An Inside Guide to Locations for Private Events
Location! Location! Location!
Every season, South Florida is an international destination for hosting an enticing array of Special Events...
WEDDINGS
BAR MITZVAHS
QUINCEANERAS
CORPORATE EVENTS
PRIVATE FILM SCREENINGS
ART EXHIBITIONS
Whether you're organizing an event for the next year, or just information gathering for the future, planning these memorable occasions can be stressful and consuming. This is especially true when you’re looking for the quintessential venue, with the perfect atmosphere to capture your vision and the spirit of your celebration.
To make things easier, we’ve compiled this Insider's Guide to Cultural Venues & Unique Locations for Private Events, offering a taste of the extraordinary settings South Florida has to offer. Whether it’s a grandiose site with historical significance, a breathtaking environment overlooking the water, or a lush, tropical backdrop, there’s something for everyone and every occasion. Let the planning begin!
Colony Theatre
1040 Lincoln Road. Miami Beach, FL 33139
www.colonytheatremiamibeach.com
Contact: Brooke Millea | Marketing Manager
(786) 276-2629, bmillea@miamibeachfl.gov
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
The 415 seat beautiful Art Deco-Style Colony Theatre, located at 1040 Lincoln Rd. is in the heart of South Beach. The Theatre opened January 25, 1935 as part of Paramount Pictures' movie theater chain. One of South Florida's most popular entertainment venues, the Colony hosts a wide variety of programs, including music, dance, theater, opera, comedy, performance art and film. The Colony Theatre is a Historic building and the City of Miami Beach did a proclamation on January 10, 2010 naming January 10th Colony Theatre Day.
Availability: Year-Round (3 month lead time)
Setting: Stadium seating with a proscenium stage
On-site Coordinator: Each event will have a House Managerand ushers
Catering: By Segafredo
Capacity: Up to 415
PARADISE FARMS
19801 SW 320 Street, Homestead, FL 33030
www.paradisefarms.net
Contact: Gabriele Marewski
(305) 248-4181, info@paradisefarms.net
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Tables & Chairs Available
X Onsite Kitchen
X Outside Catering Permitted
Paradise Farms is a showcase organic farm and botanical garden that is the perfect setting for any elegant occasion or celebration. This unique sanctuary offers a beautiful and magical location that includes an open air gazebo, a reception area, a circle with a fountain, and a flower lined arbor.
Availability: Year-Round (1 month lead time)
Setting: Showcase Organic Farm & Botanical Garden
On-site Coordinator: Included in fee
Catering: Three course gourmet meal with signature cocktails & appetizers; only farm fresh vegetarian gourmet and sustainable seafood cuisine; offering a local, seasonal,fresh Paradise Farms based menu
Capacity: Up to 100
BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS
900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
www.bonnethouse.org
Contact: Nicholle Maudlin
(954) 703-2608, nichollemaudline@bonnethouse.org
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Outside Catering Permitted
A historic house museum built on 35 acres of a pristine barrier island on Fort Lauderdale Beach. One of the few complete homes and studios with original furnishings of two American artists, open to the public. Amenities include direct water view, onsite parking, outdoor & covered event areas, valet parking and wheelchair accessibility.
Availability: Year-Round (2 month lead time)
Setting: Botanic Garden/Park, Mansion/Historic Site, Museum/Gallery, Unusual/Alternative
On-site Coordinator: Included in fee
Catering: Outside Caterers Required
Capacity: Up to 400
VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129
www.vizcaya.org
Contact: Adrienne Kaiser, Events Director
(305) 860-8448, adrienne.kaiser@vizcaya.org
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Outside Catering Permitted
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the Miami estate of James Deering to engage visitors in learning through the arts, history and environment. Built between 1914-1922, Vizcaya was designed in the style of Italian Renaissance and Baroque villas, and adapted to South Florida’s subtropical climate.
Availability: Lead times vary depending on type of event
Setting: Gardens, Courtyard, Main House, Terraces
On-site Coordinator: Not Provided (recommendations of companies that are familiar with the property and policies are provided)
Catering: Outside Caterers Required
Capacity: Main House – 100 seated guests; East Terrace – 300 seated guests
MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
401 S.W. Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.mods.org
Contact: Marlene Janetos
(954) 713-0915, mjanetos@mods.net
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Outside Catering Permitted
Spanning two floors, the Museum features over 200 dynamic exhibits including live animal habitats. Take a simulated voyage into outer space, travel back in time to Prehistoric Florida, take an Everglades airboat adventure, and enjoy the playful antics of river otters. Whether it’s a cocktails or dinner for groups up to 3,000, you will find the an exciting indoor/outdoor setting to create a successful event.
