Events
Big Air, Loud Cheers and Monster Trucks
A Wheelie Good Time: Monster Jam Spins Up Family Fun and Flying Metal Mayhem!
August 2nd, 2025
Monster Jam is more than just a specialized event, it’s been an ingenious brand and a staple in Motorsports for over 3 decades. Since being established in 1992, no other truck event has even come close. Bigfoot was the catalyst in its infancy, but other lasting superstars and new emerging ones has since taken its place.
The Monster Jam took over the Amerant Arena in Sunshine on Saturday night, August 2nd, where the Florida Panthers play. What used to be a slick rink of ice was now a heightened mound of dirt, or a pivotal monster truck launching pad. The audience wasn’t the commonality of a ‘Sea of Red’ jerseys but this night a medley of Grave Digger shirts, Zombie gear, bull-horn hats, and other trucking gear.
What really stood out to me was the convergence of one generation of fans to the next. You saw the older die-hard fans cheering their drivers on a first name basis to the children holding their play trucks and plush toys, while dawning their noice-canceling earphones. Monster Jam has understood the crucial mark of successful sustainability and that’s honoring the previous generation while embracing the next one coming in. They kept the roots of Monster Jam while still including the children as a part of everything that they did.
Monster Jam isn’t singular but rather a collection of different event locations that together find a World Champion by accumulating a tally of points from each event. Every event is showcased by three main disciplines that each Monster Truck must compete in. These are Racing, Two-Wheel Skill and closing out with the Freestyle event. Eight trucks are randomly selected to compete in each venue.
For the Racing part, the trucks had to go as fast as they can taking one lap around the track and launching themselves over the dirt jump. To the delight of the fans, Grave Digger set a blistering time just over 10 seconds that no one could beat. It was really close though, as Wildside lost by less than 3/1000’s of a second. The agility and raw power of these colossal Monster Trucks as they slid around the tight dirt oval without crashing was quite impressive.
The audience was really amazed though during the next discipline. The Two-Wheel Skills match must be seen to be believed and even when you do see it, it’s still hard to believe. It was almost like watching trained elephants in a circus doing the most dexterous tricks. Seeing the truck Bailey Circuit perfectly balanced on its front two wheels with its customized tongue hanging out or El Toro Loco blowing out jets of steam while doing the same.
But once again, it was the fan-favorite Grave Digger that stole the show. The crowd marveled as he went from his front two wheels to his back two wheels while moonwalking backwards up the dirt ramp. His daring show of tricks and percussion far exceeded the rest of the competitors.
A brief intermission before the final event featured fun audience-participation games with prizes, a cool digital wave created by cellphone lights, and a mini motocross competition. The winner, a local wearing a Florida Panthers jersey, was met with loud cheers from the crowd.
It was now time for the main Freestyle finale. Each Monster Truck got 60 seconds to show their tricks and try to get the highest score. Zombie had everyone doing the Zombie arms as the song ‘Thriller’ cranked from the loudspeaker. He, along with the Black Pearl, and the two other Over Bored trucks did pretty good but the others performed at another level.
Wildside, Bailey Circuit, and Grave Digger showed astonishing heights as they flew off of the dirt ramp from every angle. They incorporated more two-wheel maneuvers and other skills from their bag of tricks. El Toro Loco though did a trick that no other driver would attempt on this night. He lined himself up and did a full on backflip. After his truck landed, the momentum caused him to pitch sideways and fall on its roof. Other trackers had to come and take the Monster Truck off of the course. El Toro Loco was rewarded though for doing a backflip and he won the Freestyle competition. The champion though for the most totaled points went to the perineal favorite Grave Digger.
Monster Jam 2025 at the Amerant Area was another success and one that was enjoyed by all. It’s so original, entertaining, and engaging, that you can’t wait to go again and again and tell others to come to the next one as well.
Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?
So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.
The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
Sword swallowers, royal encounters, outrageous costumes and an avalanche of jokes turn Minnesota’s sprawling Renaissance Festival into a kingdom worth getting lost in.
FinnFest USA Brings Finnish Culture, Creative Voices, Global Ideas and an Unexpected Pizza-Roll Connection into Focus in Minneapolis.
The Miami born app celebrated a major milestone with a seriously fun South Florida party, but 100,000 downloads are only part of what’s next.
September 26, 2026
Zéya had plenty to celebrate, and they definitely knew how to throw a party.
The Miami-born swapping app recently marked 100,000 downloads, and SFL Insider joined the celebration for a night that felt much more like a fun Miami get-together than a typical tech event.
The atmosphere was lively, social, and genuinely welcoming, which actually made a lot of sense once we learned more about what Zéya is trying to build. This isn’t supposed to be another faceless marketplace where you post something and hope a stranger buys it. Zéya wants swapping to feel social, easy and connected to your community.
And after spending the evening celebrating with the people behind it, that part of the concept clicked.
