Calle Ocho Music Festival

Carnaval Miami, is a festive annual celebration of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures, and the 49th Calle Ocho Music Festival on March 9 is the marquee event. Spanning 15 city blocks in the heart of Little Havana, it’s the largest street festival in Miami and the largest Hispanic festival in the United States, drawing a million attendees year after year.

Founded in 1978 by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, the fun-filled, family-friendly celebration is an annual tradition with musical performances and folkloric dance on multiple stages as well as international food vendors, arts and crafts, activities and entertainment. Entry is free and open to the public; upgraded VIP experiences grant premium access to backstage lounges and parties.

Music, Art & Dance

Join the party in the streets, where you can dance and sing along to everything from merengue to reggaeton, bachata, balada, salsa, hip-hop, rap, jazz, blues and more. While the official 2025 Calle Ocho Music Festival event guide and music lineup is coming soon, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a performance by the next Latin pop superstar or living legend. Past performers have included Maluma, Pitbull, Tito Puente Jr., Gloria Estefan and Nicky Jam. Revelers can also expect traditional Caribbean dance demonstrations and lessons as well as vendors selling folkloric artwork and crafts throughout the day’s festivities.

The Food

Like any great street fair, food is one of the big attractions of the Calle Ocho Music Festival. Get a taste of home-cooked Latin and Caribbean staples, from empanadas to arroz con pollo and arepas. The festival has hosted El Croquetazo, the World Championship Croqueta Eating Contest and the Cubano Wars, where chefs compete for the title of best Cuban sandwich and attendees get to taste test.