Sun, Art, and Scholarships: Your Miami Monday Briefing

The Magic City Mood: A Celebratory Holiday Finale

Miami wakes up today in a unique sweet spot, caught between the high-octane adrenaline of the International Boat Show, which docked its final yacht yesterday, and the soulful grand finale of the 62nd Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival. With the city observing Presidents’ Day, there is a distinct “Sunday on a Monday” vibe. The mood is relaxed yet cultural, as locals take advantage of the federal holiday to reclaim the streets of the Grove and enjoy the last stretch of peak winter festival season before the spring rush begins.

The Talk of the Town: The Grove’s Last Hurrah

The primary talking point today is the final day of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. If you haven't made it to the waterfront yet, today is your last chance to browse the works of over 285 juried artists. Here are the essential details for those heading out:

• Hours: The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today, slightly earlier than the weekend sessions.
• Traffic Alerts: Expect heavy congestion and significant road closures along McFarlane Road, Pan American Drive, and South Bayshore Drive. Visitors are encouraged to use ride-sharing or public transit to reach the heart of the Grove.
• Weather & Water: It is a beautiful day with highs reaching approximately 77°F to 79°F. However, residents should stay cautious near the water; while a Small Craft Advisory and Rip Current Statement were set to expire early this morning, breezy southeast winds are expected to persist, creating choppy conditions on the bay.

A Feel-Good Finish: Investing in Future Artists

Beyond the impressive displays of sculpture and digital art—highlighted this year by the whimsical 2026 festival poster by artist Kenneth Kudulis—the festival is celebrating a major community milestone. This year, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival has awarded roughly $45,000 in scholarships to talented art students from local Miami-Dade schools. This program ensures that the proceeds from your ticket sales go directly into the hands of rising local stars, many of whom are showcased in the "Emerging Artists" section. Seeing these students stand alongside world-renowned professionals provides a heartwarming reminder of how the city fosters its own creative future.

Morning Forecast

Expect a mix of sun and clouds with that signature Miami breeze. It is a perfect day for outdoor dining or a final stroll through the outdoor galleries, though you may want a light layer for the windier gusts along the shoreline.