Art Basel 2018 is here and we can imagine how stressed you might feel figuring out how to navigate it all. What should you check out? How much is this whole experience gonna cost?
We are here for you.
This year we’ve decided to create a highly curated daily itinerary for each day of Basel. If you want to choose from all.the.things, this is not for you. (This endless scroll is).
And beyond the must-see shows and fairs like Scope, Design Miami, Pulse and Art Miami we’ve got info on the more low-key, hidden gem spots.
So here’s our day-by-day breakdown, and head here for the rest of our guide.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Wednesday
Start out at:
Young at Art ArtCade at Art Miami. Downtown, All day starting at 11 a.m.
If you happen to have the day off then bring the young artist in your life to check out this exhibit where they’ll create digital art and learn from various experts from the Young at Art Institute. And if you’re feeling a little jealous of the kids and their cool creations, the exhibit opens up for all ages after 6 p.m.
Then head to:
Jazz at the Yard, Art Basel edition. Wynwood, 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.
You can hang out at Wynwood Yard and take a breather from the traffic with some happy hour specials and stick around for the usual Jazz at the Yard performances. The Basel edition features V. Keys and the Family Affair. But if you want to check out a different kind of jazz you don’t have head too far…
And top the night off with:
Robert Glasper at 1-800 Lucky. Wynwood, 9 p.m.
You might not be familiar with Glasper’s name but he’s one of the most exciting names in modern jazz and has collaborated with everyone from Jay Z to Solange. And it’s not waiting-room jazz either, he brings electronic and r&b influences into the music and creates a great vibe no matter the collaborator.
Thursday
Start out at:
Miami Street Photography Festival. Downtown, All day starting at 10 a.m.
Check out the best in street photography from around the world at this multi-day gallery that gets started on Thursday morning. The photos submitted for the fest come from more than 40 countries so there’s sure to be a diverse mix.
Then head over to:
Wild Horses in Overtown: The Work of Purvis Young. Overtown, All day starting at 12 p.m.
This exhibit is a showcase of the self-taught artist Purvis Young’s work which was inspired by his life and times living in Overtown. The exhibit is being hosted at the new Copper Door Bed and Breakfast, and the folks there will be serving coffee, tea and freshly-made small bites.
And wrap the night with:
The Fader & III Points Present Boom Basel: Flying Lo + Virgil Abloh. Wynwood, 10 p.m.
Basel is a marathon not a sprint but if you feel like catching some late-night electronic vibes, then this is the show to see. Flying Lotus played the III Points music festival a few years ago and is back teaming up with fashion expert, DJ, and style guru Virgil Abloh for this show. But if that’s not your vibe you could also catch rapper Action Bronson over at Soho Studios.
Friday
Get started at:
Mana Contemporary at 777 International Mall. Downtown, any time starting at 2 p.m.
As with their Saturday events, there will be plenty to check out during Art Basel at this Downtown shopping mall including video exhibits, a fashion show and interactive art installations. Plus DJs from Jolt Radio will be spinning tunes most of the day.
Then head to:
Artist Talk at Darker Gods in the Garden of Low Hanging Heavens. Little Haiti, 4-5 p.m.
You can catch a chat between the curator of the Darker Gods exhibit Damon Davis and two social activists and artists: Phillip Agnew, a co-founder of the Dream Defenders, and Patrisse Cullors, a co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement.
And end the night with:
FREE! Art Fair. Brickell, All day starting at 11 a.m.
A diverse mix of artists are coming together to transform Brickell City Centre from a high-end shopping destination to a multi-level art experience with a diverse mix of works on display, performances and music. The exhibit is focused on themes like environmental issues and the political divides in our country and none of the work will be for sale.
Saturday
Get started at:
Still Life on Cushion. South Beach, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Art Basel can take a lot out of even the most experienced gallery browsers so take a second to get zen at this meditation event. It’s going down not too far from the Scope art fair so maybe you can swing by there after you find your center.
Then head to:
Umbrellas of Little Havana Festival. Little Havana, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This mini-festival in the middle of Miami Art Week showcases some funky paintings and designs on patio umbrellas along with music, crafts from local vendors, and plenty of art for sale along Calle Ocho.
And end the night with:
Questlove: Art Week DJ Set. Upper East Side, 10 p.m.
Close out your Saturday by checking out a set from the band leader of The Roots who has been the DJ at parties for everyone from Barack Obama to Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s free with an RSVP so we’d recommend getting there early.
Sunday
Get started at:
Breakfast in the Park: Elizabeth Turk. Sweetwater, 9:30 a.m.
If you’re not too tired from partying the night before, then head to FIU’s main campus for this free breakfast and lecture from Elizabeth Turk. The event also includes a tour of the sculpture park and exhibitions at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum on campus.
Then head to:
the BLCK family x Locust Projects @ Untitled | Miami Beach. South Beach, 3 p.m.
This exhibition is set combine performance art and a party so you’ll get a good mix of art appreciation and a little bit of grooving. The performance will feature the trio of poet Aja Monet, tap dancer Cartier Williams, and pianist Samora Pinderhughes. And the party will feature tunes from local DJ Spinelli.
And end the week with:
Hard 2 Leave ft. A-Trak & Friends. Upper East Side, 11 p.m.
We’ve included parties that are mostly pretty tame but if you really want to close out Art Basel with a bang then hit this party featuring DJ and producer A-Trak at the Gold Rush Cabaret. If that venue seems like a little too much you can also check out the Our Basel party hosted by Smoke Signals in Little Haiti.