The Miami Beach Bandshell, the open-air stage at 7275 Collins Ave. in North Beach, has set its run of shows from mid-November to the holidays: a tribute by the Miami Beach Rock Ensemble on Nov. 14, Buena Vista Orchestra on Nov. 21, Matisyahu's Hanukkah tour on Dec. 19 and a holiday race that finishes inside the venue on Dec. 20.

The Bandshell is run for the City of Miami Beach by the Rhythm Foundation, which first presented shows there in 1999 and was awarded the management contract after the city's 2009 renovation. Children get in free to most shows, and the venue hands out free tickets to Miami Beach seniors each month.

The dates

  • Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.: Rock Ensemble, Tribute to Doug Burris. The Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, its alumni and guest performers play classic rock from Journey, Queen, Heart, Led Zeppelin and Yes in the band's yearly concert for its founder. Burris taught music at Miami Beach High for more than 35 years and started the Rock Ensemble in 1972; the Bandshell describes it as the first high school rock band. He lived with multiple sclerosis as a quadriplegic for most of his career and died in 2016. The city named the Bandshell's stage for him in 2017. Presented by Young Musicians Unite. Doors at 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m.: Buena Vista Orchestra. The Afro-Cuban ensemble returns to the Bandshell in a show presented by LPR. Doors at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Matisyahu. The Jewish reggae artist brings his Festival of Light tour, now in its 21st year, to the Bandshell for the third year in a row, with a set that covers his whole career plus new material and covers. Presented by GMP Live and Gelb Productions. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 20, 7 a.m.: Run Santa Run Miami. Runners in Santa suits take on a 5K, 10K or half marathon and finish inside the Bandshell, where Santa poses for photos. Proceeds go to Clean Miami Beach. Presented by Run Rhino.

Further out, the Bandshell has booked French-Cuban twins Ibeyi for Sunday, Feb. 14, touring their album Offering, their first project since going independent.

A MiMo landmark

The Bandshell was designed in 1961 by architect Norman Giller, a leading figure in the Miami Modern, or MiMo, style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022. In the 1960s and 1970s it hosted filming of winter editions of Mike Douglas's television talk show and weekly ballroom dance nights. A canopy installed in the improvements that came with the 2019 renewal of the Rhythm Foundation's contract, designed by Giller's son, Ira Giller, now covers the seating while keeping the venue open to the air, and shows go on rain or shine.

Before you go

All of these shows are open to all ages. Parking is in the municipal lot at 73rd Street and Collins Avenue, across the street, which now costs $2 an hour; when it fills, street parking is the alternative. Outside food and drink are not allowed, but the venue has a full bar, food vendors at most shows and a water refill station. Tickets for each show are sold through the Bandshell's event pages.

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