New York City is known for its tradition of bringing in the New Year with the famous ball drop in Times Square, but what does South Florida get? An orange with sunglasses, otherwise known as Mr. Neon. Welcome to South Florida, ladies and gentlemen, where you can never tell whether to wear a jacket or shorts on New Year’s Eve. Despite the confusion, South Florida offers many boisterous ways to receive the new year, ranging from beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky to watching Mr. 305, Pitbull, perform for free. Whatever you may be into, South Florida has it for you.
Ring in the new year with Pitbull
Ringing in the new year with Pitbull has become a tradition for many South Florida families. At Bayside in Downtown Miami, thousands of families and friends gather together to initiate the new year, and after years it has become the designated go to place. They have a stage set up the whole day blasting a variety of music. There’s something for everyone, including merengue, reggae, salsa, rap and hip-hop. You name it, they’ll play it.
At night the scene shifts. Many fast food vendors set up with a diversity of flavors, from Dominican tostones with cheese to delicious Colombian empanadas. Around 9 p.m. the stage is set for live performances. Different surprise artists make guest appearances. Pitbull begins his concert around 10 minutes before the new year approaches, and at 10 seconds, he stops, counts down, and the fireworks go off initiating the beginning of a new year.
Dance the night away
If a beachy place doesn’t seem like best place for you, fret not because South Florida is filled with different adventures. If you want to spend the night dancing until the sunrise, there are many different locations that host events. Just remember, you may have to be 18 or older to get in and you have to be 21 or older to drink. While dancing, the hours will fly by until midnight.
Rave with Skrillex
Raise your fists, and pump to the beat. One of the world’s most recognized DJs, Skrillex, will be joining South Florida this upcoming new year. Rave to the newest EDM beats at LIV nightclub. Dance around, rave and bring in the new year with music that will beat in your ears hours after the event has ended.
Pop with Justin Bieber
Love him or hate him, he always brings the party. Bieber will be live at Fontainebleau Poolside starting at 8 p.m. to ring in the new year. It is sure to be a blast and Fontainebleau is known to produce some amazing fireworks when the clock strikes 12.
Get dazzled with a firework show
If big New Year’s Eve parties aren’t your style, traditional firework shows can be found all around South Florida. All the following locations have been highly publicized. Be aware though, these places are open to the public and parking can become a hassle. Plan accordingly and enjoy the sights South Florida has to offer.
Bayfront Park: 301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
