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Josie Gulliksen

Josie Gulliksen is a freelance writer and major arts advocate and enthusiast who loves everything cultural and is excited to live in such a thriving community as Miami. A Miami native, aside from Miami on the Cheap, she currently writes for Artburst Miami and contributes to Edible South FL and Miami Media Group. She has contributed to Miami.com, Biscayne Times and Miami New Times. She worked for nearly a decade at Miami Today as Calendar Editor and arts writer and then worked for 13 years in public relations. She has her own blog Scene Around South FL at josiegulliksen.com

Fall festivals and pumpkin patches, Halloween fun, Oktoberfest festivities and outdoor movies on Miami Beach are just some of the events you can enjoy around Miami-Dade in October 2024. Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches Yes, we live in Miami where it never really feels like fall but we’ve still rounded up a great list of …

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The Tropical Audubon Society is hosting free tours of the historic Doc Thomas House every First Saturday of the month starting at 1 and 3 p.m.  The house is located at 5530 Sunset Dr. in South Miami.  The 1932 cottage which sits on 2.2 acres of wooded property, has recently undergone extensive structural restoration and repair, …

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The wacky 42nd King Mango Strut Parade, known for being a spoof of the year’s craziest, most outrageous headlines, of which there are plenty in Miami, weaves through the streets of Downtown Coconut Grove on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.  Watch as marching groups, homemade floats and makeshift mascots parade down Main Highway.  …

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Have you visited the Miami Beach Botanical Garden lately?  This 3-acre tropical oasis sits in the heart of Miami Beach, at 2000 Convention Center Drive, and is brimming with beauty. It’s open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays, except some holidays, and admission is free! (Previously entry cost $5 …

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Orchestra Miami once again celebrates Ludwig van Beethoven with its Beethoven on the Beach series for 2026. There are three upcoming concerts scheduled: Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 6 p.m., Gateway Park in Sunny Isles Beach Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 6 p.m., Pinecrest Gardens Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 7 p.m., Miami Beach Bandshell …

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Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year marks Hispanic Heritage Month and with Miami-Dade’s population primarily of Hispanic decent, this month-long homage means there are plenty of HHM-themed events around. Here’s where to find them: Hispanic Heritage Festival Friday, Sept. 19 at 6-9 p.m. North Shore Park, 501 72 St., Miami Beach Rides, bounce houses, …

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The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is a busy place with plenty of indoor shows but its outdoor Live on the Plaza events are perfectly suited for a line-up of local artists during the somewhat cooler Miami months. Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomson Plaza for the Arts @ Ziff Ballet …

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Grab a free ride around Wynwood through Nov. 15, 2025 courtesy of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) and Freebee in one of two hot pink Volkswagen ID vans.  It’s a welcome service in the crowded arts neighborhood where parking is at a premium and also pricey. Rides are available Mondays through Wednesdays from noon …

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The Wolfsonian-FIU Museum is more than just a venue to view art exhibitions. It also hosts free book discussions, art classes and family events. It’s a museum that explores the inventive and provocative character of the modern world through objects and design that reveal how the past influences the present and shapes the future.  The Wolfsonian …

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Who wants a free tree? Miami-Dade County is once again offering the freebies as part of Adopt-A-Tree. The county program provides two trees a year per household during a special event, but you must register in advance because the giveaway is only while supplies last.  There will be a third and final Adopt-A-Tree event on …

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Aventura Mall is more than just a shopping destination, it is also a place to view public art. With more than 25 public art installations spread from end to end, a visit here is a great opportunity to have a cultural experience while getting your steps in. Everyone is encouraged to scan QR codes on …

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Living on the CheapSouth Florida on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.

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