Carnaval Miami

Carnaval Miami: festival of art, music, and sports in the Miami area

Carnaval Miami is a celebration that brings together art, music, fashion, food, and sports through a series of events that, according to the organization itself, attract an average of one million attendees each year. Among its featured events are Carnaval on the Mile and the Calle Ocho Music Festival, which the organization presents as the largest Latino experiential event in the country.

The project is powered by volunteers of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana and its proceeds benefit the youth development programs of the Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation. The organization estimates the economic impact it generates for local artists, vendors, and small businesses throughout the Greater Miami area at $40 million.

Events that make up the calendar

The Carnaval Miami program includes a variety of activities throughout the year:

• Calle Ocho Music Festival, with VIP access.
• Carnaval on the Mile.
• KIDZ NOOK.
• Golf Classic.
• Domino Tournament.
• Soccer 5v5 Tournament.
• Miss Carnaval 2026 Pageant.
• Pickleball Tournament.
• Art In the Park.
• Poster Artist.
• Kings & Queens.

The calendar published on the site includes dates such as March 6 and 7, 2027, March 14, 2027, March 8, 2027, and March 13, 2026, as well as October 9 and November 16, 2026 at Ponce Circle Park, Coral Gables. Some of these dates are listed as pending confirmation (TBD).

Origin and history

According to the organization's historical account, the project began when a group of Miami kids decided to start an affiliate of Kiwanis International in the 1970s. With that initiative, they launched the Calle Ocho Music Festival, which soon became, according to their account, the largest Hispanic festival in the country. Later, at the suggestion of their longtime partner The Miami Herald, they expanded the proposal to a broader audience, and thus Carnaval Miami was born as a platform for artistic, musical, fashion, culinary, and sports disciplines.

Funding of social programs

The funds raised by Carnaval Miami are allocated to projects that, according to the entity, transform the lives of children and youth: sports leagues, summer camps, distribution of school supplies, college scholarships, and support for families in unforeseen situations. The Kiwanis of Little Havana Foundation was established in 1987 with the mission of assisting Hispanic youth with limited financial resources in Miami-Dade County. Since its creation, the foundation has provided thousands of children each year with the opportunity to learn, dream, grow, and thrive through education, technology, health, and overall wellness programs.

Organizational structure

The Carnaval Miami and foundation team is made up of Nicole R. Roig, as Community & Development Manager; Ana Maria Reyes, as Director of Marketing and Promotions; Lidia Sanchez, as KLH Foundation Administrator; Felipe Aviles, as Office Manager; and Adriana Chacón, as Administrative Assistant.

Sponsorship opportunities

The site dedicates a specific section to sponsorship opportunities, aimed at companies or entities interested in linking to the events on the calendar. For business development inquiries, the organization provides a contact phone number.

Location and contact

1400 SW 1St. Miami, FL 33135 · Phone: (305) 644-8888 · Email: info@carnavalmiami.com