Availability: Year-Round (14 day lead time)
Setting: Science Museum
On-site Coordinator: Available
Catering: Outside Caterers Required
Capacity: Up to 3000
MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN
2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
www.mbgarden.org
Contact: Diana Herrera
(305) 673-7256 x 202, dherrera@mbgarden.org
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Tables & Chairs Available
X Onsite Kitchen
X Outside Catering Permitted
Located in the heart of South Beach and across the street from the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Garden is one of the only naturalized areas on the Beach with the amenities of the city. Featuring a diverse collection of palms and Florida native plant species connected by oolite walkways and extensive waterscapes, there are also two indoor spaces available for everything from small meetings to sit-down dinners.
Availability: Year-Round (30 day lead time required); 20% surcharge on rental fee and 50% surcharge on janitorial and staffing fees during holidays; 1 a.m. curfew on Fridays and Saturdays, 11 p.m. all other days
Setting: Garden
On-site Coordinator: Available
Catering: Outside Caterers Required
Capacity: Up to 500
THE MIRACLE THEATRE
280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134
www.actorsplayhouse.org
Contact: Barbara Stein, Executive Producing Director
(305) 444-9293 ext. 601, bstein@actorsplayhouse.org
X Indoor Area
X Tables & Chairs Available
X Outside Catering Permitted
The historic Miracle Theatre is a three-stage performing arts center located on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. The Miracle Theatre is the home venue of Actors’ Playhouse, a year-round production company and managing agent of the facility. Rentals are scheduled within the company's season, providing a splendid art deco venue option for private events.
Availability: Within the Actors’ Playhouse production schedule (1 month lead time)
Setting: Theatre Complex, three separate performing spaces, lobby spaces
On-site Coordinator: Not Provided
Catering: Outside Caterers Required (recommendations available to handle event needs)
Capacity: Up to 600-seat Main stage; 300-seat Balcony Theatre; 100-seat Black Box Studio
THE JOSEPHINE S. LEISER OPERA CENTER
221 SW 3rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.leisercenter.org
Contact: Mobley McClellan, Operations Director
(954) 684-4411, info@leisercenter.org
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Tables & Chairs Available
X Onsite Kitchen
X Outside Catering Permitted
The Leiser Center is a classic, old Florida-style venue that is conveniently located off Riverwalk and just steps away from the Broward Center of the Performing Arts. It features a large ballroom with spacious terraces. Tables and chairs are included in pricing.
Availability: Year-Round, 7 days a week with no lead time
Setting: Steps from Riverwalk in the Arts & Entertainment District
On-site Coordinator: Not Provided
Catering: Outside Caterers Required
Capacity: Up to 150
THE KEY WEST TROPICAL FOREST & BOTANICAL GARDEN
5210 College Road, Key West, FL 33040
www.keywestbotanicalgarden.org
Contact: Mr. Misha D. McRAE, Executive Director
(305) 296-1504, mmcrae@kwbgs.org
X Indoor Area
X Outdoor Area
X Rain Plan (If Outdoor Event)
X Tables & Chairs Available
X Outside Catering Permitted
The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only "frost-free" botanical garden in the continental United States and a conservation zone for many endangered & threatened flora and fauna native to the Keys, Cuba and Caribbean. Its historic roots were set in 1936. 2 Fresh water ponds, 2 butterfly gardens, Courtyard Waterfall, Nature Chapel and Lakeside Terrace offer options for rental locations.
Availability: Year-Round (3 month lead time)
Setting: Wildlife conservation habitat of native flora and fauna of the region, a real island feel
On-site Coordinator: Not Provided
Catering: Outside Caterers Required
Capacity: Up to 450
MIAMI CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
100 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33132
www.miamicad.org/space-rental
Contact: (305) 448-7488, info@miamicad.org
X Indoor Area
X Tables & Chairs Available
X Outside Catering Permitted
Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, MCAD serves as a multi-function venue for an array of events. From workshops, retreats and seminars to cocktail receptions, sit-down dinners and gallery showcasing, MCAD’s versatility provides you and your guests with a great backdrop for any event. Adorned with American eagles, the building’s original brass doors invite guests to transport from the exterior’s historic design of 1912, to a modern interior of glass walls with a clear view of the first floor, while still maintaining the interior’s historical architectural integrity.
Availability: Year-Round (3 month lead time)
Setting: Historical Landmark
On-site Coordinator: Available (includes WiFi access, onsite equipment rental)
Catering: Preferred Catering by Lovables
Capacity: Up to 350
