Miami is one destination that has plenty of entertainment to last throughout your vacation. From exciting Miami events to fun-filled festivals, there is always something going on in this energetic city. Numerous Miami festivals take place throughout the city each year. One springtime favorite is the Redland International Orchid Festival held each May. With more than 60 vendors displaying orchids from around the world, the festival is one of the largest in the US.

The Hispanic culture of Miami is evident in one of the most popular festivals. The Calle Ocho Festival takes place in the beginning of March in Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, Florida between SW 8th Street and 27th Avenue. This cultural event in Miami radiates energy as live music, singing, dancing, and authentic Cuban food create a lively atmosphere where visitors get a taste of the Latin culture in South Florida. The festival is one of the largest in the world, and over one million visitors attend the Calle Ocho event.

A long-running Miami festival that celebrates the automobile is the annual Art Deco Weekend Festival, held for three days every January. It features classic cars, food, music, performances, films, tours, a dog parade, and a costume contest. Another event held annually for more than 30 years is the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts. This is the oldest art festival in the city. The premier festival features juried work of artists from around the US in the categories of photography, painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, and glass.

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A Miami festival for musicians of all genres, from blues to contemporary, is the Florida International University Fall Music Festival at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center that runs for two weeks from the end of October into November. If your Miami vacation is in the spring, consider the annual Ultra Music Festival held at Bicentennial Park, which takes place over two days in March and features local and international performers on sixteen stages.

Miami Beach events are no exception to the year-round festivities, and an event in Miami specifically for dog enthusiasts that's held every January is the South Beach Dachshund Winterfest in Lummus Park. Admission is free and refreshments and T-shirts are available with all proceeds going to Dachshund Rescue of South Florida.

During the holidays, an annual event in Miami worth attending is Santa's Enchanted Forest, which is open every evening from November through early January. The Enchanted Forest hosts an outdoor carnival, decorated Christmas trees and lights, rides, shows, and a petting zoo, along with treats and food with an international flair. Other Miami events geared toward families with children include MetroBoo at the Metrozoo and Miami Riverday. MetroBoo, held in October, is the perfect outing for kids to dress in costumes, trick or treat, participate in the costume contest, win prizes, and see animal shows.

Events are held in various neighborhoods throughout the city, so no matter which Miami hotels you consider for your vacation, you're sure to find easy access to plenty of entertainment. One event that takes place for eleven days from late March to early April is the Sony Ericsson open at Crandon Park. Touted as one of the world's largest tennis tournaments, the competition is fierce as top-ranked players compete for the title.

Other Miami events featuring sports include the World Golf Championship-CA Championship golf tournament at the Doral Golf Resort in March and the Miami Grand Prix boat races tournament, which is scheduled over four days and also held in March. Major league baseball lights up the scoreboard as the Marlins play their home games at Land Shark Stadium while the Miami FC Blues soccer team play their opponents at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale and at the Florida International University stadium in Miami. And of course, NFL fans can always add a visit to Dolphin Stadium to the itinerary.

Food is always a crowd pleaser, and one Miami festival that is sure to please visitors of all ages is the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Held for four days in February, the festival features information on cheese and wine pairings, wine tastings and seminars, assorted foods, and cooking demonstrations. Another of the most popular Miami Beach events is the Miami Stone Crab Seafest at North Beach held in October. The main attraction is the seafood, but there is also plenty of live music and other entertainment to accompany the crab.

The annual Miami Riverday event takes place for one day at Jose Marti Park and celebrates the Miami River and its importance to the community with live music, food, riverboat rides, and information on the environment and water resources. Visitors will find no shortage of events in Miami, regardless of their ages, their hobbies, and when they decide to go. The endless opportunities for entertainment ensure that any trip to this lively city will be memorable.