Besides opportunities galore to drop stacks of Benjamins (this is South Florida, after all), there are actually plenty of free happenings to explore. Yes, it’s true, you don’t have to go broke to do fun things!
This Memorial Day weekend, in addition to honoring members of the U.S. military who made the ultimate sacrifice, check out these spots hosting the best parties without a cover charge.
Bokamper’s Fort Lauderdale
3115 NE 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale954-900-5584
bokampers.com
Bokamper’s is seemingly always doing something nice for the community. Memorial Day will be no exception. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 27, its Fort Lauderdale location will host the fifth-annual Memorial Day Remembrance Heroes Tribute. The free event will include a parade, tribute video, American flag-folding ceremony, and opportunities to thank our heroes. Afterward, you can enjoy Bo’s yummy grub and cold beers with Intracoastal views.
Española Way
Española Way, Miami Beachvisitespanolaway.com
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show is in town Memorial Day weekend, and the planes will be buzzing. If you're looking for a related buzz-worthy event, Española Way is hosting a street party from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 24. Admission is totally free, and if you're a military vet, you can get a free cut at Contesta Rock Hair Salon during the shindig. More than ten restaurants will be open for business, and you can catch a performance by a military band throughout the evening as well as a jam with Tapas y Tintos (flamenco!) at 7:30 p.m.
Hôtel Gaythering
1409 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach786-284-1176
gaythering.com
It’s going to be an LGBTQ+ fiesta at Hôtel Gaythering Friday, May 24. Free and open to the public, ConDRAGulations will celebrate the long weekend and the LGBTQ+ community. You're encouraged to come in drag, and when you get parched, Absolut Vodka will quench your thirst with $7 specialty cocktails.
The Mayfair at Coconut Grove
3000 Florida Ave., Coconut Grove305-441-0000
mayfairhotelandspa.com
Spice up your Memorial Day weekend. The latest installment of the free monthly Miami Latin Rooftop Pool Party will begin at noon Sunday, May 26. In addition to fiery jams from DJs Pablo, Brian El Matatan, and James Sedano, Dance Awakening will host a bachata class at noon. After class and when you start feeling that South Florida sun, take a dip in the pool and enjoy the drink specials.
Rácket
150 NW 24th St., Miami786-637-2987
racketwynwood.com
You don’t get to see a Grammy-nominated hip-hop producer every night, let alone without having to pay a cover. Scram Jones will bring a special show, New York State of Mind, to Rácket in Wynwood at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 25 (free cover until 11 p.m.). It’s not Scram’s first time at Rácket — he has a monthly residency. So count on an extra-special Memorial Day show from a dude who's produced jams for everyone from Wu-Tang Clan to Mariah Carey.
Courtesy of Treehouse
Treehouse Miami
323 23rd St., Miami Beach786-318-1908
treehousemiami.com
The weather on Memorial Day weekend is typically hot AF, so break out those sundresses, ladies. Treehouse Miami is throwing Sundress Szn, kicking off at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Dudes: You don’t have to wear a dress, but come in "summer fly" attire. There's no cover before 5 p.m. As for drink specials, the Miami Beach hot spot will offer a handful of $10 libations to keep you happy.
The Wharf Miami
114 SW North River Dr., Miami305-906-4000
wharfmiami.com
Expect a ton of awesome stuff happening at the Wharf Memorial Day weekend. And there’s no cover for any of it. Friday, May 24, the weekend begins with the Memorial Day Weekend Kickoff (noon to 3 a.m.), with tunes from Kid Nemesis & Friends. There will be $1 pints and $3 wines from 4 to 7 p.m. to help you unwind. Saturday, May 25, from noon to 8 p.m., find the Memorial Day Weekend Celebration, with the Special Warrior Foundation. A $20 donation gets you a simple vodka cocktail for your kindness. Sunday, May 26, the Cajun Broil (noon to midnight) with chef Adrianne Calvo will provide jams by Hushmoney and $75 bottles of Veuve Clicquot available for purchase from noon to 4 p.m. And to wrap things up, Monday, May 27, is the Veuve Clicquot Puppy Brunch. In addition to bites from nearly ten vendors, there will be a variety of Veuve Clicquot bottles for you to purchase and enjoy, starting at $100, from noon to 10 p.m.