Because we all have stuff.
The dress you wore once. The bag you loved until you didn’t. The camera you were definitely going to learn how to use. The random purchase that seemed necessary at the time and has barely moved since.
Zéya’s question is pretty simple: Why keep buying more when someone nearby might want exactly what you already have?
Even better, the app is now getting ready to move beyond swapping just things.
Services are coming too.
And that could make Zéya a whole lot more interesting.
– Creative Director & Strategist: Kateryna Brovkova — @kate.directs – Event Photo & Video Coverage: Yoisker Palmi — @yoiskr7 – Zéya Team: Zéya — @zeya_app – Sounds by: Lacré Studios — @studioslacre
Swipe. Match. Swap.
The easiest way to describe Zéya is old school bartering with a very modern makeover.
You browse what’s available nearby, see something you want and connect with the person who has it.
Then you offer something of your own.
Swipe. Match. Swap.
If the values don’t quite line up, Zéya allows an optional cash top-up to help make the trade work. And now, you don’t necessarily have to swap at all.
Zéya’s new cash-only option is officially live, meaning users can purchase an item directly when they find something they want. That’s a pretty significant shift for an app that started with swapping at its core. You can still trade, add cash to balance out a swap, or now skip the trade altogether and simply buy.
In other words, Zéya is starting to look less like a traditional bartering app and more like a flexible local marketplace where you decide how you want to make the deal.
100,000 Downloads Is a Pretty Big Deal
Zéya has now officially surpassed 100,000 downloads across iOS and Android, an exciting milestone for a company that started right here in Miami.
Founder and CEO Mehdi Taifi sees that number as something bigger than just downloads.
“One hundred thousand downloads is exciting because it shows that swapping can become a real habit, not a last resort,” Taifi said.
That idea stuck with me.
We’re so used to thinking buy when we want something new. Zēya is trying to get us to think swap first.
Earlier this year, the company also closed a $2.45 million strategic growth round led by Storage Innovations LLC, helping support its next stage of development.
Judging by the energy at the celebration, Zéya certainly isn’t treating 100K like a finish line.
– Zéya Team: Zéya — @zeya_app – Founder: Mehdi Taifi — @medimeds – Event Photo & Video Coverage: Yoisker Palmi — @yoiskr7
Zēya 4.0 Makes the Whole Thing Easier
The company has also rolled out Zéya 4.0, designed to make getting from “I want that” to actually completing a swap much faster.
One of my favorite additions is the AI Listing Assistant, mostly because writing listings is probably the least exciting part of selling anything online.
Take a photo, upload it, and the app can generate the item name, description, and category in seconds.
Done.
The update also adds chat before making an offer, group chat, and a visual balance meter that makes it easier to see whether a proposed swap feels fair.
Zéya has expanded its categories too, including Baby & Toddler and Sports & Outdoors.
So that barely used handbag has value.
But so do the golf clubs in the garage.
And Now Zēya Is Moving Beyond Stuff
This might be my favorite part of what’s coming next.
Zéya is adding services.
That changes the whole idea of what you can bring to a swap.
Maybe you don’t have a designer bag to trade, but you’re an amazing photographer.
Maybe you tutor.
Maybe you’re a personal trainer, stylist, graphic designer, pet sitter or the magical person who actually knows how to organize a closet.
Your skills have value too.
The full details of how services will work are still to come, but opening Zēya to services takes it beyond simple bartering. It becomes more about exchanging value, whether that value happens to be sitting in your closet or comes from something you know how to do.
And suddenly the possibilities get much bigger.
It All Feels Very Miami
Maybe that’s another reason I enjoyed the celebration so much.
Zéya feels very Miami.
It’s social. It’s stylish. It’s a little entrepreneurial. And it revolves around discovering something you want without necessarily paying full price for it.
We can absolutely get behind that.
The party reflected that same energy. People were mingling, talking about the app and celebrating what is clearly a big moment for the team, but it never felt overly corporate or stuffy. It felt like a community celebrating something that started locally and is beginning to grow.
That seems especially fitting for a company that wants its marketplace to feel like a community too.
Swap, Don’t Shop
There is an obvious sustainability benefit to giving perfectly good things another life instead of constantly buying new ones.
But Zéya doesn’t make that feel like a lecture.
The appeal is much simpler.
You have things you don’t use. Someone else wants them. And chances are, they have something you want too.
Add AI-assisted listings, local discovery, cash top-ups, cash-only purchases, community features, and soon the ability to exchange services, and it starts looking very different from the bartering most of us remember.
Zéya’s tagline is “Swap Don’t Shop.”
After a fun night celebrating 100,000 downloads and getting a closer look at where the Miami company is headed next, we’re curious to see just how far people are willing to take that idea.
Because if swapping can be this easy and this social, maybe we really don’t need to buy everything new.
– Zéya Team: Zéya — @zeya_app – Venue: One K — @onek_socialbar
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