Are you planning for Art Basel and feeling overwhelmed? Have you been asking yourself questions like: “What should I check out?” or “How do I plan out my day and not drive myself wild or waste my time?”
First of all, breathe. Second, we’re here for you.
As we did last year, we’ve put together a curated daily itinerary for each day of Basel — starting with Wednesday and running through the weekend. If you want to choose from all of the things, we’re not the list you’re seeking (you can find that kind of list here).
And beyond the must-see shows and fairs like Scope, Design Miami, Pulse and Art Miami we’re hoping to focus on the more low-key, hidden gem spots.
So here’s our day-by-day breakdown. And check out our full guide here.
Wednesday
Start at:
Art Africa Miami Arts Fair. Overtown, All day starting at noon
If you’ve got some time on your lunch break, or just want an early head start to your browsing, then check out the Art Africa fair’s public hours to get your week started. The fair curates art from African artists and artists from the diaspora, and this year they’re planning to showcase the creatives who have been with the fair since it started in 2011.
Then head to:
Who Owns Black Art? opening reception. Little Haiti, 5:30 until 9:30 p.m.
The folks at the Miami Urban Contemporary Experience space will have programming going all week, and it kicks off on Wednesday with a reception at their space in Little Haiti. You’ll get a chance to meet artists and creatives who will be showing their work at the space and get a preview before the exhibit opens on Thursday.
And top the night off with:
Dubfire at 1-800 Lucky. Wynwood, 10 p.m.
The electronic DJ is moving his CODE set and showcase from Coyo Taco over to 1-800 Lucky, and it promises to feature Dubfire’s own unique mixes along with a host of surprise guests and DJ sets all night.
Thursday
Start at:
Miami Street Photography Festival. Downtown, all day starting at 10 a.m.
This multi-day festival contains a mix of some of the best in street photography from around the world. The photos submitted for the annual fest come from more than 40 countries, and several featured photographers will be on hand to discuss their work.
Then head over to:
Love Lost, Miami opening night. Upper East Side, 6 p.m.
If you’re looking for a showcase of modern love made into art, then this exhibit is the one for you. The organizers have curated the community’s submissions of old items that signify heartbreak and other stories of loss, into a collection of both sad and funny reflections on the state of romance in the 305. It kicks off on Thursday, and if you use the code FRIENDSOFNEWTROPIC when you buy your ticket, you’ll get $5 off admission.
And wrap the night with:
Bio Haqué: Grimes, Nina Kraviz & Sophie | Basel Miami. Wynwood, 10 p.m.
The folks behind the III Points festival have been curating concerts during Basel week for a few years now, and they’re continuing that run by bringing the electronic production and DJ prowess of SOPHIE and Nina Kraviz to the 305 along with the award-winning sounds and visuals of Grimes.
Friday
Get started at:
Museum of Graffiti. Wynwood, all day starting at 11 a.m.
If driving or walking past the murals in Miami’s artsy neighborhood isn’t enough for you, then check out this museum dedicated to graffiti and the history of the art form from its beginnings in the 1970s and ‘80s to the taggers still doing their thing around the world today.
Then head to:
First Fridays at ICA Miami. Design District, 6 p.m.
The Institute of Contemporary Art invites the neighborhood in for a free First Friday celebration every month, and Miami Art Week is no exception to their usual programming. They haven’t released details just yet, but we’re willing to bet there will be something special in store. Or if you’re looking to catch some live music then you can see the electronic sounds of Mr. Twin Sister over at The Ground.
And end the night with:
Crew Love Miami w/ Soul Clap, Wolf + Lamb. Downtown, 10 p.m.
Bring your Basel crew to this showcase of electronic, funk and soul music to the newly christened ATV Records. This party used to go down at the Electric Pickle and built up a pretty loyal following, so it’s sure to be a blast that goes late into the night.
Saturday
Get started at:
Oolite Arts Open Studios, Brunch & Tour. South Beach, 10:30 a.m.
If you end up partying late on Friday, or just need to recharge in general, then grab some brunch and get a look at the Oolite Arts studios in South Beach and their “On the Road II” exhibit. In addition to opening up the space, resident artists will also be on hand to talk about their work.
Then head to:
Pridelines “Fall Into Art” exhibit and artist talk. Little Haiti, 2 to 8 p.m.
One of Miami’s leading LGBTQ organizations is hosting their first weekend of Art Basel programming and on Saturday they’re opening their space up to vendors and artists who will be showcasing, creating, and discussing their work with the community.
And end the night with:
You Had to Be There. Wynwood, 11 p.m.
So much of Miami Art Week is about the spectacle and the moments that make you pull out your phone to capture a statement piece, but this party is not that. Phones are collected in pouches and the goal is to give folks a chance to party and let their hair down without worrying about what might end up on the ‘gram.
Sunday
Get started at:
Miami Art Week: Venezuelan Art & Arepas. Coral Gables, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Start your morning (or *ahem* recovery period) with some arepas and a look at the Coral Gables Museum’s showcase of Venezuelan artists in their exhibits “For Now – Contemporary Venezuelan Art of the Miami Diaspora” and “El Viaje.”
Then head to:
Masisi: Art Basel. Liberty City, 4 to 9 p.m.
Check out an Art Basel edition of this queer Caribbean party goinh down at Naomi’s. The jam will feature a mix of DJs headlined by a performance by Suzi Analogue. And as with previous editions of Masisi, the party’s tickets are on a tier that allows cheaper entry for black and brown queer and non-binary folks.
And end the week with:
#OurBasel Part Four. Little Haiti, 9 p.m.
This will be the final edition of this annual party at the Smoke Signals Studio, and it’s expected to be the biggest one yet. This year’s lineup includes Yoli Mayor, Chuck Inglish, Shenzi and much more. And previous guests have included DJs like Rich Medina, performances by Jesse Boykins III and Eryn Allen Kane, and appearances from Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), and poet Saul Williams. And if you’re still in the party mood, Questlove will be DJing into the wee hours of the morning over at The Floyd in downtown Miami.