GTG's Guide of Festivals

One of my most favorite things to do when I visit New York in the spring time is to attend all the wonderful festivals they have on any given day. I love the food found at festivals because some of it is from out of town vendors, and the food is just simply yummy.

I wasn't even sure Miami had great festivals of its own, until I got back from one of my NY visits and noticed the number of festivals throughout the year. Now I'm always on the look out for festivals.

Below is a list of some of the best festivals I have attended, so you know they are GTG-approved.

Guide of Festivals:

• The Food Network Sobe Wine & Food Festival- Thursday, February 24-Sunday, February 27 all over South Beach.

This is probably one of the best events that only happens in Miami. I've had a chance to check out the festivals in two years and I'm never disappointed. Last year, I was on assignment at the Burger Bash (which is an awesome event to attend, sadly it's one of the first to sell out) and I was able to meet and interview chefs Bobby Flay and Morimoto. The events do sell out super fast and are pricey, but I think the money is  well-spent and I promise you that you will not leave hungry. If you can only check it out once, do it because it is a neat experience. Want to know a little secret? Although the TV chefs steal the spotlight, this event is completely orchestrated by FIU's School of Hospitality and Tourism. A lot of events have already sold out, but there are still tickets available to some, so hurry and check out http://2011.sobefest.com/

• Miami International Film Festival - March 4-13, 2011 throughout various locations all over Miami.

MIFF is a film festival produced and presented by Miami Dade College. The festival continues to be successful because it showcases Miami as a hot destination for film making. It supports local film directors and it also brings forth a lot of international films to our city. I highly suggest you visit the website:  MIFF in order to see what movies are playing this year and where you can see them.

After the screenings of  films, some of the directors and/or stars are on site for a Q&A session after the movie is over and this is such a great chance to get to ask them questions about the film or tips on how to make movies. Tickets are very affordable and if you're a student with a valid ID, you're eligible for a discount.

*Sidenote: My boyfriend just purchased tickets to the screening of Things Fall Apart starring 50 Cent  and I cannot wait to go see it because I'm a huge fan of director Peebles. Fiddy is definitely the star of this movie, for which he lost 50 lbs. to play a cancer-stricken football player in thisemotionally intense flick about having everything in one moment and losing it all in the next moment.

Both will be in attendance--so this is a huge event for MIFF this year.

• Ultra Music Festival- March 25-27th in Downtown Miami

Ultra is the world's largest electronic music festival and in its 13th year and still 30 days away, all tickets have sold out. So whether you're a "pookie head" or just a fan of this genre of music--this is a must-see event. People from all over the world come to Miami to be part of this festival and it seems like every year Ultra gets bigger and better!  Check out this year's lineup for UMF.

*Sidenote: This year Ultra will not coincide with the Winter Music Conference, which be held form March 8th-12th, so expect a lot of great performances by renowned DJs throughout the month of March.

• Comedy Central's South Beach Comedy Festival March 3-6 in various venues.

The South Beach Comedy Festival returns to the beach on March 3rd for 3 days of  big laughs featuring Comedy Central's most recognized comedians. This year look out for heavyweights like Gabriel Iglesias, Adam Corolla and Kevin Hart. Tickets prices vary by location and artist. Get the full scope on http://southbeachcomedyfestival.com/.

• Coral Gables Wine and Food Festival- March 26th in the streets of Miracle Mile, Coral Gables

If you missed out on the SoBe Wine and Food Festival-- fear not because the Gables is hosting its own festival filled with you guessed it-- wine and food. General admission tickets are $65.00 and the VIP Reception tickets are $150. Be prepared to taste apps from more than 30 local restaurants that are paired with international wines. Want more information-- visit Coral Gables Wine and Food.

There are so many other upcoming festivals, but these are my favorites that I can guarantee you will enjoy the most. Miami is filled with so many neighborhoods and all of them have their own festivals, so keep your eyes open for them and don't forget to enjoy the food, the drinks but most importantly enjoy the overall atmosphere that only a festival can produce.

"The seasons are what a symphony ought to be:  four perfect movements in harmony with each other." -Arthur Rubenstein