Happy 150th, Coconut Grove!

Miami’s picturesque and historic village is celebrating Grove Heritage Month with a birthday party, walking tours, a treasure hunt and events throughout January.

Established in 1873, the Grove is Miami’s original neighborhood, predating the city of Miami by nearly 25 years. Known for its lush, tropical foliage and winding streets, a vibrant arts scene and living history of early African-American and Bahamian culture, the village has attracted immigrants, artists, writers and individuals seeking its Bohemian vibe.

The celebration is open to all. For up-to-date details on all events, visit the Coconut Grove BID. Here are highlights:

Coconut Grove 150th Anniversary Birthday Party

Fri., Jan. 6 5-7pm
Enjoy free vegan-friendly cupcakes, live DJ, Coconut Grove historical re-enactors, Bahamian Junkanoo performers, and more surprises. The kick-off Happy House event is on Fuller Street. It’s free but RSVP here:

HistoryMiami Walking Tour with Dr. Paul S. George

Sat,, Jan. 7, 10am
HistoryMiami Museum resident historian Dr. Paul S. George and Ingrid E. Argueta will host a History in the Grove Walking Tour,  a two-hour guided stroll that starts in front of Miami’s City Hall, built in the 1930s as the Pan American Seaplane Base and Terminal Building. On the tour, you’ll visit the Barnacle (built in 1891) and hear stories about its builder and other community founders including Dr. Horace Porter (who applied to establish the post office that gave the village its name). Learn how Bahamian settlers’ expertise with local building materials and tropical plants influenced the culture and architecture of the area. The tour is free, but register here first.

Grove Heritage Celebration at Barnacle Historic State Park

Sat., Jan. 7, 1-3pm
Step into the 1880s at The Barnacle Historic State Park, the former home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, a businessman and yacht designer who was the first commodore of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club. The Barnacle, the oldest house in Miami-Dade County standing in its original location, is now the Munroe House Museum. Live music from Grant Livingston.

King Mango Strut

Sun., Jan. 8 starting at 2pm
After two long years, the King Mango Strut returns to the streets of Coconut Grove. The Weirdest Parade in the Universe that brought you The Marching Freds, The Synchronize Briefcase Brigade, The Booger King, The Million Chad March, The League of Dead Voters, Cuban Eye for the Gringo Guy, Idu Grab Prison, Weapons of Mass Distraction, Osama Piñata, The Hare Krishnas and the Running of the Bullshitters is strutting yet again. Free for all. Details here.

Grove Heritage Photo Walking Tour

Sat., Jan. 14, 10am-noon
Bring your camera and smartphones and join photographer Cristina Isabel Rivera at B Bistro + Bakery for a photo scavenger hunt. The event is limited to 50 people.

Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove Celebrates Grove Heritage

Tues., Jan. 17, 6pm
The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove will celebrate the founding women of Coconut Grove and the history of the club (established in 1891) with historical costumes, a video and refreshments at a commemoration of Grove Heritage Month.

Shake-A-Leg Miami Treasure Hunt

Sat, Jan. 21
Shake-A-Leg Miami, which offers sailing and watersports to children and adults with disabilities and their families, will partner with the Coconut Grove Business Development District to host a Treasure Hunt celebrating Grove Heritage Month on Adventure Island for families of all abilities. The event is free (limited to 30 people).

SEED Food and Wine Week

Sat., Jan. 28, 11am-5pm
Coconut Grove’s Regatta Park is the setting for the SEED Food and Wine Week’s Festival Day featuring a day of plant-based food and drink, speakers, demos, wellness, shopping and more. Tickets here.

Coconut Grove Arts Festival Poster Unveiling

Thur., Jan. 26
Stop by CocoWalk and get a sneak peek at the 2023 poster for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival celebrating its 59th year in February.