors like Chirs Sabat, best known for his role as Vegeta and Piccolo from Dragonball Z. Fans had the opportunity to meet with and purchase memorabilia, autographs, and even have their photos taken with them. Allowing the fans to interact with the characters they grew up with and admired for so long.
While the opportunity to meet with your favorite celebrity is reason enough to attend this event. There’s one thing that makes Supercon the powerhouse it’s known for – the fans and their limitless creativity with their cosplay. Resident Evil, One Piece, Power Rangers, and so much more – no series has remained untouched by this community and their skills only improve year over year to jaw dropping results. “It makes me feel like my hard work in art and costumes is valued and looked at as a talent, not just a ‘strange hobby’.” said Madi, a tenured convention attendee who describes Supercon as an event that allows her creative side to flourish with like-minded people.
From seeing the cast of your favorite shows reuniting, meeting your favorite voice actors, to free rug tufting, and dance parties. Supercon is a 3 day celebration of art and its artists, packed with makeup and lightsabers. This was the second year in a row for Final Fantasy fan, Jordan D. When asked what the convention means to him he said, “It feels like a third place where you can actually talk to people without being judged… It’s the community that makes it great.” You definitely feel that while walking around the convention; everyone is complimenting each other’s cosplay and making friends while waiting in line – bonding over their favorite shows and comics.
– Sebastian James
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Photo of Animauull as San, 2nd Place (left) Nerdy Nostalgia as Laudna, 1st Place (center) and MonsterMoth Props as Banbaro Armor, 3rd Place (right). Photo by Florida Supercon.
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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Florida Supercon. photo by Abby Nicole
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.
Events
Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan Bring the Heat to Kiki on the River During Miami Swim Week
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.
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.
Events
Fire, Ice, and a Vitamin Boost: Inside Miami Swim Week’s Chicest Wellness Reset at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach
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
Pride Month Launches with Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Take PRIDE!” 2026 Benefit Reception and Exhibition Preview Honoring LGBTQ+ Community Advocates.
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.
Events
Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon
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.
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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