By: Amanda @wheres_amanda
For an entire week in March, time does exist in Miami. During Miami Music Week (MMW) there is amplified electronic music playing somewhere. The world's biggest DJ’s congregate in Miami for a crazy week of parties that is unlike anything else in the world. This marathon event takes place alongside the Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival. With a little bit of planning, you can almost see all of the artists at Ultra Music Festival without ever having to step on the festival grounds. Often times many DJs come just for Music Week and do not even play the festival. Venues and clubs all around Wynwood, Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Little Haiti host events in addition to nonconventional locations like yachts, pools, and pop up locations.
The very first Miami Music week took place in 2011 when Ultra Music Festival was hosting its thirteenth year. The festival got its start in Miami in 1999 when founders Russell Faibisch and Alex Omes hosted it on Miami Beach. They named the event after the 1997 Depeche Mode album, Ultra. The festival itself has changed venues several times to accommodate the growing number of attendees. Last year it took place at Virginia Key after the city refused to renew their permit at Bayfront Park. However, this year the city has allowed them back in and the festival will once again take place at Bayfront Park. Regardless of the festival’s every changing location, Miami Music Week has continued to flourish and grow. In 2018 over 85 venues hosted 300 plus events and over 1,000 artists.
This week is dance music paradise with just about every major record label and production company hosting their own events. From pool parties to night time parties to breakfast breakers to sunset cruises to just about everything in between there is a little bit of something for everyone. The schedule is not out yet but here are some can’t miss events if they return:
Dirtybird Takeover
This one has not been announced but last year they did an almost 24-hour takeover at Club Space. Yes, that’s right glorious house beats pumped through the speakers from 11 pm to 7 pm the next day. The roof of space is all glass so as the sun comes up it shines through the whole venue creating an unreal experience for those sunrise warriors.
Shaq’s Fun House
Unfortunately, this event will not be returning because they are hosting one at the Super Bowl but I wanted to put it on your radar just in case on the off chance they make a last-minute decision to host during MMW again. This over the top circus-themed party not only features some of the hottest DJs and rappers but be sure to catch a good amount of celebrities on the dance floor at this party.
Elrow
Making a name for themselves in Ibiza, the production of an Elrow party is one you do not want to miss. They have not announced but they are a staple event of electronic music so I am fairly confident that it will make a triumphant return. Expect over the top production, larger than life caricatures, people in bird costumes walking on stilts, inflatables flying through the air, and some of the highest energy in Miami at all times.
Carl Cox Disco
For as many years as I can remember Carl Cox has hosted his Disco, Funk, and Soul party Sunday night at Basement. This event is unique because you can find the techno DJ spinning disco records but the venue also features a bowling alley and skating rink for patrons to enjoy.
If you have never been to Miami during this wild marathon of a week I highly recommend checking out at least once. If you are crazy enough you may even do all three days of the festival in addition to Miami Music Weeks shenanigans. For all of you planners out there that are already freaking out, do not worry! All the events will be announced with plenty of time for you to plan out one of the best weeks of your life. Just remember to drink lots of water and try to get as much sleep as you can! Oh and eat some veggies if you can too.
