Winter Party Festival Kickoff and Classical Baroque Favorites Today

Kick Off the Weekend Early with Winter Party and Jazz Greats

Miami’s social calendar is heating up this Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the city welcomes the return of one of its most iconic festivals alongside a sophisticated lineup of classical and jazz performances. Whether you are looking for high-energy celebrations or a quiet evening of artistic immersion, the Magic City has you covered today.

The 33rd Annual Winter Party Festival Begins

Today marks the official start of the Winter Party Festival 2026, a premier six-day celebration of music, dance, and community. Hosted at various locations throughout Miami Beach, the festival kicks off its 33rd year with a mission to raise vital funds for the National LGBTQ Task Force. While the legendary Beach Party is slated for later in the week, tonight offers welcome receptions and nightlife events at venues like the National Hotel and M2 Nightclub. It is the perfect time for attendees to collect their festival passes and immerse themselves in a space centered on joy and advocacy.

A Night of Musical Contrast: Baroque, Jazz, and Pop Tributes

For those seeking a more melodic evening, several distinct musical traditions take center stage tonight:

• Mostly Baroque Music Festival: Held at the Carnival Studio Theater within the Adrienne Arsht Center, this performance begins at 7:00 PM. This is a must-attend for classical music enthusiasts, featuring masterworks from the Baroque era performed by world-class instrumentalists in an intimate setting.
• 29th Annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival Kickoff: Celebrate the living art of jazz at Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grill from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This opening night event features the Jesse Jones Jr. Quartet and serves as the launch for a weekend-long celebration of mentorship and musical preservation.
• Piano Men Generations: Fans of pop-rock classics should head to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center at 8:00 PM. This high-energy tribute celebrates the legendary songbooks of Billy Joel and Elton John, featuring spectacular piano performances and vocal hits that defined generations.

Contemporary Art and Community Celebrations

If you prefer a cultural afternoon, visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to explore the "Worlds Apart" exhibition, which is entering its final days. You can also view the immersive "Woody De Othello: coming forth by day," featuring large-scale ceramic and wood sculptures that explore spiritual and body themes. On the community front, Miami Dade College is hosting a celebration for the National Independence of the Dominican Republic, featuring cultural displays and presentations. Finally, for a casual dinner, the Highland Oaks Park Food Truck Thursday offers a family-friendly atmosphere with local vendors and live DJ music starting at 6:00 PM.