South Florida’s peak season: Art, boats, and big crowds this weekend

COCONUT GROVE, Fla. – Two of South Florida’s biggest events are set to bring massive crowds and traffic congestion this weekend, as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show take over key areas of Miami-Dade County.

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Orange cones and road closure signs are already in place in Coconut Grove, where artists from across the country are setting up for the three-day festival.

“My art surreal and little be cubists — figurative abstract,” said Julio Garcia, an artist from California.

Photographer Randy Thomae traveled from Colorado, showcasing a collection years in the making.

“I take photos of things you can’t see with your eyes, which is very hard. It took three years to make seven images,” Thomae said.

Both artists say Coconut Grove’s event is among the most prestigious in the country.

“This fair is one of the top in the country,” Thomae said.

Across town, the Miami International Boat Show will span six locations, from the Miami Beach Convention Center to Museum Park Marina.

“This is one of the greatest collections of boats anywhere in the world,” said organizer Lenny.

With additional concerts and events planned in Key Biscayne and Little Havana, officials are warning visitors to plan ahead.

“Phenomenal, phenomenal weekend,” said event official and Miami police Cpt. Freddie Cruz. “In addition to the boat show and the art show, we have some other events — a concert in Key Biscayne, something else on Southwest Eighth Street. We are expecting thousands and thousands of people. And like I always say—pack your patience.”

Click here for more information on how to purchase tickets to the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and here for more information on the boat show location sites in Miami.

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